by Laura Ann
“Ms. Millicent didn’t give me an explanation, she just said that Mr. Phillips had been dismissed and would not be coming tonight or ever. I was to tell you that you were to run the play in his place. I even heard her mutter that she took away his key so he couldn’t cause problems.”
Rory rubbed her hands down the front of her face and took a deep breath for patience. How can she do this? Tonight of all nights....no! Dropping her hands, Rory spun on her heel and headed out to the theatre floor. As she walked down the stage stairs, she squinted in the darkness, finding the silhouette of the woman she was looking for near the entrance.
Stalking up the aisle, her hands clenched into fists, Rory confronted the director. “How could you!” She snapped.
Ms. Millicent turned at her voice and raised a single eyebrow, not the least put out at the display of temper.
“There are a couple dozen kids back there,” Rory punctuated her remarks by thrusting a finger towards the stage, “who have put their heart and soul into this production. And now you are taking away the very person who got them there? I thought there was a clause in the contract that said you couldn’t get rid of him? Won’t you lose your precious funding?”
Ms. Millicent’s eyes became hard as stone. She narrowed them to slits but her voice was smooth as butter as she spoke to the irate teacher. “That contract is none of your business. As for the funding, it is already spent and cannot be undone.” A satisfied smirk played on her lips. “Mr. Phillips broke the rules of my center and although he was given multiple warnings, he continued to ignore the fact that he was not in charge. I would be more worried about yourself than him.” She continued. “I never had any trouble with your teaching until that man arrived. He’s obviously a bad influence on you as well as the children. He needed to be removed.”
Rory closed her eyes for a moment and breathed in and out, trying to calm herself down. “Those kids up there,” she pointed towards the stage again, “adore that man. He is kind and considerate and helps them step outside of themselves. That’s the whole purpose of The Center! To help kids! To help them with school and give them a safe place to stay during the day. And tonight is about helping those kids do something new. Something creative and fun that they might never get to do again.” Rory shook her head and took a few steps backward. “I came to help at The Center because I believed in all those things. I can see now, however, that this isn’t the place to accomplish them. You’ll have to find yourself another science tutor, I’ll only stay long enough to see that you have another volunteer in place.” Spinning on her heel, she ignored the sputtering behind her and hurried back up to the stage.
Rory felt as if a ten ton brick had landed in her stomach. Walking through the curtain, she found the entire cast, many with tearful eyes, gathered and waiting for her. Heaven give me strength. She clapped her hands and put on a fake smile. “Well guys! I’m afraid the rumor you have heard is actually correct. Mr. Phillips will not be joining us tonight.”
She had to stop as the entire cast erupted.
“Please! PLEASE!” She called out until they quieted down once again. “I understand that this is frightening to have something like this hit us when we are about to go on stage.” She looked purposefully at Anita, who looked pale and withdrawn. “But think about all the hard work you guys have put into this! Think of all your families and friends that are going to be sitting in the audience tonight, excited to see you perform. And...think of Mr. Phillips. Would he want you to fall apart and fail just because he wasn’t here?”
“Anita looks like she might throw up.” Christina said with a smirk. “Maybe someone else should take her place tonight.”
Rory grit her teeth. I already have enough on my plate, I don’t need a jealous girl making trouble. “Christina that won’t be necessary. Anita is more than capable of handling her part, she has done a wonderful job and will continue to do so, I have no doubt. If there is anyone who needs to speak to me one on one about their concerns for the night, say so now.”
She made pointed eye contact with several of the kids, who all shook their heads before looking away. “Okay then. Obviously this isn’t ideal, but it’s not a deal breaker. Tom. Dave.” She looked to the men helping with backstage work. “I’m going to need your help. Steven never taught me how to run things back here. I’m going to see if I can find anything in the my notes and we will simply have to do the best we can.”
Rory started to move away to get started, but no one moved with her. Every member of the crew looked lost and forlorn. Rory clapped her hands. “Come on people! Wipe those looks off your faces and let’s get going! The show must go on!”
Slowly the group began to dissipate, making their way to their respective areas as they prepared for the first act.
The hustle and bustle picked up as time wore on and soon Rory was shouting that the doors were now open to the public. Every once in awhile she would find one of the kids peeking through the curtains to see how many people were in the audience.
“How’s it looking?” She leaned over Tristan’s shoulder to get a look.
“It’s almost full!” His voice squeaked, and he stood back, clearing his throat, his cheeks turning pink. “I mean, it’s really filling up.”
Rory chuckled and patted him on the shoulder. “Looks like it’s going to be a great.” Listening to the chatter on her headset, she walked away to help with other things.
“ALRIGHT TOM.” RORY whispered into the mic on her cheek. “Pull the curtain in, three...two...one! Curtain up!” Rory watched in awe as the room full of people quieted to the point that you could have heard a pin drop.
She was standing off to one side, able to see across the stage, but invisible to the audience. Across the way, she watched the two teens playing the king and queen prepare to go on stage. When she caught their eyes, she gave them an extra wide smile and double thumbs up. They grinned back, linked arms and strode onto the stage.
