Big Apple Dreams

by Solomon, Kamery

  He was absorbed in what he was doing, his smile telling his opinion of the show. His black clothing hugged him tightly, labeling him as a backstage technician. As if he could feel my gaze on him, he looked back at me quickly, flashing a heart stopping smile.

  I blushed and looked away, embarrassed to have been caught staring.

  What am I doing? I have Chris! My boyfriend, Chris. I’m happy. I like Chris.

  I looked back to Evan quickly before sitting back down nervously.

  I can’t have a crush on my roommate’s—best friend’s—brother. Okay, Mara. Calm down. You don’t have a crush. You’re admiring his—my eyes went back to his snug clothing—job. You appreciate what he’s done for the show tonight. That’s it.

  I bit my lip nervously as I waited for him to be done. Finally, the curtain call ended and he stepped away from the spotlight one last time.

  “So,” he said, eyes gleaming. “Are you ready to go down and see the stage?”

  “Really?” I asked in surprise. “I got the feeling that you were ready to leave.”

  “Where did you get that from?”

  “You seemed upset,” I started.

  “Oh, that,” he chuckled. “It’s fine. I’ve been waiting all night to show you all the cool stuff.”

  “The show wasn’t the cool part?”

  “Not even close,” he said mysteriously. “I have something that’s going to blow you out of the water.”

  “Am I supposed to be afraid?” I laughed. “Because, I kind of am.”

  “It’ll be good, trust me.” He motioned for me to follow him and we left the spotlight and our seats behind.

  I was sad to leave what had become such a special seat in the house for me. The night had already been a true once in a lifetime experience for me.

  Now that the show was over, I suddenly realized all of the things I’d overlooked when we’d walked through the theatre before. As we came down into the wings again, what looked like thousands of props and set pieces popped out at me, iconic pieces waiting to be brought back into the light, again. Larger set pieces hung from cables over our heads, sending thrilling chills down my spine.

  There were a few more members of the running crew finishing last minute tasks, and Evan said a few words to each in turn as we waited for them to finish. Finally, everything was put away and the stage was clear of everything except the clock backdrop.

  “Go ahead,” Evan laughed, nodding towards the stage. “Walk out there and see what it’s like.”

  Excitement and nervousness took over me with one step as I did what he said. I’d never set foot on a Broadway stage before. My fifth grade self was passing out in joy as another dream came true.

  I stopped at center stage, right by the now empty seats. Heart pounding, breath catching, I did my best to fight the tears that pricked at my eyes again.

  “All my life, I’ve dreamed of standing in this spot,” I said with a shaky voice. “The lights shining down on me and the house full of people here to see me.”

  Evan walked up to me and then jumped over the orchestra pit, taking a seat in the front row.

  “Well, get on with it then,” he said, waving me on. “I came to see a show.”

  “Are you serious?” I laughed.

  “Sing something,” he laughed. “Let’s hear those musical chops.”

  “Will I get in trouble?”

  “Who is going to be mad at you for performing on a stage?” he chortled.

  “This is different,” I said defensively. “This is the stage of The Gershwin. In New York. On Broadway.”

  “All the more reason to belt it out,” he encouraged me. “There’s no time like the present!”

  I chewed on my lip, nervous excitement tearing me up inside.

  “A new life,” I sang, starting one of my favorite audition pieces.

  My voice echoed through the room as I went through my thirty two bar cut. It was the most amazing thing I’d ever experienced, hearing my voice like that. After a minute, I threw caution to the wind and fully entered the song, becoming the character. In my mind, the stage was adorned with the correct sets and I was costumed correctly. The house became full of people beaming at me. When I finished, it all faded away until only a clapping Evan was left.

  “You’re amazing!” he gushed. “All those people, who didn’t cast you, are crazy.”

  “That’s the best I’ve ever performed,” I said truthfully. “It’s like there was something about being here that did all of that.”

  “The magic,” he said knowledgably. “You aren’t the first to discover it in that way, I’m sure.”

  “I wish I could hold onto it and take it everywhere with me.”

  “Evan?”

  April walked in from one of the doors at the back of the stage, dressed in street clothes and a duffle bag hanging off her shoulder.

  “Wow, Mara! Was that you singing in here?”

  “Yes,” I said blushing.

  “You better believe it was,” Evan said with a grin.

  “That was really good,” she said. “Do you take voice lessons?”

  “Not since I moved here, why?” I asked.

  “My teacher is looking for new students,” she said nonchalantly. “If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t have ever been in the vocal shape I needed to be to get moved up in the cast. If you’re interested, I can give you her number. I’ll even call and talk with her for you.”

  “Really?”

  “Of course! If you want to be a Broadway performer you need to keep that voice at its best.”

  “Thank you so much,” I said in surprise.

  “Do you have any suggestions for a studio with acting and dance classes?” Evan butted in. “I’ve been thinking about joining just for fun. I bet Mara would enjoy tagging along, as well.”

  “Of course, I do,” April laughed. “I’ll text you the details, okay, Evan?”

  “Sure, thanks,” he said, giving her a hug.

  “Yes, thank you!” I smiled at her sincerely and waved as she walked back out the door to go home.

