Page 53 of Beasts

“Places everyone. Curtain in fifteen seconds!” Mr. Fasoli has the absolute worst timing possible.

Chapter twenty-nine

Eternally, My Love

The play unfolds seamlessly, each scene cascading into the next with practiced ease. Tension builds as we approach the climactic ending, where Prince Charming, portrayed by Oliver, is to awaken Snow White with a kiss. This pivotal moment isn’t just about the kiss; it’s the prelude to our duet, a harmonious blend that symbolizes the union of our characters.

As the scene unfolds, I lie motionless, feigning sleep on the stage designed to mimic a mystical forest. The seven dropouts, a clever twist on the classic dwarfs, solemnly carry me in what appears to be a glass coffin. Their movements are slow, filled with the weight of their supposed loss. The audience is silent, absorbed in the unfolding drama.

Oliver, as Prince Charming, approaches with a palpable sense of urgency and tenderness. He pleads with the dropouts to allow him one final gesture of love – a kiss to bid farewell. Reluctantly, they step aside, their faces a canvas of sorrow and resignation.

As Oliver’s lips meet mine, a surge of emotion wells up within me. It’s more than just a staged kiss; it’s a silent message of reassurance and connection. Our lips part, and I ‘awaken,’ my character freed from the spell of the poisoned apple. There’s a shift in the air, the audience’s collective breath released in a wave of relieved applause.

The play transitions to the prom scene. Quick changes occur backstage; I slip into a dazzling prom dress, while Oliver opts for a casual yet charming ensemble of a shirt and pants. This is our moment. The recorded sounds of his piano and my guitar fill the auditorium, setting the stage for our duet.

Under the dimmed stage lights, we stand together, microphones in hand. Our voices intertwine, a perfect harmony that captures the essence of our characters’ journey. The lyrics, deeply personal and filled with emotion, resonate not just with the audience, but with us. There’s a sense of magic in the air, a realization that this performance is more than just a play; it’s a testament to our growing bond, both on and off the stage.

Listen to Broken Beautiful Now

Before you, lost and broken,

Inside just a darkened heart,

Fearful of a life without,

Someone to hold and love.

I felt myself be drawn to you,

I didn’t know that I,

Could find myself hold onto you,

I let you be my light.

Broken, Bruised but Beautiful

I reach out past the darkness,

I call your name and I hear your answer,

Though death on the wings of a dove,

Eternally, My Love.

When I touched your hand I felt you,

I didn’t want to let you go.

Unusually, yes maybe,

But then my heart started to glow.

If I run away, will you find me,

Like you did on that one day,

A deer trapped in headlights,

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