Let the play begin.
The play progressed quickly and without a hitch until it was time for Anita to step onto the stage. She was entering on the side Rory stood watch. When her cue arrived, the shy girl stood rooted to the spot, her face ashen and her fists clenched.
Rory stepped up to her and put an arm around her shoulders. “Mr. Phillips believed in you, and I believe in you. You are amazing, Anita. Just follow what he taught you. Let your voice go, and your body will follow.”
With a short nod, Anita took a deep breath and stepped onto the stage, squinting in the bright lights. Her first line was soft and her voice broke. Turning her head, she glanced back at Rory, her eyes terrified and unsure.
Rory used her hand to demonstrate taking a deep breathe, threw her shoulders back and swung her arm out in a dramatic thrust.
Anita once again faced the stage, took a deep breath and using her arms as momentum, shouted her line.
Rory stifled a giggle at the shocked faces of the other actors. It only took a moment for Anita to settled into the part, her voice came down to a manageable level and she was soon caught up in the character. Rory breathed a sigh of relief and let her shoulders sag for a moment.
I need to check on the costume changes. I wonder where Flora and Fauna are.
Turning from the scene, Rory rushed back stage to make sure all the quick changes that were about to happen were prepared for. She asked around and looked in every door, but the twins weren’t to be found. Frantic, Rory headed back to the area with the costumes and breathed a sigh of relief at finding everything laid out and in order.
Okay, they’re probably helping somewhere I haven’t looked. It’s fine. Maybe they’re just sewing up a rip or a burst zipper or something. The clothes are here, that’s all that matters.
Rory stayed close to the costumes until after all the changes were complete, then moved back to her spot on the side of the stage.
One last big scene shift, and we are home free! She felt a weight being lifted off her shoulders. The headache that had developed whe
n she discovered Steven gone had begun to wane. She rolled her head from side to side, loosening muscles and popping her joints.
“Okay...here we go!” She said quietly into the mic set. “Drop the castles slowly, that’s it....little faster....good...almost there....” Rory moved to where the large prop was being lowered, steadying the edge from around the curtain as it came down. Suddenly there was a jerk in the chain and the large castle swung forward, hitting one of the tall, wooden trees, knocking it precariously.
Rory rushed over and tried to steady the tree, to keep it from falling over, but she wasn’t quick enough. With a loud crash, the tree fell over, one of the branches knocking Rory over. Caught off guard, she was unable to catch herself and her head crashed onto the floor.
Her breath had been knocked out of her and Rory felt her body try to panic when she couldn’t take in air; her vision was swimming, and her thoughts fuzzy. From the corner of her eye, she thought she saw a flash of white, but her eyelids were heavy and she allowed them to close before she could get a good look. Soon there was nothing but black.
CHAPTER 18
2 Hours Earlier
STEVEN PACED HIS APARTMENT. Ms. Millicent had brought him in for a meeting today, claiming it was about opening night. But instead of having worries or concerns for the play, she announced he would no longer be allowed to work with The Center, and then demanded his key for the venue tonight.
Frustration built inside him, until he finally grabbed one of his couch pillows and chucked it across the room. That woman is up to something. He went back to pacing the room. She has been trying to get rid of me ever since I questioned her about dad’s funding. There should have been plenty of money for us to order that backdrop scene...I have to do something...but what?
He huffed and dropped onto the couch, covering his face with his arm. Turning his head, he lifted his arm to glance at the clock. The play was starting in twenty minutes. Indecision warred within him. He wanted desperately to sneak in and help the kids, but Ms. Millicent had threatened to call the police and say he was trespassing if he showed up.
The more he thought about those kids and their hard work, the more he knew he had to find a way inside. And what about Aurora? He was finally making headway with the beautiful teacher. She had let go of her inhibitions and accepting them as a couple, he had never been happier. “After all this time, telling her I’ll always be there...I’m not there.” He growled and ran his fingers through his hair. “No!” He slammed his fist down on the couch cushion. Police or not, I’ve got to go.
He stood, grabbed his car keys and ran outside. Jumping into his sedan, he put the key in and tried to start the engine. A clicking sound came, but no engine roar. “Please no.” He muttered, turning the key again. The same click sounded as before. Steven slumped in his seat. This can’t be happening.
Looking around the parking lot, he spotted someone else getting in their car. He jumped out the door and yelled. “Hey!”
The middle aged man looked up from his open door and scrunched his brow. “What do you want?”
“My battery’s dead. Can I get a jump?”
The man eyed him for a moment before nodding grudgingly. “Let me pull ‘er around.” Getting in his car he pulled up next to Steven’s car.
As they hooked up the cables, Steven spoke. “Thanks man, I really appreciate it.”
The guy hmphed. “Got somewhere to be, huh?”
“Yes sir!” He said over his shoulder as he went to start up his engine. Once it had fired up, they waited a moment more before unhooking everything.
“Tell your woman hello.” The man said gruffly as he put the charger away.
Steven dropped the hood and raised his eyebrows. “My woman?”
“You’re anxious and in a hurry. Has to be a woman.” The gentleman shrugged.
