Chapter Eleven: Never Happily Ever After
Ashley: Well, some of you know what happened...some of you don't. All my files were erased...including the almost-done chapter eleven. So...what you are reading right now is not the original version. I wrote the whole thing over again. It was extreme fun. I just wanna get to the chapter so....I don't own Digimon, West Side Story, Amber, or whoever I don't own in this chapter.
Oh, yes, before I forget, I didn't realize how short act two was until now. This is the last chapter of the play. Not the fic, THE PLAY! Got that? Good.
Quick cookie handouts and some comments:
lilcherryblossom - ARE YOU TRYING TO GIVE MY PLOT AWAY?! Like anyone didn't know that though. Thanks too!
Dragongirl - Well, thank you. And yes, I will update faster, but my computer is gonna be taken away for three days. I'm trying to get this chapter done before it does.
The Anti Fluffy - Ahh...8th grade. Gonna be easy, trust me. Good luck in 8th grade!
One of your Fans - Oh, wow, um...thanks. I'm speechless. I might write a WSS fic...thinking about it.
Kit Kat - You remind me of my classmate, Dan, who started singing that song in the middle of class. Anyway, thanks!
Akino Matoumiken - Sorry, your review didn't come in e-mail for some strange reason. You get two cookies. Hey, A Walk To Remember? Wasn't that the movie my class was going to watch in choir but couldn't find a DVD player? Yeah...
bff - Hey KT! No pool on the 4th floor? Okay, I'll remember that. Thanks for reviewing!
Okay, on with chapter eleven.
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"Now this scene is interesting..." Amber said to Ashley, who nodded, as the curtain rose. (A/N: Our first reactions to this scene when watching the movie actually was WHAT THE!?!)
The stage shown the bedroom, and there was a faint glow over two people on the bed, Ryo and Rika. Ryo wasn't wearing his shirt and Rika was in a slip. (A/N: Yeah, exactly...if only I had a screenshot.) There was a knock, and suddenly it got very much louder. Ryo bolted awake, waking up Rika also.
It is Anita, who is standing out in the parlor, looking like she was about to cry. Anita walked over to the bedroom door, and tried to open it, but it was locked.
"Maria?" Anita called, "Maria?" Ryo reached for his shirt, and Rika sat up, ready to answer. Quickly, Ryo put his hand over her lips, and then his lips over her's. "Maria, it's Anita. Why are you locked in?"
"I didn't know it was locked," Rika managed to say.
"Open the door. I need you," Anita said.
Rika reached for the doorknob, but Ryo stopped her.
"Now you are afraid, too," Rika whispered.
"What?" Anita asked, confused.
"One moment," Rika said outloud.
"Doc'll help. I'll get money from him. You meet me at his drugstore," Ryo whispered. In the other room, Anita was aware of the voices, but was unsure on what they were saying.
"At Doc's, yes," Rika said, then loudly, "Coming, Anita!"
Ryo walked over the window but turned around and kissed Rika once more. "Hurry!"
Then he scrambled out of the window, as Rika hastily put a bathrobe over her slip. In the other room Anita stiffened and moved away from the door. She stood, staring at it coldly, as Rika opened the door a little to talk to her.
"Did you see Chino? He was here before, but he left so angry I think maybe he - " She was interrupted by Anita shoving past, and looks out the window, and at the bed. Then she turned accusingly to Rika. "All right. Now you know," Rika said.
"And you still don't know!" Anita exclaimed, "Tony is one of them!" Then she started to sing bitterly,
"A boy like that who'd kill your brother,
Forget that boy and find another,
One of your own kind-
Stick to your own kind!" Rika turned away from Anita, but Anita forced Rika to look at her.
"A boy like that will give you sorrow-
You'll meet another boy tomorrow!
One of your own kind,
Stick to your own kind!
A boy who kills cannot love,
A boy who kills has no heart. (A/N: I was thinking...didn't Bernardo kill Riff? Then she's saying her used-to-be boyfriend has no heart...and cannot love...hmm...)
And he's the boy who gets your love
And gets your heart-
Very smart, Maria, very smart!
A boy like that wants one thing only,
And when he's done he'll leave you lonely.
He'll murder your love; he murdered mine.
Just wait and see-
Just wait, Maria,
Just wait and see!
Rika interrupted, "Oh, no, Anita, no-
Anita, no!
It isn't true, not for me,
It is true for you, not for me,
I hear your words-
And in my head
I know they're smart,
But my heart, Anita,
But my heart
Knows they're wrong" Anita sang the chorus she just sung, while Rika went on with her song,
"And my heart
Is too strong,
For I belong
To him alone, to him alone.
One thing I know:
I am his,
I don't care what he is.
I don't know why it's so,
I don't want to know.
Oh no, Anita, no-you should know better!
