This is a pretty short chapter, I hope... If anyone has problems on the long chapters, let me know. I don't like long chapters myself, but it just doesn't work if I chop everything up!
Chapter Eight: The Chaos of Theater.
"I can't find my shoe!"
"Where is my music book?"
"I'm getting some water. I'll be back."
"Where's he going?"
"Getting water."
"Never mind, I found my book."
"I am still missing my shoe!"
These were snippets of dialog in the wings of the production. Tonight was opening night and no one was ready, but everyone was excited to get on stage.
Arianna held her head, misery apparent on her face. She snapped at the freshman who had just toppled her music stand and the kid, terrified, set it straight and ran for his life.
"You look like hell, Ari."
"Thanks for noticing, Elissa."
"Are you being serious or sarcastic?"
"Both."
"Wow, you look like hell!"
Kasey came down the concrete steps and almost ran right into Elissa, who then almost toppled into Arianna; Arianna pushed her chair back and the startled Elissa fell to the floor.
"Thanks for catching me," snapped Elissa.
"You're welcome," snarled Arianna.
"Sorry..." cringed Kasey.
It was the first night of the musical and emotions were high. After a month of tears, sweat and blood (literally, as the whole costume room was littered with tissue boxes, smelled like sweat, and the first aid kit was nearly emptied of it's contents) all was ready.
Elissa was mad about her small role and her choir teacher's choice in giving her a part with no singing, but forgave both. Her choir teacher was like a father, after all, and her part was only a prelude to next year, when she would get her big break; Elissa knew it.
"Come one, come all... MOVE YOUR BUTTS!"
The student teacher, who was conducting the pit band, burst backstage, clapping his hands. This young man was the choir teacher assistant, one of the reasons Arianna had agreed to be a part of the pit band with other marching students. Since Christmas, Mr. Marah and Arianna had been at each other's throats.
"Come on! To your spots! One minute till curtain!"
Elissa, who had no stage time until the last scene of the last act, was a percussionist for pit band along with her friends, and clambered up the scaffolding. Kasey, giving everyone a good luck hug, ran off to sit in the audience. The student teacher patted Arianna on her head as Ari sneezed before he lifted the baton to start the show.
"Well, it's all over."
"Yeah, all over..."
Elissa and Arianna sat in an empty classroom Sunday night, Elissa in costume, Arianna clutching a tissue.
"Still not over that- whatever the hell it's called?"
"The cold? No, but you would be proud of me. I took some medicine..."
Arianna sneezed again. It didn't seem like the medicine was doing much.
"Lets go home, okay? I'm tired of sitting in the back room...We can help the pit clean up tomorrow. The student teacher already gave you permission to go home and rest up before practice starts for marching band next week."
"I agree... let's go home."
Arianna sneezed one final time.
So, that was chappie eight. I don't really personally like that one because it has very little to do with marching band, but I jump right into it in the next chapter. Please read and review! My plotbunnies will love you forever! Thanks!
