Chapter 10
Things were finally starting to come together, thought Sullivan. He still found himself in the role of bomb disposal expert but was becoming adept at diffusing the exchanges between Spike and Lynda.
Sarah's weekly "Inside Verona" feature on the play in the Junior Gazette was hugely popular, so much so that the group of schoolkids who had gathered to watch the early rehearsals had been removed a few weeks prior after their numbers had swelled and constant giggling and whistling had disrupted performers. Some faces could still be seen pressed against the windows until Lynda threatened to print each person's secret crush in the next edition of the Junior Gazette.
Kenny was also enjoying playing two roles; the first his part in the play, the second as Lynda's cattle prod.
"Kenny, I've got to go and read that piece on the interschool sports day," she had said to him that afternoon. "I'm afraid I won't make it to rehearsal."
"It's already read," grinned Kenny. "In fact, we printed it last week."
"Oh. Well, I really think Stacey should have a chance to practice. As understudy, she should really be prepared in case . . ."
"Stacey?" mused Kenny. "Is that the blonde girl I saw Spike chatting to backstage? They looked pretty comfortable working together."
"Oh, they did, did they?" asked Lynda.
"Yeah, I saw her write something on his hand. Probably a reminder note, you know, 'remember maths homework', 'get milk', 'breathe', something like that," Kenny grinned.
"I'll give him something he won't forget in a hurry," spat Lynda. "Then I'll sign the cast as a reminder!"
"Right, then!" Sullivan called the cast together after that day's rehearsal. "Looks like we should have the right costumes now after yesterday's mix-up. How about a round of applause for Colin, everyone, for getting it sorted so promptly?"
Everyone clapped politely and Colin waved and bowed modestly.
"A bit of a shame," murmured Spike to Lynda. "I think you would have pulled off that nurse's uniform nicely."
"I know what I'd like to pull off," muttered Lynda grimly.
Sullivan began opening the bags to reveal the rich velvets and silk embroidered costumes to "oohs" and "aahs" of the assembled cast.
"Ah, Spike, this one is for you," he said, passing over a bag. Spike had a quick look and chuckled.
"I think you're the one that's got it mixed up this time, sir," he said. "This one's got tights in it."
"That's right, Spike," said Mr Sullivan with a remarkably straight face. "You didn't think they got around in jeans and leather jackets in Shakespeare's Verona, did you?"
"Ah, no, sir, but I didn't think they wore girls' underwear either!" Spike looked unusually nervous. Working for the Junior Gazette and getting bossed around by Lynda Day was one thing. Wearing tights on stage was quite another!
"And another thing, Spike, we'll have to sort out your make-up," Sullivan added. "Go and see Julie after rehearsals and she'll help you."
"Make-up?" Spike was aghast. This was all getting a bit much. But he had worked so hard, and of course, he really, really wanted to kiss Lynda! He quickly weighed up his options, calculated his odds of winning in a fight against most of the likely suspects and made his decision.
"What do you think?" he asked, turning to Lynda. "Am I a summer or a spring?"