You were in love-or so you said.
You should know better..."
Rika sat down next to Anita on the bed, who was starting to cry.
"I have a love, and it's all that I have.
Right or wrong, what else can I do?
I love him; I'm his
And everything he is
I am, too.
I have a love and it's all that I need,
Right or wrong, and he needs me too.
I love him, we're one;
There's nothing to be done,
Not a thing I can do
But hold him, hold him forever,
Be with him now, tomorrow
And all of my life!"
Rika held out her hands for Anita to take, and slowly Anita took them as they both started sing.
"When love comes so strong,
There is no right or wrong,
Your love is your life!"
Anita, who was crying, said softly, "Chino has a gun...he is sending the boys out to hunt for Tony..."
Rika tore off her bathrobe, as she stormed across the bedroom. "If he hurts Tony...if he touches him...I swear to you, I'll..."
"You'll do what Tony did to Bernardo?" Anita asked sharply.
"I love Tony."
"I know. I loved Bernardo."
Suddenly, Shrank came into the outer room. "Anybody home?" He went to the bedroom door, and saw Rika and Anita. "Sorry to disturb you. Guess you're disturbed enough."
"Yes. You will excuse me, please. I must go to my brother," Rika said, getting on her robe.
"There are just a couple questions..." Shrank said.
"Afterwards, please. Later," Rika said in a hurry.
"It'll only take a minute."
"Couldn't you wait until - " Anita started to ask, until she was interrupted by Shrank.
"No!" Then he turned and smiled at Rika. "You were at the dance at the gym last night."
"Yes," Rika answered.
"Your brother got in a heavy argument because you danced with the wrong boy."
"Oh?"
"Who was the wrong boy?" Shrank asked.
"Excuse me," Rika said, going over to Anita, "Anita, my head is worse. Will you go to the drugstore and tell them what I need?"
"Don't you keep aspirin around?" Shrank said.
"This is something special. Will you go for me, Anita?"
Anita hesitated, then looked at Rika, and nodded. "Shall I tell him to hold it for you till you come?"
"Will I be long?" Rika asked Shrank.
"As long as it takes."
"Yes. Tell him I will pick it up myself," Rika said, and Anita left. "I'm sorry. Now you asked?"
"I didn't ask, I told you. There was an argument over a boy. Who was that boy?"
"Another from my country."
"And his name?"
"Jo?e." The lights went out, and immediately came back on a few seconds later. The stage showed the drugstore, Doc's.
Kenta and some of the Jets were already there, as Ashley and the other Jets ran in.
"Where's Tony?" Kazu asked.
"Down in the cellar with Doc," Kenta answered.
"Ya warn him about Chino?"
"Doc said he'd tell him."
"What's he hidin' in the cellar from?" Baby John asked.
"Maybe he can't run as fast as you," Takato exclaimed.
"Cut the frabbajabba," Kazu said.
"Yeah! The cops'll get hip, if Chino and the PRs don't," Ashley told them.
"Grab some readin' matter...play the juke. Some of ya get outside and if ya see Chino or any PR - " Kazu started, but stopped, as Anita entered. Cold silence, then she slowly came down to the counter. They all stared at her. A long moment. Then someone turned on the jukebox, a mambo comes on softly.
"I'd like to see Doc," Anita said.
"He ain't here," Kazu lied.
"Where is he?" Anita asked.
"He's gone to the bank. There was an error in his favor," Kenta exclaimed.
"The banks are closed at night. Where is he?" Anita pointed out.
"You know how skinny Doc is. He slipped in through the night-deposit slot."
"And got stuck halfway in," Ashley said.
"Which indicates there's no tellin' when he'll be back. Buenos noches, señorita."
Anita moved toward the cellar door.
"Where you going?" Diesel asked.
"Downstairs to...see Doc," Anita replied.
"Didn't I tell ya he ain't here?"
"I'd like to see for myself," Anita said.
"Please," Kazu exclaimed, nastily.
Anita hesitated but said, "Please."
"Por favor," Kazu said.
"Will you let me pass?" Anita asked, frustrated.
"She's too dark to pass," Takato said.
"Don't," Anita whispered.
"Please don't," Kazu corrected.
"Por favor," Takato added.
"Non comprende."
"Gracias."
"Di nada."
"Listen, you..." At the end, Anita controlled herself and stopped.
"We're listenin'," Kazu said.
"I've got to give a friend of yours a message. I've got tell Tony - " Anita started.
"He ain't here," Diesel lied.
"I know he is," Anita said.
"Who says he is?" Kazu asked.
"Who's the message from?" Kenta questioned.
"Never mind," Anita said.
"Couldn't be from Chino, could it?" Kazu exclaimed.
"I want to stop Chino! I want to help!" Anita said.
"Bernardo's girl wants to help?" Ashley asked.