Steven grinned. “I guess in a way you’re right. Thanks again.” Slamming his door, he peeled out of the parking lot, driving to the theatre.
Once there, he parked at the very back of the lot. No use letting Millicent see me, if I can help it. The lot was almost completely full, a good sign that the audience was big. He felt a swell of pride for what the kids had accomplished, but after a moment it was tainted by his desire to be in there watching for himself.
Keeping an eye on the shadows around him, he quickly worked his way up to the entrance. Staying back a little ways, he peered as best he could through the glass doors. The ticket table appeared to be empty, letting him know the show had started. When the coast was clear after a few more moments, he put on a casual air, and walked right in.
Is it really going to be this easy? As he approached the ticket table, a young woman he hadn’t seen spotted him.
“Excuse me, sir. I’ll be right with you.”
He waited at the table, shifting from foot to foot as his eyes darted around the foyer, keeping an eye out for Ms. Millicent.
The young woman walked over the table and sat down, before looking up into his face. “Oh.” She said, then started biting her lip, like she was nervous. “You’re Mr. Phillips, aren’t you?”
Steven froze. “I’m sorry. Do I know you?” He narrowed his eyes.
She worried her lip some more. “No, but Ms. Millicent told me not to let you in.”
Steven’s eyebrows rose to his hairline. “Are you serious?”
The girl nodded, shrinking in her seat a little.
I could get past her, but I don’t want to frighten her or have her call Ms. Millicent and create a scene. Steven’s shoulders slumped. “Fine.” He said flatly. “I’ll go.”
What is this woman’s problem? This whole situation is bizarre. Walking back out, he looked around, before darting to the side of the doors where the girl couldn’t see him. He kept close to the building, keeping a close eye on his surroundings. The walk to the back of the building took several minutes, and Steven was getting more nervous with each step. Once he rounded the last corner, he picked up speed, hurrying to the first set of doors.
Just before he reached them, he stumbled on something in the dark and nearly hit the pavement. An animalistic screech and hiss sounded in the night from below him. After catching himself on the side of the building, he squinted in the dark and caught sight of a dark cat, its tail straight up and its hair standing on end. It hissed at him and showed its teeth, raising a paw in defense.
“Get out of here,” Steven tried shooing the cat with his hands, but it only made it angrier. Finally he used his foot, nudging it firmly. “Ouch! Crud.” He said as the cat took a swipe at his jeans, and scratched his ankle in the process. “Seriously cat. Get out of here.” One last push finally saw the animal on its way, hissing with every step.
Steven shook his head and looked up and down the alleyway he was in. Hopefully these walls are thick enough to hide that racket. Finally reaching the first set of doors, he put his ear on them, straining to hear any movement inside. When he couldn’t detect anything, he straightened up. There was no light coming from the threshold, so he dared to move on.
As he neared the next set, he could see a small beam of yellow light coming from beneath and between the two metal doors. That must be it. He thought, quickening his step. Once again he put his ear to the door and this time, could hear muted noise on the other side. Taking a deep breath, he knocked and waited. When nothing happened, he knocked again. Still nothing.
Putting his hands on his hips, Steven eyed the door. He didn’t want to disturb the play, but he needed to be heard. Grabbing the handle, he jerked hard a couple of times, rattling the door. After a moment he heard someone push the latch. Stepping back he waited.
“Who’s there?” A deep voice asked.
Who the heck is this? “Uh...I got locked out. Thanks for opening the door.” Steven reach up, grabbing the edge of the door and stepped into the light, preparing to walk in.
“Who are you?” A short, balding man held his ground at the entrance. His eyes were narrowed and his face pinched.
Ste
ven could see the prop tables set up behind the man, and searched frantically for Tom or Dave, but neither were within sight. I don’t recognize this guy. Did Millicent put him here too? Just like the girl at the entrance? He debated about whether to tell the truth of who he was, but wasn’t sure it would matter.
“Mr. Phillips. I’m the director of the play going on and accidentally got locked out. Again, thanks for opening the door.” He stepped to go inside, but once again the man didn’t move.
“Ms. Millicent said you might try something. I’m not supposed to let you in.” He reached out and grabbed the door trying to pull it from Steven’s grasp.
“Please.” Steven said, refusing to let go. “These kids need me here. This is a mistake!” His voice rose as the man yanked the door hard and slammed it. Running his hands down his face, Steven let out a long breath. Now what?
Steven glanced around the alley, but there were no other doors. It was either the front entrance or this one. With a growl, he pounded on the door again. “You’ve got to let me in there!”
“Go away!” The man shouted from the other side.
“No! Not til you let me in.” Steven quit caring if he disrupted backstage and continued to pound with his fist on the metal.
After a couple of minutes, the door creaked open. “They’re going to hear you onstage if you don’t knock it off!”
“Who are you?” Steven asked. “Do you work for Millicent?”
The man scrunched his face. “No. My kid goes to The Center.”
“I probably know them, who is it?”
The man was several inches shorter than Steven, but it was Steven who felt nervous as the guy gave him the once over. “Her name’s Christina.”
