Love at Center Stage: Three Theatrical Love Stories

by Janice Thompson

  Colin scratched his head as he pondered her request. “Folks,” he said finally, “you don’t understand. The Dallas Metropolitan Opera is in a professional organization with a paid staff. I couldn’t expect vocalists of that caliber to perform for free.”

  “So much for the Christmas spirit,” Walter mumbled.

  “Besides,” Colin chose to ignore the comment, “the Met is in a production of its own right now. We’re up to our earlobes in rehearsals. On top of that, in case I forgot to mention it, I’m helping with a children’s Christmas production. This is a very busy season.”

  “Hmph.” Ida pursed her lips then spoke her mind, as always. “I know you’ll miss hearing me sing. A part of me will miss doing it. I’ve sung that same carol for twenty years now. But I’m looking forward to passing the opportunity on to someone else. It’s as simple as that. I’m not saying I won’t sing. I’m just saying I don’t want to sing.” She sat with a thud and crossed her arms in marked victory.

  Colin shook his head in disbelief.

  “Well?” Walter asked.

  “I’m thinking.” How could he ask Jessica to give more of her time when she had already stretched herself so thin? On the other hand, with so many anxious eyes peering at him now, how could he not?

  ***

  Jessica sat at the computer late Sunday evening, doing her best to communicate with her fiancé by Instant Message. “What do you think of the ivory dishes with the dark green trim?” She typed the words into the tiny box on her computer screen and pushed the ‘send’ button.

  “They’re okay.” Nathan responded. “Not really my cup of tea, no pun intended.”

  She chuckled. All evening, the couple had bantered back and forth across the Internet, trying to decide which china and crystal patterns to choose. He felt strongly about solid white, she tended to gravitate toward richer colors.

  “Come on, Nathan,” she typed, “I’ve been looking at this stuff for days. Not that she really minded. In fact, shopping for the wedding always brought a familiar comfort. And she felt great about the fact that she had narrowed her fine china list to three or four possibilities. Katie and Kellie had even climbed aboard the wedding registration bandwagon, and together, they had chosen beautiful patterns. But Nathan didn’t seem to like any of them.

  “Do we really have to have china?” he asked. “What’s the point?”

  “It’s expected.” It might not make much sense to ask people to purchase something so seemingly frivolous to a young couple, but she could envision setting the table—a heavy, dark table, with beautiful dishes and crystal goblets. Even if it meant only getting a few pieces now and adding more at a later date, when they could justify it.

  “When would we ever use this stuff? Can’t we just buy paper plates?”

  She smiled at his illogical attempt at humor. “We’ll use it, I promise,” she typed. Jessica could think of all sorts of occasions for beautiful dishes. Now that she had connected with so many new people, she could see inviting them to dinner, hosting parties, even catering special events for the parents of the children she had grown to love. Stop thinking like that. You’re not going to live in Dallas.

  “I guess.”

  “And we still need to decide on flatware.” She began to open a new website, anxious to move on. “Let’s don’t forget that.”

  “What’s flatware?”

  Jessica groaned. She had already sent him links to three sites so that he could be choosing. “Knives and forks. The everyday stuff.”

  “Oh.” For a moment neither of them typed a thing. Finally, a message came through from his end. “Can we change the subject a minute?”

  “Sure.” She leaned back in her chair and rubbed at her eyes. After an evening of looking through web pages, they ached.

  “I want to talk to you about something serious.”

  Jessica braced herself. Already, two times this week, he had broached the topic of their long-distance relationship, and never from a positive standpoint.

  “What’s up?” she asked.

  “My fingers are tired, for one thing,” he responded. “And I’m not getting much sleep now that our only form of communication is over the Internet. I can’t type as fast as I can talk, and this is wearing me out. My fingers will be thin before this is over.”

  Jessica sighed loudly. “I know,” she typed.

  “This is just such a bummer,” he wrote. “Is it worth it, Jess? Are you really happy up there?”

