It was crazy back stage with everyone getting into their costumes, rehearsing lines and setting up the props and lights. We had two hours until show time and I was doing the final adjustments of Zoe's Cinderella costume. It was truly beautiful and I wish I had the chance to wear it. I took the dress and went to give it to Zoe to put on so I can make the finishing touches. "Wow Jane this looks amazing. Thanks." "Go put it on, I still need to do some touch ups." She took the dress and went into one of the dressing rooms. "Hey Janey, what do you think?" I turned around to see the wooded tree Billy has been working on for weeks. "It's almost done; I just have to put these leaves on." "That's awesome Billy." I tried to be enthusiastic but today's event kept replaying thought my mind.
"You ok Jane?" "Yeah I'm fine." "Jane I know you, and you don't look fine. What's wrong?" I looked up at him and at that moment I really saw him. I finally realized what he meant by "It's you." When I looked into his eyes, I realized it was him; all along it was him and only him. "Billy, can we talk somewhere private?" "I don't know Jane, I have a lot more leaves to put on the tree, can't you tell me here?" "No I need to tell you now." Billy looked at me seeing the desperation on my face and finally came down from his tree. I began leading him outside but Mrs. Clark intercepted. "Billy, we need you." "I know I know Mrs. Clark, I'll finish the tree in a moment." "No it's not that, we need you to play the role of Prince Charming. Nick sprained his ankle. Without you there will be no play." Billy began freaking out, no matter how many times he said no Mrs. Clark would insist until he finally gave in.
"Jane, please get Billy into his costume, he has to run lines with Zoe before the curtain call." I nodded and led a very nervous Billy into one of the dressing rooms. "Jane I can't do this." "Sure you can. You know all of the lines from practicing with Zoe, you'll do great." "Are you sure Janey?" "Yes I'm sure now go put this on." Billy nodded and left to change into his costume. Everything seemed to be happening too fast. What if I never have the chance to tell Billy the truth? I needed to tell him no matter what and I'm prepared to do so when he comes out.
When Billy came back in, I was at lost for words. He looked absolutely amazing in his costume. "Ok stand on this so I can put the finishing touches on it." He went over and took his place while I started hemming up the seams of his pants. "I look so lame." "Excuse me; you're wearing my costume so you do not look lame." "I didn't mean that, this looks amazing, I just meant I'm going to look lame when I screw up in front of everyone." "Billy, you are not going to mess up. You know your lines backwards and forwards, you will be the greatest prince charming ever." Billy looked at me and smiled his famous crooked smile. "Thanks Janey, you always know how to cheer me up. Well if you're done with my costume I suppose I should run lines with my Cinderella." My heart dropped as he turned to leave, but then he looked back at me. "Hey Jane, what did you want to tell me earlier?" "I'll tell you later, you should go practice lines with Zoe before the show." "Janey, you said it yourself. I know my lines backwards and forwards. So tell me what's been bugging you." I stared at him lost for words; I was suddenly extremely nervous and didn't know if I possessed the guts to be honest with him. "Billy, it's you. It's always been you, and I was too stupid to see it. Now that I realize it, it's too late, you have Zoe." Billy was speechless; he just continued to stare at Jane which freaked her out. "Billy, say something." "Jane I-""There you are Billy; come on Mrs. Clark wants us to run lines."
He looked back at me and left with Zoe. This was a hopeless case, why did I even bother telling him. This will only cause another heart break and why did I even bother. I sadly watched him go with his smiling Cinderella. I turned away and started cleaning up my stuff before the curtain call. I would still watch the performance no matter what had happened. He was still my best friend and I needed to support him.