A word ball is my 'oyster
Lauren's P.O.V.:
Sean and I were with my brother and sister in the theatre where Narnia was as Hector helped out with a new play he wrote for his college class. He wants to get a degree in Theater before I forget. It was called the World is my Oyster. You know the saying the world is your oyster? It's a parody. Hector wrote this play of a gentleman and the duchess who have been mutual friends and he is trying to steal the necklace of the duchess to make money off of the jewel, yet the duchess is like your revamp version of Dolly Levi from one of the great musicals of all time, "Hello Dolly" and has a crush on him. So, you can expect two things to go down comedy and drama.
Okay, I better get back to how rehearsal going before I get off tangent according to Hector. "Please tell Duchess Emma, that the Baron Daniel is here to see her at once," Danny demanded to Annie as the maid. No wonder Annie didn't get any lead parts. She nodded and soon walked off stage left. "Looks good," I whispered to Sean as we watched the dress rehearsal. "Sure does Laur. I can't believe Hector is debuting this show tonight. I bet you he's nervous," he whispered back. "Well he is," I agreed. "Okay, good she's gone," Danny told Keith as his sidekick and they turned their hats.
"What's the plan boss," Keith asked. "The plan Mugsy is we have a job to do and I don't want to make our leader angry," Danny told him. "Okay what is it," he sighed. "Now then, when I dance with the Duchess Marie, sneak into her bedroom and steal that $10,000 pearl necklace from her box clear," he asked Keith. "Yes sir," he said throwing a banana peel onto the carpet. "Hey Chowderhead, may I remind you don't place the banana peel down, this is Duchess Emma's home and she is one of many in the English court of King Edward," Danny reminded him. "I'm sorry, I was hungry," Keith explained. "Oh forget it, I'll pick it up," Danny told him as he bent down but we all heard the ripping of pants and I had to chuckle along with Sean as it happened.
"Now look what you've done, you knuckle head, you made the pants rip," Danny told him. "I'm not the one who put the peel on the carpet," Keith smiled and I just laughed including Sean. Hector smiled looking at us as we laughed at the scene happening. "Well, good news is Her Grace didn't see it, yet I travel with a needle and thread I gave you," he told Keith. "Glad you did gave it to me and lucky for you I know how to sew," Keith told him. "Well don't just stand there boy, sew," he shouted. I was chuckling along was Sean as we watched this unfold. "Your Grace," Keith asked then bowed. "What the, - Your Grace," Danny answered seeing Lisa come in with her costume and feather head comb.
"Barren," she greeted with a smile running towards him and tripping on the banana peel as Danny caught her in his arms. "Your Grace, Duchess Emma, you are truly a vision. May I please ask her Grace for this dance," he asked her as Helen, a friend of ours was laughing. "Oh heavens me," Lisa replied looking at Helen. "Uh heavens me," she said again and I could tell something was off including Sean. "Seriously Lisa? Are you insane that you forgot your dang lines," Danny told her. "No," she replied. "Well, get use to remembering because I can't work like this," he stormed off stage.
"Okay, cut lights please," Hector told everyone and the lights in the theatre soon came on. "Thank you," I replied walking up with Hector to talk with Lisa. "Lisa, are you alright, you seem off," Hector told her. "And don't look so good," I added in. "Well something has been bothering me over the last few days about the show tonight and I'm scared," Lisa told us. "Well, have you tried to calm down," I asked her. "Not really Lauren, I had been doing great but something is telling me to slow down and give up," she told us. "Or someone," Annie muttered under her breath. "Shouldn't you be doing something," Sean asked politely. She walked away leaving us to wonder why this would be happening. I started to scratch my head and think about what Annie muttered about. It's only been a few days since the birthday scenario keep in mind and I had a strange feeling she may have something to do with this. "Do you guys think Annie might have tapped some stage fright into Lisa," I asked Hector, Sean, and Lisa. "Maybe," Sean shrugged. "Well I think she said judging once," Hector added.
