Page 80 of Second Act at Appleton Green
Late afternoon, Lily arrived at an already bustling village hall, with the orchestra warming up and the final touches to the lights and sound being tested.
The members of the cast were seen moving around in a variety of costumes and makeup styles. All the while Jasper’s voice could be heard booming directions.
‘Lily!’ Immediately after he saw her, Jasper called out, ‘I’m very happy to see you, my dear, but please, please, let’s get you ready.’
Lily knew she had plenty of time but she wasn’t about to tell him that. Jasper seemed to do best when he was in panic mode.
During the process of being led into a makeshift dressing room, Lily caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her face was pale, and her eyes were wide with nervousness.
‘Deep breaths,’ Sheila murmured as she appeared next to her with a smile. ‘You’re going to be wonderful.’
In the hour that followed, Lily had been converted into Eliza Doolittle by the makeup girl, who was also Sheila’s granddaughter. Lily was in her costume, standing in the wings and looking out at the hall, which was fast filling up. The rapid beating of her heart was so loud that she was certain everyone could hear it.
Suddenly, Nick was there by her side, looking absolutely stunning in his Freddy Eynsford-Hill costume. He put his hands on her shoulders and she felt herself relax at his touch.
‘Are you okay?’ he asked.
‘I was wondering where you were,’ she said with a smile. ‘I’d kiss you but I would put coal on your face and suit and that isn’t in the script.’ She laughed.
Nick kissed her shoulder. ‘You’re going to be amazing.’
‘Do you have anyone in tonight?’ she asked, peeping through the curtain at the audience.
‘Yes, my parents, sisters and their partners and my neighbour at the flat and some friends,’ he said casually.
‘God, that’s terrifying,’ said Lily.
‘What about you?’ he asked.
‘No one,’ she said.
‘Not even your parents?’ he asked, surprised.
She shook her head. ‘They might come with Gran but let’s just say, Mum isn’t happy with me and this show.’
Nick shook his head. ‘Her loss. You’re amazing in it.’
‘Five minutes to curtain!’ In his call, Jasper’s voice had a little quiver, which was a clear indication of his own uneasiness.
She felt Nick’s breath on her neck.
‘Lily,’ he said in his low voice. ‘You were born for this moment. This includes not only the performance but also teaching, being at Appleton Green, and everything else. You have arrived just where you were supposed to be. Take it all in.’
Lily’s eyes began to well up with tears, but she blinked them back.
‘Thank you,’ she said as she left.
‘Places everyone!’ Jasper’s voice could be heard again.
Nick gave her hands one final squeeze before leaving. Lily drew in a long breath and closed her eyes for a brief period.
‘This is for you, Gran,’ she whispered. ‘Thank you for everything, even if you don’t get to see this, thank you. I love you.’
As soon as the curtain began to rise, Lily experienced a peculiar sense of serenity that engulfed her as she looked out into the audience, and there, in the front row, with her parents sitting either side of her, was Gran, all three beaming with pride.
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Lily took her fourth bow to a standing ovation, as she saw Gran standing up, using her walking frame, and she noticed she was wearing nasal prongs for the oxygen tank that was attached to the side of the wheelchair.