"Even a greaseball's got feelings," Kazu said.
"But she wants to help Tony!"
"No!"
"Not much...Bernardo's tramp," Kazu said.
"Bernardo's pig!" Takato taunted
"Don't do that!" Anita yelled.
"Gold tooth!"
"Pierced ear!"
"Garlic mouth!"
"Spic! Lyin' Spic!"
The taunting broke out into a wild, savage dance with epithets hurled at Anita, who is surrounded by the group. At the peak, Anita was shoved into a corner and Baby John is lifted up high and almost dropped on her when Henry came in, yelling.
"Stop it! What've you been doing now?" Henry asked.
Dead silence, then Anita got up, trying not to cry. "Bernardo was right. If one of you was bleeding in the street, I'd walk by and spit on you." And she started to make her way to the door.
"Don't let her go!" Kazu yelled.
"She'll tell Chino that Tony - " Diesel started. Takato grabbed Anita but she shook loose.
"Let go!" Anita cried out, "I'll give you a message for your American BUDDY! Tell the murderer Maria's never going to meet him! Tell him Chino found out and...and shot her!" Then she slammed the door on the way out. There is stunned silence.
"What does it take to get through to you? When do you stop? You make this world lousy!" Henry said.
"That's the way we found it, Doc," Kazu explained.
"Get out of here!" Henry yelled, as the Jets slowly filed out.
Down in the cellar, Ryo was sitting down on a crate, whistling "Maria" as Henry came down, with some bills in his hand.
"Make a big sale?" Ryo asked.
"No," Henry answered, softly.
Ryo took the money Henry was holding. "Thanks. I'll pay you back as soon as I can."
"Forget that."
"I won't...I couldn't. Doc, you know what we're going to do in the country, Maria and me? We're going to have kids and we'll name them all after you, even the girls. Then when you come to visit - " Suddenly, Henry slapped Ryo. Henry spoke, his voice shaking.
"Wake up! Is that the only way to get through to you? Do just what you all do? Bust like a hot-water pipe?"
"Doc, what's gotten - " Ryo said.
"Why do you live like there's a war on?" Henry said, then softly, "Why do you kill?"
"I told you how it happened, Doc. Maria understands. Why can't you?" Ryo asked.
"I never had a Maria," Henry said sadly. (A/N: Aww...poor Henry...or poor Doc. Whatever way you see it.)
"I have, and I'll tell you one thing, Doc. Even if it only lasts from one night to the next, it's worth the world."
"That's all it did last," Henry said.
"What?" Ryo asked, confused.
"That was no costumer upstairs, just now. That was Anita." A pause. "Maria is dead. China found out about you and her...and shot her."
A brief moment. Ryo looked at Henry, stunned and numb. He shook his head, as if he couldn't believe this was happening. Henry tried to comfort him, but Ryo backed away, and suddenly turned and ran out of the door. As he did this, the set was moved offstage and the stage went dark. In the darkness we hear Ryo's voice.
"Chino? Chino? Come and get me, too, Chino!"
The lights came back on to reveal Ryo, walking by the same set at the beginning of act one, but it is now jagged with shadows. Ryo was still calling out for Chino.
"Chino? COME ON! GET ME TOO!"
"Tony..." A whisper came from the shadows.
Ryo swung around. "Who's that?"
Ashley darted onstage. "Me...Anybodys."
"Get outta here," Ryo said, "HEY, CHINO! COME GET ME, DAMN YOU!"
"What're you doin', Tony?" Ashley asked.
"I said get outta here! CHINO!"
"Look, maybe if you and me just - "
Ryo turned around and grabbed Ashley by the shoulders. "It's not playing any more! Can't any of you get that?" he shouted.
"But the gang - "
"You're a girl...be a girl! Beat it!" Ashley then ran offstage. "CHINO, I'M CALLING FOR YOU, CHINO! HURRY! IT'S CLEAR NOW. THERE'S NOBODY BUT ME. COME ON! Will you, please? I'm waiting for you. I want you to - "
Then Ryo suddenly stopped. All the way across the stage, a figure stepped out of the dark. Ryo stopped and peered as the light glowed on it.
Ryo uttered an unbelieving whisper, "Maria...Maria?"
"Tony..." Rika said, happily, but another figure appeared.
Chino.
"MARIA!" Ryo shouted, as they ran to each other. But...
BANG!
Ryo stumbled, as though he had tripped, and Maria catches him, and they faltered to the ground. During this, all the rest of the Sharks and Jets ran on, including Henry. Chino stood very still, bewildered by the gun in his hand.
"I didn't believe hard enough," Ryo whispered.
"Loving is enough," Rika said.
"Not here. They won't let us be."
"Then we'll get away," Maria said.