"Not only that I think Della laughing caught me off guard," Lisa explained. "Okay then, so I think the best way to solve this is to redo the scene and go from there," Hector told us. "Works for me," Lisa added. "Okay everybody back into places," Hector called and Danny soon came back out. "Any luck," he asked. "Della laughing caught her off guard," I replied. "Oh, that was simple," he shrugged and soon went back into place with Keith. Annie soon came over to her and started talking to Lisa. Sean and I hid behind the curtain and I couldn't make out was being spoken. "Can you make out anything," I whispered to Sean.
"No but I think I can read lips," he told me as we watched. "I don't think you can dude," I told Sean. "Okay Lauren your right I can't but I think somethings going on," Sean told me as we listened. "One little person threw you off you know, I bet you would imagine the pain of many people judging you if you screwed up on opening night tonight," I heard Annie tell Lisa. Sean and I looked at each other as Annie spoke to Lisa some more about people judging her. I could tell she looked scared. "Hector," I whispered pointing to Lisa as he got the signal and came over. "Hey Lisa, Lauren gave me a signal are you okay," he asked her.
"Look Hector about now, I feel like I should not be playing the duchess. I think this would be better off without me," Lisa explained. "Are you sure Lisa," I asked along with Sean coming from the curtain. "I'm sure. I'm sorry guys I have to go," she told us before running away. "Lisa," Jess called and so did the others as we watched her run like Cinderella at midnight. "Well, that didn't go as planned," Sean admitted. "Can I get a spotlight please," Hector asked. One came on him directly and he knew what to do.
"HEY YOU GUYS," he called out before removing the cap that was on his sweaty head. "We better find Lisa and catch up to her," I told Hector putting on my jacket. "Good point Lauren, I bet she's on her way to the diner, let's go," Hector replied getting everyone as we ran out of the theatre to the diner where Lisa sat there moping. "Lisa there you are," Hector told her. "Hey guys," she sighed. "What's wrong, this isn't you," I told her sitting down at a chair while Jess and Keith took up the other ones while Hector and Sean kneeled on the ground.
"I know Lauren but honestly I'm nervous about performing in front of a huge crowd and I don't why," Lisa explained. "Well, how does that answer the question Lisa? I don't know either besides I'm not a psychiatrist," Hector told her. "Well, Lisa's been great at practice that's for sure," Jess admitted. "Correction sis, better than great she was BRILLIANT," I exclaimed with Sean. "True," Lisa chuckled. "Yet there's no audience for Lisa that's why she's been brilliant," Sean pointed out. "He's right you know," Shock said coming out. "Oh hey buddy," I told him. "Hey Lauren, I overheard you guys and I think I know what Lisa is going through," he told us. "You do," Hector asked.
"Yep it's a grade A case of stage fright," he told us. "Stage fright," Lisa asked. "Yep. It happens when you perform a play. Believe it or not I had stage fright once," he told us. "You did Shock," Jess asked him. "Yeah when I was in kindergarten, our class was doing a play based on a book my teacher read about different animals in a pond. I was scared because I had to make animal noises and I almost choked up before my turn," he told us. "So what did you do to overcome stage fright," Lisa asked. "I basically focused on what not can go wrong but how it will go great," Shock told us. "Wow, Shock I'm impressed you had stage fright and overcame it," Hector admitted. "Some of the things you don't know about Shock," he smiled. "Well the thing is I know I have stage fright, but when I think about performing in front of many people my mind suddenly goes blank, anyone got suggestions," Lisa told us.
"Do you know your lines by heart Lisa," Keith asked. "Well I have memorized them in practice but it's hard at this degree," Lisa answered. "Yeah and honestly I speak for everyone when I say you can't let jitters get in the way of your performance Lisa besides Hector casted you as the lead because you're awesome," Jess said to her. "I guess your right Jess but what about something you guys can do," Lisa asked.
"How about hiring a new actress for the lead, I bet she would be good," Annie said coming up to us. "Were you spying on us," I asked Annie. "No observing from a distance," she replied. "For the record it's spying," I pointed out. "And can it will you? You're not getting the lead," Keith told Annie. She stared at him and gave him the we'll see about that smirk. "Wait, I thought of something," I told them. "You did Lauren," Hector asked. "Jess you have a copy of the script with you since your stage hand right," I asked. "Yeah, where are you going with this," she asked. "My point is Jess, if Lisa forgets any lines, you can show them to her," I explained.
