It was opening night for Rose. She was excited, nervous, and anxious all at the same time. She finished up with her make-up and wardrobe and went out towards the stage. She looked out from the corner of the curtain.
Wow…it really is a full house!
Rose knew she should've been more nervous…but something just felt right. This is where she belonged…on the stage. Sure, she had been nervous while rehearsing but now that it was actually happening, she was ready for it.
She scanned the crowd looking for people she knew. She saw Charlie and Anna and their kids towards the back. She also saw her friend Elizabeth with a few others they knew.
She then saw Jack, Josephine, and Cora sitting in the front row. She smiled to herself and her heart grew warm. Jack saw her peeking out and smiled at her.
I love you-he mouthed.
I love you too.
"Rose! Are you ready…we're on in five."
She spun around to the director, Mr. Phillips.
"Yes, sir. I'll get into position."
"Good job, Rose. You're going to knock their socks off. Not trying to make you nervous but the newspress are out there and I heard that some high end producers are out there too. This could be your big break."
"Hmm…seems too easy, Mr. Phillips."
"Well…when you get famous…don't forget to mention us, and of course me."
"How could I forget? You've been wonderful!"
He smiled at Rose.
"Alright, time to go!"
The narrator began…
Two households, both alike in dignity,
In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,
From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,
Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.
The play began and people watched eagerly.
"Yea, noise? Then I'll be brief. O happy dagger!"
Rose snatched Romeo's dagger.
"This is thy sheath;"
Rose pretends to stab herself.
"There rust, and let me die."
She falls over onto Romeo and dies.
The rest of the play ends with everyone giving the actors and actresses a standing ovation. They all linked hands and bowed. Rose in the middle. Suddenly, Jack came up holding a dozen long stemmed red roses.
"You were amazing, I love you."
"Oh Jack…I love you too."
She kissed him, and more people applauded.
The night ended and Rose was exhausted. She got dressed and went home with Jack and the children.
"So…how did you like your opening night?"
"It was amazing, Jack. All those people? It was exhilarating!"
Jack laughed.
"See I told you that you would be wonderful!"
Rose smiled.
"Did you see Molly there? She said she was going to come see me…but she wasn't there."
"She might've been held up taking care of her niece or some errands. I'm sure she'll come to your next showing."
"You're right, I just hope she is okay."
"I'm sure she is, Rose."
They went to bed after their long night. Rose dreamt of being a famous actress on Broadway…