"Yes, we can. We still..." Ryo shivered as a "pain" went through him. Rika held Ryo closer and began singing without the music.
"Hold my hand and we're halfway there.
Hold my hand and I'll take you there,
Someday,
Somehow..."
Ryo started to join in on the second line, and Rika sang louder as if urging him back to life. But Ryo faltered and barely finished the line. Rika sang on, then stopped, Ryo's body quiet in her arms. A moment, and then Rika gently laid Ryo on the ground, brushing her fingers against Ryo's lips. Behind her, Action, moved to lead the Jets toward Chino. But Rika spoke, voice cold and sharp.
"Stay back." The shawl around her shoulders slipped to the ground as she got up. Then Rika walked over to Chino and held out her hand. Chino handed her the gun. She spoke again, in a flat, hard voice, "How do you fire this gun, Chino? Just by pulling this little trigger?"
Rika suddenly pointed it at Chino, who drew back. Rika's voice got stronger with anger and savage rage. "How many bullets are left, Chino? Enough for you?" She pointed the gun at a person. "And you?" At Kazu. "All of you? We all killed him...and my brother and Riff. I, too. I can kill now because I hate now!" During saying that, she pointed the gun wildly, at random people. Now, again, she pointed it at Kazu, but was talking to Chino. "How many can I kill, Chino? How many...and still have one bullet left for me?"
A moment, then Rika broke into tears, throwing the gun, and sunk on the ground. Just then, Shrank walked on and he started toward Ryo's body. But like a madwomen, Rika raced to the body and put her arms around it.
"DON'T YOU TOUCH HIM!" Rika yelled. Shrank stepped back, as Krupke and Glad Hand appeared from the shadows. Rika now turned and looked at Chino, who slowly came to stand by the body, and then at Action, Diesel, and Pepe.
"Te adoro, Anton," Rika said gently, kissing him once last time.
The music started as two Jets and two Sharks lifted up Ryo's body and carried it out. The others followed them. But Baby John stayed behind to put Rika's shawl over her head. Rika sat there, like a woman in mourning, but finally got up, despite the tears on her face, and followed the others. Henry, Shrank, and Glad Hand are left bowed, alone, and useless.
The lights blacked out and the curtain fell, as the audience erupted into applause. But the curtain came up a couple seconds later, for the bows.
Amber came out first for her solo, and everyone clapped.
Then Henry and Jeri came out, with some other people, for not-very-but- kinda important parts. Everyone kept clapping.
Then for the middle important parts, which including Takato, Kazu, Kenta, and Ashley. Kazu was still trying to annoy Ashley, irregardless of what happened earlier. He even tried to kiss Ashley on the cheek...which...
"AHHHHHHH!!!" Kazu yelled, as he was thrown off the stage and into the audience. Ashley was smirking satisfactorily, then briskly walked offstage, all the shocked cast following.
After the stunned Mrs. Tenner got over what just happened, she announced, "And the two most important characters...give them a great round of applause...RYO AKIYAMA AND RIKA NONAKA!" Everyone stood up and gave them a standing ovation, as they both came out.
Some young boy in the audience shouted, "Look, Mommy, IT'S THE DEAD GUY!" Ryo just gave the boy a small smile, which caused the boy to shout, "AND THE DEAD GUY IS SMILING!" Ryo just shook his head. (A/N: This happened at the play I went to.)
Finally the clapping ended and Mrs. Tenner came out to speak.
"I can't believe my students...they made me so proud. Especially since we had some difficulties...like losing one of the main actors three days before the play...and the shortness of the time to learn lines and everything. Thank you for coming...and thank you parents! I appreciate all of you!"
Everyone clapped once again, as the cast either went home and stayed to talk to their friends.
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Ashley: YEAH! The most boring ending of chapter ever! And least time for writing a whole chapter over! OH YEAH! Go me...go me...
Kazu: Do you have something against me or something? Why do you keep hurting me?
Ashley: All Amber's idea. Thanks Amber (Henrylovr07).
Kazu: ...
Ashley: Okay, I have couple things to say. My computer is being taken on Wednesday and I won't have it for three or more days. That means three days without writing any of the next chapter. So, the next chapter might be a long wait. Also, I was watching WSS again, and noticed a little detail in the movie that wasn't in this play. I thought it was funny. Here's the scene:
"Oh, Riff, you've gotta let me be in the gang!" - Anybodys
"Ha...how else is she gonna get a guy to touch her?" - A-Rab
"Why you! " - Anybodys
"The road little lady, the road." - Riff
I found that funny...because I played Anybodys. I dunno...it was just funny to me. Anyway, please review! PLEASE? PLEASE? Just review...I HAVE COOKIES! Come on, PLEASE REVIEW!
School counter: Four days until school is out...(AHHHHHHH!!!! FINALS!!!)
Just R&R.