Jess's P.O.V.:
"Oh I get it, I can use my word balls in order to show her. Lauren, that's a great idea," I told my sister. "Thanks. It's what I do," she shrugged. "Okay so it sounds like that problem is solved. So why don't we head back to the theater and get to work," Hector told us. "Okay, see you guys there," Lauren called as she and Sean ran back to the theater. "You think this is going to work," I asked Hector. "Worth a shot and as they say the show must go on," he told me as we headed back.
Lauren's P.O.V.:
Sean and I arrived back at the theater and out of breath from panting along with running at the same time which I can't blame myself. We walked back to see Danny doing some exercises I guess he learned from camp. "Rebus," Sean called and startled him. "Sean, don't do that to me," he remarked. "Sorry," he apologized. "Hey how did it go with Lisa," he asked us. "Has a case of stage fright," I answered. "Yikes, that's worse," he told us. "You got that right," Sean agreed.
"Indeed. Good for you guys to figuring it out," he told us. "Well, two minds think alike," I shrugged. "Danny, you in here? I want to talk to you," Annie's voice rang in the theater. "That's Annie," Sean realized. "Quick over here," I said going over to costumes and hiding behind the rack. "Hey there you are, I forgot to stop by and tell you what a brilliant performance beforehand," Annie told him. "Why thank you Annie. I must admit it is pretty good if I say so myself," he replied. "Of course. What are friends for," she told him.
"Well, what are you doing back here," he asked her. "I have a plan," she smirked. "A plan for what," he replied. "You know how you should be taken seriously when acting for sure and though it's too bad you won't," she explained. "Go on," he answered. "If Lisa forgets her lines, you won't say yours. Like a ripple effect," she explained to him. "What," Sean whispered. "Is she crazy," I mumbled with him watching from the rack. "I plan to steal the lead from Lisa for you see, I implemented her case of stage fright," she told him. "She did not," I gasped silently. "You did," he asked. "Uh huh now the only way to do so is get the lead and tell everyone I am better than her," she smirked. "I like that sound," Danny replied agreeing to the plan. She smiled and soon went away as the two of us came out. "Are you nuts," I asked him. "Sorry, she got me interested," he replied.
"Oh forget it," I answered and walked out of Danny's dressing room over to the main stage where Hector was going over things with Jess. "There you are Lauren. I was about to send a search party for you," he told me. "Well I'm here," I said to him. "What's wrong sis, everything okay," he asked. "Not really its about Lisa," Sean told him. "What happened," Jess asked. "Annie implemented stage fright into Lisa about the judging of people tonight," I explained. "Annie did that? I thought it was nerves," Hector told us surprised. "Well, she must have known and we heard she's trying to take the lead away from her and let Annie be it to tell everyone she's better than Lisa," Sean added.
"How did you guys hear about this," Jess asked. "We hid behind the costume rack Danny has and overheard everything," I explained to them. "Okay, Laur you know not to overhear," Hector told me. "I know Hector; but I'm concerned for Lisa. I don't want her to choke," I told them. "She's right Hector," Jess pointed out. "Okay, I'll let you off this time sis, thanks for letting me know about the problem. We'll keep an eye on it," he told me. I smiled and went back with Sean sitting down in our seats. "Okay everyone ready let's do the scene where we last led off okay and action," Hector called out.
The peel was placed on the carpet and everything was going smooth that's for sure in my mind. I looked to see Lisa in the wings waiting to go on and I could see she was taking deep breaths like Shock taught her back at the diner yet I could see Annie smirk hoping she would crack. Everyone looked on edge as we geared up for this. "Moment of truth," I whispered to Sean as we watched. "Hope this works," he said crossing his fingers as we watched it unfold to the very moment we had before. "Your Grace Duchess Emma you are a vision may I have this dance," Danny asked her. "Oh heavens me is as if I- is as if I had two," Lisa stuttered though the word were right on there.
"I have a bad feeling about this," I mumbled. Vibrations could be heard throughout the stage as something landed on the ground. The lines soon changed back to what they were and I could tell Lisa was getting use to it as she said the line perfectly. Well, one hurdle down a few more to go, I thought. "Oh what a gentlemen, Barron Daniel you are two far ink," she read out loud. "Oops," I whispered. "Well that's it the scene would be over if Lisa said that," Danny explained. "Yes I know Danny but Lisa is learning," Hector explained.
