The Long Shadow on the Stage Chapters 1 and 2

by Nichole Heydenburg

  THE LONG

  SHADOW

  ON THE

  STAGE

  Nichole Heydenburg

  The Long Shadow on the Stage

  Copyright © 2020 by Nichole Heydenburg Al Rights Reserved

  Edited by Alex Noelke

  Cover Design by: Stone Ridge Books

  ISBN 978-1-7349015-0-4 (eBook)

  ISBN 978-1-7349015-1-1 (paperback)

  This book is a work of fiction. Al characters, incidents, names, and places are utilized fictitiously or are the product of the author’s imagination. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, events, or businesses is completely coincidental.

  3

  Dedicated to Zed. Thank you for always believing in me, for pushing me to keep trying, and not letting me give up on my dreams. I love you.

  THE LONG

  SHADOW

  ON THE

  STAGE

  C H A P T E R 1 :

  J a c k s o n

  wo weeks until I’m done with Dispatching David. The T thought was terrifying, but also freeing. Jackson Birkman had been starring as the lead actor, David, on the popular TV series Dispatching David for the past five years. It had been great to have a steady income, to not have to worry about paying rent, to be able to live his life the way he wanted to without money holding him back. But that was all about to change. He had blown the majority of his savings on a newer, much larger apartment, one that wasn’t on the sketchy side of NYC. He had bought a brand new 2015 BMW

  750Li because everyone, including his girlfriend, expected him to get rid of his old junker. And okay, maybe he had purchased several more luxury cars simply because he could. The worst part of the show ending, though, was how disappointed his girlfriend was in

  The Long Shadow on the Stage him. He had tried his best to save up for a nice engagement ring, but he had other things on his mind besides getting married. He wasn’t in a rush, even though Clara was dropping every kind of hint she could while still maintaining some semblance of her dignity.

  Clara wanted to move in with him, get married, have kids, and become a wrinkly old married couple together. Jackson thought he would be okay with most of that but wasn’t sure about the kids part.

  He had recently accepted the idea of getting married, mostly because Clara was so great. She was everything he had been looking for: smart, witty as hel , long gorgeous blonde hair, and a perfect body.

  She did things like bring him lunch when he couldn’t leave the set for a break and always bought him groceries when he didn’t have time. She was so thoughtful and always looked out for him. She had his best interests in mind, and he loved that about her. He loved everything about her, really. It was only the idea of forever that scared him in the slightest, but he knew once they were married and had a couple of kids and settled down, he would lead a happy enough life. He would be content with the vision Clara had for their future because he wasn’t creative or independent enough to consider what he wanted; he was more than wil ing to let Clara have her dream.

  Because she loved him. And if you love someone, you only want them to be happy.

  ***

  Jackson leaned over to grab his cel phone from the nightstand next to his bed. It was only 7 a.m. Damn. He didn’t have to be at work until noon because they were only shooting one scene today.

  2

  Nichole Heydenburg

  He figured he might as wel get up anyways. It was impossible for him to sleep in most of the time. Besides, if he woke up now, he would have time to eat a decent breakfast and if he was feeling up to it, maybe he could even go over his lines a few more times. Clara was in the shower, so he decided to surprise her with breakfast by the time she got out of the bathroom. She would be in there for a while anyways. Although she didn’t technically live with him, she stayed the night often enough that somehow his living room had acquired sequined accent pillows and a teal and white chevron rug, his bathroom cabinets were full of make-up and tampons, there seemed to always be random pieces of glitter scattered around the apartment, and he had lost the space of more than half of his closet from her intruding clothes and shoes. He didn’t complain much; he liked having her around. He just wished she would ask how he felt about her decorating choices. It was still his apartment, after all.

  Jackson stumbled into the kitchen half-asleep and turned on the coffeemaker. Okay, he had to admit that was one of Clara’s belongings he didn’t mind having around. It was so convenient because it had an option for a single cup of coffee, instead of brewing an entire pot. He made two cups of coffee and started cracking eggs.

  He slid a few slices of bread in the toaster and began mixing batter for waffles. Clara would be happy; waffles were her favorite. As he was finishing up cooking breakfast and setting the kitchen table, Clara walked into the kitchen.

  “God, that looks great. I thought I smelled waffles.” She kissed him lovingly and grabbed the syrup from the fridge. “You’re the 3

  The Long Shadow on the Stage best.”

  Jackson grabbed her for another kiss, smiled, and sat down next to her. “I’m glad you think so.”

  Clara sighed in contentment after taking a bite of a waffle. “How did you sleep? I thought you didn’t have to be at work until noon today.”

  “Yeah, I couldn’t sleep any longer.”

  “Sorry, sweetie. I hope it wasn’t because of me,” Clara said, looking down at her breakfast and pouting slightly.

  God, she looks adorable at all hours of the day, he thought.

  “Not at al . I like when you stay the night. I’m just stressed, you know?”

  “I know, but you’l find something else. I’m sure plenty of directors wil want to hire you now. You’ve been the lead actor in a hit TV show for the past five years, Jackson! You won’t have trouble finding work,” Clara responded with a reassuring smile.

