The final performance

I walked into the hall and started getting everything set up. The Freak told me he’d give me a hand after he’d finished having a jam with his mates. I had to shut my mouth before I made a smart-arse comment. As I walked toward the pit I caught myself feeling proud of the little guy.

By the time I’d finished the setup, the hall had begun to fill with the whole crew for the last time.

Good evening, handsome!

Elizabeth was walking through the stage hall doors. Her hair was out and reached halfway down her back. She was dressed in jeans and a T-shirt like she always was, but this time when I looked at her it was different. I don’t know if I was different, she was different or we were both different, but it didn’t matter because it was good different.

She had her costumes thrown over her shoulder and was carrying at least three other bags. I walked over to meet her, grinning and not caring that the entire hall had stopped to watch the show. I grabbed the gear like some bloody knight in not-so-shining armor. She leaned across and brushed my lips with hers. The whole hall erupted. Back to reality. I didn’t know whether to laugh or to tell everyone to find their own love life to feed off. As for Elizabeth, she just laughed up at me, not bothered by any of it.

Yeah, all right, settle down! I managed as we continued on our path to the change rooms.

She stood in the doorway and I handed her the gear. She looked straight into my eyes like she had last night.

Thanks for last night, Will, I had a great time.

I was thankful the others had not overheard. Their perverse little minds would have become too excited.

No, yeah, it was good.

How could I have spent all last night talking to the girl and still not manage a decent sentence today?

So are you coming to Mark’s after-show party?

I continued to struggle.

The thing is, I’m not sure if I’ll be wanted at Mark’s party.

She took the rest of her stuff, turned me around and gave me a shove on the bum with the only thing that was free, her foot.

Go and talk to him, Will.

I knew I had to. I didn’t want to stuff up the after-show vibe for him like I had last night. Anyway, this time I figured if he didn’t accept my apology there wasn’t much more I could do.

I knocked outside the blokes’ dressing room and watched the younger chorus guys run out. I walked straight in and found Mark in the corner, putting on what looked like a really bad, really bright 1920s jacket.

Hi, Mark.

He looked up and nodded.

Well, at least he didn’t tell me to get out.

Nice jacket.

He continued to look at me without comment. OK, so a joke was not a good way to start.

Mark, I know you’re pissed off with me and you should be. And I know everything you said last night was true. Just give me a chance to say some stuff to you, OK?

He sat down in front of the mirror and swiveled the chair toward me.

You were right yesterday. You were right. I was worried about what other people would think. And it was a stuffed thing to do to you. I don’t think you’re a freak. I’m the one who’s been acting like a basket case.

I looked up over him.

And I know if I say it won’t happen again, you’ll think that’s what I said last time. So I guess I’m just going to have to prove it to you.

Mark continued to sit and say nothing.

But I want you to know that I really am genuinely sorry.

The room filled with the sound of him swiveling on his seat. It was a good three minutes before he spoke.

I was still really pissed off yesterday, Will, but you deserved it. And I appreciate you backing up today. But I still mean what I said: I’ve learned the hard way that it’s all got to be about trust, otherwise it doesn’t count.

We both waited in silence. Mark stood up from the chair and I thought for a moment he was going to leave, but instead he extended his hand.

Thanks for apologizing, Will.

I reached out and shook his hand a little uncertainly.

So you like the jacket then? I’m wearing it to the party.

He was dead serious. I looked at the jacket again; he had to be winding me up, but I wasn’t taking the risk.

Yeah, I said cautiously, it’s great.

Joke, Will. It was a joke!

He was grinning at me. You are coming then?

Yeah, yeah, of course.

You and Elizabeth can get a lift with me after the show if you like. That is, if you two don’t want to go alone.

You’ve heard then?

Who hasn’t? The chorus girls have been carrying on all afternoon.

He looked over and grinned again.

About bloody time if you ask me. It’s taken you practically the whole term to pull your finger out.

This time I returned the grin.

You’re just jealous, mate.

I felt like Chris must have when he made the Dad joke the other night. I didn’t know if I was about to crash and burn. But he grabbed his boater hat and sliced it through the air at me.

You wish, buddy, you wish!

I caught it and threw it back to him. Things were instantly easier.

Look, I’d better get going, the geeks are getting restless. Are you nervous? Last night and all that?

Yeah, I am a bit. I’ve got some mates up from Melbourne.

It was nearly out of my mouth to ask if it was anyone he wanted to impress, but I thought that might have been pushing it. I said goodbye and headed over for my last time with Brother Pat and the geeks in the pit.

Good evening, Brother. Are you ready for yet another fine performance this evening?

You sound remarkably chipper, Will. It wouldn’t have anything to do with a certain Elizabeth Zefferelli, would it?

I looked at him incredulously.

Not too old to notice, young man. Very good. Very good indeed. Nice girl. Now let’s get this show under way.