"We don't have time to learn. We got a show tonight and I can't work with this mess," he called her. "Hey Danny, don't call Lisa a mess. Annie's the one that started this in the first place," I called out. "Who me? Come on Lauren you must have taken crazy pills," Annie cooed to me. "Don't call me crazy," I said through gritted teeth. "Annie did you do something like mess up Lisa's lines," Sean asked. "No," she denied. "Liar," I mumbled. "What did you say," Annie asked. "Liar because you are one. You did this to Lisa and I am not a happy camper and I would do anything to stand up for my girl Lisa," I started to rant as Hector got me before tears streamed down me.
"Okay feisty pants. I know, clam down," Hector told me. I calmed down afterwards and looked at Annie. "Okay given these circumstances I think Annie, you go on for Lisa tonight. Lisa be ready for tomorrow okay," Hector told her. "I will Hector," she replied. "Besides, I won't call it off. Everyone switch roles now. We only have a few hours before the curtain drops," Hector told them. I stared at my brother and hugged him. "I don't what I'm doing Lauren, I feel like this is worse," he told me. "I know. You wanted to direct this play for quite some time but I think we can get through it," I told him. He smiled at me. "If you say so Lauren," he replied kissing my head. Sean and I quickly went backstage to see Lisa changing into her costume. Well the new one so to say.
"Lisa you sure this will work," I asked her. "It's worth a try Lauren. Besides I don't want to let anyone down," she told us. "I know you don't," I told her. Sean and I walked back from Lisa who was in her dressing room and we saw Danny and Annie talking. I nudged Sean as we stepped back watching from that creek in the door. "Nice plan Annie. You got the lead," Danny praised her. " I know it was genius now with this I can tell everyone how I am better than Lisa and they will believe me," she told him. "Oh no they won't," I muttered to Sean. "Yeah no matter how hard we, a-,achoo," Sean sneezed.
"Bless you," I replied. "Thanks," he whispered. "Did I hear someone sneeze," Danny asked. "Move," I told him as we left the room. Danny looked and didn't even see us as we ran away bumping into Hector. "Hey there you are, what happened," he asked us. "We got lost in finding the restroom," Sean explained. "Oh. That's alright. We're going to get started soon so get a seat while you can guys," he told us. We smiled and soon hurried to the wings of the stage and saw Della preparing to broadcast something for her family.
"Good evening fellow Sklecians and welcome to the live coverage of the Electric Players production of the World is My Oyster directed by Hector Ruiz and starring Danny Rebus. I'm Della Tranjeforian and I am backstage where opening night is set to get underway. You can just feel the excitement brewing in here which is amazing. I am standing next to one of the stars of the show playing Duchess Emma Miss Annie Scrambler, hey Annie," Della told everyone.
Annie looked off guard for a second until she spotted her. "Hey Della, doing something for your friends back home," she asked. "Sure are and this is live so they are seeing this now," she replied. "Wait, did you say live? Like television live," she asked. "Pretty much so enjoy the show guys," Della said and so she left. Annie stood still not happy realizing this was live. I guess she has her own fear of stage fright like Lisa did. "Okay everyone places please," Hector called as the curtain closed before everyone arrived which I could see people already sitting down for the show. Hector went behind the stage to talk to the cast then he came out. Everyone applauded as he came out.
"Welcome ladies and gentlemen to tonight's show. I am pleased you could be here. The cast worked hard on this production for you and I could not be more thrilled. I am pleased to present to you the world is my oyster," Hector spoke and everyone applauded as the curtain rose up. Lisa was on stage doing her thing of which Annie was supposed to do. Sean and I snuck back to the wings as Annie stood there silent. Lisa soon left the stage and went over to Annie. "You don't look good but that's what you get," she remarked. "I know but Della's broadcasting the show live and I don't want people to think I stink," Annie told her.
