"It's not done yet? Are you kidding me? Marilyn is less than a week away and the book isn't done. Do you have anything in that brain of yours?" The harsh words and annoyingly proper British accent echoed around the rehearsal space and a few of the ensemble turned to stare. Julia looked down at the table, unable to meet the accusing eyes. She knew that it was unacceptable to still have a scattered book this late in the process. She knew she was disappointing the entire cast and crew with her lack of work. She knew…but she didn't. She didn't know anything anymore.

"I'll get it done," she reassured quietly, not wanting to be the star of this sudden show. Derek didn't seem to share her feelings. He slammed his palm down onto the table angrily and she recoiled backwards, keeping her eyes averted.

"You sure as hell will get it done," the director seethed.

"I'm trying…please, I'm trying. It's just…I've had some…family issues lately and…"

"Yeah, we all know about your 'family issues.' Maybe you wouldn't have so many of those if you stopped sleeping around with married men!"

The woman froze, blood rushing to her face. The rehearsal hall grew quiet. Everyone was watching her, their eyes curious, their brains thirsty for the latest theatre gossip…willing or not, she had become the latest topic in every backstage conversation. Julia stepped backwards and grabbed her bag off her chair, willing herself not to cry. She could feel Michael staring into her.

"I don't know what you heard," she breathed, her voice catching. "Or who you heard it from. But my personal affairs-my personal life- isn't yours to broadcast to an entire room of people."

Derek seemed unconcerned. He watched her breakdown with a cruel level of apathy.

"I've screwed up!" She snapped, her blue eyes desperately trying to avoid contact with the man she knew was being wounded with every word.

"Apparently you screwed around more than up…" A chorus boy murmured with a raised eyebrow. She ignored him, ignored the whole room but for Derek and Michael.

"I made a mistake. But it's not your problem, and it's not your business, and the book will get done." She locked her eyes with Derek's and spoke directly to him. "It will get done no matter how many people I feel like screwing."

With her words stinging in the air, Julia turned on her heel and slammed out the door, tears washing down her face.