Chapter Eight:

Nothing of note has really happened in the last few days since I had bumped into Jackson in the library and our walk together at Central Park. Well, that's not entirely true. I have made good on my word in seeing more of him and Molly. After the last rehearsal I rode with the siblings to their home, having dinner with them and practicing some more of our lines and songs. I wanted to ask Jackson if he could be my practice buddy for some of my duets with Raoul and the Phantom, but he had said he had business to take care of outside of the house, so had left Molly and I by ourselves. He did of course tell us to call or text him if we needed him.

Currently I was at home, alone due to Phillip having yet another late shift at one of his job's. I was practicing a few scales, warming up my voice some as I prepared to try out some of my lines and songs. I was going to see how well I could get by the first few scenes without my script when I had heard my phone buzz, alerting me of a recently sent text message. Stopping myself, I picked up the phone to see who it was and what they had to say. It was Katie, a friend of mine since high school, asking if I was available for a girl's night out, that a number of our mutual friend's were off work and coming. I let out a noise of delight. It had been too long since I had gone out partying with Katie, Roxy and everyone! I was about to text her back, saying that 'hell yes I'm down for going' but then had a second thought. Would Molly like to come? After all, it had been something I had been wanting to do for a while, to introduce my fellow cast member to my friends in hopes of her getting to be a part of our little crew. I thought it might be wonderful for Molly to make some buddies outside of the troupe.

Thus I sent back a text to Katie reading: 'for sure! mind if i ask to bring a friend from my troupe?' I only had to wait a minute or two before I got a reply of 'sure thing!' Smiling, I went through my contacts to find Molly and began writing a text. In a way that would probably make an English major cringe, it read: 'hey! if ur not busy u wana come and hang out w/ some friends of mine tnite? i can come and pick u up!' Once more I waited. It was a little longer before I got word back from my fellow actress, but she had given the go ahead! I made sure to tell her that I was on my way then letting Katie know that I would be showing up with my friend in tow. She told me that it would be at the usual spot, at the Bembe. I got out of pajama's and did my best not to spend too long on deciding upon an outfit. I picked out some leggings, a skirt to go over them and a cute short sleeved top. Over that I wore a light jacket. I had to take ten as well to get some make-up on, but in all I didn't spend as much time getting prepped as I usually did. I had places to be and little time after all! Quickly grabbing my purse, I was out the door and on my way.

I only gave two knocks at the door before it opened. Who answered it however was not Molly but Jackson. He smiled kindly down to me, stepping aside some and opening the door further.

"Please, come in." he quietly bid as I let myself in. "Molly is still getting ready, she'll be out soon enough."

I gave a nod to him, standing by the door and patiently waiting. There was a bit of a pause before the older man spoke again.

"You're welcome to wait on the couch. Erm, if you would prefer."

I blinked, giving a nod while smiling and went to sit down. Jackson however, still stood off by the kitchen, keeping his distance for whatever reason. "You don't need to stand over there like a stranger! Not in your own house. You can come and sit by me." I told him. Quietly and with some hesitation he walked on over, his footsteps almost silent. He sat at the opposite end of the couch, hands clasped together and his brow was furrowed. He looked worried.

"What's wrong?" I asked, feeling concerned as well. Jackson turned to look at me, giving a sigh.

"I just... I worry of the safety of you two. You're... you're both young, pretty girls. I just don't feel right about you going off to a bar late at night without some kind of escort."

I quirked my lip at that. I could... understand his point of view, certainly. Both in that it sometimes could be sketchy for a girl to be out and about at night, but I was also taking into consideration of what he had told me at the park. I smiled to him, deciding to show some physical assurance by reaching over to pat at his hand.

"I appreciate your concern Jackson, but I promise that Molly and I will be fine. My friend's... I've known them for several years. We do go out partying, dancing and having fun, but we've always been careful and responsible. We don't do anything reckless or stupid. We look out for each other. Make sure that no one leaves their drinks unattended or go with anyone creepy."

Even with my trying to make Jackson feel more at ease, it didn't seem to lighten his mood even slightly.

"I... I just worry about Molly. I know that you and your friends will look after her and I do appreciate that. But need I remind you that she did have a slight drinking problem. I'm afraid that she might have one too many drinks, maybe wander off somewhere and..." he didn't finish that sentence. Glancing back to me, his face was filled with such emotion that it looked quite out of character for him. The way he was speaking though, it sounded like it was from experience. "I'm just saying that you ladies need to be careful. You don't know what kind of people are out there."