  She leaned back in the chair, deep in thought. I wish he hadn’t picked this weekend to ask that question. The last few days had been rough. Despite Mr. Synder’s assurances, she felt oddly out of place amidst so many competitive vocalists in the adult company. “I’m happy.” She took her time typing the words. “It’s not everything I hoped it would be, but I still love it.”

  “I’m just lonely without you.”

  Jessica’s eyes watered immediately. “Me too.” Her heart suddenly felt as if it would burst and tears started to flow. Lord, have I made a mistake? I miss him so much and this is harder than I thought it would be. A lot harder.

  “I’m busy, and that’s a good distraction,” he wrote. “But something about all of this just seems wrong. Off. Haven’t you noticed?”

  Not until tonight. “I don’t know, Nathan.”

  “I’m probably just tired. I haven’t slept much this week. My workload at school is crazy and I’m drowning at the office, too.”

  “Well, we should wrap this up so you can get some sleep, then,” she typed. “We really need to register online tonight, if we can.”

  He didn’t respond, and Jessica wondered for a moment if he had dozed off.

  “So, which pattern would you like?”

  “I don’t really care, to be honest,” he responded. “Why don’t you just pick something?”

  “Are you sure?” That would be so much easier.

  “Yeah. I really need to sign off. My dad needs to check his email. But I’ll talk to you tomorrow night.”

  “Same time, same station?” she asked.

  “Right.”

  “I love you,” she typed.

  “Back at ya.”

  He disappeared and she closed out the instant messenger screen. With determined zeal, Jessica turned her attentions to the department store website, where she quickly selected china, crystal and flatware. The whole process took about ten minutes. When she finished, she clicked the computer off with a satisfied smile and turned her attentions, once again, to her music.

  THIRTEEN

  “Okay, kids. Let’s settle down and get to work.” Colin wiped a bit of perspiration from his brow as he faced the room full of boisterous children. “Miss Jessica has an announcement to make this afternoon.”

  His co-worker approached the center of the room, all smiles. “I’m happy to report,” she said, “that every member of the youth chorus has been given four free tickets to see the Metropolitan’s performance of Madame Butterfly in two weeks.”

  The kids reacted with cheers and Colin smiled at their enthusiasm.

  “Are you really playing the lead, Mr. Phillips?” one of the boys asked.

  He nodded, suddenly feeling a crater in the pit of his stomach. Just two weeks to pull it all together. To be honest, the Met’s upcoming production had already taxed him beyond belief, and with such a short time until opening night, he was certainly feeling the heat. Why did I agree to carry such a heavy load when my heart is here with these kids? And yet he knew the answer. His heart was set on the stage, where he could share the gift God had given him with full abandon.

  How could he possibly complain, at any rate? The Lord had given Colin the opportunity of a lifetime this year – carrying his first real lead in a professional company and directing the children – all at the same time.

  It was the ‘all at the same time’ that seemed to be giving him fits right now. I think I’m just tired. If Jessica hadn’t come, I don’t know what I would have done. He glanced across the roo
m at his enthusiastic counterpart. The autumn sunlight streamed through the window and picked up the color in her hair, dancing it across the room. For a brief moment, it held him captive. Then, a youngster’s giddy voice interrupted his reverie.

  “You’re the best singer I’ve ever heard,” twelve-year-old Melissa Grover spoke with a dreamy-eyed giggle.

  Colin tried to squelch the pre-teen’s enthusiasm, though he noticed Jessica nodding her agreement from across the room. “I appreciate the compliment,” he said, “but I still have a lot to learn, just like all of you. Trust me.”

  “Don’t let Mr. Phillips fool you, kids.” Jessica stepped to the center of the room. “He might still be on a learning curve, but he’s the best baritone I’ve ever heard, and I’ve heard a lot of them.”

  Colin’s cheeks immediately warmed and he winked his appreciation.

  “Thank you, Ms. Chapman.” He bowed with great dramatic flair.

  “You’re more than welcome.” She saluted in his direction and the kids laughed.

