Enter the Theater Sub – Chapter 20 – New Conflicts
As they got ready in a bit of a hurry, Troy threw several items in a bag. He stopped Gabriella and looked into her eyes. "We're moving you in with me as soon as this is over." It was resolute. It was definitive. And, it was not contested.
Gabriella sighed and felt the tears return. She'd been so excited when she'd gotten this small place years ago. She'd thought it would be the kind of place she could maintain on her own. But as do all things, the neighborhood changed. She found herself increasingly feeling as though she needed to lock her doors and close her windows. Now, the ultimate betrayal of that belief of safety…a break-in.
Troy nodded to the officer. "We're just about ready. Is there anything else you need from us?"
The middle aged man looked at him, "Nah, we got yur statement and info. We'll have a car drive by 'ere every hour er so."
Troy felt less than pleased with the individual. He got their bags loaded into the truck. Then, he walked in and took Gabriella's hand. "We'll be at the address on the paperwork if you need anything."
The officer nodded and Troy led Gabriella out of the apartment.
Gabriella looked around one last time. She hated the idea of leaving, but Troy was right. She needed to be safe and she obviously wasn't. She cringed at the thought of what could have happened if he hadn't have been there with her tonight. Then she felt his hand tighten around hers. She looked over and gave him a half-hearted smile. "We're gonna okay, right?"
He nodded, "Yeah, baby, we're gonna be fine. I know you're shaken up right now, but we have a safe place to go and I'll be right here beside you."
She scooted across the seat and folded herself into his side. She let her eyes close as he wrapped his free arm around her shoulders. "Can we just have one nice, dull week? Is that really so much to ask?"
Troy chuckled, "A nice, dull week…hmm, can't say I've ever read that play and I'm damn sure I've read all the Shakespeare there is out there. What happens in this story?"
Gabriella giggled, "Nothing, absolutely nothing. They eat. They drink. They enjoy good, entertaining company. Then they sleep…for the whole night…no interruptions."
Troy laughed softly. "Sounds mind-numbingly boring, but I can see the draw for such an uneventful existence."
She shook her head against his skin. "MMmm-hhmmmm…" She let out a child-like sigh as she began to relax against him.
Troy sat in the eighth row of seats and watched as the students did a complete run through of the second act of the show. He was taking notes. Everything was set to open the following weekend and Troy had them doing a complete run through of each of the two acts independently. Then on Wednesday, a.k.a. tomorrow, he had them running through the entire thing. He was giving them Thursday off and then the show opened on Friday and ran through Monday evening.
He chuckled to himself as one young man tripped over a cord used to pull the backdrop of the winery into view. He noted the situation and then continued watching. He wanted them to get used to continuing on with the show instead of stopping if something went wrong. They'd gotten much better and it appeared that nearly everyone had their lines well memorized. Still as with any show, there were kinks to smooth out in the final week and everyone was beginning to be a bit stressed and nervous.
Troy worked hard to keep his mind focused on the task at hand. He'd fought all day with the building apprehension over his scheduled meeting for the evening. He'd contemplated asking Gabriella to come with him, but he was concerned that she might feel uncomfortable. So, ultimately, he was going on his own. After all, Caleb was his son and the situation needed to be handled between himself and the boy's adoptive parents.
Troy sighed as he moved his attention back to the present. He chuckled at one of the lines that the young girl delivered so well. This particular actress was nailing Beatrice's lines with exceptional timing and a distinct smoothness that denoted her understanding at dealing with a boy much like Benedick.
Troy made a few more notes and then got up to observe the back stage as the play came to a close. He finally rounded everyone up and ushered them into the audience. He sat on the small brick wall the bordered the pit in front of the stage. "Okay, so we still have some minor kinks." His statement was met with several groans of frustration. He smiled back at his audience none the less. "This is normal, guys. We're a few days out and we've got a full run through to do tomorrow. Still, I'm going to mention a few specifics. Marcus, beware your lines lest you forfeit any you might have coming during the Ides of March. Talen, please, I beg you, please, be sure to tuck your ropes after pulling new backdrops or set pieces onto the stage. They can trip up performers or even injury someone. Callen, that was a terrific adlib you did in the fourth scene, but this is Shakespeare and no one can improve it, including you. Gena, I need you to check on the costumes and be sure that every one of them is in the green room tonight before we lock up. Finally," Troy placed his hands into a prayer position and looked up to the ceiling, "my dear Shaky, forgive us our trespasses on your noble verbage. We are but foolish knaves with purpose only in entertaining the masses, or at least our parents who show up on opening night."
There was a chuckle across the group.
Troy smiled as he looked back down at several nervous and exhausted faces. "That's it for now. Be here," his voice raised as the teenagers began gathering items and standing to leave, "tomorrow at 3:45 sharp. It's a FULL run through. Do not forget makeup, costumes, or lines. Good night everyone. Good job today."
Troy began sorting through questions, students and items to be put away as his work day began to wind down. He had gotten spoiled when working with his college students. They knew so much more, were responsible for so much more, and god forbid, actually had an interest in Shakespeare. He chuckled to himself as he picked up another piece of a costume to take to Gena for organizing. _
Ms. Darbus sat at the top of the atrium smiling down at the young man whose life she'd watched change so drastically over the years when he should have been away at college playing basketball and enjoying himself. He'd had no real way to deal with the emotions. So, she'd persuaded him to try the theater and she'd sent a bumbling theater professor his way.
Unbeknownst to the handsome man currently running her chapel of the arts, she had further plans for his future. She smiled softly to herself. Perhaps a worthy successor was in her midst after all. She'd hoped that Ms. Montez might exert herself, but now as she watched Bolton stand quietly on the stage and look around himself with appreciation despite the weight that must be consuming his mind regarding his dinner plans and living arrangements, Ms. Darbus was sure she knew where the future of East High drama lie.
She softly closed her portfolio before escaping without notice into the hallowed halls of East High. She had an appointment with another man in a matter of minutes.