I pursed my lips some, regarding Jackson and again tried to smile in a reaffirming way to him. "I will personally keep an eye on her. I'm not going to be having any drinks myself, since I'm driving. I'm just going to see friends and have fun with them. And that's all I want Molly to do. Have some fun, and hopefully she can find some... uhh, kinship with my friends as well."

Jackson's mood looked like it perked up some. He smiled, lowering his eyes and gave a bow of his head. "Thank you Keira. Still, if either of you need anything, anything at all, do not hesitate to call me. Alright?"

I nodded, agreeing. I didn't think it would get to that point, but it would make Jackson feel better to at least acknowledge his request. It's what was most fair after all.

We came to a lull in our conversation. It felt awkward to sit in such silence though, after what we had just discussed, so I was trying to think of something to ask. Something did come to mind, and I could only hope that I wasn't out of place to ask. Well, only one way to find out.

"Jackson?" he made a noise, turning his attention back to me, "If... if it's alright... well, I'm sorry if this is a bit bold but, I was wondering what the... age difference was between you and Molly. I-I'm not trying to be rude, I'm just curious."

He gave a small chuckle, another smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "No, it's quite fine. We're ten years apart." he said with a nod, "Molly is twenty-two, while I'm thirty-two. I... never thought my parents could, or would, have another child. I was so appalled at the idea when I found out that they were bringing another child into the world. But... I am glad for it. Molly is... very dear to me."

We both shared an equally warm smile then. I leaned in some to reach at his hand better, to hold it and give it a squeeze. "I am too."

There was the sound of a door opening and heels clicking against the floor. Molly had finally emerged and she looked stunning. I was on my feet and approaching her, catching her in a hug as she let out a squeal of delight.

"Keira, hey! Great to see you! Oh, you look awesome! Especially your hair, oh my god! You need to tell me what you use!" she said with a giggle, pulling away some.

"Thanks! You look pretty fine yourself." I touched at my hair as she had mentioned it, giving a soft laugh. "It's nothing special, really. It's called Shapeshifter. You can order it from Amazon. Oh! It's the scarf I gave you!" I said, giving a little jump as I recognized the old accessory of mine. It warmed my heart to see Molly wearing something that I had given her. Like I thought it would, it looked much better on her than it ever could on me. That deep red was certainly her color, and it made her eyes and hair all the more striking. She gave a smile, tilting her head down somewhat so she was looking at me through her lashes. Suddenly, she took an end of the scarf, flipping it over her shoulder as she dramatically whipped back her head, dark curls following suit.

"Don't I look fabulous darling?" she asked, trying to strike a voluptuous pose. She could only hold it for about two seconds before bursting into laughter, and I found myself sniggering as well.

"Okay, do we have everything?" I asked. Molly looked down at her purse, opening it and fingering through its contents.

"Yeah, I have my wallet, cellphone, keys... We're good to go!"

Before we could be out the door, Jackson was on his feet and caught our attention. "Remember, please don't hesitate to call me if anything happens, such as if you both somehow find yourselves in a situation where neither of you can drive. Or if you find someone harassing you and just won't leave you alone, I'll come by and scare them off."

I watched Molly raise an inquisitive brow at her brother's statement. "And how, pray tell, would you do that? Use your treacherous wit against them? Berate them with words that will take them ten minutes to look up in the dictionary?" She stepped over and gave a jab into the man's side, which earned a glower from him as he shirked away from his sister's touch. I stood and watched paused as the pair bickered for a moment, waiting for them to settle this little argument. They seemed to have come to some agreement (or rather an agree to disagree statement) and Jackson saw us to the door, giving a wave.

Trotting down the steps with Molly, she linked an arm through mine, giving another giddy noise of glee. "I'm so excited!" she started, "Thank you so much for inviting me to come along. I haven't been out in ages! You're just so nice to want to hang out with me after dealing with my brother. He can be such a pain in the ass! Like... God! He's always babying me and fussing and worrying... I can take care of myself, you know!"

I gave a little smile as I went around to the driver's side, getting in and putting my purse in the backseat while Molly stepped in herself. "He just worries for you Molly, it's what older brothers do. Well, what older siblings do. Phillip has an older brother and sister and they get concerned for him at times too."