  Jessica’s voice rang out above their very vocal response. “Okay, now. It’s time to settle down. I have another announcement to make.”

  Colin watched with amazement as she managed to quiet them down with her playful sing-song voice. “The youth chorus has been asked to do three extra performances of our Christmas production.”

  The kids erupted in lively conversation and Colin tried, once again, to bring the noise level down to a dull roar.

  Jessica filled the children in on the details. “We’ll be performing at the Old City Park in the historical district. And we’ll also be adding two performances at a large church on the south end of town. Then, of course, we’ll have our regular performances on the dates we’ve already discussed. I’ve got all of the information right here.” She waved a stack of papers. “You’ll need to get this information into your parents’ hands as soon as possible.”

  The children swarmed her like flies and Colin immediately dove into action. “Careful, careful!” He made his way through the crowd and took the papers from Jessica’s outstretched hand. As their fingers brushed, she seemed to blush slightly and the freckles on her cheeks became even more pronounced. They always do that when she’s happy.

  Her eyes glistened with excitement as she spoke. “I have more to tell you,” Jessica continued. “But only if you’re all sitting down quietly.” The children took their papers from Colin and sat in their seats with looks of curiosity on their faces. “Mr. Phillips has some exciting news for those of you who want to learn a little more about the process of singing.”

  She gave a grand bow to usher him to the center of the room. The children stirred in their seats. Colin couldn’t help but smile as he spoke. “I’m happy to announce that the Dallas Metropolitan Opera has agreed to offer free vocal lessons to those of you in the Youth Program, beginning next Thursday afternoon.”

  The room grew quite loud once again and he raised his hands to quiet them. “Now that Miss Jessica’s here we have the best vocal instructor in the world on our team.” He gestured toward her and the kids cheered.

  Jessica’s cheeks immediately reddened. “You flatter me too much, Mr. Phillips.” She turned to face the children and her enthusiasm seemed to grow. “But I am excited to be able to have this opportunity, and I can’t wait to schedule your lessons. So, as soon as we finish up today, come and see me to arrange a time.”

  The voices of the students rose again and Colin moved forward into the rehearsal, handing the reins off to Jessica, who took charge with her usual grace and flair. She managed to lead the children through more of the material than he had planned, which certainly eased his mind. Maybe all of those extra performances won’t be such a challenge after all.

  When the session with the children ended, Jessica remained behind to clean up the room. She seemed to be in a particularly chatty mood this afternoon. In fact, she talked non-stop as she pushed folding chairs back into tidy rows. “I had a great time today. These kids are amazing.”

  “Yes, they are.” Her smile faded somewhat. “Oh, by the way, I just wanted to remind you that I’ll be out of town this weekend.”

  “That’s what I figured. How are your wedding plans coming along?”

  She looked at him with an alarmed expression. “We’re behind schedule, to be honest. We still haven’t ordered invitations. I was supposed to be taking care of that the last time I went home.”

  “Really? Would you like the name of the guy who prints all of our programs for the Met?” he asked. “He’s really good. And he’s a graphic artist, so he can pretty much do anything you need.”

  “Is he reasonable?”

  “I’m sure he’ll give you a break since you work for us.”

  Jessica’s lips turned up in a smile. “I’ll be so relieved to get some of this done, but, to be honest, the children have been a distraction. A good distraction, don’t get me wrong. But I’ve got to stay focused on everything at once.”

  “Oh, speaking of staying focused,” Colin finally worked up the courage to ask the question that had been weighing on his heart all afternoon. “I don’t suppose you’d be up to singing a solo at my church a couple of weeks before Christmas.”

  “What?” Jessica looked stunned and he immediately regretting asking.

  “I’m so sorry. Probably a dumb question.”

  “No, I’m just surprised, that’s all,” she said. “To be honest, I need to get involved in a church while I’m here. If I hadn’t spent every other weekend driving back and forth, I would have done so already. But two weeks before Christmas? Will we be done with the children’s performance by then?”

