Lance looked surprised and confused. "It's that late already? Whoa, it seems like we've only been here for an hour..."
"Yeah, I know. Funny how time goes by so quickly," I said.
"No kidding. Well I guess I better get you back for rehearsal. What time does the play start?" Lance asked, driving back to campus.
"Um, seven. Aren't you afraid of being recognized?" I asked. "Having screaming masses of girls running after you?"
Lance shrugged. "We'll wear disguises and sit in the back. No biggie."
"So I can expect to see five guys in the back row wearing glasses and dark bushy moustaches?" I asked with a laugh.
Lance smiled. "Don't forget the large pale plastic noses."
"Hey and don't forget the trenchcoats and hats," I added.
"What about unibrows?"
"Umm...it wouldn't go with you guys," I said, shaking my head. "Turn here. Lance, I've had an awesome time-thank you so much!"
"Thank *you.* I haven't felt this relaxed in a long time and I'm a pretty laid back guy," Lance said. "So I'll see you later tonight?"
I nodded. "Yeah, I'll see you later."
I waltzed into the building, smiling and humming. "Hey, everyone!"
"Hey Ocean..what's with you?" Craig asked, giving me a strange look.
"Nothing. I just had an awesome time and I'm really *really* happy," I replied.
Tanya was watching Lance drive away. "An awesome time with a cute guy who's got nice wheels? Who *is* that guy?"
"You wouldn't know him-he's not from around here," I said nonchalantly.
"He looked familiar. What's his name?" Tanya pressed.
I shook my head. "Like I said. You wouldn't know him."
"Oh, I see. keeping it a secret. Well, O, I'll find out his name sooner or later," Tanya said.
I shrugged. "Go ahead, do as much sleuthing as you want Tanya. Have fun."
At six-thirty, it was utter chaos backstage. Everyone was running around frantically, calling out last minute directions and tips, but somehow through the chaos, a bouquet of flowers had found their way to my dressing room.
I was trying to find a quiet moment before the play to calm down and concentrate on my character. I dashed into my dressing room, shutting the door and locking it. Sitting down at my dressing table, I discovered a bouquet of roses. I smiled and wondered who these could be from while inhaling the sweet smell. I found the card and opened it, anticipating who it was from. |
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After reading the card, I bit my lip and murmured, "How sweet." I'd never had a guy send me flowers before. It was always my parents sending me flowers or my friends.
Craig knocked on the door. "O, can I talk to you for a sec?"
I got up and unlocked the door. "Yeah, Craig. Come in."
"Are you okay? I mean, you've been in here for awhile," Craig said.
"I'm fine. Just trying to calm down cuz it's like total chaos out there," I replied.
"Who are these from?" Craig asked, pointing to the dozen roses on the table. "Lance Bass? That name sounds familiar..."
"You wouldn't know him," I said quickly. "He's not from around here."
"Is he gonna be here at the opening tonight?" Craig asked.
I averted my eyes. "Um, I don't know...I doubt it, but he might be..."
Tanya poked her head in. "Guys-five minutes to showtime!"
"Break a leg, Ocean," Craig said with a grin.
"I'll try-you break two legs," I replied with a smile.
"I will." Craig kissed me. Not a stage kiss-a real kiss that I felt no sparks emanating from. "Let's go."
Kissing Craig felt like I was kissing my brother. Yuck.
During the balcony scene (my *favorite* scene in the entire play), I looked out over the audience, studying each and every face in the crowd.
"But soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun!" Craig started.
I got to the back row, where sure enough, the guys were sitting there, complete with bushy mustaches. I almost began laughing, but I encorporated my smile into the scene by transforming it into a smile that had come from thinking about Romeo. Looking over again, I saw Rainbow and JC sitting next to each other. Rainbow sent a small wave my way.
A couple seats away from Rainbow was Eddie.
"Ay me!" I exclaimed.
"She speaks! Oh speak again, bright angel..."
Eddie smiled at me. Too many weird things were happening tonight.
After the play was over, I was backstage getting high fives and hugs from cast members and such, talking to strangers who were complimenting me on my performance, and giving autographs to people who told me I'd be famous someday.
"Ocean!" Someone called.
I spun around, looking for the source of the voice. It was Rainbow along with Lance, Justin, JC, Chris and Joey. "Hey, you guys!"
Rainbow hugged me. "You were *awesome* O." |
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