The Play of Love

One snowy day in Manchester, New Hampshire, David Waldun went to the
snow-covered courtyard to eat his bag of “Jelly Belly” jelly beans. He
was thinking about his RLA teacher, Mr. Humbry. In RLA, just last
period, the class had started a new subject, literature. Mr. Humbry was
starting out with plays, the first Romeo + Juliet. David’s class was
doing the play. David was so excited. Try-outs were going to be held on
Monday. But before we get into this you should know something about
David.
He lives on the high cliff above the small town and enjoys the
following: singing (he is in the school choir), acting (in drama),
cooking (makes his own meals), music (writes his own), girls (only one,
Alyssa), and writing poems (they are published in a book). He works
part time at the very small Burger King, which is the only fast food
place in the town. David lives alone because at the age of four he was
placed in an orphanage. He had just gotten his house about a month
ago,
when he turned 18. David was a average looking kid, he walked clumsily
and looked that he would fall down, at any given time. His appearance
was that of a 18 year old boy. He dressed in baggy pants and loose
t-shirts. He wore mountain-climbing boots and always wore a necklace
with the star of David. He was tall and thin. He had beautiful blue
eyes, the colour of the sky on a frosty day. He also had the most
interesting colour of hair, dirty blonde. There were two people in the
whole community who had blonde hair. He was one and I was the other.
I’m Alyssa. My hair isn’t really dirty blonde. It is electric
blonde.
But we are the only two in the community who have blonde hair. I have
ice-blue eyes and I’m tall, and have a thin body. I believe I hold
myself up. I’m 17, turning 18 in April. It is early January right now.
As I was saying, the class had just started a new subject, Literature.

David of course was looking at me, when Mr. Humbry called on him and
asked, “David, tell me, are you going to sign up for the play?”
He froze, what play? The class had been talking about the play since
the beginning of class. David realized. But I had been looking at
Alyssa. He began to blush, how embarrassing. He looked at the teacher,
he was smiling. “How dare he,” David thought, “he’s laughing at me.”
“I
don't know,” he told the class. They all burst out laughing. David
looked around the room and saw that two people were not laughing. It
was
Steve and myself, we showed that we thought there was nothing funny.
David thought, “If only everyone was like you, Alyssa.” Class ended.
David thought to himself, “Now I need to find out what play they were
talking about.” Steve and Alyssa were the first to leave the room, he
concluded. Muttering as he left the room, “I really hate Mr. Humbry,
he
is so impudent!” David said coming back to reality. He started to think
about Alyssa once more, as she came around the corner. He saw Steve and
Jas walking with Alyssa. They were always with Alyssa. She had changed.
Only moments ago she had been wearing a long dress made of silk. Now
she
wore a green turtle neck and baggy jeans. “She dresses like me,” he
thought. She was coming over to him. She had talked to him a lot in
class, when they had been put into a group together. But she was
walking
over now.
She asked, “Can I sit down?”
“Sure,” was his reply, a little to quickly.
“It was really mean how everyone laughed at you. I came to say I am
sorry about them,” Alyssa said.
“ Oh, forget it. Why should you have to talk for them? You didn't
laugh
,” he answered.
“I know,” she said.
“So why did you come talk to me, not just because of that?” David
asked.
“No, I was wondering if you were doing tutoring. I heard you are
smart,
and you look it, too,” she interjected as she looked him up and down.
He couldn’t believe it. Shocked, he said, “Yes, I do tutoring. I am
not that smart really.”
“Well, I was hoping you might be able to help me with some work. I
would pay you and...”
“That would be fine, how about today?” he announced a little too
gleefully.
“It’s a date. See ya after school,” Alyssa responded.
“Bye,” David said. But than he realized he didn’t know about the play.
He called out “Hey Alyssa, what is the play in class?”
I turned back and said, “Romeo and Juliet. You are going to try out
right?”
“Of course, I will. Thanks.” David said. He had always loved that play.
I walked back to Jas and Steve, and just before walking around the
corner I waved.
Wow, this is great, David thought, the closer the better. He heard the
bell. He didn't want to be late for choir because he was going to see
Alyssa again. She was in all of his classes.
The rest of the day went well. After school he went to the courtyard
and found me waiting for him. “Would you like to go to my house?” I
asked.
“Sure, I usually walk home. Where do you live?” he asked.
“I live up there and I have a car, too,” I said pointing up to the
cliff.
“I live up there too, right up there on the end, see my house?” David
said.
The tutoring between David and me started.