  It was encouraging how much faith she had in him, but of course she didn’t quite understand how the entertainment industry worked. He could find another acting job, but would it be a role he enjoyed? Would it be another popular show, one that people would watch and care about? And would he stil be making hundreds of thousands of dol ars per episode? He would miss the lifestyle he had grown accustomed to.

  I should have been smarter with my money. Why did I ever think it was a good idea to buy so many cars? If things get rough, I can always sell them. But I doubt I’l make enough to recover from 4

  Nichole Heydenburg

  the rest of it. My stupid mistakes…

  “Jackson? What are you thinking about? You have a weird look on your face,” Clara asked, bringing him back to reality.

  “Huh? Oh. Just work stuff.”

  “What about work? Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine.”

  He speared a large chunk of a waffle with his fork and drowned it in syrup, hurriedly changing the subject. He didn’t want Clara to know how worried he was about his financial issues. There was no use in making her worry. “Does everything taste okay?”

  “It tastes great. Thanks for making breakfast,” she said, smiling and reaching across the table to grab his hand. She laced her fingers through his and gazed into his eyes. “Jackson?”

  “Yeah?” He asked, preparing for the worst.

  “You want to get married, right?”

  Dear God. It’s not even 8 and she’s already at it!

  “Clara, of course I do. Someday.”

  Clara’s demeanor immediately changed. “Someday… It’s always someday. We’ve been together for six years.”

  “I know how long we’ve been together, Clara.”

  She unlaced her f
ingers from his and folded them on the table.

  “Are you not ready? Do you not love me? What is it about getting married that terrifies you so intensely?”

  “You know I love you. That has nothing to do with this.”

  “What?” She asked, standing up and kicking back her chair.

  “That has everything to do with this!” She exploded. “If you don’t 5

  The Long Shadow on the Stage love me, just tel me now before I waste any more of my time.”

  And all I wanted out of today was to enjoy my waffles and not screw up too badly during rehearsal. .

  “Calm down. I don’t think now is the right time. I mean, with the show ending, money’s going to be tight for a while. It would be hard to save for an engagement ring, a wedding, and a honeymoon all at the same time.”

  “What are you talking about? You’re a celebrity actor on an Emmy award-winning TV show-”

  “Wel , yeah, but…”

  “Jackson, what did you do with all of your money?” She asked, folding her arms across her chest and glaring at him accusingly. “You blew it al , didn’t you?”

  Jackson clenched and unclenched his fists. She was starting to piss him off. It was his money, so why did she care?

  “Clara, listen to me. I want to marry you. In a few years, when things are settled down and we don’t have to worry as much about money.”

  “If we keep waiting for you to become a financially responsible adult, then we’re never going to get married. Just forget it.” Clara stood and walked over to the sink, furiously scrubbing her dishes and letting them clatter loudly into the sink when she was finished.

  Jackson came over to her and wrapped his arms around her waist. “I love you.” He kissed the back of her neck. “I love you so much, Clara.”

  He could tell she was fighting back a smile despite her anger, 6

  Nichole Heydenburg

  but eventually she gave in and turned to face him. “I love you too.”

  He smiled. “Then why do you ever doubt me? I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want to marry you, have a couple adorable little rugrats, buy our dream house, and spend eternity with you wrapped in my arms.”

  And it was true, for the most part. In that moment, it was exactly what Jackson wanted. He reserved the right to change his mind, but it’s not like they had a specific timeframe set.

  “Really?”

  “Yes,” he said, kissing her hand gently.

  “Then promise we will get married next year.”

  Jackson swallowed hard and nodded. “Okay. Next year.”

  ***

  “Jackson, please just five more minutes?”

  “Sorry, I really have to leave. You can stay in the apartment if you want though. I don’t think rehearsal will be very long.” He kissed Clara on the top of her head and smiled goofily. “I’l see you later!”

  He hurriedly gathered up the script, his notes, a pen, and a water bottle, and raced out the door. “Shit, I really am going to be late,” he muttered to himself. With the slam of his apartment door, he sprinted down the stairs. The elevator was too slow to be worth it right now. He shoved the front door open and shivered with the encroaching cold.

  “Fuck, didn’t grab a coat.” But it was too late to return upstairs, so instead he hailed a taxi and jumped inside. He could have driven 7

  The Long Shadow on the Stage one of his cars, but it was always such a pain to pul out of the parking garage when there was perpetually terrible traffic, so much so that he rarely drove. It was almost pointless for him to own any cars with how little he used them.

  The taxi driver turned around to look at him. “Are you Jackson Birkman?” He asked excitedly, with a stupid grin spreading across his chubby cheeks.

  “Yup. Listen I need to be at rehearsal in like five minutes. Can you get me there on time?”

  “Sorry, it’s just such an honor to meet you, sir! I’m a huge fan of your show,” the older man continued. “I watch it every Sunday night. My wife isn’t real y into it. She says it creeps her out, but I just love it. The action, the drama, and your character-”

  Jackson cut him off, “I’m glad you enjoy it. But, please, I’m going to be late. I don’t want to piss off the director.”

