Short Story

For those of you who have read my prior post, you'll realize this is based off my actual life and infused with cooler things. It's a short story.

Helena struggled through the door at around six. She plopped down backstage. She and Anna ran through a few scenes and Helena was jumpy. It was the last show and she was excited. She gave Tommy a big hug and went to get her face powdered and make up applied. The costume designer, Helena couldn’t remember her name, was directing the girl who was applying the glitter to make swirls on the sides of her eyes. Helena played a game of hearts with Emily, June, and Britney to pass the time. Before she knew it, it was five minutes before show-time. Helena was struggling into her costume. The wings were a dark, shimmering green and a tan, filmy slip was underneath. She watched from the wings as Oberon and Titania (Brittany and June) march and slithered onto the stage. Helena watched in awe as they moved so fluidly. She was leaning forward when she felt a bump.

Distracted, she looked up to find Tommy. He whispered to her “Watch your step girl; you almost fell onto the stage.” Helena nodded and could feel her cheeks getting hot. Thank goodness it’s dark, she thought. The next scene she walked onto the stage on releve, ready to have Puck be born. Her heart was not in the show, though. Helena was still remembering the touch of Tommy’s skin. Luckily, her back was to the audience as the flower pulsed and flourished. All the faeries had there hands in the middle and were in a circle so Puck would not be seen. Helena smiled at Gwen (Puck) and Gwen gave a little wave. She was alert like an owl at night. They all brought there hands up in slow motion in beat with the music and created falling leaves with there bodies.

Once Puck was born Helena flipped into the corner and waited for Oberon and Titania to come on stage again and find the baby fairy. She kept her eyes focused on the opposite wall. She tried to not think while her arms were on fire from having to hold them up for so long.

The play finished rather quickly and she plucked pantomime flowers with Anna. Helena was supposed to be the ditzy and innocent fairy. She nailed the part. Even so, whenever she was ‘digging’ a hole to plant a flower she was imagining Tommy planting and watering the flowers, like in rehearsal. Helena headed off-stage to do a 1:30 change into a formal gown on the dot.

One minute and 30 seconds later, it was the last scene. Helena was wearing her pink party dress; fidgeting and twiddling her thumbs. Tommy said to her “Relax.”, and they waltzed onstage. She could feel her palm sweating as they danced. Step forward, releve, step down, releve, and twirl. The music was fast and Helena was on to her next partner. Even so, she was imagining her hand intertwined with his.

The music finished and the cast bowed. Gwen and Helena laughed heartily when Natalie fell, and stumbled off stage. It was decided that they were going to Guapo’s: an amazing Mexican restaurant. They all walked down the snowy street like the big, adopted family they were. Helena sat with Tommy and they laughed about all the immature things they knew. She was teaching him Portuguese, he was teaching her polish.  They shared nachos and Helena’s head was about to burst. She longed to just grab his hand and spill her feelings. Yet she was an actress, and knew the consequences. The 22 year old would have nothing to do with her.

Once the meal was finished, some of the girls cried and swapped phone numbers. Helena trudged home in the January snow and thought about sharing her feelings. Instead she sang as she walked. You could see her twirling in the snow and leaning from side to side, like a happy drunk.

“Don't let me go if I'm dangling, high above the world where the angels sing. Back it up, let's turn this train around, let's get this party hopping 'til we're shaking the ground. When the ground starts shaking I'll be there to hold you tight. Don't worry about a thing cause everything will be alright. Let me keep this short and sweet, there's not a lot I wouldn't do to sweep you off your feet.” Suddenly, she felt Tommy’s arms around her. He got his lips close to her ear and said

“Whoever that’s for is a lucky man. I’m always hear for you, girl.” She laughed and bit her lip. They walked down to the metro station and she waved as she got on the train. The whole cast was meeting up for movie night next Friday. She breathed in deeply and exhaled. Helena would see Tommy again. Life goes on. So does the magic.