Song 35

The day of the play arrived, and a third of the seats had been filled, surpassing their expectations. Backstage, Meloria and Aggie were poking their heads out of the side of the curtain, watching as people started to flood into the seats. “Check it out,” Meloria giggled. “Do you see that? Everyone is here to see your play?”

Aggie’s legs were knocking, her heart racing as she continued to watch as each seat was taken. This was it, in just thirty minutes, the curtains would rise, and the show would begin. Her play would be shown to nearly a thousand people who came of their own accord. She held onto the curtain tightly, her knuckles turning white from the tension. “Hey, it’s okay,” Meloria assured, whispering in her ear. “They’ll be here.”

Even with those words of reassurance, Aggie couldn’t be sure that her parents would be here. She glanced at the front row, where all the seats, marked with ‘reserved’ signs, were held for family members only. The families of other cast members had already started to take their seats, but Meloria and Aggie stood waiting still, hoping that the next person to walk into that row would be their family. “Come on,” Aggie pulled away from the curtain, sighing heavily. “How about we-”

“Meloria!”

Meloria jumped, pulling away from the curtain, her eyes instantly welling up as she saw Edward and Evelyn standing in front of her, with Caelen, Ren, and Finn, who was holding a large bouquet. Meloria fanned her face, trying desperately to hold back the tears, not to smear the makeup, but she struggled as Finn dropped the flowers and ran for her, jumping into her arms. “Oh Finn!” She cried happily, holding him tightly. “You've gotten so big! I can’t believe you’re here.” She looked up, seeing the twins diving into a hug. “You’re all here!”

“We couldn’t miss your debut,” Edward chuckled, sniffling and trying to hide his tears.

“We’re so proud of you,” Evelyn beamed as she leaned forward, hugging Meloria as she escaped the boys’ grasp. “We didn’t expect you to become an actress.”

“That um,” Aggie gave a small wave from behind Meloria, getting their attention. “Would be my doing. I asked Meloria to be my lead.”

“I’m so sorry we haven’t introduced ourselves,” Edward laughed, pushing the boys forward, getting them to give a slight bow as they introduced themselves one by one.

“You weren’t kidding when you said you have a big family,” Aggie tried to joke.

“Well, there is one more family member.” The boys quickly turned around, seeing Lucan standing there, with a bouquet in his hand. “I hope you didn’t forget about me.”

“Lucan!” The boys cried in unison, running over to him, hugging him tightly. “We missed you!”

“I missed you guys, too,” He smiled, looking up, meeting Meloria’s gaze. “And I missed you, too, I suppose.”

“Thanks,” Meloria laughed, watching Edward and Eveyln begin to shower Lucan with affection, complimenting him about how much he had grown over the past few months. She took a big sigh of relief, all hr family was together for the first time since leaving home. Though she always imagined it would be at her first concert, she couldn’t be happier regardless of circumstances. “Want to go over and say hello, Aggie?” Meloria turned to see Aggie back at the curtain, looking out to the audience with a hopeless look.

“Maybe they are running late,” she muttered, seeing the seats reserved for her parents still vacant. With a heavy sigh, she turned, seeing Meloria holding out her hand. With a smile, she took Meloria’s hand, squeezing it. “Let’s put on the best performance anyone has ever seen.”

“I promised you I would,” Meloria winked as the director called for everyone to take their places. With quick kisses, Meloria waved her family off to their seats, her palms sweaty with nerves. I can do this, she assured herself between deep breaths. I can do this. It’s going to be like your very first concert. Once you speak the first few words, your nerves will disappear.

Aggie took her place in the middle of the stage, in front of the curtains, as the lights of the hall dimmed and the stage lights beamed, all eyes focused on Aggie. Meloria watched from the side, hands clasped together as Aggie spoke up: “T-Thank you all for being here tonight. I-I am Aggie.” Aggie turned, seeing Meloria using her fingers to point to either side of her mouth, making a smiling gesture. Aggie nodded, giving a smile as she turned back to the audience. “I am the playwright for the show you are going to see tonight. I hope you all enjoy the show.”

The curtain rose as the audience clapped, Aggie taking her exit off the stage as the first scene began to play out. She sat on the edge of the front row, her thumb to her mouth as she watched everyone perform. Occasionally, she would look towards the audience, trying to gauge their interest. No one was asleep, which was a good sign, but the climax was soon to come. The newly added song that she and Meloria had worked on. It took many sleepless nights to ensure the song captured the character's motivation and feelings, so that the song didn’t seem like it was randomly inserted. They needed the song to have a purpose.

After the second act, the curtain rose once more, the stage in complete darkness for all but the spotlight, illuminating Meloria.

A bird once left in a cage,

Who never sought anything more than the world she knew

Then one day, she wakes up from a dream that showed her she could fly

The audience stared up in awe as Meloria sang with power.

The bird that once saw nothing but a cage,

Finally sought out something more

She became the key

Opened her wings,

Taking that first flight to freedom

That little bird soared up high into the air

Looking down, seeing grass and flowers growing

There was so much more than just her little cage

There was a world that was waiting for her

Aggie turned, seeing Edeward and Evelyn, arms entangled as their eyes glistened with tears, and they weren’t the only ones. Many of the audience members were moved not only by the words but also by Meloria’s voice. Aggie turned back, seeing as small sparkles started to appear around Meloria’s. We didn’t plan for that, she = thought to herself, watching as the sparkles spread out over the audience, lighting up the hall as if it were the night sky. As Meloria sang the final note, the lights of the hall turned on, every one of the audience members on their feet, breaking out into roaring cheers.

Meloria? Just who are you?