I could hear Molly give an unconvinced and disgruntled noise, but she didn't say anything against me. I drove us on to the usual club that my friend's would be at. As always, parking was a nightmare, but the Bembe was a rather popular hang out with the night owl crowd so it was to be expected. When we did find parking and were walking up, I could see some folk standing outside, laughing and chatting while they had a smoke. I tried not to breathe in too deeply as we went by, getting inside and the both of us paying for our entry fees. I started scanning the crowds, trying to spot my friend's. I was giving a frown, trying to stand a bit on my tippy toes but that really didn't help any. As I was beginning to get frustrated with my lack of progress, I swore I heard my name called from over the crowds. I turned my head about, trying to find the source and luckily I could see a hand frantically waving about with the person clearly trying to get my attention. Giving a smile, I took Molly's hand, ushering her along after me. Squeals of delight and recognition were shared around as the two of us finally met up with my girl friend's.

"Keira! Great to see you! Cute outfit!" Katie commented. She was tall, easily in the 5'9'' range with dark hair. She had a long face but I thought she was still quite pretty. I smiled at her compliment, giving a little curtsey as I glanced down at myself.

"Thanks! I kinda just threw it together quickly."

"If I did that I'd look like a hurricane personified." Roxy, who was about my height, said with a laugh. She was a larger girl who owned her curves and showed them off to the fullest. Currently she was rocking a pixie hair cut that was dyed pink. I shook my head at her remark.

"I dunno! Your fashion is always pretty on point!"

"So Keira," it was Anna who spoke up, a girl that was also the only other natural blonde in the group, however her hair was a darker shade of mine, "is this your troupe buddy you've told us about?"

Molly gave a wide grin, looking to me eagerly to give introductions and I smiled back. "Yes!" I exclaimed, "So everyone, this is Molly. She is gonna be Meg in our production of Phantom! Molly, this here is Katie. We've known each other since sophomore year of high school." Katie gave her own smile, a greeting of 'hi!' as well as a wave. I moved on to the next, "This is Roxy. Katie and I met her a couple years back... here actually." Roxy gave a jerk of her head with deep sounding 'sup?' before collapsing into some giggles. "Then this is Anna. I met her through Katie, who met her at a con." Anna just gave a polite smile and a wave. I looked around a bit. I had thought we had one more addition to our group tonight as well but...

"Where's Julie?" I asked, "Isn't she supposed to be here?"

"Oh she's in the bathroom at the moment." Anna said with a nod, then gave her attention to Molly. "So how long have you been acting Molly? Is this your first Broadway performance?"

Molly let out a smile, and I could see she was really in a good mood by being here. It certainly seemed to be her element.

"Ever since I was a kid! Been doing it forever! And no! But it is my first really big role, I think, and in such a note worthy play! I just... I gave the audition a try cause, what the hell, worst they can say is 'no'. But I was so surprised when I got a call back saying that I was just the kind of girl they were looking for! Oh my God, I was near bouncing off the walls, I think I drove Jackson crazy."

All the other girl's looked confused at the mention of the man's name. "Jackson? Is that your boyfriend?" Roxy asked and Molly gave a shriek, flailing her hands and I couldn't help but laugh at her reaction.

"God no! He's my older brother! We live together, which I know is kinda weird, but hey. Makes paying the bills a lot easier at least!"

All of us gave a nod at that in agreement. I know living with Phillip made my life easier. I think I'd have to go back to living with my mom if I didn't. I wouldn't be able to get by on my own with only the paychecks I get from acting, and I preferred not to think about having to work in a retail position... Hearing Phillip's horror stories swore me off on them unless absolutely necessary. I still had much respect for people working such jobs though.

"Hey, no shame in living with fam," Katie said, "I mean, shit, I was still with my parents until I was twenty-one. And I love them, don't get me wrong, but getting out on your own, or with a roommate is SO fulfilling."

"Oh my God!" Roxy suddenly said with a shout that made all of us turn to her, "Your eyes! Holy shit, are those contacts?" she asked of Molly and she gave a laugh.

"Nope, all natural! I call them my vampire eyes." she said, purposefully blinking them while everyone else had a good chuckle although Roxy's exclamation did cause for everyone to gather and get a closer look, giving some 'oohs' and 'ahhs'. I couldn't blame them, for I did much the same when I first met Molly. In that moment Julie had returned to us. She was a small thing, seemingly even more so with her stick figure frame. She was even shorter than me, with long brown hair that reached her mid back.

"Hey everyone! Hey Keira! Hey... uhh... new person." she said a little awkwardly. Before I could introduce Molly, she jumped the gun and started to herself.

"Hi! I'm Molly, Keira's co-star in Phantom! I'll be Meg!"

Delight flooded Julie's features and she gave a peppy bounce. "Oh! It's good to meet you finally! I've heard a lot about you from Keira. She said that you sing really well."

Molly blinked and shot me a look to which I replied with giving a shrug. "It's the truth. You do sing well." I said but she scoffed.