"Some of us do," Jess muttered. "I heard that," Annie told her. "Don't think about the negativity right now Annie, do the part," Lisa pleaded. "I can't Lisa, you need to do it," Annie told her. "Me," she asked. "Her," Jess, Sean and I asked. "Her," Annie replied. "I can't I have stage fright," Lisa told us. "This wouldn't happen if I scrambled the lines Jess gave you," Annie admitted. "You did what," Jess asked. Well all of us. "Your Grace," Keith spoke. "Your Grace," Danny replied. "Are you crazy right now you have to get out there," Lisa told her. "No I can't you do it," Annie pleaded. No one moved out from the wings yet and I could tell something was up. "You guys look, I know this is hard but Lisa you got to stop asking yourself the question of why don't them but why don't I," I told her. "How," Lisa asked. Time just stopped in my mind while everyone wondered what was happening. "Sean help me out," I told my friend as the piano began to play a tune I heard before. I led Lisa onto the stage with Sean as she stood looking out into the crowd with Hector watching.
(Lauren and Sean singing)
You've never been the ones, to step out of your comfort zones.
Whenever you try, you're afraid to just let go.
Don't know why you run, don't know why you hide. Never let them know what you feel inside.
Don't know why you're scared. Just to take a chance while you're still standing here.
Like a bird you're free to fly, spread your wings and fly your life.
Like a bird you're up so high, you're out of the cage, it's your time to shine.
Like a bird you're free to fly. So tell us, tell us why don't you.
Piano still in the background
Lisa speaking: You guys think I can do this?
Lauren: Of course Lisa, get that negative energy out and ask why don't you?
Lisa: You mean why don't I?
Lauren: Yep. You got this Lisa.
Lisa stepping forward and singing
I've never been the one to break free.
Cuz I've always cared what everyone thinks of me.
Don't know why I run, don't know why I hide. Never let them know what I feel inside.
I don't want to settle. Don't want to run this is not where I belong.
Like a bird I'm free to fly, spread my wings and fly my life. Like a bird, I'm up so high. I'm out of the cage is my time to shine.
Like a bird I'm free to fly, so tell me, tell me why don't I?
End piano music in the background
Lisa's P.O.V.:
"Your right guys. I have to stop asking myself what can go wrong and ask why don't I? I need to take a chance," I told them. "There you go girl. Wait what about the show, "Lauren asked. "Five minuet intermission," Jess suggested. "On it," Annie said to us. She went to Hector and whispered for an intermission. He agreed and the show stopped for a bit.
Lauren's P.O.V.:
Lisa hurried with us and Annie switching costumes and accessories which almost went into an entire minute in my eyes. We raced back in time as I gave Jess a signal and the light came back on with the actors still in place. "Your Grace," Danny called out again. Lisa soon stepped out from the wings and smiled. "Barron," she greeted him. We could hear cheers coming from everyone even Hector and the rest of the cast look stunned at this surprise. "Your Grace," Danny asked again.
"Barron," she told him again before slipping on the banana peel landing at Danny's level which he caught her. "Your Grace, Duchess Emma, you are a vision. May I ask her Grace for the next dance," Danny asked. "Oh heavens me Barron, it's as if I had two left feet," she chuckled. Everyone chuckled as well and I could see a smile on Hector's face. "Here my dear let's help you up," Danny said helping Lisa up from the ground. "Oh a handsome gentleman. Barron Daniel, you are far to kind," Lisa told him. "Why thank you Your Grace, now may I have the next dance," he asked.
"Barron, I must tell you something I forgot," she told him. "Which is," he asked. "I never dance with a man with torn pants," she told him. Everyone laughed and so did the two of us as the scene continued. I have to admit it went really well. "Yes," Sean and I cheered with high fives as everyone celebrated including Jess. "Barron Daniel, little baron, I have waited a while for you to come but I had no idea on why it took you so long," Lisa said continuing her lines as we watched with smiles.
"I knew she could do it," Jess told us. "How," I asked my sister. "Simple. Confidence boost and some great friends to help," she said to us. I smiled and agreed as the rest of the play continued. The show went on till the epilogue of the duchess and baron finally dancing together and in the end learn the world is theirs. People started to applaud as the curtain closed for the last scene and everyone was ready for curtain call as they came onto the stage.
