Page 59 of Christmas off Script
Applause rippled around the circle. Leo didn’t join in.
‘The Winter Ball is in six days, so a week today we can really start calling this space our own.’ Libby turned to Finn. ‘How are you getting on with construction of the flats?’
‘I’ve done as much as I can before the final assembly in here,’ he replied. ‘And they’re already painted thanks to Ella, Willow and Leo.’
Libby clapped her hands. ‘That’s fantastic news! Willow, Ella, how are the costumes coming along?’
Ella caught Willow’s eye and gave a brief nod, wanting her to speak. Nerves about Zach were biting in her tummy.
‘In hand,’ Willow replied. ‘There have been a few…creativedifferences with one member of the cast, who shall remain nameless—’
‘They release doves at bloody weddings!’ Arthur grumbled. ‘I don’t see why I can’t let a few pigeons out from underneath one of my dresses!’
Libby blinked at him.
Henry sighed heavily. ‘That sounds like a health and safety catastrophe, not to mention inhumane, Dad. And how on earth would we get any in the first place, then get them back out of the ballroom once you’d let them go?’
‘Easy! We’ll borrow them from that chappie in the village who breeds racing pigeons. They’ll be out from under my dress, across the ballroom, and back in their box before the rapturous applause dies down.’
‘I’m sorry, Dad, but it’s a hard no,’ Henry continued.
‘But—’
‘The costumes will be ready on time,’ Willow interrupted.
‘And the score’s arranged,’ Connor added. ‘So it’s just a case of blocking the routines.’
‘Fantastic news!’ Libby beamed at him, then glanced around the rest of the group. ‘And how are you all getting on with learning your lines?’
‘I’m off script,’ Zach said, as Dervla, Steve, Scott and Leo nodded.
Ella kept quiet. She knew all the lines, but the thought of being the centre of attention on stage and acting being in love with Zach meant the words often kept flying out of her head when she tried to remember them.
‘Ella?’ Libby asked.
‘Um… I do know them, but then I have a complete mind blank. Sorry.’
‘That’s completely normal,’ Libby said, an encouraging smile on her face. ‘It’ll get more familiar as we block it out. And I’ll always be ready for a prompt on the night if you get stuck.’
‘I can help,’ Zach said.
Ella felt Leo bristle beside her.
‘We can have extra rehearsals together,’ Zach continued. ‘I can teach you some of the tricks I learnt at drama school.’
‘Thanks, but I think I’ll be okay,’ she said hurriedly before Leo could speak.
Zach glanced at Leo, then gave Ella a friendly smile. ‘Well, the offer’s always there. I’ll give you my number so you can call whenever you need.’
‘Thank you, Zach,’ Libby said. ‘That’s really kind. And Ella, you know you can also ring me at any time.’
Ella nodded, feeling everyone’s eyes on her as if she was expected to make a decision on who her personal acting tutor would be.
‘Okay then,’ Libby continued. ‘Why don’t we start with the forest scene where the ugly sisters meet Dandini who’s disguised as Prince Charming?’
‘Hurrah!’ Arthur leapt to his feet, making for the stage.
Everyone else stood, and Willow came to Leo’s side. ‘Can I check if your costume fits better now I’ve altered it?’