"Not as well as you! I mean, you guys have listened to her, right? Doesn't she sing good? Like, SO good right?" Molly's praises made me a bit more flushed than I already could possibly be from the warmth of the numerous group of people flooding the club. All of my friend's though were giving knowing and sagely nods.

"Ohhh yes," Katie started, her arms folded across her chest, "too well. It's why you're still banned from karaoke!" at that everyone had a good little chuckle. "But, we may lift the ban, just for tonight, so we can hear you both sing."

"That would be incredible!" Anna said, then gave a start with a mild jump, "Actually, why don't we go do that now instead?"

"I'd be down with it. And if we get any guys leering at us, then I'll be the one to go up on stage." Roxy said with a grin. It was then unanimously decided that we spend the evening as such.

"Should we just head to Bill's?" Julie asked as we were exiting the club. That question was discussed and debated among our peer group more. Katie was in favor of it, but Anna and Roxy were making a point to go to a different place called Moxxie's. Molly and I looked at each other with a bit of indifference to where we should go.

"What do you think Keira, Molly?" Katie suddenly asked turning to us. I sputtered a bit, giving an 'uhh' but Molly was much more confident in giving her opinion.

"Why not the Planet Rose place? I remember going there with an old troupe of mine," Molly started with an infectious smile and pointing her index finger up like she had gotten a stroke of brilliance, "we'd go there and rent out private rooms, but also sing up at the front for friends and strangers alike to hear. A lot of fun and pretty reasonable. Have some tasty cocktails too."

Everyone stood by, considering Molly's words and before long everyone was giving a nod.

"Sounds as good to me as any!" Roxy stated and everyone chipped in their own comments of agreement. We all double checked to make sure everyone knew how to get there, and soon we were all trotting off to our respected cars (or with people who had driven them there). When Molly and I got back to mine, she had turned to me with a cheeky grin.

"All your friend's are pretty awesome, so far! I can see why you like hanging out with them. It's a good group, I can dig it."

I gave her a smile as I started up the car, pulling out of the parking space. "Everyone is pretty fantastic. Katie's boyfriend, Ashton, sometimes joins us and he's a real nice guy. I mean, actually decent, not like those assholes who claim to be 'nice'." I stated and Molly nodding in understanding. "Roxy's girlfriend, Rose, also does some performance work. I think she does just acting, no singing or anything. She's a little shy but is such a sweetheart once you get to know her."

We chatted a bit more on the drive over to Planet Rose, Molly giving a text to Jackson to let him know that, yes, we were still alive and fine. That reminded me that I should probably do the same for Phillip. Once we had pulled into a spot, I sent a quick text his way, letting him know that I was out late with friend's.

Heading up we met with everyone else outside of the Planet Rose. Unlike Bembe's, here it was a lot less crowded. There were still people about, but it wasn't a hot, sweaty joint where the walls shook with the beat of the pounding music. It was also a fair bit smaller than Bembe's, so it would be a lot more uncomfortable if it was crowded.

"So... are we getting a private room?" Julie asked before we entered the building.

"I think so," Anna replied, "at least to start out with. If we're feeling up to it, when we can go out to the front."

Going inside, we spoke with one of the bartenders in getting a room. We all pitched in to cover the cost and were skipping along to the door that they had pointed out, the one with the blue star just on the left. As we stepped into the room, there was no debate on who was going first. Everyone was practically shoving at Molly and I to the mic. Once up there, we were scrolling through the rather large list of songs, muddling over what to pick.

"What are you feeling Keira? I could go for singing something from like... I dunno, 80's or even 70's." Molly said while my eyes scanned the page, spotting one that would be perfect. I tapped my finger at it, looking to the dark haired girl with a knowing smile. She returned it, slowly nodding her head. "Let's do it."

We got the track going, both of us taking up a mic and swaying to the beginning notes of the song of 'Yes Sir, I Can Boogie'. Once we started singing, all the other girls gave a whoop, clapping their hands.

Molly's voice and mine combined harmoniously, bobbing to the music as we belted out the lyrics. I had truly missed doing something like this, and it gave me an opportunity to sing with Molly outside of rehearsals and our practice sessions.

"Yes sir! I can boogie," We sang as we faced each other, "I can boogie, boogie-boogie, all night long!" we finished the song by striking a duel pose, with all of my friend's, no, our friend's, applauding.

"Damn, that was awesome!" Roxy called out, "And I'm not really a fan of disco." Anna and Julie gave a here here to that.