  “You want to take classes with me,” I asked, turning to him with an eyebrow raised.

  “Why not?” He shrugged, putting his hands in his pockets. “It should be fun. Maybe I’ll get some ideas on how to write my script myself.”

  “Lizzy is going to get a kick out of that idea. Now she’ll definitely come take them with me.”

  “Maybe it’s not such a good idea,” he laughed, heading for the door himself. “Are you ready to go? I’d like to go check on her myself before I go home.”

  “Sure,” I said, looking at the empty house one more time before following him.

  As we walked back down to the exit, I noticed I’d also missed the giant mural on the walls the first time we’d passed through. I didn’t know how, though—it was scenes from the show and green as could be.

  “Some of the cast members painted that,” Evan said, catching me looking. “They have their own type of hall of fame, or graduation list, as well.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Every person who’s ever been in the show and gone on has their name on a plaque on the wall,” he laughed.

  “Every cast is a family,” I laughed.

  We were soon on the street, and I started heading to the subway station.

  “Hang on,” Evan called me back. “We’re not taking the train.”

  “Did you bring your truck?” I asked, following him into a parking garage.

  “No.”

  He passed a few cars and then stopped in front of a space occupied by a gleaming black motorcycle. He unzipped the backpack he’d grabbed from one of the rooms right by the door to the street and pulled out a helmet, holding it out to me.

  “When Liz said she wasn’t coming I decided to bring my bike. It’s cheaper on gas. Is that okay?”

  “Yeah,” I said with a smile. “I’ve never ridden one before, though.”

  “It’s really easy,” he laughed as
I took the head gear from him. “All you have to do is hold on.”

  I buckled the strip under my chin and watched as he pulled another helmet out of his bag and put it on.

  He slung his leg over the bike and then turned to me, smiling.

  “Climb on,” he said, holding his hand out to me.

  “Okay,” I giggled.

  I stepped forward and took his hand, my fingers brushing his other side as I sat down behind him.

  “Hang on tight,” he said. “You won’t hurt me, I promise.”

  “Right,” I chuckled, wrapping my arms around him and resting my head on his back.

  “Do you want to take a more scenic route,” he asked loudly after starting the engine.

  “Uh . . . sure?”

  “Great! Hang on,” he yelled as we pulled out and drove onto the street.

  We weaved in and out of traffic too fast for my liking. I was glad he’d told me to hold on as tight as I wanted, because I was terrified I’d fall off if I didn’t. We passed several landmark buildings that were lit up in the night, but I couldn’t even hardly enjoy them. Finally, we arrived at the apartment building and the bike fell silent.

  “You can let go now,” Evan laughed.

  “Sorry,” I mumbled, my head still resting on his back. “I think my arms fused together.”

  He laughed harder and slid his hand down my arm, wrapping his fingers around mine.

  Goosebumps flashed down my skin, and I suddenly pulled away from him, a nervous giggle breaking through my lips.

  “You drive very fast,” I said as my feet touched solid ground once again.

  “Another reason why I like the motorcycle—it fits through traffic.”

  “I bet that comes in handy, since you work at the busiest intersection in the world,” I said lamely.

  “It does. You should get one, too. You’ll be working there in no time.”

  “I think I’ll stick with the subway,” I said, trying to shoo the butterflies his touch had brought on. “Are you ready to go see Lizzy?”

  He looked at me for a second, a happy smile on his face before nodding and getting off the bike himself.

  “She’s probably sleeping,” I said, trying to keep the conversation going.

  “Naw. Knowing Liz, she’s probably curled up on the couch watching Pride and Prejudice.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah,” he laughed. “That’s what she does every time she gets sick. It’s not the remake either. She watches the full, six hour version with a puke bowl next to her.”

  “Sounds . . . gross,” I said, making a face as we walked through the door.

  “You haven’t even begun to see all of Liz’s weird quirks,” he laughed. “She is my sister, though, so I love her anyway.”

  “And I’m an honorary sister,” I said as we ascended the stairs.

  He looked over at me, the happiness in his eyes fading some.

  “Yes,” he said softly. “You’re the sister she always wanted. My honorary little sister.”

  Chapter Eleven

  “I’m so sorry, Chris.”

  I covered my eyes with my hand, resting my elbow on the table I sat at. I’d stopped for coffee at a cute little shop and decided to sit outside, even though the weather was steadily getting chillier with each day. It was a somewhat shocking change for my desert system. I was used to not having to wear a jacket until October, and even then it was more of a light sweater.

  “You’re sure you can’t get out of it?” he asked from his end of the phone call.

  “I’m sure. April said that this lady was the best thing that ever happened to her career. I can’t let something like that get by me.”

  “I just miss you, that’s all,” he said with a short laugh. “We haven’t gotten to spend much time together this week.”

  “I know,” I said apologetically. “I have to figure out my job stuff, though. I need to take these classes.”

  “If you say so,” he sighed.

  I hated hearing the disappointment in his voice, but I was positive I was doing what needed to be done. My job at Olive Garden was not meant to be permanent. The itching under my skin was warning me I’d been to long without performing. The night at The Gershwin had done wonders for me, but it was just like a drug. I’d had a little taste after a dry spell, and now I craved it more than ever.

