Shakespeariance: Chapter 2

Praying works. It truly does. Today was the fourteenth of September, and I was on my way to rehearsal. My hands gripped the steering wheel harder as I realized that today was going to be another day where I was not good enough. Why did I get cast as this role if I can't even do the simplest things such as falling in love?

Thanking my mom for being in the passenger seat, I slam the door and 'princess run' my way into the drama room. With my voice still an octive higher than usual, I make my presence known to Mr. Shelley. Costumes adorn the tables pushed off to the side. I stare down at my script, where every note has been color coded. Another prayer, this one silent, goes through my head. All I wanted was to really grasp Katharine-her emotions, her essence.

Nick, Kylie, and Isaac come in shortly after, right on time. The coaches are already in the room. There are four of them here today.

"Coaches," Mr. Shelley sighs, "Divide yourselves. I'm going to pull some costumes from the tunnels."

He then disappears into the hall and Kylie along with Isaac go to the auditorium for their rehearsal. I still can't talk to Nick like a normal human being, but I was determined to change that. . . someday.

"Good morning," I say, quietly.
"Morning," He looks up and smiles.

We show what we have presently to the coaches, and they think about it. A chair is added. Blocking is created. I move more. We have more levels, vocally and emotionally.

I have yet to kiss him. Previous to this rehearsal, the kiss has been cut. I was relieved, of course, but that was where I could talk the most! It was worth it, I suppose.

All of a sudden, as I sit in the chair, he steps forward, and kneels next to me. In character, as he looks away, I lean forward. I can't tell what he's saying-I'm French!

"In faith, I know no ways to mince it in love, but directly to say..." says Nick

All of a sudden he turns around, facing me, and is simply inches away from my face. My eyes widen in shock, and I fight to turn away.

"I love you." Nick finishes.

Now, I turn away. Confusion sweeps over me as I speak my next line. That was in the script, right? Well, of course! What would a senior be doing saying that to ME? Ha, that would be the biggest joke of all.

We continue through the scene and it seems that while we progress, my personal bubble keeps being pressured. All of a sudden, Henry's yelling at me. Why? He's taking my hand. He's down on his knees, and begging me to take him. But of course I can't. My father's the top monkey of this mess, but it appears that Henry has already taken care of that. I'm down on my knees with him too, and I finally admit that I will. I will marry him.

"Thank you," Nick says as we break away.

How is this possible? God has answered my prayers already?! I have captured Katharine's essence and portray her emotions. Whoa....

Mr. Shelley is in the room now.

"Good job. That has been great improvement. Really good. Keep it," he says as he hands us costumes to wear and try on.

The first gown I wear is a tad too small and the second one, Carlotta's from Phantom, was too large. The bell rings and I go to class. A daze passes over me through my first two classes as memories from rehearsal that morning flood into my thoughts. It's third period and I step into Drama 3. Mr. Shelley places a long, gold down into my arms and tells me to try it on during class. Right now.

I step into the Girl's Dressing room and slide into my costume. It's comfortable and utterly gorgeous, but my straight hair dated me, ruining the moment. I turn off the light and stay in the door way, entering the Drama Room. One by one, the students notice me, standing in the back of the classroom.

Girls tell me I look pretty and Evan tells me that I look very nice. Mr. Shelley says that it is stunning, that we'll keep it. The smile that I have on my face stays plastered.

From now on, Nick and I come in every morning and do beautiful things to the scene. My voice is slowly going back to normal for normal conversations. I'm still timid, but gradually decreasing.

One rehearsal, Mr. Shelley leaves the room and there's no coaches. The date for Cedar City is coming upon us, so Nick and I waste no time. We run through the scene, and we talk about what we can do, what we can add, when a rather odd thought crossed my mind.

I'm sixteen now... I could totally kiss him, and not feel guilty.

I laugh this off. Oh, silly, silly Talia. Being a teenager. No. Kissing? That's gross. Silly. Gross.

I could totally do it and not get in trouble...

Come on, Talia. You got a date tonight. Focus. No. Kissing is for old married couples.

Luckily for my morale, rehearsal comes to a close and we have done remarkable things. Cedar City is next week and we are ready, Nick and me. The joint rehearsals begin, and people get to see my scene. The time to change or alter things is done. No more may I think of kissing. It's crunch time.