Chapter.1- From Night to Darker

Adam Torres

"Hey Eli isn't that Bible Girl?" I called over as my best friend came from the shadows.

"Yup, it looks like Little Miss Sunshine's here to see the play." He said sarcastically while he went to do last minute changes to the way the actors would go out.

There she was again, sitting in the third row waiting for the lights to brighten. Her stormy blue eyes fixed on the dimly light stage while a warm smile hide on her face. Why was she here again it's the forth performance of Romeo and Jules and Becky Baker has been there each night. I get that she likes musicals but wasn't it against her Baptist views to even talk about the play, let alone even seeing it? This girl was so confusing yet I couldn't stop thinking about her.

Almost two weeks ago was the first time Becky showed up to our version of the play Romeo and Juliet. That time I was even more surprised than I was right now. Becky came to save our play by playing one of the lead rolls of Jules (boy version of Juliet). But somehow she didn't have to go on with her plan. Becky didn't have face everything that was against what she believed in, but she did by going out to sing the carouse with the rest of the cast. I have to admit she showed a lot of courage by doing that.

It wasn't until after the play when she got stuck in my mind. Becky Baker hugged me, and that was something that I wold have never expected from her. But that was nearly two weeks ago and we had barely talked since that night. We said the occasional 'hi' in the halls, but it was like she was avoiding me and for some reason it bugged me.

My mind was flustered in many different directions as my body worked as stage manager. Before I knew it the play was over and it was time to go out for bows. As I emerged onto the stage, with the rest of the cast, I couldn't help but gaze towards the spot were Becky Baker was sitting. Her seat was empty. A warm shade of red fell over my face as we walked off the stage. The sound of the audience clapping was still in my ears but as I kept walking until I found myself past the stage door and into the hall way. I had no idea where I was going but all I knew was that my body wanted me to chase after Becky.

The halls were still dim and empty. Eli must have been saying his speech about the play and thanking everyone for coming out. As I turned down the hall towards the front of the school I saw her.

"Becky!" I called from down the hall.

"Adam?" she turned looking confused about why I was out already.

"Did you like the play?"

"Um, yes I did. I-I think I'm starting to like it a lot more at least. You guys are doing a good job out there."

"Thanks Becky that means a lot to us" I said as we both cracked a smile.

Becky and I were now close enough to touch as Becky continued to talk.

"You know the project we are working on together? It's due in two days so I was wondering if you wanted to get together and work on it after school tomorrow."

I had completely forgotten about the project that Becky and I were forced to work on together! We had got into an argument and just decided to work on it individually then send our work to each other and put it together. I must have been too concentrated in the play that I forgot to even start it! Tonight would have to be an all-nighter again to catch-up.

"Err yea I would like that" I said as Becky's smile grew on her face.

"Me too" Becky was leaning in as if she was going to kiss me and I didn't start to pull away.

I couldn't lie to myself any more, I wanted to kiss her. She wasn't perfect but at least she was trying to understand me. This would be a huge step for her and even for me. She was a Baptist girl that only thought that one girl and one guy was the way of life and I was a boy stuck in a girl's body. This was all crazy.

Becky leaned closer towards my lips. Suddenly the doors to the theater flung open as people mumbling to each other flooded into the hall. Becky's lips shifted and she gave me a gentle kiss on my cheek without anyone noticing.

"I'll meet you tomorrow in the library" she said awkwardly while she turned and left the school.