Dream Chaser

by Angie Stanton

  As I crossed the stage to my dressing room, I saw Sophie

  “Sophie! How are you?” I rushed over and hugged her, relieved to see her out of the hospital.

  “I’m fine. I have mild epilepsy, and it flares up sometimes. I just can’t believe it happened in front of everyone,” she said, dipping her head.

  “Don’t even worry about it. I’m so glad you’re okay. Can you do the show tonight?”

  “Yeah, my doctor said I should be fine with my new medicine, and Tyson said that if I feel up to doing the show, he’s good with it.”

  “I’m so glad you’re back! Last night we totally bombed. With you back we’ll be on track again.”

  McKenna and Chelsea spotted Sophie. “Sophie!” They hurried to join us. “Are you okay?”

  Sophie glanced at me and smiled. “Yeah.”

  “I’ve gotta get to my make up call, but I’m so glad you’re okay.” I hugged her again and left her to talk with the others.

  I swung by my dressing room to drop off my bag and my breath caught as I discovered a big bouquet of pink roses on my dressing room table. I reached through the baby’s breath for the card and pulled it out.

  You jump, I jump!

  And if you don’t, I still love you!

  Eli.

  I held the card to my heart.

  “I take it the flowers are from Eli.” Samantha smiled from the doorway dressed in designer jeans and a cute navy bazaar. “All is good between you two?”

  “Yeah!” I grinned

  “You made up.” She entered with a dress bag over her shoulder.

  “I haven’t seen him yet, but, yeah, I think so.”

  “I’m glad. Now are you ready for tonight?” She raised an eyebrow. “Tyson showed me the video you sent him last night. I must say I think you’re pretty amazing. I’m so proud of you.”

  “Thanks. I knew I had to figure something out and it was the only thing I could come up with.

  “You must be exhausted,” she said and hung up her bag.

  “No, my mom let me skip school, so I slept in really late. I think adrenaline will keep me going now.” An image of me singing center stage shot a fresh jolt through me.

  “Good. Now you better get down to make up before Mary comes looking for you. And be sure not to skimp on your warm up. Take your time. The last thing you need is an injury.”

  “I will. Thanks.”

  I didn’t see Eli in the make up room, but finally found him warming up on stage with Alex and Damian. He jumped up as soon as he saw me, took my hand and pulled me backstage behind the third wing curtains.

  “I’m so sorry I was a jerk.” His concerned eyes gazed into mine, and I’d never felt so lucky in my life.

  “You were fine. It was my fault. I’m sorry I made such a mess of everything.”

  “Are you okay?” He squeezed my hands.

  “Yes, I’m fine. I’m just so sorry. I can’t believe you put up with me. But don’t worry, Jilly helped me work it out last night. I can do the jump. I promise!”

  “Shhh.” He pressed his finger to my lips. “I know. I saw your video. I’m so glad you figured it out, but even if you didn’t, we’d make it okay. I don’t ever want to let something dumb like a stupid fall come between us again. ”

  “I love you.” I moved into his arms. He held me close and looked down.

  “I love you too.” He lowered his mouth to mine and gave me the sweetest, hottest kiss.

  “Hey, save it for the show!” Tyson interrupted.

  He wore a sharp black suit with a dark grey shirt open at the neck revealing a peak of chest hair.

  “Sorry.” Eli pulled away, but kept his arm tucked around me.

  “Are you two ready?” Tyson asked.

  “Oh yeah,” Eli said. “I’ve been waiting all my life for this night.” He pulled me close.

  “And Willow, are you still up for the fall? I wanted to run it before the show to make sure you have your bearings, but the trap operator is late, and we won’t have time before curtain.”

  “It’s okay. I’ll be fine,” I said with confidence and mostly believed it. I knew I could do it. I refused to believe otherwise, but butterflies had taken over my stomach as the time grew closer to curtain. I figured it was normal pre-show jitters.

  “We can always re-enact last night’s fake stabbing,” Eli teased.

  “No!” Tyson and I blurted at the same time.

  “Just kidding!” Eli said, and we all laughed.

