Jessie with an i | Billy Andrews

Chapter twelve

Over the course of the next week, I work hard on the construction of the costumes. It took a long time to work on each costume individually but it was all coming together. I took extra care into each costume. Especially Billy's. Instead of large sleeves, I decided to make wings that would basically be a cape. But it would be attached at the arms by ribbons. I made the headpiece and added eyes with two feathers attached to the top. I thought it looked pretty great. For rehearsal one day I brought it in for inspection by Mrs.Lynde. I walk up to her.
"Mrs.Lynde, I have Billy's owl costume" I say.
"Oh good. Have him try it on and come and show me" she instructed.
"Yes ma'am" I nod and turn to find him. He was talking to Josie. He had a script in his hand and Josie was talking. I'm guessing he helping her go over lines. Part of me wanted to leave them be since Josie is working on lines. But the other part of me, most of me, wanted to interrupt. This was important. It did have to do with the show. Plus Billy didn't seem he was enjoying it anyway.
"Billy!" I call out.
He turns his head and I gesture to the folded white costume in my arm. His face lights up like a Christmas tree. He shoves Josie her script before rushed to me. I sneak a quick smirk at Josie before I walk away with billy. We walk to a corner of the room where I had set up my corner. With a rack, with hung up costumes and a large divider so people could change in the corner.
"My costume?!" He asked excitedly, he was practically on top of me trying to grab it. I hold it away from him and put my hand on his chest.
"Woah woah, calm down" I chuckled. "I don't want to give it to you if you are gonna be reckless with it" I smile.
He nodded and calms down. He smoothed out his sweater. "Alright. I'm calm" he said. "Can I have it now?" He asked impatiently. His eyes growing big again and he pouts.
"Here, here" I handed him his costume.
"Thanks Jessie!" He rushed behind the divider.
I waited for him anxiously, ready to see what he looked like. As I waited I feel eyes on me. They weren't Billy's I knew that. I follow the gaze to see Josie. She had her arms crossed and she was glaring at me. I wave and smile sweetly. I just had to be nice, I just had to get though this until we either get sick of it or Josie snags Billy for herself. I sigh to myself and look at my feet. Soon I see something white out of the corner of my eye. It was Billy in his costume. I look up and smile as I see him. He smiled too. I could tell he likes it. I walk to him quickly.
"Do you like it? You look good in it. Does it fit good? Is it comfortable? Are the wings too big? I think I'll make them smaller. What about-"
"Jess it's perfect" he said.
I smiled. "Thank you" I say. I look him and down, adjusting his collar and the hood.  "It does fit well? I don't need to make any changes?"
"Yeah it fits perfectly." He said.
"Lift your arms"
He does so.
"Flap" I chuckled
He moved his arms up and down in a flapping way. I smile more as I see it.
"Whoo whoo" Billy says in character.
"Come on!" I say. "We have to show Mrs.Lynde!" I grab his arm and take him to the woman in charge.
"Mrs.Lynde" I say as we walk up to her. My hand still on Billy's arm.
She turns and looks at Billy. After looking him up and down, she smiled at me. "Once again Miss.Gray, another wonderful costume"
I smile. "Thank you"
Billy looks over at me smiling proudly. I blush lightly before me and Billy walk back.
"Take it off carefully please" I say.
He nodded and goes behind the divider again. A few moments later, he walks out in normal clothes. He hands me the costume and I hang it up.
"You didn't make me look stupid" he said watching me.
"Well you have been very nice" I say "Not just to me, to everyone" I turn to him. "Billy, you've been nice to everyone. I've herd from the girls, they all say you've been nicer to them. Anne even!"
"So?" He muttered.
"I'm just....saying I guess" I turn to the rack and look over the other costumes.
"I mean I have been in a better mood" Billy said.
"That's good" I say. I didn't want to ask why. I thought it would be something to do with Josie.

The day of the performance got closer and closer as Christmas got closer. As much as I worked on my costumes for the show, I also was working on Christmas presents. Specifically Jane's dress and Billy's scarf. It was taking longer than expected but I was getting them done. Jane's dress was a baby blue color with a high collar and puffed sleeves. I added four flounces to the skirt along with petticoats. My mother helped me for the supplies. When I needed ribbon or extra fabric she would always get it and pay for it for me. I was so grateful and I knew I could pay her back with the Christmas present, hopefully. Billy's scarf had a few bumps in the road, but after a while I had a finished black and grey scarf. I was proud of myself. But I was tired. I would work endlessly on both presents. Staying up late sewing or knitting. I would even begin to doze off in class because of it. But I knew it would be worth it when I have the gifts. The good part was I only had to make two presents he had. The rest of them where presents I would buy. Which made it less stressful for me. To know I only had two to make. Once the dress was done, I laid it on my bed for my mother to see. She inspected it and said it was perfect to give away to Jane. It was nice to know that. I may have the skills for making dresses but I knew my mother had so much more experience than I did. So it made me feel better knowing that my mom approved of me giving the dress away that I made. I could rest easy the night before the performance knowing my work had payed off.