I had just finished putting a box of chocolates with a "thank you" note in Legosi's cubby. Then, while still wearing a smile, I went to enter the stage, clad in my over-sized dress; thank god for pins and string. The lights were on and the curtains drawn back. Everyone was already out there waiting when I stepped out, adjusting my sleeves along the way. "This gown is swallowing me alive, Lou."
That's when I glanced up to every acting club member now pausing to stare- or rather gawk- at me. Huh, that's weird, I thought as my feet came to a slow halt. What are they looking at? They're looking at me, obviously; but why? Louis, who was also on stage and skimming over a script, turned his head up and spun around to see me as well. After a moment of staring, a brilliant smile bloomed across his face. "Ah, Haru; you're here," he waltzed over to my side, stretching his hand out for mine. I grinned, taking it of course. And while he led me to the centre of the stage, I peered upwards to see a flabbergasted Legosi standing up where the spotlights were. As if acting on impulse, I grinned at him too. This made him flinch and glance around shyly, unable to meet my gaze. I didn't mind this time though; I didn't want to make feel uncomfortable in any way.
Once in the right position, Louis let go of my hand and went in front of me to inspect me once over; his forefinger rested on his chin ponderingly. Not long afterward though, he smiled a second time- a sincere smile. "Beautiful….." "Thank you," I returned the kind facial expression. "Alright, ready to go?" "I think so. Where should I stand?" "There is fine. Ok, Haru; just start whenever you're ready- no rush," Louis said going to sit on the front row along with the club's president and a few other actors. The president gazed up at me also with a gentle grin. "Whenever you like, dear."
This had been my first time ever doing something like this before. I was no actor by any means, nor did I want to be. That being said, I wasn't afraid of public speaking or getting up on stage. I'd rehearsed the balcony scene; namely cause Juliet's soliloquy was one I could perform alone. I cleared my throat and stood up as straight as I possibly could in a dress like this. Well, here goes nothing.
"Ay, me. O, Romeo, Romeo. Wherefort art thou Romeo? Deny thy father and refuse thy name. Or, if thou will not, be but sworn my love. And I'll no longer be a Capulet." Hey, you know; this isn't so bad. It's quite easy actually. "Tis but thy name that is my enemy. Thou art thyself, though not a Montague. What is a Montague? It is nor hand, nor foot, nor arm, nor face, nor any other part. Belonging to a man. O, be some other name." My eyes wandered over to Louis at this point; he was observing me attentively. "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. So Romeo would, were he not Romeo call'd, retain that dear perfection which he owes." I don't know why but my eyes drew up to where the still astonished Legosi was watching now. Legosi…. The wolf I still knew so little about. I hope he was enjoying the performance as well. "Without that title; Romeo, doff thy name. And for that name, which is no part of thee, take all myself."
There was a stunned silence in the auditorium immediately after I ended. Then, I don't know who, but someone started clapping, which all others followed suit. Continuing to clap, Louis finally got up and came to join me on stage. He flashed me the kindest of faces; his eyes soft and soulful as they rested upon me. Then he took my hand again in his once more, giving it a gentle squeeze. His eyes moved from me back onto the acting crew; his free arm stretched out. "Ladies and gentlemen, our Juliet."