  “You two go warm up. Vocals are in twenty minutes,” Tyson directed.

  Dressed in our thirties era nightclub attire, the cast assembled in places behind the main curtain as the overture played. Another minute and the curtain would rise on the premiere of Tyson Scott’s Dream Chaser.

  The churning of my stomach helped distract me from the fact I really needed to pee. At the other side of the stage Eli, looking hot in his vintage tuxedo, bounced on his toes and shook out his hands to stay loose.

  Our eyes met. Eli checked out my elegant form-fitting gown, raised his eyebrows suggestively and winked. Another few seconds and the show would open with a dream sequence set during the big band era, and our characters would meet.

  Somewhere out in the audience sat my family, Jilly, and Miss Ginny, all waiting to see if I could pull this off. Tyson would likely be chewing his nails. I could barely handle my own jitters; I don’t know how Tyson managed with so much pressure. Eli seemed to feed off the adrenaline.

  The orchestra hit its crescendo. The lighting created a dreamlike mood. Energy crackled in the air, and the illuminated stage looked glorious with our period costumes and set. We all hit our marks, and the curtain rose.

  The number went off perfectly without a missed step by anyone. The moment Eli smiled and took my hand for our elegant ballroom number, the last of my butterflies disappeared. We floated across the stage as the outside world fell away and we became Lauren and Zach.

  After the opening, each scene went better than the last. Yesterday’s mishaps became a distant memory. Samantha helped me through each of my costume changes. As soon as intermission began, Tyson joined us backstage.

  “What did I tell you? Bad dress rehearsal, great show! I’m so proud of every one of you. Now don’t let your energy drop. Keep the momentum flowing in the second act through to the end of the Mega Mix.”

  A buzz of relief went through the cast. Sophie was doing great, and Jason had nailed every line. Tyson came over to Eli and me.

  “Great job. How are you guys holding up?”

  Perspiration covered me and glued my costume to my sweaty back. “I’m good.”

  Lines of sweat ran down Eli’s neck, but he looked great. “I can’t wait for Act Two.”

  “Get down to make up for touchups and be sure to hydrate. If there’s time, I’d like you to run the lifts from the fight scene too. Let’s keep this show rolling smoothly.”

  “Willow, are you ready to do the fall?”

  I knew he wanted to have faith in me, but needed to ask anyway. Eli waited for my answer but didn’t say a word.

  “Yes, I’m solid. I’m ready. I wish I could make it so you guys didn’t have to worry, but I can’t. You’ll just have to trust me.”

  “And I do,” Tyson said. “I’ve just gotta keep tabs on you. If anything changes, you let me know.”

  “I will.” His confidence and support boggled my mind. After all the drama I’d put Tyson through, he treated me like a professional. I didn’t deserve it.

  “Now go get ready for the second act.”

  “On our way.” Eli took my hand and pulled me away. He kissed my temple as we walked. Did life get any better?

  The second act flew. The audience reaction and roar of applause blew me away. They loved the show, the orchestra was phenomenal, and we nailed every scene. During my solos I owned the stage. I belted out my songs and bared my soul. It never even occurred to me to be nervous. I don’t know if it was because of Eli’s constant focus, the voice lesso
ns, or the thrill of the show, but somewhere along the way everything fit into place.

  Suddenly the show was almost over and it was time for the death scene.

  This was it.

  I waited backstage for my cue, Jason at my side. I made the mistake of thinking about how horrible last night’s show went and how petrified I felt when looking over the side of the elevated set. It must have shown on my face.

  “Are you okay?” Jason whispered with more than worry in his eyes.

  “Oh, yeah. I’m fine.” I shook off the feeling of terror. I knew the entire cast was waiting to see what I’d do. Would I blow it again? I pictured Tyson holding his breath until the scene ended. Eli doubt me too? I’d let him down so many times before, and I didn’t want to do it again. I prayed that my long night of work with Jilly would pay off. Hopefully my body would remember and not let my head take over.

  The stage darkened and Jason and I took our places. During that three-second pause I saw Eli off stage right. With his raised eyebrows, he asked the question everyone wanted to know. Would I take the fall? In that quick instant I crossed my fingers for good luck, shrugged my shoulders and nodded.