  “Yes. The children will perform the week before.”

  “Oh, I see.” She paused, pursing her lips.

  “Listen.” Colin waved his hand to dismiss the whole idea. “Please forget I said anything.”

  “Not so fast, not so fast.” She grinned. “What’s the song?”

  “Oh Holy Night.”

  Jessica’s eyes lit up in amazement. “That’s my grandmother’s favorite. I used to sing it every Christmas back home. Interesting.”

  “I dare say your church choir back home was probably a little different from the one I’m talking about.” He dove into a quick explanation and Jessica grinned.

  “They sound awesome and I’d be happy to do it, Colin. Maybe this is a God-thing. I wouldn’t want to overlook the possibility, anyway.”

  “Thanks so much. You’ll never know what this means to my little choir.”

  “My pleasure.”

  “And back to our original conversation,” Colin continued, “I’ll be praying that the Lord shows you how to keep everything in balance. In the meantime,” he swallowed hard, “Say a couple of prayers for me, too.”

  “What’s up?”

  Colin didn’t respond for a moment as he struggled to come up with the right words.

  “Are you worried about Madame Butterfly?” she asked, finally.

  “Not really worried.” He exhaled deeply. “I just hope I didn’t bite off more than I can chew. Whatever made me think I could handle two productions less than a month apart?” The kids’ performance would have been enough, but with the adult opera season in full swing…

  “You’ll do great,” she said.

  He shrugged. “I’m a little behind on memorizing my music for the second act. And, to be honest, this will be the first time I’ve ever carried a lead role. Don’t know if I mentioned that before. Between you and me, I’m a little—”

  “Nervous?”

  “Maybe a little. I don’t want to disappoint anyone. Snyder. The company. My family.”

  “I don’t see that as a possibility.” She smiled. “I don’t know if I’ve mentioned this before, but you don’t sound like a rookie. And if there’s anything I can do to ease your burden on this end – with the kids, I mean – just let me know.”

  “You’ve been great, Jess.” He reached to give her hand a squeeze. “I don’t know wh
at I would have done without you.”

  For a moment his hand lingered in hers. He withdrew it as he suddenly remembered his other prayer request. “Oh, and one more thing.” His voice grew shaky. “I, uh -”

  “Yes?”

  “I’m thinking of asking someone out.” There, I said it. I’ve finally spoken the words.

  “Katie?” Jessica broke into a broad grin as he nodded. “I think that’s great! She’s so much fun and she’s so talented too, Colin. Whenever I hear the two of you singing together, I can’t help but think about what a cute couple you would make.”

  Cute? “I don’t really know for sure about that, but I guess I’ll never know if I don’t ask her out.”

  “Oh, I have a wonderful idea!” Jessica’s eyes lit up. “Nathan will be here in a couple of weeks to see Madame Butterfly. We should all get together and double-date. It would be a great way to ease him into my world here. And. . .” her eyes grew large with excitement, “to make it even more fun, I should ask my brother and Kellie to come along too. That way everyone would have a partner. What do you think?”

  Colin wasn’t sure what to think. Somehow, the idea of going out with Katie seemed a little less appealing, now that he had voiced it aloud.

  “You’ll never know unless you ask her!” Jessica gave him a playful punch in the arm.

  He rubbed the spot and gave a thoughtful response. “I guess you’re right. I’ll never know unless I ask her.”

  ***

  On Saturday morning, Jessica made the familiar drive to Houston. The crisp November day provided an array of colorful distractions as she headed south on Interstate 45. The pine trees on either side of the freeway were usually green and full. Today, they seemed browner, less dense. On some level, they served to remind her that this season of her life would pass far too quickly. All too soon, her time in Dallas would be over.

  “I need to stop feeling sorry for myself,” she said aloud to the empty car. “I need to be grateful for the time I do have.” Jessica chided herself for feeling blue and re-affirmed her commitment to approach everything in her life with both joy and balance.