My four handsome knights

Hey stranger.

Lydia.

“I hope we all have read each of our scripts?” Mrs Miller, who took us for acting class spoke. “We’ll be taking the first practice of the play, you all should get ready.” She added, whereas a frown remained on my face, with my script in my hand, staring at what I was going to act.

My gaze moved away, as they locked with Scott whom had his expression soft that I began to feel guilty of my actions towards him. Ever since Scott expressed his true feelings of what he thought about what I did and my response to him, he and I have not spoken, for his words hurt me more than I could say. He was my best friend, for that I didn’t expect such irritated reactions from him. I wasn’t one whom like to get angry on miniature things, yet, when I did, I tended to close my eyes at all the good and let it all go, even if it meant, ending a friendship that went way back. I wasn’t going to speak to Scott and I didn’t plan to, even if he did make efforts to talk to me, which is why I was very upset when I got two know that he and I would be taking the lead role of the play Mrs Miller is giving.

We were taking a poem play of, ‘River Country’ written by, Carolyn Kreiter and Robert Arthur. It was lilting poem for the stage, that followed the passionate meeting of a man and woman who shared neither language nor culture, yet fell in love. Through the rhythmic blending of language and song, the play combined poetry and both traditional and original melodies to illuminate a romantic union that ultimately overcomes geography and tradition. The play was quite simple and easy to act, as it involved the use of demonstration and little instruments, such as a flute and guitar, yet could be enhanced with other instruments. Taking the play was the least of my problem, but with who I was going to share the romantic instrumentalist with.

I sighted Jasmine speaking with some of our colleagues, as she was not going to be in the play, hence her free time, one which I envied and wished she could switch roles with me. I rested my head on the crown of the chair and closed my eyes in frustration of how I was going to act my part without making it evident that there was something going on. And I also could not meet Mrs miller to change roles for me, as she wouldn’t give me a listening ear, knowing clearly how much this play affects my GP.

“Hey,” I heard, and my gaze opened while i raised my head up to see Scott in front me. I didn’t respond to Scott, rather I only stared at him, while anger continued to build in me. Memories of his words came flooding back and I recalled vividly how I cried that day on Liam’s back. I felt hurt, because he of all people shouldn’t have judged me, knowing quite well what I went through. And because of that, it made me doubt his feelings towards me, one which was caused not by Scott, but a trauma of my teenage years. “You’re not even going to speak to me?” Scott said and I just stared at him, with my lips mute. I was angry and I tried to avoid myself from speaking negative words, hence my silence.

“Can’t we talk about this?” Scott said again.

“Unlike you Scott, I tend to remain silent when my feelings are not clear, so I won’t hurt the other person.” I said, while my gaze remained a glare at Scott and words recalled him of his own the other day.

“Lydia…”

“You don’t have to explain yourself or tell me more about how f****d up my life is. You made it pretty clear already.” I cut Scott off, while he only stared at me in disbelieve of my words.

“At least try to hear…”

“Okay I believe everyone is ready by now. Come closer.” Mrs Miller spoke, as that took my attention away from Scott to her. One which also took me to glance at Scott one more time before I left his presence unannounced. “Alright then, take your roles.” Mrs Miller said and I and the other supporting roles took to the stage. The soft- slow music began playing, as the beginning of the Poem was about a woman who adored a man she saw and fell in love with, before they even had a common language. “Cut!” Mrs Miller spoke, as that took me to halt in my actions. “Lydia, I’m going to need you to be more expressive. This is a play about love, yet, your gaze remains cold, instead of being soft and yearning.” Mrs Miller said, and I let down a hard gulp, while my gaze brushed at Jasmine, whom passed me a raised brow. As my gaze left Jasmine to return back to Mrs Miller, so did they sight a familiar face that always seemed to bring a smile to my lips.

Liam.

My gaze locked with his, as instantly they became soft and I stared at him adoringly, while he reciprocated with a loving smile and a muttered lips, that I couldn’t fathom what he said. My mood fortunately became lighter, as I stared back at my boyfriend. Yes, I said that right. My boyfriend. Liam and I were now officially a couple. Liam was also in my class, just like Jasmine and Scott, but for Jasmine and Liam, they were both assigned to a different short play, just like mine, where’s Mrs Miller split us into batches and our play was number one. I didn’t realize I was going to see Liam here, as this wasn’t the time for his play, yet, he came.

“Perfect! That is what I want to see.” Mrs Miller’s voice took me out of my lostness with Liam, while I know stared at her dumbfounded.

“Pardon?” I asked Mrs Miller as I remained confused at what her words meant.

“That gaze. The one you just had, that is exactly what I want to see.” Mrs Miller said, and it took me a while to realize she was speaking about my gaze on Liam.

Shit!

I resumed the scene, while I tried my best to put in the gaze of staring at Scott the way it was supposed to be, because If I dreamed of being the best actress in New York city and even the world, I had to learn to put my feelings asides to do what needed to be done.

From the play, it was Scott’s turn to eventually notice me, and also feel a sense of attraction to me, as even if we couldn’t communicate, our bodies showcased our words. “Cut!” Mrs Miller spoke again, and an exhale exited my lips.

What now?

“Scott, your eyes are your words. This is a demonstration Poem. We are not using words, so your demonstration game has to be top notch. You stare at her like a lost puppy with pity in your eyes. Did she break your heart? Because that is far from what we’re expressing here. I want to see the affection in your eyes of love at first sight, not guilt or whatever it is you have there.” One thing about Mrs Miller was that, she never had filters in her mouth. She would tell you exactly as it was and you will get offended, but it was the truth. “You know what, take a break. Come back in ten and I want to see a perfect body language.” Mrs Miller said and I couldn’t be more happier.

I got down from the stage, as I noticed Liam still in the room, while I walked to him. “Hey stranger.” Liam said with a smile on his lips upon reaching him.

“Hey,” I replied with the same smile. “What are you doing here? I thought it wasn’t time for yours,” I asked Liam.

“Yes it wasn’t, but it was for yours and I wanted to see you.” Liam said, and a blush crept to my lips.

“You like me that much eh?” I tilted my neck cockily, as I stared at Liam with a goofy smile.

“Maybe just a little too much,” Liam said and I found myself chuckling happily.

“I’m glad you’re here,” I told him, while I bit upon my lower lip.

“I told you to stop doing that,” Liam said, whereas his gaze changed to become darker, as he stared at my lips.

“I guess I can’t help it then,” My response to him sensual that I continued to bite on my lips. Liam’s hand moved to caress the skin on my cheek, while I leaned into into his embrace.

“Then do not blame me for my actions later.” Liam said softly as he took a step closer to me, closing the gap between us. “My beautiful princess.” My heart skipped a beat at the name he called me, that no one needed to tell me more for me to feel the love radiating off him. Liam furthered swept me off my feet, as he placed a kiss on my forehead, with his hand still on my cheek.

Oh lord, is this what love feels like? Cause I’m so f****d if it is.