  The scene began and I put it on autopilot. I focused on Eli and Jason. I refused to go to my scary place. That is, until I stepped onto the rooftop set. Out of the corner of my eye I saw the giant sunroof trap slide open like a gaping abyss.

  Don’t look. Don’t think. I chanted to myself.

  I knew the audience couldn’t see the opening or the approaching no-turning back moment.

  The orchestra’s sound filled the theatre, building the momentum to epic levels.

  The scene moved on. Victor punched Zach, knocking him to the floor of the rooftop set.

  I was next. Victor lunged, and I evaded him, moving closer to the edge. The audience gasped.

  Don’t look! Don’t think!

  Zach yelled to warn Lauren.

  I focused on the image of Jilly encouraging me to fall from the tall ladder at the gym last night.

  It was time. Fall or fail.

  I made a split second choice and gave a slight nod to Jason that only he and Eli could see.

  Jason rushed toward me. I took a step to the edge and planted my foot. My arms flailed like any sane person would do who didn’t want to fall.

  But this was a show, and a mat waited below to cushion me. The audience gasped again.

  I leaned forward just enough to let gravity pull me over into a free fall.

  Chapter 40

  My scream could be heard in Canada, but luckily that part was in the script. As a former expert at free falling, I turned during the fall and safely landed on the mat with a huge whoosh. I wanted to get up and cheer!

  A stagehand reached out to help me off the mat because Eli would fall in another couple seconds. His character Zach is devastated by the death of his true love and follows her to a tragic death.

  Another gasp erupted from the audience. I looked up and watched Eli in a perfect dead man’s fall. He dropped through the air and landed on the mat in front of me.

  I climbed back on to the mat just as he popped up.

  “You did it!” he said. “I’m so proud of you. You never even hesitated.”

  “You were awesome!” I hugged him. “And it was fun!”

  Eli started kissing my face.

  The stagehand shook his head.

  “Eli, we have to change for the Mega Mix.”

  “Let a guy have his moment here, would ya?”

  I kissed him back, and then we climbed off the mat.

  “Can’t you just see Tyson out there about to have a coronary.”

  “Poor guy.”

  The giant trap door closed above on the darkened stage as sad mournful music played. We hurried to our dressing rooms.

  “Way to go!” Samantha high fived me.

  “Thanks!” I couldn’t hide my grin as I kicked off my shoes.

  “Ready for the finale?” She unfastened the belt of my costume.

  The monitor on the wall showed live feed from the stage. Soft light appeared and grew brighter like the dawn of a new day. The set had been changed to a cheerful blue sky with huge puffy clouds. Fresh, light music began in a playful pace. A wisp of fog streamed across stage.

  Heaven.

  “Am I ever,” I said as she stripped clothes off me and pulled new ones over my head.

  * * *

  Fully dressed in my all-white costume of snug low-rise pants adorned with a wide looped silver belt and a little midriff top. I headed back down under the stage to a smaller trap and waited for my entrance. Eli joined me, dressed in fitted white jeans and a tank that showed off his assets. Another monitor allowed the technician to know exactly when to raise or lower the trap.

  Eli stood behind me, with his arms wrapped around me, as we watched the finale on the monitor. I leaned against him, more content than ever.

  A change in music from the band and the lighting on stage softened. The music pumped through the place like the best rock concert ever. This was heaven.

  First, a group of girls danced out to the catchy beat. I could feel the excitement in the theatre. Another group of girls joined the first, and then another, until their movements created an amazing crescendo of synchronized choreography. The music built, increasing the momentum of energy on stage.

  The guys did the same, beginning with a small group and adding more until a mass of guys overtook the stage. Their power mesmerized me as I watched the monitor under the stage.

  The music shifted again. Eli quick kissed me, and we took our places at opposite spots under the stage.