Bright and early Monday morning David mad sure he looked good. Today
was the day to audition for the play. He was trying out for Romeo, the
lead. Lots of guys were.
All through the day he jumped around, he even forgot about Alyssa. But
as his last period, Science approached he realized he had put her
aside.
He than longed to see her. He looked around, where was she? He asked
the
teacher, Ms. Letsel, “May I go to the rest room?”
She looked at the clock and said dully, “All right, but hurry back.”
As David left the room he pondered why Alyssa wasn’t in class. While
walking to the rest room he passed the theatre. And heard, “Thanks so
much......” who could that be? He was curious, who was in there.
Opening the door he saw there were two people inside, Mr. Humbry and
Alyssa. “What is Alyssa doing in there?” David asked himself. He leaned
against the door than only to hear a loud creak.
As Mr. Humbry and I turned to see who or what was there David ran all
the way back to class. “Thanks again Mr. Humbry,” I said with joy. “It
was really nice of you to help me.” “Anytime, but it seems you have
missed a great deal of school, go on now, at least you will make one
class.”
So off I went to science. I opened the door and my nose was greeted
with the smell of death. “Great,” I said to myself, "Dissection Day.”
“Welcome to class, Alyssa” Ms. Letsel said evilly. “Go join David. He
doesn’t have a partner.”
David sat up and smiled as I sat down. “So where were you today.”he
asked questioningly.
“I was doing my report for journalism. Ok?”
“Really, was it about the play?” David.
“Yeah, how did you know?” I said the words just about to explode out
of
my mouth. “Oh, never mind. Your in my class. Your in everyone of my
classes.”
“So I am. Is that a bad thing?” David replied with he sad, puppy dog
face.
Looking into those eyes I could only say one thing. “No.”
As Science carried on we dissected the frog and talked about the play.
“So, your trying out for Juliet?” David asked all of a sudden.
“Why, yes I thought I would,” came my reply a little shocked, and I
added questioningly, “Why?”
“Well, if you make it I may be your Romeo.” he said sweetly and
realized it didn’t sound quite right.
“Excuse me!?” I asked puzzled. “What does that mean?”
David began to blush, “Sorry, I meant it as in I’m trying out for
Romeo. Please I do beg my pardon.”
As though to say the conversation had ended the bell rang announcing
the end of the day.
As I walked over to the theatre were the try outs would be held and
noticed a lot of names in the section of Juliet. “I hope I get that
part.” I wished to myself. A long line had already started and was
curling into the audience like a snake tail. “What a pig sty!” I
proclaimed. After waiting what seemed like five hours I was able to go
in and try my luck. As I walked to the door I saw David sitting with
the
other guys waiting for their try outs. He said, “Do well, I know you
will.” With that I walked proudly into the small room I would try out
in.
“Now, Alyssa,” started Mr. Humbry, “Try to get the soul of Juliet and
her passion.” I began to read the passage assigned to me. “My only love
has sprung from my only hate! Too early seen unknown and known to
late.....” and continued on until I had finished. After I looked up at
Mr. Humbry. He stared back as if in a daze and said to me, “That was
wonderful. I’ll get back to you.” I turned to leave, “Thank you.” I
said
softly. As I walked from the room each and every step I felt more sure
I
had gotten the part. As I reached for the door handle and went out into
the swarm of students I knew I had gotten it. I decide to wait for
David
since there was only one girl and two guys who had to go before him.
As we waited he asked me some questions about the play and just as we
began our homework it was his turn. I wanted to say something that
would
make him feel good, like what he had said to me. so I said with
power,”Go get ‘em!” He smiled and walked in. I returned to my homework.
About five minutes later he emerged looking content. “So did we do a
good job?” I asked suspiciously.
“I don’t know, he said it was the luck of the draw.” David replied, a
smile starting to appear over his lips.
With that we began to collect our stuff and walk home. We didn’t talk
along the way and we only said our “Goodbyes” as we parted at the fork
in the road. I walked to my house feeling that David hadn’t told me
something, but what was it?
As I sat down to do the remainder of my homework that night, all I
could think about was the play. Tomorrow at school Mr. Humbry would
have
the sheets up for the roles. I really wanted to be in the play as
anyone. Than I remembered that he said he would call. Did he mean that
as an expression? I ran down to the answering machine, no messages. I
than prayed for the phone to ring. I looked at the phone with disgust.
“Ring...” I pleaded. “Ring, ring.” I said again and again. “RING YOU
STUPID PHONE!!!!” I screamed at the top of my lungs. The phone rang. I
grab it. “Hello....” I said slowly trying to sound calm.
