RealLifeThomas:
13. Thomas and Emily
*sighs* Another…. Fine…. Here you go…
Who Thomas is imagining, is up to the reader. I have multiple options for him.
"Kiss me."
Thomas glanced over to Emily, who were still reading her manuscript.
Emily sighed. "No, no, no, you need to sound like you actually mean it! Try again."
"Ugh… ok." Thomas groaned, clearing his throat.
Emily put the manuscript down, looking at Thomas standing in front of the mannequin that resembled his love interest in the play.
"Kiss me!" he said to the mannequin, trying to express his feelings with body language.
"Too dramatic." Emily commented. "Loosen up. Pretend the doll is someone you actually like."
Thomas sighed, this was harder than he had expected when he signed up for a role in the play.
"Remember, that doll is the love of your life, you've always wanted to kiss her... or him."
"Yeah, yeah. Let me focus, ok?" Thomas held a hand up, again stepping up to the mannequin, taking its hand, staring at its blank face. It felt utterly awkward, having to interact with it.
He groaned. "This isn't going to work… I should just resign from my role…"
"Don't be too hard on yourself. At least you have learned your lines… I still don't remember half of them…" Emily chuckled, motioning towards her manuscript in the table.
"Go on. Try again!" she urged him. "Try closing your eyes, maybe it will make it easier? Imagine your boyfriend."
Thomas still had his doubts, but followed her advice, taking the dolls hand again. Then he closed his eyes, recalling his boyfriend's face for his inner eye… his voice… the emotions… his glittering, vivid eyes… his lips…
"Kiss me…" he whispered passionately, jumping startled as Emily applauded.
"That was perfect!" Emily cheered. "I knew you would nail this role!"
"Bah… it's still only one of my lines… I need more practice." Thomas sighed pessimistic.
"Same… but there are still a few weeks left. Let's practice every day." Emily smiled.
"Let's rock that stage!" Thomas chuckled, getting influenced by her optimism.
"You bet we will!" Emily gave him a high five before they both started reading the script again, memorizing their lines.