#panic at the disqueue

The stage lights were hot overhead. The girl on stage had previously been loose with her movements, but her body was now locked and stiff. With her voice caught in her throat, her memory failed her. Her eyes darted into the wings, locking with a green pair. The green eyed girl in the wings tried to mouth the missing line, but the light in the wings was too dim for the nearsighted actress on stage to make anything out. An exasperated sigh came sharp from out in the house.

“Whats up Marie. Why can’t you remember your lines. Again.” The director's voice wasn’t harsh but the tint of disappointment still stung.

“I don’t know Mrs. Schwarz. I just… can’t remember anything.” Marie muttered. Her whole body slumped in defeat.

“I just don’t get it. You constantly run your lines. By yourself, begging other cast members and crew to run them with you. I don’t understand how you can put in so much effort and not remember.” Mrs. Schwarz said. The director shook her head. “Alright. It’s about time I gave you kids a break anyway. You’ve got 20 minutes to break.” A collective thankful sigh came from the wings as everyone came out to run to the bathrooms, get a snack, and talk for a bit. The green eyed girl strode across the stage to Marie, the tap of her prosthetic leg was soft against the stage. She rested her elbow on Marie’s shoulder.

“Don’t look like such a baby up here. Let’s go get Kiana and get some coffee while we’ve got time. Some caffiene oughta start up that crappy little memory of yours.” The girl suggested, hoping the idea of coffee would cheer up a frustrated Marie. The tactic worked well. Marie smiled.

“Look at Grace, back at it with the perfect idea.” Kiana said, walking up to the lip of the stage.

“I’m down, but do we have enough time?” Marie asked.

“The cafe across the street from the school is only a two minute walk, and getting coffee is pretty quick, sugar. We’ll be back in plenty of time.” Grace assured Marie, wrapping an arm around her and smiling her usual confident smile. Grace jumped off the edge of the stage into the house to get her wallet. Marie sat down and slid off the edge grabbing her backpack. The three girls made their way across the street. The cold early December air a welcome feeling to chase away the heat of the stage lights.

“So how’s that sound board holding up?” Grace asked Kiana. Despite the school being brand new the sound equipment was less than stellar. The new sound board was practically broken despite having never been used.

“Can you repeat that?” Kiana asked, turning to face Grace on her left. Grace was on Kiana's deaf side.

“How’s the sound board? Still giving you trouble?” Grace repeated, slightly louder.

“I hate that damn thing. It won't let the mics connect, it won’t adjust volume, it sucks.” Kiana seemed ready to throw the sound board out of a window. That or hit it with her car.

“At least if the board is broken no one will be able to hear that I don’t have my lines down.” Marie said, pushing open the door of the cafe.

“Oh no, you’ll be learning your lines Marie. I’m making that sound board work if it kills me.” Kiana was scarily determined. Marie groaned knowing that Kiana was probably right.

“You’d better order first Marie, before you forget what you want.” Grace teased, motioning towards the counter.

“Ooh, I’m so hurt.” Marie rolled her eyes. She was used to her friends loving jabs at her memory problems, so no offence was taken. She still took the opportunity to get her caffeine fix first. Grace ordered before Kiana, who was still deciding what to get. She ended up ordering two small hot chocolates.

“Why not just get a medium?” Grace asked.

“The other one is for Joan.” Kiana replied turning her face, hiding the tint of pink that began to warm her bronze cheeks. Joan was the other lead actress in the play. An actress who Kiana happened to find incredibly cute.

“Well if you aren’t just the most thoughtful little dear.” Grace grinned.

“Let’s head back before we’re late and the drinks get cold.” Kiana ignored Grace’s comment, still blushing. Marie held the door for her friends while they walked back out to the overcast afternoon. Marie hummed happily into her latte, grateful for the kick of caffeine. Marie looked up to the grey sky. A snowflake landed on her pale nose, melting into her freckles. The light snowfall swirled around the three friends as they re-entered the school. The three arrived with 10 minutes to spare. Marie and Kiana went to go find Joan. Grace split off to talk with some of the other crew members. Marie and Kiana found Joan pacing around, going over her lines. Joan looked up at Marie and Kiana. She smiled at the approaching girls.

“Hey! How’s it going?” Joan lowered her script.

“Good. I got you a hot chocolate.” Kiana replied. She held the warm drink out to Joan. Joan’s warm chestnut eyes grew bright and her smile grew bigger on her gentle tawny face.

“Ah, thank you! That’s so nice of you to think of me. I’ll pay you back.” Joan said, accepting the gift from Kiana.

“You don’t have to.” Kiana said, taking a sip of her own hot chocolate. Joan’s bright eyes stared at the paper cup in her hands, a peach glow lit her cheeks for a moment.

“Hey Joan, I know we only have about five minutes before rehearsal restarts, but can you run lines for a second with me?” Marie interrupted the moment. Before Joan could reply, Mrs. Schwarz called everyone to places.

“Alright, let’s pick up where we left off.” Mrs. Schwarz called out. Marie felt her heart drop to her stomach, mind grasping to find the words she needed. Kiana gave Marie a glance of good luck before heading back to the sound booth. 

“It’s okay, I’ll do my best to cue your lines if you need it.” Joan assured Marie, gently nudging her with her shoulder. Marie gave Joan a sheepish smile.