“Hello, is Alyssa there please.” came a stuffy, kind voice.
“Yes, this is her. May I help you?” my breathing was returning to a
normal beat.
“Alyssa? Alyssa, this is Mr. Humbry. Your RLA teacher. I told you I
would call you if you got the part.” said Mr. Humbry quietly.
“I got the part?” I said as a whisper.
“I should say so. You have passion and that is what I was looking for.”
I screamed. “I Got the part! Thank you so so so so much. This is
wonderful.”
“I’m glad you think so, but rehearsals are every day. Can you make
them?”
“Yes, I can. I’ll have to move something around but that should be
fine.”
“Good. Well, I’ll see you tomorrow and please don’t for get your essay
for tomorrow’s class.” he said, in the background his wife telling him
dinner was ready.
“Yes, see you tomorrow and I won’t forget. I was just about to type up
my final draft.” I said anxious to get off the phone and do my homework.
He hung up. I ran upstairs and continued on my homework. Thinking the
whole time about myself. That night I slept well.
The next morning I woke up and thought, “What about David? If he
didn’t
get a part...well of course he got a part. He’s so good already.” with
this positive thought in mind I got ready for school, and walked down
to
the fork in the road where I met David and we walked to school.
To my surprise as I turned the corner David was there already. He had
a wild look in his eyes. I could tell he was trying to hide it. “Why
are
you so happy?” I asked, to myself I wondered if it had to do with the
play.
“I know something you don’t know.” he said like a two year old.
“Same here.” I replied with the intelligence of a high schooler, which
I was already.
“You go first.” he said with a sneer.
I tried. “Why me? Boys first in my book.”
“But it’s GIRLS first!” David screamed.
“OK, I got a part in the play. Now you.” I asked excited. I hadn’t
really told him what the part was.
“I got the lead.” David yelled, “I’m good. Yes I’m good.” he singed at
the top of his lungs.
“The lead?! You have the lead!” I said in a daze.
“yeah, why?” he asked, I could see he wanted me to be happy.
“I got the lead too.”
“You did?” he asked unable to believe what he had heard.
“Yeah. So I get to star in Romeo & Juliet with you.” I said, I was
really starting to like this.
“Wow, that is so cool. But if we stand here and talk anymore we’ll be
late for school. I’ll race you?” he said all jazzed up.
“On your mark....get ready... go!” I shouted quickly.
We raced all the way to school and even made it into homebase two
minutes before the bell. I was so excited for both David and myself. We
were in the play and we both were together. Be really was a great
actor.
I couldn’t wait until the end of the day. neither could David.
“Wow, Alyssa but Juliet? That is some luck. Just what i hoped I knew
she would get in. I can’t wait until today when we rehearse.”
The day seemed to drag on and on. Finally we went to Science, the last
class. As the bell sounded we ran to the door, and to the theatre.
There
we began practice.
Mr. Humbry, “Good to see you both. Do you both agree that you can work
together?”
David said a little shrill, "Yes of course we can. We do tutoring.
Right Alyssa?”
“Yeah, we’ll be just fine. We both know each other well. Since last
year in fact. So, what do we do?” I said, i was really excited.
“Well first we’ll start with the ending of the love scene to see if
you
both can do it. I believe you to contrast very well.” Mr. Humbry said
searching though his script. “Alyssa read here and David here.” he
pointed to each of us.
I read, “Then, window, let day in, and let life out.”
David read, “Farewell, farewell! one kiss, and I’ll descend.”
“That was wonderful! Perfect. Now we’ll start from the beginning.
Alyssa you won’t be needed for a few days but if you would like to come
over on the other days when practice is not on we could work on your
part?”
“That would be fine, I’ll see you tomorrow than. Right?” I said, I was
slightly annoyed and disappointed. I wanted to work on my part now!
“Yes, tomorrow it is.” Mr. Humbry said and began to concentrate on
David.
“Bye.” I said and walked home.
I did my homework and had dinner. I than waited by the phone. No one
called. I decided I was tired and went to bed early. The next day I
went
to all my classes and found out David was sick. “I’ll have to call him
later.” I thought and wrote it down in my homework diary. After school
I
went into the theatre and was greeted by a very happy looking Mr.
Humbry.
“Lovely of you to come, let’s began working shall we?” He smiled.
We worked all afternoon and at 5:00 o’clock p.m. I finally left.