(Next chapter: What will happen after the play?)
Ashley: Well, some of you know what happened...some of you don't. All my files were erased...including the almost-done chapter eleven. So...what you are reading right now is not the original version. I wrote the whole thing over again. It was extreme fun. I just wanna get to the chapter so....I don't own Digimon, West Side Story, Amber, or whoever I don't own in this chapter.
Oh, yes, before I forget, I didn't realize how short act two was until now. This is the last chapter of the play. Not the fic, THE PLAY! Got that? Good.
Quick cookie handouts and some comments:
lilcherryblossom - ARE YOU TRYING TO GIVE MY PLOT AWAY?! Like anyone didn't know that though. Thanks too!
Dragongirl - Well, thank you. And yes, I will update faster, but my computer is gonna be taken away for three days. I'm trying to get this chapter done before it does.
The Anti Fluffy - Ahh...8th grade. Gonna be easy, trust me. Good luck in 8th grade!
One of your Fans - Oh, wow, um...thanks. I'm speechless. I might write a WSS fic...thinking about it.
Kit Kat - You remind me of my classmate, Dan, who started singing that song in the middle of class. Anyway, thanks!
Akino Matoumiken - Sorry, your review didn't come in e-mail for some strange reason. You get two cookies. Hey, A Walk To Remember? Wasn't that the movie my class was going to watch in choir but couldn't find a DVD player? Yeah...
bff - Hey KT! No pool on the 4th floor? Okay, I'll remember that. Thanks for reviewing!
Okay, on with chapter eleven.
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"Now this scene is interesting..." Amber said to Ashley, who nodded, as the curtain rose. (A/N: Our first reactions to this scene when watching the movie actually was WHAT THE!?!)
The stage shown the bedroom, and there was a faint glow over two people on the bed, Ryo and Rika. Ryo wasn't wearing his shirt and Rika was in a slip. (A/N: Yeah, exactly...if only I had a screenshot.) There was a knock, and suddenly it got very much louder. Ryo bolted awake, waking up Rika also.
It is Anita, who is standing out in the parlor, looking like she was about to cry. Anita walked over to the bedroom door, and tried to open it, but it was locked.
"Maria?" Anita called, "Maria?" Ryo reached for his shirt, and Rika sat up, ready to answer. Quickly, Ryo put his hand over her lips, and then his lips over her's. "Maria, it's Anita. Why are you locked in?"
"I didn't know it was locked," Rika managed to say.
"Open the door. I need you," Anita said.
Rika reached for the doorknob, but Ryo stopped her.
"Now you are afraid, too," Rika whispered.
"What?" Anita asked, confused.
"One moment," Rika said outloud.
"Doc'll help. I'll get money from him. You meet me at his drugstore," Ryo whispered. In the other room, Anita was aware of the voices, but was unsure on what they were saying.
"At Doc's, yes," Rika said, then loudly, "Coming, Anita!"
Ryo walked over the window but turned around and kissed Rika once more. "Hurry!"
Then he scrambled out of the window, as Rika hastily put a bathrobe over her slip. In the other room Anita stiffened and moved away from the door. She stood, staring at it coldly, as Rika opened the door a little to talk to her.
"Did you see Chino? He was here before, but he left so angry I think maybe he - " She was interrupted by Anita shoving past, and looks out the window, and at the bed. Then she turned accusingly to Rika. "All right. Now you know," Rika said.
"And you still don't know!" Anita exclaimed, "Tony is one of them!" Then she started to sing bitterly,
"A boy like that who'd kill your brother,
Forget that boy and find another,
One of your own kind-
Stick to your own kind!" Rika turned away from Anita, but Anita forced Rika to look at her.
"A boy like that will give you sorrow-
You'll meet another boy tomorrow!
One of your own kind,
Stick to your own kind!
A boy who kills cannot love,
A boy who kills has no heart. (A/N: I was thinking...didn't Bernardo kill Riff? Then she's saying her used-to-be boyfriend has no heart...and cannot love...hmm...)
And he's the boy who gets your love
And gets your heart-
Very smart, Maria, very smart!
A boy like that wants one thing only,
And when he's done he'll leave you lonely.
He'll murder your love; he murdered mine.
Just wait and see-
Just wait, Maria,
Just wait and see!
Rika interrupted, "Oh, no, Anita, no-
Anita, no!
It isn't true, not for me,
It is true for you, not for me,
I hear your words-
And in my head
I know they're smart,
But my heart, Anita,
But my heart
Knows they're wrong" Anita sang the chorus she just sung, while Rika went on with her song,
"And my heart
Is too strong,
For I belong
To him alone, to him alone.
One thing I know:
I am his,
I don't care what he is.
I don't know why it's so,
I don't want to know.
Oh no, Anita, no-you should know better!
You were in love-or so you said.