  More heavenly clouds spilled onto the stage from the fog machine. A trap door in the floor opened on each side of the stage. I rose from one and Eli from the other like we were floating into heaven, which at this point I pretty much was. Eli and I locked eyes as the lift raised up to stage level. The audience roared their applause the moment they saw Zach and Lauren together in heaven, as the rest of the cast jammed in the background,

  I ran across the floor to him, jumped with all my might, and Eli lifted me high in an overhead lift. We nailed it. The audience roared. Then he turned me, lowered his arms and flipped me onto my feet. I took his hand, and we shared a quick joyful smile. Then we began an upbeat version of our ballroom rumba, but in double time. The band played it total rock and roll as Eli’s strong hold whipped us around the stage. The audience totally loved the “dancing in heaven” finale.

  The best part was sharing this with Eli. We were back together again on stage and off, grinning, giving it every ounce of energy we had. The lights swirled and changed to the beat of the music, showing our rock version of heaven.

  We finished our dance duet with synchronized pirouettes. It was my favorite part, and the audience loved it. One spin, then two spins, three, four. The audience applause filled my ears as I spotted each turn. Five, six, seven and eight! I heard catcalls as we finished with a double pirouette. The crowd partied on their feet as the band jammed on.

  We all ran off stage, and then the bows began, with each cast member crossing the stage with a signature move. Sophie did a beautiful switch leap and pointed to Alex. He did a head spin onto his back then flipped onto his feet as Chloe crossed with her move. On and on it went, each dancer giving the stage to the next.

  When my turn came up, I did a tumbling run across the stage ending with a double twist. I pointed and handed the stage over to Eli. The moment he appeared, the volume of applause increased a few more decibels as Eli executed a series of traveling Russian leaps so high he sailed effortlessly through the air. We broke into the final chorus of the theme song with the cast members standing in formation around the stage. Eli and I ran front and center to where the footlights shone strongest. Through the bright lights, I could see the audience still on their feet, as the band played in the pit below.

  Eli stepped aside and held his hand out to me and I bowed, then gestured to him and he bowed. We joined hands and took on
e more together. Eli waved the rest of the cast forward and gave the cue. The crowd wouldn’t quiet. We all bowed again then gestured the band and gave them one more bow.

  Stepping back, Eli squeezed my hand. The heavy curtain closed in a whoosh but the applause didn’t stop, so up the curtain went. The song ended and my pulse crashed through my body. Every ounce of myself, I gave; and in return I was filled with such euphoria I could barely stand it.

  We bowed one more time, a united cast of laughter and joy. We waved at the audience and bopped to the music as a glimmer of hands waved back.

  Eli caught my eye and winked. We grinned like idiots. The curtain lowered for good and the stage lights came up. I launched myself into Eli’s waiting arms. He swung me around like a rag doll. I never wanted to let go!

  “We did it! I can’t believe we did it!” I yelled.

  He held me so close I couldn’t breathe, but I didn’t care. Then we started hugging everyone else. Sophie cried with a group of girls, and a lot of others were high fiving it.

  All the ugliness of the beginning was now long in the past; except Chloe, she kept her distance, which was fine with me.

  Tyson appeared in a euphoric glow. We surrounded him like a swarm of bees to honey. The joy on his face said it all. His perfect white teeth grinned, erasing all the earlier stress and struggle we put him through.

  “You did it! I knew you could.” Tyson beamed like a proud father. The sparkle in his eye sent me over the moon. He gave me the biggest warmest hug ever.

  “I’m so glad I didn’t screw it up. I put you through a lot.”

  “You were awesome!”

  Eli joined us.

  “Eli, I’d give you a Tony Award right now if I could. You slam dunked it!” He pulled Eli into a hug and slapped him on the back a couple times. Eli couldn’t stop smiling.

  “You guys killed it out there! You didn’t miss a thing from the lifts to the emotion and then you both did perfect free falls.”

  We soaked in his excitement, so thrilled to know he loved it. Tyson moved on as we celebrated our success.

  Back in the dressing room, I rushed to get ready. Standing in my underwear, I washed the sweat off my body with about twenty baby wipes. A far cry from a real shower, but at least now I smelled powder fresh. I slipped into the little black dress and strappy heels my mom bought and applied normal make up.