Reaching home at around 5:30 p.m. I decided to do my homework and than
call David. About two hours later I called.
“Hello? Is David there?” I asked his housekeeper, Lucy.
"Umm, well, no he isn’t. May I take a message?” Lucy asked.
“Oh, it’s me, Lucy. Alyssa?”
“Yes, Alyssa. How are you dear?”
“I’m very good and yourself?” I asked getting bored with the
conversation.
“I’m good, but David isn’t. He had a nasty cold. He will be coming to
school tomorrow though. So look for him there. I’m sorry dear I have to
do, dinner time for me, you know.”
“Yes I understand. I’ll be waiting for him tomorrow if you could just
tell him that. Thank you, good bye.” I hung up after her good bye.
I went to sleep. The next three weeks I spent going to school and
everyday after I began to practice for my role.
I had already gotten the lines memorised So did David. We sounded
great. The day before the play I was so nervous. David invited me to
him
house for a party. It was really great. It was a party of the cast, to
show what a good job we had done to get ready for this day. I left a
little early to make sure i was ready for tomorrow. I went to sleep.
The next day, David and I walked to school. In homebase David could
tell I was nervous and he held my hand. “Don’t worry,” he said “your
going to be great and don’t think about it. We still have eight periods
to get through first.”
“I know,” I said quietly. “I’m allowed to be nervous. It’s my first
time.”
We made in through seven classes, the eighth class was RLA. David and
I
walked into class three minutes after the bell had rung afraid we were
in trouble. As we walked in together holding hands the class clapped
and
cheered. Mr Humbry said, “Are we ready for tonight you two?”
David replied because I could not. “Yes, as ready as we’ll ever be.”
We sat down. The whole of RLA we talked about the play and Mr. Humbry
made sure everyone knew what they needed to know. twenty minutes before
the bell rang David and I went over our lines. "BRING!"!!!!!!!!!!!! The
bell rang. It had never sounded so loud before.
I stayed behind with some of the girls and we changed and practised
for
the last time. David mean time went and bought me flowers for the end
of
the show. He also changed and hung out with the guys. At a quarter till
7 p.m. the whole cast meet in the theatre. Mr. Humbry was waiting
there.
He said his last words of the night than, “You will all be wonderful.
We
have practised and practised this over and over. Thank you all so much
for being a part of this and working so well. Now you all go out there
tonight and show the world just how good you are.” With that we all got
into our places and waited for the people to arrive.
The theatre was a buzz with people. I looked out and wished I hadn’t.
I
couldn’t do this. As though I had wished for him David came and held my
hand. I hugged him and said, “You are the reason I’m standing here
right
now.”
All he said was, “I know.” And he walked away.
I knew I was going to do very well tonight. As Mr. Humbry told
everyone
places I stood and knew I was a star. The play began I didn’t come in
until Act I. Scene III. As my scene approached I began to feel the urge
to run out and start, but I held myself in place. I watched David in
his
acts. He was so graceful. Every move he made was perfect. He never
screwed up a line, the lines flowed from his mouth as if he had said
them for real. I began to think, “Maybe he is a reincarnation of
Romeo.”
than I realized I was on next and hurried to get in position.
I said my lines and noticed they flowed just as easily as David’s had.
I really began to enjoy this play. On the play went, from my parts to
David’s and to us both at the end. I felt as though David and I were
actually Romeo and Juliet.
I knew I was to die and that he would follow. But he died and i died.
As I feel over dead the audiences applause was so loud my ear began to
hurt. The curtain went down and David and I got up. Curtain went up and
we bowed, did the same with everyone in the cast. Than as the clapping
continued I was pushed out of stage to stand alone and take the credit.
I was taken over by a felling I had never felt before. I knew I was
truly happy. Than David appeared with a dozen red roses and presented
them to me. I took them and thanked him. We hugged and kissed each
other's cheeks. I was so happy i began to cry. Than The curtains went
down and stayed down.
People began to leave. I went to David and we talked about the
greatness and how powerful we had felt. It was than he asked me to
going
out with him. I said yes.
There was nothing that could make this day better. But I was wrong. Mr.
Humbry walked up to us and hugged us both while saying, “You were both
so wonderful, I was amazed. You both looked very professional.” he kept
on with the comments until we told him we had better be getting home.
We
left. My mother was waiting outside. She hugged us both. She continued
on the comments as she drove David home. As we reached his house i said
good night and told him I would see him tomorrow. Than my mom drove me
home and we both went to sleep.
I can’t wait until tomorrow.......