You should know better..."
Rika sat down next to Anita on the bed, who was starting to cry.
"I have a love, and it's all that I have.
Right or wrong, what else can I do?
I love him; I'm his
And everything he is
I am, too.
I have a love and it's all that I need,
Right or wrong, and he needs me too.
I love him, we're one;
There's nothing to be done,
Not a thing I can do
But hold him, hold him forever,
Be with him now, tomorrow
And all of my life!"
Rika held out her hands for Anita to take, and slowly Anita took them as they both started sing.
"When love comes so strong,
There is no right or wrong,
Your love is your life!"
Anita, who was crying, said softly, "Chino has a gun...he is sending the boys out to hunt for Tony..."
Rika tore off her bathrobe, as she stormed across the bedroom. "If he hurts Tony...if he touches him...I swear to you, I'll..."
"You'll do what Tony did to Bernardo?" Anita asked sharply.
"I love Tony."
"I know. I loved Bernardo."
Suddenly, Shrank came into the outer room. "Anybody home?" He went to the bedroom door, and saw Rika and Anita. "Sorry to disturb you. Guess you're disturbed enough."
"Yes. You will excuse me, please. I must go to my brother," Rika said, getting on her robe.
"There are just a couple questions..." Shrank said.
"Afterwards, please. Later," Rika said in a hurry.
"It'll only take a minute."
"Couldn't you wait until - " Anita started to ask, until she was interrupted by Shrank.
"No!" Then he turned and smiled at Rika. "You were at the dance at the gym last night."
"Yes," Rika answered.
"Your brother got in a heavy argument because you danced with the wrong boy."
"Oh?"
"Who was the wrong boy?" Shrank asked.
"Excuse me," Rika said, going over to Anita, "Anita, my head is worse. Will you go to the drugstore and tell them what I need?"
"Don't you keep aspirin around?" Shrank said.
"This is something special. Will you go for me, Anita?"
Anita hesitated, then looked at Rika, and nodded. "Shall I tell him to hold it for you till you come?"
"Will I be long?" Rika asked Shrank.
"As long as it takes."
"Yes. Tell him I will pick it up myself," Rika said, and Anita left. "I'm sorry. Now you asked?"
"I didn't ask, I told you. There was an argument over a boy. Who was that boy?"
"Another from my country."
"And his name?"
"Jo?e." The lights went out, and immediately came back on a few seconds later. The stage showed the drugstore, Doc's.
Kenta and some of the Jets were already there, as Ashley and the other Jets ran in.
"Where's Tony?" Kazu asked.
"Down in the cellar with Doc," Kenta answered.
"Ya warn him about Chino?"
"Doc said he'd tell him."
"What's he hidin' in the cellar from?" Baby John asked.
"Maybe he can't run as fast as you," Takato exclaimed.
"Cut the frabbajabba," Kazu said.
"Yeah! The cops'll get hip, if Chino and the PRs don't," Ashley told them.
"Grab some readin' matter...play the juke. Some of ya get outside and if ya see Chino or any PR - " Kazu started, but stopped, as Anita entered. Cold silence, then she slowly came down to the counter. They all stared at her. A long moment. Then someone turned on the jukebox, a mambo comes on softly.
"I'd like to see Doc," Anita said.
"He ain't here," Kazu lied.
"Where is he?" Anita asked.
"He's gone to the bank. There was an error in his favor," Kenta exclaimed.
"The banks are closed at night. Where is he?" Anita pointed out.
"You know how skinny Doc is. He slipped in through the night-deposit slot."
"And got stuck halfway in," Ashley said.
"Which indicates there's no tellin' when he'll be back. Buenos noches, señorita."
Anita moved toward the cellar door.
"Where you going?" Diesel asked.
"Downstairs to...see Doc," Anita replied.
"Didn't I tell ya he ain't here?"
"I'd like to see for myself," Anita said.
"Please," Kazu exclaimed, nastily.
Anita hesitated but said, "Please."
"Por favor," Kazu said.
"Will you let me pass?" Anita asked, frustrated.
"She's too dark to pass," Takato said.
"Don't," Anita whispered.
"Please don't," Kazu corrected.
"Por favor," Takato added.
"Non comprende."
"Gracias."
"Di nada."
"Listen, you..." At the end, Anita controlled herself and stopped.
"We're listenin'," Kazu said.
"I've got to give a friend of yours a message. I've got tell Tony - " Anita started.
"He ain't here," Diesel lied.
"I know he is," Anita said.
"Who says he is?" Kazu asked.
"Who's the message from?" Kenta questioned.
"Never mind," Anita said.
"Couldn't be from Chino, could it?" Kazu exclaimed.
"I want to stop Chino! I want to help!" Anita said.
"Bernardo's girl wants to help?" Ashley asked.