  “Alright, alright, I’l get you there on time. Wouldn’t want the star to be late.”

  “Thank you. And really, I appreciate the kind words.”

  “Anytime, buddy! Ya think I could get an autograph?”

  “Sure, yeah.” He whipped out his notebook and scribbled his signature on a sheet of loose-leaf.

  “Today’s my lucky day!” The taxi driver said, final y turning back around and pul ing out onto the road.

  “Always happy to meet a fan,” Jackson said as a goodbye, when the taxi finally screeched to a stop in front of the building where the TV show was filmed.

  8

  Nichole Heydenburg

  “It was so great to meet you, Jackson Birkman! Anytime you need a ride, just gimme a call. I’d be honored.” He handed Jackson a business card, which Jackson hastily crumpled into his jeans pocket.

  “Thanks again,” Jackson yelled back, running to the doors of the building. He was only a few minutes late. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad. He was almost always on time, so it shouldn’t matter.

  Although, they did need him before they could start filming. .

  As soon as he entered the room, he immediately wanted to leave. Gus Carver, the director of Dispatching David was absolutely fuming: bright, puffy red face, nostrils flaring, stampeding towards him. His six-foot, muscled body was terrifying in every way humanly possible.

  Wel shit.

  Jackson approached him cautiously, apologizing before Gus could explode. “I’m sorry I’m late, Gus. Traffic was awful. It took me forever to find a taxi. .”

  “I don’t want to hear any of your shit today, Jackson. You’re seven minutes late. We could have almost shot an entire scene by now. You think you’re so great, huh? ‘I’m Jackson Birkman, the star of the show, let those bitches wait for me to arrive!’” Gus said in a taunting, high-pitched voice.

  “I’m sorry. I tried to make it here on time. It won’t happen again, I promise.”

  “Damn right it won’t, princess. Get in there and make some magic happen. You sure as hell better make sure the rest of my time 9

  The Long Shadow on the Stage isn’t wasted today. I can’t sit around and wait for your sorry ass to show up.”

  Augustus Carver, aka Gus, was one of the biggest assholes Jackson had ever known, but the thing about Gus was that he was a complete genius. He had won the “Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series” Emmy three times and was sure to remind everyone constantly. He treated the actors and crew like shit, but everyone put up with his atrocious behavior because they all knew it was probably their best chance of 1) becoming rich and famous and 2) finding a job again. Working with Augustus Carver was stressful, yes, but rewarding enough to be worth it. If you didn’t mind getting shoved around and taken advantage of at every opportunity Gus seized (which were many), then it all worked out okay.

  “What are you doing just standing around? I said get in there!

  My time is precious, princess.”

  Jackson hurried into the TV studio and stood near the other actors, who al turned to glare at him, except one thin man who had dark brown hair to his chin, dark brown eyes which were partially obscured by glasses, and dimples. His name was Edgar Peterson.

  Edgar’s parents were both writers and huge Edgar Al en Poe fans, so they had chosen to forever prove their obsession to the world the day they named their son. Edgar had been Jackson’s closest friend for as long as he could remember. Their dads had worked together for a while when Edgar’s dad was in between writing jobs, so Edgar and Jackson had been thrown together and forced to have “play dates” as small children. Fortunately, it had worked out in their favor 10

  Nichole Heydenburg

  because they had stayed close thro
ughout the years and had both decided to try their hand at acting. Jackson had become much more successful but had gotten Edgar a role on Dispatching David during season three.

  “Jackson, why are you late?” Edgar asked, elbowing Jackson in the side. “Gus has been flipping out.”

  “I know, I know. I woke up late today.”

  “Better not let it happen again. People are going to start thinking you don’t take your job seriously,” Edgar said with a smirk.

  Gus was vehemently staring at them. “Are you two done gossiping or can we start the damn scene?”

  Edgar immediately spoke up. “I’m so sorry, Gus! We were just discussing-”

  “I DON’T CARE WHAT YOU WERE DISCUSSING. You can discuss whatever the hell you want on your own time. Jackson, go over there!” Gus pointed. “Edgar, stand there!”

  Gus continued to bark out directions for several moments until he seemed reasonably satisfied. He nodded in appreciation. “Yeah, okay. Good enough.”

  Jackson stepped into place and spun wildly around. “Kevin, you don’t know what you’re doing!” He exploded at Edgar’s character. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. It’s not too late to work things out. What do you want? Money? Take it,” he begged, pulling his wal et out of his pocket and hastily opening it to flip through the fake bil s. He handed a stack of money to Kevin. “If the money’s not enough, I’l give you whatever. Anything you want. Just please don’t. .”

  11

  The Long Shadow on the Stage Kevin sprung forward until he was in Jackson’s character, David’s face. “I don’t want your money, David. You never think about anyone but yourself. You act like if you screw up, there aren’t any consequences. Well, in the real world, every action has a consequence. I’ve been waiting a long time for you to get what you deserved, but it appears that God’s playing some kind of sick joke on me...”

  Gus suddenly stood and walked to the middle of the room, where they were shooting the scene. “What was that?”