by Scott Damon
“And I think this will be good for you”
Jason knew the coach to be a focused man, as well, and those focuses were gymnastics and his athletes improving. He found it odd that Coach Bridges thought the play would be good for him. Perhaps the coach had more dimensions, also.
A few minutes later, Coach Bridges texted him again. “Remember when I had you mentor those two new gymnasts? You found plenty of time for that and did better than ever in your own events.”
“True. And it was fun.” Thinking back on it, Jason was surprised at how pleasant it was. He never felt awkward, was able to help them feel comfortable, and passed on at least a little of his expertise. It only lasted a few months, but he remembered having some good times with them. He wondered to himself why he didn’t stay more in touch with them afterwards.
“I thought so. I was thinking of asking you to do it again, but I think this play will be even more interesting. You can always mentor again when you have more time.”
“Yeah, I definitely don’t want to add that now. Thx, coach.”
“I’ll let you know if I see any problems. Have a good evening, Jason.”
“You too.”
* * *
Jason went into the den where his 14-year-old brother Derek was hanging out with his friend Evan. After so much reflection, he was ready to chill. The younger boys talked about a pizza date they had with a couple girls the night before. They had walked to a nearby restaurant, went to some horror flick, and then talked for hours at one girl’s house. Jason was merely a fly on the wall, and the other boys didn’t hold anything back.
Jason marveled in his mind about how easy it all sounded. Evan and Derek laughed and joked about some of the stories and the great time they all seemed to have. They discussed future plans, including getting to second base and beyond. Jason wasn’t sure how much to believe, but he didn’t care. It was clear they had fun last night in any case.
Jason sometimes went for pizza with friends, had been to movies with boys and girls, and hung out occasionally, but he didn’t feel he could call any of them a date. Those were usually fun times, but he had the nagging feeling his brother was moving faster than he was. Derek always made friends easily and could talk to kids and adults without hesitation. At times, people called Jason shy. In reality, he felt unskilled, or even inept. Life was so much easier if he just kept to himself in the gym.
Chapter 3 – Spreading the News
Jason’s family tried to eat dinner together most nights, but were often stymied for a variety of reasons. His parents might have to work late or attend some evening meeting for one of their volunteer activities, or either he or his brother Derek had some sports meet or game. Derek played intramural volleyball, which usually ended in time to be home for dinner, but not always. His parents tried to attend their sons’ sporting events, too, but everyone was so busy that good intentions were sometimes as far as they got.
Although Derek and Jason were similar in many ways and got along most of the time, they were also a study in contrasts. Derek was more outgoing and had darker features. He tried different sports and landed on volleyball so far. He liked the team play and was a natural at a lot of the skills and positions. Jason preferred sports based more on individual performances. Lately, Derek was spending more time at the gym, but nowhere near Jason’s near-daily routine.
At home that night, Jason wasn’t quite sure when to bring up Mr. Langley’s offer of the role in the school play. His parents, Olivia and Carl, often disagreed on activities for the boys. His dad encouraged them to take on new adventures and explore, citing the belief that he knew better what it was like to be a boy. His mother argued for choosing a path and sticking with it, but also wanted them involved in a variety of activities. Carl worked as an architect and progressed far in his firm. Olivia was a teacher who had taken a few years off to raise the boys when they were young and now taught fifth grade.
When Jason’s dad asked him how school went that day, he realized there was no better time. “It went okay. There was one unusual thing though. They want me to play Tarak, a jungle man, in the school play.”
His parents and brother looked at him, eyes wide. “Coach sent me to see the drama teacher.” and Jason went on to explain the whole thing. His mother fidgeted, but they listened to the entire story.
Derek couldn’t hold back. “You’re gonna play a jungle man in front of the whole school?”
His mother furrowed her brow. “Not just the school. The entire community!”
Jason tried to soften her attitude, “Come on, Mom, you always tell me to get involved in things other than sports all the time. This sounds like a good short-term way to try something else. And it won’t get in the way of my gymnastics. I’ll just work harder when I get time to practice.”
His father jumped in, “I think it will be good for him. Something a little different and let him explore a little. He’ll know soon enough if he likes it.”
Olivia said, “Well, I’m sure the school will look out for you. But don’t let it distract from your studies either. The time has to come from sports.”
Jason assured her, “It’ll be okay. I have to stay in good shape for the role anyway, so they want me in the gym a lot. I’ll find some sort of balance.”
Derek smirked. “Tarak, be sure we get free tickets to the show.”
“One other thing, guys. I have to get used to wearing the loincloth, so I’ll be wearing it around here quite a bit.” His family laughed and his parents glanced at each other.
Derek looked down and wrinkled his mouth, saying “I’ll warn my friends. They might want to stay away for a while.”
His dad scoffed, “Leave him alone, Derek. I’ll be happy to tell my friends about the play. Might as well sell some tickets.”
* * *
After dinner, Jason was studying when his dad knocked and entered.
