Chapter Three
As opening night readily
approached, Mariaha lost herself in her work. She was at the theater from
The day before opening night
had finally arrived. Mrs. Gam stood looking at the tired, frazzled faces of her
cast. “If they look like this tomorrow
we’re finished.” She thought to herself.
“Okay,” Mrs. Gam shouted above the dim hum of
talking. “I want everyone’s
attention.” The room quieted down and
she continued, “If anyone were to look at all of you they’d charge me with
child abuse. I want all of you to go
home and go to bed.” Gam
heard sighs of relief coming from all over the theater. “But I’ll expect you all here by 10 tomorrow,
no exceptions.” There were a few
grumbles but everyone was happy to be able to go home.
Next day
Mariaha stood back stage peeking out into the audience. “Mar, hasn’t anyone told you it’s
unprofessional to do that? Lucas asked
joking as he came up behind her.
Mariaha rolled her shoulders trying to relieve some of the
tension. “ I
know,” she started sadly. “But my mother
isn’t here yet and she dais she’d be here.”
“That’s were you’re
wrong. You do have a mother here, she’s sitting in the front row.” Lucas pointed to his mother
, sitting on one side of her was his father and on the other was an
empty seat that she promised she would save for Mariaha’s
mother.
Mariaha smiled. “I
know,” her voice was light but there was a hint of sorrow in it. “But it isn’t the same. I want my
mother here,” Mariaha’s voice went serious and broke
a bit with sadness. “I just plain want
my mother.” Her eyes filled with
tears. Mariaha’s
shoulders carried the burden of a shattered life just beginning to rebuild its
self.
“She’ll be here. Lois wouldn’t break this promise, she’ll be
here.” Lucas pulled her into a
reassuring hug, he was careful not to mess up her hair.
“I hope you’re right, I
really hop you’re right.”
Lucas wiped the tears from
her face. “It’s a good thing someone
created waterproof mascara, huh?” Mariaha laughed and hit him playfully.