Morning all. There were no duels to the death in the back yard this morning or even strange dreams upon waking. I opened my eyes one minute before the alarm went off and blinked sleep from my eyes as the time rolled over and the alarm went off. I always find the morning slightly less shocking when that happens so I am hoping it is the sign of a good day to come. Shall we get the good day started? Excellent. Timers on and let us write.
Apparently my brain decided to take a break from setting this morning. I don’t usually write child characters. And I feel really bad for Curtis. Not sure what the story is going to be but I feel a little guilty for leaving him here.
Each person knew their place.
Each person knew their place. They lined up each holding their placards and waited for the music to start. “Left foot first,” Mrs. Wilson hissed from the shadows behind the curtain. Curtis tried not to nod. He knew her directions were meant for the entire cast and not just him. He also knew he was one of the few in his class who managed to get all of the steps right.
He practiced, a lot. His father was going to be here for this performance. He promised and Curtis wanted this performance to go perfectly.
‘At least my part in it,’ he thought. Even at eight he knew he had no control over his classmates. The music sounded and they started off on their left feet as they marched forward in a line. Except for Katie Mars who was behind him. She started on her right and kicked him in the calf. He ignored the pain and fought the urge to glare at her. He followed Kyle forward onto the stage and their line turned to face the audience. Vince tripped over his own feet but managed to catch himself before he fell to the floor.
Curtis tried to see beyond the lights but everything past the end of the stage was just a blur of shadows. He could tell that they were people shaped shadows and adult sized, but nothing more. He tried to ignore the crowd and concentrated on getting his part in their performance perfect. He didn’t have much to do, he wasn’t one of the stars. Mostly he held his sign and moved it into various positions. Once he flipped it over so the reverse was showing to the audience and they could read the letters on it. He was pleased he flipped the card the right way so that the letter was facing the correct way.
He had been worried about that.
Colin dropped his card but they ignored it and went on. Somehow they made it to the end and Curtis was pleased that none of the mistakes were his. He did his part. He was glad it was over as he was only participating because it was mandatory, but since his father promised to attend, he put every effort into it. Now it was over. He hadn’t screwed up and once he bowed with the others he was allowed to leave the stage.
Back stage he moved to the back area and shed his costume. He hung it up on the hook even as some of the others ran out to see their families. He waited until there were fewer people. He knew his father didn’t like crowds much and wasn’t fond of any of the other parents. When the way was clear, Curtis stepped out into the auditorium. People were milling about in small groups. They were laughing and talking about the performance.
Curtis scanned the crowd. He didn’t see his father. He waited by the door, studying the room wondering how he could miss him. Curtis stood there as the room slowly emptied out. His father wasn’t there. Mrs. Wilson came over. She was slipping her coat on. “Parent’s couldn’t make it then?” she said.
Curtis nodded numbly.
“I’m sorry. I’m sure they will be sorry they missed it. You did really well. Do you need a ride home? Again Curtis nodded. He followed Mrs. Wilson out of the auditorium and into the parking lot.
Ten til Midnight 