Carl was the consummate professional during the day and dressed the part. He went for a haircut every other week, shaved at least six days a week, and kept his clothes fresh and in style. At home, though, you couldn’t tell. He wore t-shirts from decades ago, sometimes went without a shirt, and had his favorite cut-off jeans for chores around the house or simply relaxing. He made an effort if somebody was coming over, but the closer the friend or relative, the less concerned he was about his appearance. Tonight, he wore shorts and an old t-shirt.
“Jace, I think this Tarak thing sounds like a fun opportunity, but I just want to check that you’re okay with all of it. Do you have any concerns?”
“I’m still trying to get used to the idea. On the surface, it sounds great, and I would love to try something new. I guess I’m fine with all of it.”
“Good. When do you have to let them know if you’ll take the part?”
“Mr. Langley wants an answer tomorrow.”
“Oh, fast.”
“Yeah. He said he had a hard time finding somebody for this role, so they already feel like they’re behind schedule.”
His dad continued, “I know it’s hard to anticipate everything you’ll be getting into, but keep in mind that if you accept this role, a lot of people will be counting on you. I know you can handle it, but take more time to decide if you have any doubts or concerns.”
“Yeah, I know, Dad. I’ve made decisions before. I think I can give him an answer tomorrow. I’m almost 100% certain I’ll do it. I kind of don’t want to pass it up and regret it.”
His dad smiled. “Good point. You won’t be offered a role like this again.”
Derek burst into the room without knocking. “Dad, I thought you said we were gonna shoot some hoops.”
Carl got up from his seat on the bed, “Right, let’s go.” Turning back to Jason, he said, “I’m proud of you son. I’m sure you’ll do well if you take the part.”
Chapter 4 – Jason’s Decision
Jason wore the loincloth all night while he slept. It was rearranged the next morning and somewhat wrinkled, but it was supple suede, so it r
eturned to its shape quickly. He woke with an erection, but that wasn’t unusual. Jason jerked off in the shower, thinking about Calvin, shooting a powerful load against the tile wall. He put on a fresh loincloth, which felt as good as the day before. It didn’t take him much longer to finish dressing, grab a bite, and prepare for school.
He left earlier than usual, allowing time to talk with Mr. Langley, who he hoped would be available before school started. He had never had any dealings with him, so he didn’t know his habits or if he would be busy.
As Jason walked towards Langley’s classroom, the teacher was in the hall keeping an eye on traffic. Langley spotted Jason, bringing a big smile to his face. “Mr. Parker! Glad to see you. How are you?”
“Doing great. Not the most restful night, but I’ve got a decision for you.”
“Glad to hear it. And…?”
“I’d like to play the part.”
“Wow! Fantastic. The best news I’ve heard today. Or…let’s say the best news this week.”
Jason smiled. “Thanks. I’ve got to get to class. Can you email me whatever I need to know about meetings and rehearsals and stuff?”
“Certainly. That sounds great. You should have something by the end of the day.”
Jason’s smile grew bigger the more effusive Langley became. He was surprised at how excited the teacher was about this, but he figured he felt some relief to have his main role cast.
* * *
Langley truly was relieved. He hadn’t slept well the previous night either.
During his prep period, Langley emailed details to Jason, notified the other members of the selection committee, recruited understudies from the list of other Tarak candidates, thanked the rest for auditioning, and began to pursue some of the next steps he had put on hold.
All of the technical activities were proceeding on schedule, such as set design, costuming, and lighting. The script was loose at this point because Langley wanted to allow for a lot of improvisation in developing this production to involve the actors more and help it come across as more natural. He worried about this strategy and was eager to nail down precise dialog and action scenes. The schedule he provided to Jason contained a lot of initial meetings on stage to work out these details.
The director also had to tackle the huge task of fleshing out the cast. Langley had already cast some lesser roles, such as Neil, an intense science student for the role of the “mad scientist” who is coerced into helping Tarak’s captors along the way, and one of the smaller boys for the minor role of Tarak when he was very young. However, Langley still needed to find a compatible Victoria as a romantic interest and the remainder of the villagers, friends, and enemies of Tarak.
Langley told Jason he wanted him at some of the auditions, especially to check for any chemistry with Victoria, but for the most part, he could proceed without Jason’s involvement. Langley had also emailed him the script, such as it was, for him to at least understand the sequence of scenes, the overall plot, and learn whatever dialog was available at that stage.
* * *
Word spread quickly throughout Whitman High the role of Tarak was filled. Many students knew, or at least had heard of Jason because of his sports achievements, but there were plenty whose first reaction was “who’s that?” They checked yearbooks and online and found out all they could. By the end of the day, Jason heard his new nickname of “Tarak” often, even from kids whom he didn’t know well. Most of the time, it was accompanied by a sly smile or giggle. Jason figured this substituted for congratulations from the boys and perhaps attraction or interest from the girls.
This notoriety outside sporting events was foreign to Jason. At least now he had something to take his mind off his lackluster social life.