"Even a greaseball's got feelings," Kazu said.
"But she wants to help Tony!"
"No!"
"Not much...Bernardo's tramp," Kazu said.
"Bernardo's pig!" Takato taunted
"Don't do that!" Anita yelled.
"Gold tooth!"
"Pierced ear!"
"Garlic mouth!"
"Spic! Lyin' Spic!"
The taunting broke out into a wild, savage dance with epithets hurled at Anita, who is surrounded by the group. At the peak, Anita was shoved into a corner and Baby John is lifted up high and almost dropped on her when Henry came in, yelling.
"Stop it! What've you been doing now?" Henry asked.
Dead silence, then Anita got up, trying not to cry. "Bernardo was right. If one of you was bleeding in the street, I'd walk by and spit on you." And she started to make her way to the door.
"Don't let her go!" Kazu yelled.
"She'll tell Chino that Tony - " Diesel started. Takato grabbed Anita but she shook loose.
"Let go!" Anita cried out, "I'll give you a message for your American BUDDY! Tell the murderer Maria's never going to meet him! Tell him Chino found out and...and shot her!" Then she slammed the door on the way out. There is stunned silence.
"What does it take to get through to you? When do you stop? You make this world lousy!" Henry said.
"That's the way we found it, Doc," Kazu explained.
"Get out of here!" Henry yelled, as the Jets slowly filed out.
Down in the cellar, Ryo was sitting down on a crate, whistling "Maria" as Henry came down, with some bills in his hand.
"Make a big sale?" Ryo asked.
"No," Henry answered, softly.
Ryo took the money Henry was holding. "Thanks. I'll pay you back as soon as I can."
"Forget that."
"I won't...I couldn't. Doc, you know what we're going to do in the country, Maria and me? We're going to have kids and we'll name them all after you, even the girls. Then when you come to visit - " Suddenly, Henry slapped Ryo. Henry spoke, his voice shaking.
"Wake up! Is that the only way to get through to you? Do just what you all do? Bust like a hot-water pipe?"
"Doc, what's gotten - " Ryo said.
"Why do you live like there's a war on?" Henry said, then softly, "Why do you kill?"
"I told you how it happened, Doc. Maria understands. Why can't you?" Ryo asked.
"I never had a Maria," Henry said sadly. (A/N: Aww...poor Henry...or poor Doc. Whatever way you see it.)
"I have, and I'll tell you one thing, Doc. Even if it only lasts from one night to the next, it's worth the world."
"That's all it did last," Henry said.
"What?" Ryo asked, confused.
"That was no costumer upstairs, just now. That was Anita." A pause. "Maria is dead. China found out about you and her...and shot her."
A brief moment. Ryo looked at Henry, stunned and numb. He shook his head, as if he couldn't believe this was happening. Henry tried to comfort him, but Ryo backed away, and suddenly turned and ran out of the door. As he did this, the set was moved offstage and the stage went dark. In the darkness we hear Ryo's voice.
"Chino? Chino? Come and get me, too, Chino!"
The lights came back on to reveal Ryo, walking by the same set at the beginning of act one, but it is now jagged with shadows. Ryo was still calling out for Chino.
"Chino? COME ON! GET ME TOO!"
"Tony..." A whisper came from the shadows.
Ryo swung around. "Who's that?"
Ashley darted onstage. "Me...Anybodys."
"Get outta here," Ryo said, "HEY, CHINO! COME GET ME, DAMN YOU!"
"What're you doin', Tony?" Ashley asked.
"I said get outta here! CHINO!"
"Look, maybe if you and me just - "
Ryo turned around and grabbed Ashley by the shoulders. "It's not playing any more! Can't any of you get that?" he shouted.
"But the gang - "
"You're a girl...be a girl! Beat it!" Ashley then ran offstage. "CHINO, I'M CALLING FOR YOU, CHINO! HURRY! IT'S CLEAR NOW. THERE'S NOBODY BUT ME. COME ON! Will you, please? I'm waiting for you. I want you to - "
Then Ryo suddenly stopped. All the way across the stage, a figure stepped out of the dark. Ryo stopped and peered as the light glowed on it.
Ryo uttered an unbelieving whisper, "Maria...Maria?"
"Tony..." Rika said, happily, but another figure appeared.
Chino.
"MARIA!" Ryo shouted, as they ran to each other. But...
BANG!
Ryo stumbled, as though he had tripped, and Maria catches him, and they faltered to the ground. During this, all the rest of the Sharks and Jets ran on, including Henry. Chino stood very still, bewildered by the gun in his hand.
"I didn't believe hard enough," Ryo whispered.
"Loving is enough," Rika said.
"Not here. They won't let us be."
"Then we'll get away," Maria said.
"Yes, we can. We still..." Ryo shivered as a "pain" went through him. Rika held Ryo closer and began singing without the music.
"Hold my hand and we're halfway there.
Hold my hand and I'll take you there,
Someday,
Somehow..."
Ryo started to join in on the second line, and Rika sang louder as if urging him back to life. But Ryo faltered and barely finished the line. Rika sang on, then stopped, Ryo's body quiet in her arms. A moment, and then Rika gently laid Ryo on the ground, brushing her fingers against Ryo's lips. Behind her, Action, moved to lead the Jets toward Chino. But Rika spoke, voice cold and sharp.
"Stay back." The shawl around her shoulders slipped to the ground as she got up. Then Rika walked over to Chino and held out her hand. Chino handed her the gun. She spoke again, in a flat, hard voice, "How do you fire this gun, Chino? Just by pulling this little trigger?"
Rika suddenly pointed it at Chino, who drew back. Rika's voice got stronger with anger and savage rage. "How many bullets are left, Chino? Enough for you?" She pointed the gun at a person. "And you?" At Kazu. "All of you? We all killed him...and my brother and Riff. I, too. I can kill now because I hate now!" During saying that, she pointed the gun wildly, at random people. Now, again, she pointed it at Kazu, but was talking to Chino. "How many can I kill, Chino? How many...and still have one bullet left for me?"
A moment, then Rika broke into tears, throwing the gun, and sunk on the ground. Just then, Shrank walked on and he started toward Ryo's body. But like a madwomen, Rika raced to the body and put her arms around it.
"DON'T YOU TOUCH HIM!" Rika yelled. Shrank stepped back, as Krupke and Glad Hand appeared from the shadows. Rika now turned and looked at Chino, who slowly came to stand by the body, and then at Action, Diesel, and Pepe.
"Te adoro, Anton," Rika said gently, kissing him once last time.
The music started as two Jets and two Sharks lifted up Ryo's body and carried it out. The others followed them. But Baby John stayed behind to put Rika's shawl over her head. Rika sat there, like a woman in mourning, but finally got up, despite the tears on her face, and followed the others. Henry, Shrank, and Glad Hand are left bowed, alone, and useless.
The lights blacked out and the curtain fell, as the audience erupted into applause. But the curtain came up a couple seconds later, for the bows.
Amber came out first for her solo, and everyone clapped.
Then Henry and Jeri came out, with some other people, for not-very-but- kinda important parts. Everyone kept clapping.
Then for the middle important parts, which including Takato, Kazu, Kenta, and Ashley. Kazu was still trying to annoy Ashley, irregardless of what happened earlier. He even tried to kiss Ashley on the cheek...which...
"AHHHHHHH!!!" Kazu yelled, as he was thrown off the stage and into the audience. Ashley was smirking satisfactorily, then briskly walked offstage, all the shocked cast following.
After the stunned Mrs. Tenner got over what just happened, she announced, "And the two most important characters...give them a great round of applause...RYO AKIYAMA AND RIKA NONAKA!" Everyone stood up and gave them a standing ovation, as they both came out.
Some young boy in the audience shouted, "Look, Mommy, IT'S THE DEAD GUY!" Ryo just gave the boy a small smile, which caused the boy to shout, "AND THE DEAD GUY IS SMILING!" Ryo just shook his head. (A/N: This happened at the play I went to.)
Finally the clapping ended and Mrs. Tenner came out to speak.
"I can't believe my students...they made me so proud. Especially since we had some difficulties...like losing one of the main actors three days before the play...and the shortness of the time to learn lines and everything. Thank you for coming...and thank you parents! I appreciate all of you!"
Everyone clapped once again, as the cast either went home and stayed to talk to their friends.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ashley: YEAH! The most boring ending of chapter ever! And least time for writing a whole chapter over! OH YEAH! Go me...go me...
Kazu: Do you have something against me or something? Why do you keep hurting me?
Ashley: All Amber's idea. Thanks Amber (Henrylovr07).
Kazu: ...
Ashley: Okay, I have couple things to say. My computer is being taken on Wednesday and I won't have it for three or more days. That means three days without writing any of the next chapter. So, the next chapter might be a long wait. Also, I was watching WSS again, and noticed a little detail in the movie that wasn't in this play. I thought it was funny. Here's the scene:
"Oh, Riff, you've gotta let me be in the gang!" - Anybodys
"Ha...how else is she gonna get a guy to touch her?" - A-Rab
"Why you! " - Anybodys
"The road little lady, the road." - Riff
I found that funny...because I played Anybodys. I dunno...it was just funny to me. Anyway, please review! PLEASE? PLEASE? Just review...I HAVE COOKIES! Come on, PLEASE REVIEW!
School counter: Four days until school is out...(AHHHHHHH!!!! FINALS!!!)
Just R&R.
(Next chapter: What will happen after the play?)