She Will Be Loved

Chapter 27: Red Card

Believe it or not, last night Liam kept sending me pictures of Lucas cropped in a group picture or other photos he can find him in. I told him to stop sending it because I don't need them, but instead he replies with a text saying 'because he's already imprinted in your heart, mind and soul' with a laughing emoji.

I didn't know that he has this kind of annoying character in him, and if only he knew that I'd rather have him send some of his pictures to me than Lucas.

I woke up late this morning because we actually didn't need to attend class especially because of the play going on later the night. My eyes widen as I check on my phone, it has 23 attached images from Liam and guess what it is... yes, more pictures of Lucas.

I just roll my eyes before replying a good sarcastic comeback to Liam and throw my phone onto my pillow. I head towards the bathroom to shower, because we still have to do a blocking rehearsal at 10 am and it's already 9:21.

***

I didn't bring anything to practice except for my phone and some money for lunch and fare just incase. Just right in time, as I enter the theater and see that everything was already in place and ready for tonight's show.

Leslie waved at me, I walk over to where she was with the others. There weren't much to do, except double checking the sounds, the backdrop sequencing and some props.

"Good morning!" I sat next next to Leslie on the floor of the stage.

"Morning!" She said chirping in such happy tone.

"What's gotten you to a good mood?" I ask her.

"Except for the fact that we are officially showcasing tonight..." she stares at me with twinkling eyes. I look at her in an awkward manner. "It's because of you doing the half time show."

"Really? Wow that's amazing." Grace said excited. It made me more uncomfortable than I wanted too, I still couldn't believe that Lucas got me into this.

"Yeah, you didn't even bother to tell us yesterday. I had to found out at the school's web page." Leslie pouting her lips acting disappointed.

"It's posted there?" She nodded. "And the thing was I wasn't really sure if I'd really do it." I told them the truth.

"But I guess there is no backing out now. It was already announce." Grace bending her elbows on the floor to lean on it.

"I guess." I bite my lower lip.

"But have you already thought of a song? You'll be singing right? You are such a great singer." Leslie said pointing a finger at me, then loudly claps as she thought of such great idea. "Or maybe you can dance, you are also a great dancer."

"Maybe she can do that KPOP thing where you sing and dance at the same time." Grace snapping her finger aggressively.

"That's a great idea." Leslie and Grace high fiving each other as their ideas sync. "What do you think?"

"I don't know if KPOP suits me." I slowly shook my head just picturing myself doing it.

"Ahhh, it would have been good. But you're the one performing it's still your choice." Grace shrugging her shoulder.

"Get out!" Liam shouting from the theater entrance pushing the door close. I can see Lucas trying to shove himself through the door but Liam was so eager to not let him in.

"Dude, just.let.me.in." Lucas pushing himself that he bump into Liam, they almost looses their balance and would've hit the floor. "See I win." Lucas raising his head up triumphantly.

"Shut up!" Liam hits Lucas behind his head and continue to walk to the stage.

Lucas saw me staring at the both. "Morning Ellie!" He waves at me. "Morning everyone!" He offers a salute to everyone in the theater.

"Oh my god! Lucas is here." I heard Leslie squealing as he saw Lucas. "Good Morning Lucas!" She waves at him flirtatiously which as you already know Lucas happily returned.

"Why are you here?" I ask Lucas already annoyed.

"Thought I'd visit my two dearest friend here." He puts an arm over Liam's shoulder which was automatically jerked away. "Come on, an early visit is okay. I'll be watching your show later anyway, so no need to be shy." He poke Liam's side mocking him.

"Just fuck off Lucas." Liam entering the backstage.

"You know that I still love you." He yelled out to Liam as he disappeared backstage. He looks at me, I know i'll be his next target to annoy. "My darling Ellie..." he sitts next to me. "or should I have to call you Cindy or Ella now." He wiggles his brow at me.

"Whatever, but you really shouldn't be here. If Ms. Vega sees you here she'll give a red card." I inform him.

"Red card? Is this soccer?" He laugh at our use of codes.

"No, it's actually a pass to take to detention." I told him with a sarcastic smile.

"I don't care." He poses with a peace sign next his chin.

"What Ellie is saying is true." Leslie nodding her head trying to convince Lucas.

"And shouldn't you be in class?" I ask him looking at my watch.

"It's fine. Nobody will even notice I was gone." He waves his hand nonchalantly with confidence.

"But you should go before..." I couldn't finish my word as Ms. Vega entered the room.

"Good Morning! We will start rehearsal in 15 please me prepared." She announces taking her spot from the audience where she usually sat to observe.

"You should go." I told Lucas as we all started to prepare.

"But-" he was going to protest when Ms. Vega spotted him.

"Mr. Rodriguez, why are you here? Do you know my rules when it comes to gate crashers?" She ask him with an overpowering tone.

"Go." I mumble to Lucas.

"I was just about to leave Miss. I just got lost on my way to the comfort room." He quickly made his way running to the doors, but before closing the doors behind him he yelled. "Break a leg guys!" Then he loudly shut it.

I saw Liam's embarrased reaction and I couldn't somehow contain myself from not smiling from Lucas silliness.

***

Dad and Jacob are coming to see the show tonight. This isn't my first time performing at a stage with a huge crowd, but doing it as a lead makes it more nerve wrecking than the first.

"Are we all set?" Ask one of the floor directors.

"Yes!" Other shouted as we gather backstage and others just signed okay in their positions.

"Are you nervous?" I ask Liam who was standing next to me staring at the stage entry.

"Yeah." He nodded smiling anxiously. "Does that made me sound like a coward?" He ask me.

"No, not at all. Everyone here seems to be feeling the same." I gestured to the first act actors and the others doing some facial relaxer exercise.

"How about you? Oh, never mind my question." He nonchalantly waves his hand.

"Why? I still feel nervous." I told him. He was surprised from my reveal. "This is my first lead, you know. I don't want to screw up and make this production to such huge waste." I said.

"That's not going to happen. You'll be great, you're always great." He gave me an encouraging smile.

"Thanks, I appreciate that and I know you'll do well." I pat his shoulder.

"Thanks. We should grand slam this presentation and make them give us a standing ovation." He winks at me. I nodded in his words.

"Guys! Ready." We all took our places behind the still closed curtain. The floor direction sign if everyone is already in placed and when we all are he began the counting. "In 5.. 4.. 3.. 2.. action." The curtains opening, revealing a huge crowd of audience.