I do own the copyrights to So Weird.

Putting Things in Order

Scene 4

Released from Promise

Carly and Fi walked into the theatre marked on the map through the back door. Costumes were kept, somewhat haphazardly, in boxes with a few hanging on hooks. Old chairs, brooms and such were also in the back, but none could be seen if one sat in the audience -nothing new there. Jack could be heard on stage talking to his mother only Charly didn't notice as she'd doubled over.

"Are you okay?" Fi asked and helped her mother's friend, who had quickly become her own before they'd set out on tour, over to an empty bench.

"No, no I'm not." Charly took more than one breath and grounded herself before speaking. "I haven't had an anxiety attack in ages." She let another long breath out, "I didn't think stepping foot inside a theatre after so many years would affect me so much. I, literally, felt as if someone had punched me in the stomach full force."

"You've been in theatres before?" Fi was only shocked because her mother had said Charly avoided them like the plaque.

"It..." A memory of a gentleman chewing her out and saying she had no business being on a public stage rang out loud and clear. "...was before I met your mother."

The gentleman had a very round face and very little hair. There was, as far as Charly was concerned, a sense of arrogancy about him. It was almost as if he thought women were inferior to men and bothered her to no end.

"Who was he?" Fi asked when Charly opened up, a little, about her memory.

"I..." Charly was shocked when her mind went blank. "...don't recall his name." Just then Molly came out and asked if Charly wanted to join the rehearsals. "I know you haven't been on stage in years; nonetheless, it would be kind of neat."

"Who put the idea into your head?" Charly asked calmly, though her nerves were racing a mile a minute.

"What would you say if I said it was Jack's."

"I believe it." Charly stood up, walked to the edge the curtains debating whether, or not, to go on only another flash hit. She twirled around as rushed by Molly. "I'm sorry, I can't, I made a promise not to, Unless I get released from it, then I cannot do it."

"What promise?" Molly turned to Fi who held up her hands.

"Don't ask me. She's never spoken anything to me on the subject."

The wind was blowing gently as Charly sat on a bench talking deep breaths of air. Her mind raced with 'Promise me, you won't attempt to come onto this stage again rang loudly in her ears. Therefore, the lady ignored a cold nip on her skin and did not acknowledge the sound of footsteps heading her way until a heavy shawl was put around her. Turning her head Charly stiffened and sat up - it was the man in her flashback.

"What are you doing here? I didn't go on stage." Charly failed to hear any tone of pain in her voice; the gentleman did not.

"So, you remember me?"

"Yes and no." Charly let her shoulders slump. "Your face and voice sound familiar, but..." She looked at him unaware the pain in her voice matched her sad eyes.

"Not my name." He sighed, "Not surprising, it's not like my name was ever written down. You know, side character in life no one notices."

"So, why are you here?"

"To release you from the promise I insisted you make; I was wrong."

"What's your name?" Charly heard what he'd said, however, there was a need in her to know how to address him.

"Jason." He urged her, gently, to go back inside. "Your friend can sing; nonetheless her voice has nothing on yours."

"I doubt that." However, Charly stood up and followed him inside. "Are you sure?" She asked hesitantly.

"I'm sure, go ahead." With the Charly waited for Molly to wave her onto stage.