Chapter 5 – Rounding Out the Cast
Langley was shocked with the number of candidates for the role of Victoria, Tarak’s love interest. As Jason’s name and pictures circulated throughout Whitman, 50 girls stepped forward to try out. Langley had asked Jason if he had a girlfriend in case she had an interest in the role, building on some natural chemistry between them. Because he didn’t, that left the field wide open. Out of respect for Jason’s time, the selection committee agreed to narrow the candidates to 10 before bringing in Jason to read with them.
Langley was optimistic, but didn’t want to get his hopes up until he saw them and checked out how they might do in the role. Even one boy asked Langley if he could try out as the romantic interest, catching the teacher by surprise. Langley toyed with the idea but decided he didn’t want a potential controversy like that in his third year at the school. He encouraged the boy to try out for one of the captors or other roles instead.
Langley had a history of biting off too much sometimes. In his first year at Whitman, the administration protected him from his inclinations by not letting him become overly involved in non-teaching activities. In his second year, he started directing the plays, filled several advisory roles, chaperoned activities, and had a couple outside involvements. This year, he cut back on some of those, but was beginning to realize this particular play was rather ambitious. He loved the energy of the students and wanted to help them grow and thrive as much as he could, so he poured himself into everything he did at the school. From what he was learning about Jason, they at least had that trait in common.
The selection committee was able to trim the list of candidates for the role of Victoria down to 10 girls. Langley warned Jason to prepare for a long evening of tryouts.
Langley instructed Jason he could provide his input if he had any regarding any of the applicants. However, he was not expected to be the decision-maker, and in fact, the selection committee reserved that right for themselves. Because of his many other responsibilities, principal Adams didn’t participate in all the auditions or decision-making, but tried to attend some of them and provide his perspective for whatever it was worth.
As with the Tarak casting, the committee felt it was best to have this final round take place in costume to ensure the girls weren’t so self-conscious about the minimal clothing that it would affect their ability to perform on stage. Jason showed up in his loincloth and each girl changed into a representative Victoria costume before coming on stage. The two read lines for 5 minutes for each girl.
* * *
Jason memorized his lines for the auditions. He had seen most of the girls around school and knew about half of them, some better than others. The committee had a tough decision ahead because all of them were at least adequate and he felt comfortable enough with any of them for a first read. After some deliberation, three girls were brought back and the others were allowed to go home. Jason read more with each of the finalists. The committee asked him for input, but he said he had none and could work with any of them. Langley ultimately announced they had decided to go with Julia McCutcheon, who cheered and jumped at the news. The other two were asked to be understudies for her role and they agreed, congratulating Julia as they left.
* * *
Langley turned to the committee and sighed. “Whew. Another big goal accomplished.”
Miss Savant said, “Yes, I think she’s an outstanding choice.”
Jason stuck around as the committee debriefed. Jason agreed they made a good call, but wasn’t quite as blown away by the brilliance of it. He let them celebrate and then followed Langley to his office as they disbanded. By this time, he had slipped on his jeans and flip flops and grabbed his shirt.
“Mr. Langley, do you have a minute?”
“Sure, Jason. Anytime for you. And thanks for your help tonight. You did great.”
“No problem. I’m getting a much better feel for this now.” As they sat on opposite sides of Langley’s desk, Jason continued. “There’s just one thing on my mind.”
“Shoot.”
“I’ve read through the script several times and see all the things I’m supposed to do. I’m not worried about any of them…except the most romantic scene with Victoria. I guess, mainly because I’
m gay. I’ve never kissed a girl before.”
Langley’s demeanor was tight, like he was deliberately trying to control his facial expression, a mix of both serious and smiling a little. Jason wasn’t sure how to read it, but figured he had just dropped a bombshell on him.
Langley leaned forward in his chair. “First of all, I appreciate you being open with me. I think we can work through those romantic scenes. Actors end up doing things that don’t exactly come natural for them. I suspect there will be other things in this play that fall in that category. Are you out here at school?”
“No, I’m not. I’ve never had a reason to tell anybody else, although I’ve thought about it. This is the first time it’s come up.”
“Well, I’m glad you’re comfortable enough with me to tell me. I’ll keep it as secret as you would like as long as you would like.”
“Thanks. I thought this would be harder. I’ve thought about telling my family, and I just might tell them soon. But I’ll let you know if I come out to more people.”
“It’s not necessary, but up to you. As far as the play, I’m sure you’ve realized a lot of things on stage are contrived. For instance, combat scenes aren’t real. What matters is how the audience perceives things. We can stage the romantic scenes in ways you and Julia are comfortable and still come across as romantic for the audience.”
“Great. That helps.”
“Don’t worry. We can rehearse those parts with you and Julia and very few other people in the room to begin with.”
“Okay. I hope I’m not making too big a deal over this.”
“No, it’s fine. We’ll work through it. Thanks for coming to me with this, Jason.”
“Sure. Thanks a lot. See you tomorrow.”
As Jason walked home, he took a detour through the park, thinking about their conversation. He had always thought coming out would be a bigger deal. Obviously, Mr. Langley barely knew him, but it was more of an incidental part of the whole discussion. There was also a glimmer of hope he could make it through all the scenes with the new Victoria without them seeming awkward.