Lisa got the most cheers as the duchess and curtsied before extending her arm to Danny who bowed with a big old grin on his face. Keith and the others soon joined in an extending their hands to Hector which everyone cheered including us as he came with the rest of the cast and bowed. More cheers followed and bows happened again. I couldn't help but smile neither did Sean as we celebrated. "You guys did great," I said hugging them.
"Thanks Lauren, I needed a confidence boost," Lisa told me. "You sure did," Sean agreed. "Indeed," Danny said as well. Annie came by and said congrats. "Hey Hector, when did Della say she'll get her review in," I asked over the noise. "Tomorrow," he told me as I smiled then hugged my big brother. We all soon walked back to our apartment after stuff was placed away and I couldn't help but feel more excited for tomorrow on the review of the play.
(One day later)
Lauren's P.O.V.:
Lisa, Jess, Danny, Shock, Keith, Annie, Sean and I were waiting at the diner for Hector to come back with this week's paper so we could see Della's review. I hope it was a good one cause honestly I would be scared so would the others if it was a bad one. "This is so exciting," Keith said to us. "I know. I hope Della wrote a great review because I am betting one dollar she did," Jess told us. "Well, I hope so. Besides after yesterday's shakeup, I was surprised how it came through in the end," Sean said as well. "Okay gang, guess who made front page of the paper," Hector called coming over holding the page high and proud so we can read and see it. "No way," we gasped. "Sure did. Take a look," Hector told us handing over the paper. Everyone wanted a hand on it but I got and began to read.
"Who would have thought the World is my Oyster would be an amazing production put on by the Electric Players? This show had some glitches in the beginning but I must admit Hector Ruiz's directive work has placed him on track for maybe directing another Electric Players production," I read out loud first. Hector smiled as Jess hugged with happiness. "Yeah Hector," Keith cheered and so did Shock. "Thanks guys," he told them.
"Wait there's more," Sean said getting the paper. "More," everyone asked. "Yep. Danny Rebus I must admit did an amazing job as Barron Daniel with that charisma and attitude he placed into his character," Sean read. Danny gasped and smiled as we high fived him. "My favorite part of the show and possibly the most agreeable was the amazing comeback performance of Lisa Heffenbaucer as the Duchess Emma after she came down with stage fright and thanks to Lauren Ruiz and Sean Matthews she learned to ask why don't I take a chance. I highly recommend to see this show and I will be coming back for the next performance," Jess read out loud. We smiled at the last portion of the article.
"I have to admit guys, that was amazing," I said to them. "Sure was Lauren, and thanks to you Lisa. You saved the show," Hector told her. "Well honestly Hector, Lauren and Sean deserve some credit because they helped me out of my stage fright," Lisa said to him. "I guess we are helpful," Sean muttered to me with a nudge. I just laughed. "Also thanks to you Shock, I guess your experience helped me out too," Lisa thanked him. "My pleasure Lisa and congrats again guys you deserve the honor," he told us with a smile.
"Indeed, I'm just glad they got the amazing Danny Rebus in the picture," Danny said happily with the article. "Hey what about me? Did they say something about me," Annie whined. "I bet they did Annie, and- oh no," Sean said looking at the part Annie was mentioned in. "Dear Lord please help her," I muttered crossing myself. "Give me that," she demanded from us and grabbed the paper. "Annie Scrambler I must admit was simply forgettable as the wordless maid who originally wanted the role from Lisa," she read.
All of us gasped and held back shock as she read it. "Wow Annie, that's got to hurt," Danny remarked. "No fair," she stormed and marched away. "Something tells me she learned a lesson Danny learned recently," I told the gang. "What's that Lauren," Hector asked. "People are just too touchy," I told them. "Well you got that right, that's for sure," Keith agreed and so did the others as we smiled and chatted. I guess in the end things go well as they hoped it would be; but I'm glad we got Lisa back in the show as the duchess.
There you have it! This chapter is complete! I hope you guys enjoy for now and I can't wait to write more in the future so please again bear with me on the rest of the stories. By the way have give credit to Sofia Carson and Thomas Law for the song Why don't I from a Cinderella Story if the shoes fits. I found the song perfect for Lisa. So before I forget, I wish you all a very happy Easter! From, Lucy the Valiant 89