"Can you guy's sing another? Just one more?" Katie requested, and everyone gave us such puppy-dogged eyes that how could we say no? However, 'just one more song' turned into another, and another. It became mine and Molly's own private showing of our singing to the girl's, but no one was complaining. We certainly weren't! The hours climbed into the night, drinks had been ordered, laughs shared around. A few of us had gotten out our phones to take pictures and group selfies, one of which Molly said she really liked. The other's did get up at one point to sing too, to at least give Molly and I a break. In all, we were having a great time and before any of us knew it, it was almost two in the morning.

"Jesus Christ I gotta get home and to bed!" Julie exclaimed when she had taken a moment to look at the time on her phone while nursing a drink. "It's 2 AM, maybe that goes for all of us." we begrudgingly agreed on that point. Everyone who had a glass of some kind of alcoholic beverage finished off what they could before the lot of us paraded out of the room. The main floor was a bit more packed than when we first arrived, with a pair of girl's at the public karaoke machine singing along to what sounded like a David Bowie song.

We all bid our farewells, with the girl's all exchanging their phones numbers with Molly and inviting her to future get togethers.

"If your brother ever wants to come along, he totally can." Katie said. To that, Molly burst out with laughter, and I could understand why even if the other's didn't just yet.

"Now that would be the sight. Oh my God. I... will tell him though. He really needs to get out more."

It made me think on just what Jackson would do in a place like Bembe's or Planet Rose. All I could see him doing was standing by the wall, perhaps scowling and certainly keeping an eye on Molly for any weirdo's that might prey on her. He'd certainly be a fish out of water. As Molly said though, and even he himself confessed, he needed to get out more. It might do him some good.

I transported Molly back home, talking all the way of the fun night she had and once again thanking me for bringing her along. We came to her condo door and Jackson was quick to answer it, a smile on his face and relief in his eyes. Molly had shuffled forward to give her brother a hug and it made me give a smile of my own. As much as the both of them would tease one another, sometimes gripe, either in front of each other or not, it was clear that they truly loved and cared for the other. They pulled away, Molly slowly going off to the bathroom and closing the door.

"I'm glad you both got here safely. Keira," Jackson began quietly, "thank you for looking out for Molly and... taking her out for some fun. I know I can be a bit... dour, and it can rub her the wrong way at times. ...I take it you both had fun?"

I grinned widely, nodding my head ecstatically. "Yeah! We actually went for karaoke instead. Everyone decided to lift my ban for the night so Molly and I could sing together. They really enjoyed it! They also took her in with open arms and she is officially a part of the group." I gave a pause, "They also said that you're welcome to join us too, if you'd like."

At this Jackson looked uncertain. His face dipped into a slightly grim expression while his shoulders sagged as he sighed. "The night life scene isn't exactly my cup of tea. I prefer... quieter settings. If there's dancing, I am a bit more old fashioned, preferring balls and waltz's."

I gave a considering nod. "Totally fine. They just wanted to make the offer. Hmm, a ball would be a lot of fun to go to though. Violins and a piano playing, swirling gowns across the dance floor. It looks a lot of fun in the movies. Oh, or it could be like in Jane Austen. Those kind of dances look so much fun!" Jackson gave me a smile, bowing his head.

"If there is ever an opportunity to go to one, perhaps we should go as a group. Molly and I, along with you and... Phillip."

I let out a noise of delight. "Oh for sure! That would be so cool! Well! Halloween is only a month or so away. All kinds of parties spring up here in the city, one of them has GOT to be like... a Victorian or Edwardian ball. That would be so cool.

"Well, I should get going Jackson. Tell Molly good night for me! And... you have a good night as well."

"Indeed. Drive home safely, Keira. ...See you later."

Jackson saw me to the door and had stood watching me go to my car. I noticed he only shut it once I was in the vehicle and pulling out of the parking space. I drove on back to the apartment, finding Phillip still awake and on the couch playing some video games. He looked up when I stepped through the door, hitting a button to bring up the game's pause menu.

"Hey babe, welcome home. Did you have fun with Katie and everyone?" he asked as I walked over, the pair of us exchanging small kisses.

"Yeah it was tons of fun! I brought Molly along to meet them all. We actually went for karaoke and I was allowed to sing. Molly and I did a bunch of duets, it was great."

"Really? That's great! Too bad I couldn't be there, but maybe next time."

I smiled, agreeing in 'maybe next time' before going by and into the bedroom. "Don't stay up too late now! But if you do, can you keep the volume low?" Phillip gave a word of confirmation. I didn't have even a moment to read a page of my book before I had slipped into pajama's and into the bed, for I fell straight into a dreamless sleep.