Chapter 2-3
646 Words
The next week the cast met for their first read-through of the play. They all sat in a circle as Mr. Higgins passed out copies of the script. Lilly sat on Shay’s left, Dwayne on his right. The group was buzzing with happy banter.
Mr. Higgins called for attention. “Welcome all to our first rehearsal of the winter production. Let’s start by going around introducing ourselves, giving a bit of information on your drama experience, and the part you’ll be playing.”
Shay felt this was probably for his benefit for, as he glanced around, he seemed to be the odd one out. Everyone else seemed to know one another. As each person introduced themselves, it was apparent Shay was one of the few with no stage experience at all.
When it came to his turn, he cleared his throat.
“Um…I’m Shay Rogers—”
There was a titter of laughter.
Shay stopped, puzzled and slightly unnerved.
Dwayne laughed and leaned closer. “Like I told you the other day at tryouts, everyone knows you.”
Shay blushed and shrugged. “Anyway, I’ve never done anything like this before. I play football and…”
Another round of chuckles.
Shay laughed. “I guess you all know that. Anyway, I’ll be playing Tony.”
Next it was Dwayne’s turn. Shay was impressed with the number of productions in which Dwayne had performed over his four years of high school, most of them lead roles.
As they started the reading, he saw that in addition to the character’s lines there were instructions. Tony crosses down stage left and turns one quarter profile right.
Shay wrinkled his brow.
Dwayne had obviously been watching him, for he immediately said, “Don’t worry, I’ll help you with those stage directions. Just read the line.”
Shay turned to him. “Thanks. I feel like a fish out of water.”
The reading went on. Shay found he was beginning to enjoy himself and looking forward to the experience of being in the play. When the read-through was finished, Mr. Higgins handed out rehearsal schedules. The main characters, which included Shay, would be rehearsing every afternoon after school. Later, as the performance approached, there would be evening practices as well.
“You did really well, Shay,” Lilly said. “You’re gonna do a great job.”
“Thanks.”
“Yeah, you will,” Dwayne chimed in as he walked up to the pair. “You’re a natural.”
Shay shrugged. “I don’t know. I still don’t understand that crosses stage left stuff.”
“Not a problem. Like I said, I’d be happy to help with that.”
Lilly agreed that Shay would catch on quickly, and said she’d help as well.
“Thanks again,” Shay said. “Well I need to get going—homework. Test tomorrow in chemistry. You ready, Lilly?”
Lilly nodded.
“Say, if you’re giving Lilly a ride, could I hitch one, too? I don’t live too far from her. We went to grade school together.”
Shay looked at Lilly.
She shrugged. “It’s okay.”
“Okay, sure,” Shay said.
“That’s great,” Dwayne said. “My mom works evenings. She’s a nurse. I’d have to take the bus and that gets me home pretty late.”
During the trip, the three talked comfortably. The conversation mainly involved theater stuff. Shay was discovering Dwayne’s sharp wit and how funny he could be. Shay was beginning to like him.
It turned out Dwayne lived a good bit farther from the school than Lilly, so Shay had to drop her off first. He walked her to the door.
“I was hoping we’d get to spend some time together…but…” Shay looked back at the car.
“It’s okay,” Lilly said. “Dwayne’s a good friend. It is a long bus ride. And it’s getting colder.”
Shay wondered if this would be the pattern after every rehearsal, but he didn’t say anything. He gave Lilly a goodnight kiss and went back to the car.
“You two been together long?” Dwayne asked as Shay got in.
“We’ve dated for a while. Not going steady or anything.”
Dwayne smiled.
Dwayne lived almost a half-hour farther from the school than Lilly. When they pulled up in front of Dwayne’s house, Dwayne asked, “Want to come in and work on that stage directions lingo?”
“No, thanks. Like I said, chem test tomorrow.”
“Maybe another time?”
Shay hesitated, then said, “Sure.”
As Shay drove away, he had a strange sense of disappointment he hadn’t taken Dwayne up on the offer to help. Next time, he thought.
- Writer