  “I promise, I’ll do my best to find time somewhere.”

  “Call me when you get it figured out, okay?”

  “I will. Thanks for understanding.”

  I ended the call and sighed, slouching down into my chair. The coffee was helping to warm me up, but I still felt like the weight of eighty textbooks was sitting on my shoulders. It was hard to explain things to Chris. He didn’t quite understand why I needed to do all of these things, despite enjoying a good show now and then himself. He seemed to think that doing one show in high school should be enough practice for the big times.

  He doesn’t understand it like Evan does, I mused as I took a sip from my cup.

  I stopped myself there, the familiar fluttering filling my stomach at the thought of Lizzy’s brother. My honorary brother.

  Chris. Not Evan. Chris. Remember how he kissed you the last time you were together? He is the one you like. Not Evan.

  I didn’t know what was wrong with me. Chris was always polite and sweet and Evan had never made any romantic advances towards me. It was silly to feel the same excitement and nervousness when I was around Evan that I did when Chris kissed me.

  I checked the time on my phone and sighed. It was time for me to catch the train to my voice lesson, or I would be late.

  April had stayed true to her word and called her voice instructor the day after we’d met. I didn’t know what she’d told her, but when I got the information from Evan and called to set up an appointment, I got right in. It had been two days since Wicked, and I was already starting.

  Getting up from my chair, I wove my way through the other tables and out onto the sidewalk. It was a beautiful morning, despite the chill. I could see the leaves changing in the park up ahead, frost gathering on some of the metal handrails leading down into the tunnel.

  During the ride downtown, I leafed through my song book, trying to decide what songs to sing that would help the teacher, Sarah Goodhall, get a feel for my voice right off. It felt a bit like trying to pick an audition song. I wanted to showcase my voice, but I also needed to pick something that would show her what I needed instruction on.

  I got off the train in the theatre district, still feeling the same thrill that shot through me every time I saw the iconic places around me. There were times that I couldn’t believe I’d actually moved to New York to follow my dreams. Besides the confusion with Evan, I was the happiest I’d ever been.

  Once I’d located the building that held the studio space my lessons would be in, I checked my phone again to make sure I wasn’t going to be late. Satisfied with the time I’d made, I shut it off and stowed it back in my bag, ready to devote all of the next hour to my voice.

  A few flights of stairs later, I took a seat next to the door to the practice room, hearing singing already coming from behind it. After a couple minutes, the door opened and the prior student thanked the teacher as he left.

  An older woman came to the door after he left and looked down at me, a smile on her face. The hem of her free flowing, flowery shirt rested on her thighs, covering the top of her jeans. Silver streaked, brown hair piled into a bun on top of her head, accented with a butterfly clip.

  “Mara?” she asked sweetly.

  “Yes!” I stood and shook the hand she offered to me, smiling widely as well.

  “I’m Sarah. Nice to meet you! Please, come in.”

  She held the door open for me, ushering me past her into the small space.

  A piano sat in one corner, a music stand by the backside of it. That was it. There was only one chair—the bench to the piano—and the black walls to look at.

  “April tells me
that you have a lot of promise,” Sarah said as she sat down, stretching her fingers out in preparation to play.

  “That was very nice of her,” I said, blushing.

  “Well, I know her very well. If she said you’re good then you are.”

  “Thank you,” I said, the heat in my face increasing.

  “Let’s get right to it then!” She played a quick scale on the piano, deciding what to start with. “We’ll warm up, and then you can tell me about your singing history.”

  “Sounds great,” I said, setting my bag down and laying my music book on the stand.

  “She was amazing Lizzy!”

  I pulled my apron out of my locker and tied it around my waist, Lizzy doing the same next to me.

  “I breathe totally different, now. I thought it was fine before, but she did something that just . . . you know? I feel like I could hold a note for the rest of the year and not even break a sweat.”

  “I’m glad,” Lizzy laughed, pinning her hair back like normal.

  “I need to tell April thank you. And Evan! Could you tell him I said thank you?”

  “Why don’t you tell him yourself,” she giggled. “I can give you his number.”

  “Do you think he would mind me having it? I never asked him if I could.”

  “Oh, he won’t mind,” she said surely. “I’m surprised he hasn’t asked you for yours, yet.”

  “What do you mean?”

  She looked at me with a smile on her face, pausing in her pre work routine.

  “Nothing,” she said after a minute.

  “Am I missing something?” I chuckled, bending down to retie my shoe.

  “Not at all,” she said with a mischievous grin. “We better hurry, though. They’ve done nothing but tell me how busy it is since I put my earpiece in.”

  “Great,” I moaned. “I don’t like busy.”

  “Then you shouldn’t have gotten a job at a restaurant in Times Square,” she laughed.

  The evening passed quickly because of the rush and before I knew it, we had both clocked out and were on our way home.

  “Hand me your phone,” Lizzy said as the subway train rushed under the city.

  When she handed it back, I saw that she’d added Evan’s contact information into my address book.