Chapter 1: Anything Goes

A Chapter by MixTape

In the first chapter of "Almost Two Years" Elizabeth and Ian meet for the first time and have separate reactions about each other.

Anything Goes

Elizabeth:

I guess you could say that there are good and bad parts to every relationship, that the good usually outweigh the bad, and that you always fight for the ones you love…now I don’t blame you for having an optimistic outlook on life, but it took me almost two years to fall in love with Ian, to which he responded by putting me in heaven and then pushing me down to hell.

It started with my freshman year of high school. I was shy, but I absolutely loved the idea of being on stage. That moment where you feel the heat of the spotlight on you, and suddenly all of your problems in life just melt away around you. That’s the kind of moment I lived for. Getting the chance to not be “me” anymore, stepping into someone else’s shoes, and dealing with their problems…instead of my own. That passion for escaping from reality, even for just brief periods of time, was what got me to audition for the school musical.

I walked into the drama room and it was like entering a different world. Mirrors lined the walls, flyers covered the doors, and over the top dramatic students consumed the walking space. Before I could get a second to adapt to the new environment, Sally spotted me from across the room.

“Hey! I’m so excited! Did you rehearse the song?”

“Hey, I am too! What song?”

“You know, the one that was posted on the theatre’s Facebook page.”

I felt a shot of panic rise in my stomach…we were supposed to rehearse a song? F**k. I had just gotten to high school and this was the one thing that I truly cared about joining and now there was no way I was going to get into the show.

“I didn't know we were supposed to rehearse a song. Sally, why didn't you tell me?”

“Well I just assumed you would know…I’m sure you’ll do fine anyway.”

“I hope so.”

I started to regain some of my original confidence; after all, there was nothing I could do about it now. There were so many different types of people around me that it was overwhelming just to look at. There were the overly cocky theatre geeks who thought they were the best and probably actually were the best. There were the extremely shy people who were off rehearsing at a whispering level in the corners of the drama room. