Chapter 6- Casting and A Surprise!!!

Ok i've decided to try this in 1st person for once JUST FOR FUN!! And i decided to have it 2 months later to hurry things up a bit. The setting of this story was in May and I have plans for whats gonna happen in this story so I had to speed it up a little.

2 months later...JAMES' POV

It had been about two months since I had met Rose and things couldn't be better. Even the boys took to her. She was like a mother figure for them, and it was about time that they had one around. Emma was a wonderful grandmother, but having a young woman around everyone made a difference. We had definitly gotten closer, I can tell you that. Through the past months, we've enjoyed almost everyday at the park unless it rained. If it rained, we would sit inside with the boys and just socialized. The both of us enjoyed each others company. In the park we flew kites, played pirates and indians, and I even taught her how to dance with Porthos. Things seemed to be going quite well, and I thought that maybe would now be the time to let her know how I felt about her.

I sat in a chair in the theatre, bored out of my mind. The theatre council members were gathered here today to cast parts for this Christmas' production of "Peter Pan." Since the play was so successful, we all decided to do one show every year around Christmas time. I was about to doze off, when Charles called my name.

"James!"

I bolted awake.

"Wha-What?"

"Do you possibly have any suggestions?"

"Suggestions for what?"

"Who to cast as Wendy?"

I sat there and thought. I scratched my chin. Then it hit me. Rose. Rose was a struggling actress. She has never had a big role in her life. Maybe this would be her chance to get her career rolling.

"How about Rose O'Malley?"

You could tell people were a bit taken aback by this suggestion. To these "experienced" actors, she was nothing.

"Listen, James, you do realize that she isn't that theatre smart, and that she could possibly ruin the show that was so critically acclaimed?" he said nervously.

"Yes, I do. But she'll learn. I can teach her everything she needs to know. She will be very good I can assure you. "

Charles sighed.

"Alright fine. But she better be good James. Or thats just another chunk of money out of my pocket."

I nodded.

"I understand that Charles, and I guarentee you, she will be perfect."

He glared at me. I just kept my slight smile and didn't blink once.

"Ok, people back to work."

Later that afternoon, I knocked on Rose's door. It took a while for her to answer but she did sure enough. She looked very nice. Her red hair, which was usually half up, half-down, was fully down, and pushed back behind her ears. Without make-up, you could see her many freckles She was wearing a navy blue skirt and the usual white blouse. I greeted her.

"Rose."

"James."

"May I have a moment?"

"Of course."

ROSE'S POV

"Of course." I replied to James and he followed me into my home. My house was fairly neat. It had white walls covered with paintings. I loved paintings especially ones of still life or something like that. Flowers sat in vases which were scattered about my house. I loved lillies and tulips. There was just something about flowers that I was attracted to. But then again most woman like flowers. I guess you could say that it had a whimsical touch.

"Can I get you anything?" I asked him.

"No thank you." James replied.

The two of us entered my living room and sat down on the sofa.

"So, what did you want to tell me?"

"Well, firstly you look lovely."

I giggled.

"Thank you."

"Secondly, how would you like to play Wendy in this year's production of 'Peter Pan'?"

My heart must have skipped a beat. Me? Wendy? Could this happen? I could feel my eyes bulge, almost out of my head. I smiled a giant smile from ear to ear.

"Oh! James!" I practically lept into his arms and gave him a big, bear hug. And, I think he might have hugged me back.

"But, but how?"

"Well, we had a council meeting today and we were casting parts for the play. I knew you are going to be in A Christmas Carol, and I knew that you were a struggling actress that needed a big chance to show your talent."

I looked down guiltily.

"Oh, about that."

"What about it?"

I sighed. What did I get myself into?

"I'm not in 'A Christmas Carol.' I just wanted it to seem like I was so you would like me more." I sounded very much like a schoolgirl. James looked on, looking like he didn't care that I lied to him.

"You see, the fact is that i've been acting since I was 18 years old and i've never had a decent role in any show i've ever been in. I was embarressed because i'm not that good and-" I noticed that he was smiling. How could he be smiling?!

"What?"

"You're not thinking positively, Rose! With a little help, you could easily be the most well known actress in all of London!"

"You really think so?"

"Of course."

"Thanks."

Now, I don't know why, but I grabbed his hand, and held it. James was definitly unlike anyone i've ever met. He was specially. To tell the truth, i've never had anyone like me before. People knew me as the "girl" that was unsuccessful and silly when it came to reality. The sad part was, that I agreed with them. I day-dreamed alot and there was no way of stopping it. That's why I felt some comfortable around James. He was kind of like me. We both had bold imaginations. If I was happy, then why did I begin to cry? Was this suppose to happen? Or was something going on that I didn't know about?

JAMES' POV

When she took my hand in hers, it was a bit surprising but I didn't say anything. I noticed a drop of water fell onto my had. When it hit my hand, she looked up quickly then tore her hand from mine.

"Oh god, i'm so sorry," She sniffed, and looked back down again, hair falling in her face.

"I don't know why i'm crying like this. I guess its just...i'm being silly."

I reached out and pushed her hair behind her, and she looked to me. I just smiled.

"Being silly is perfectly normal. Especailly when you're around me." I said.

She laughed.

"Ok good, then we're square."

She laughed and wiped a tear away. I took her into hug and she buried her face in my shoulder. She backed up after a few moments.

"Wow. That was.. different."

"Yes. It was I suppose," I replied.

"Well, you best be on your way. You wouldn't want to keep Emma and the boys waiting." she told me.

"Right. Rose, you'll be wonderful in that part. I promise you." I threw on my coat, and garbbed my cane.

"Al least I have someone backing me up. Most people won't think i'll be able to do it."

"Oh but you will. And who is to say that you can't do it?"

"I don't know." she laughed.

"Good bye, Rose."

And thats when I did it. I kissed her on the cheek. That was good enough for me, and if I wanted a relationship to work out with the woman I possibly loved, I had to start somewhere. After I kissed her cheek, I smiled and walked out the door and down the street.

A/N: Man, I don't think this chapter was well written at all. Its very late and I'm very tired. :-/ Ok, you have to let me know if you like 3rd of 1st person better. That way, I know how to continue. I hope the "romance" is alot more subtle? Next chapter i'll maybe move it along. ALSO I know I keep saying it, but please review my Secret Window fic!! IT NEEDS LOVE!!!! Thanks to all the reviewers!!!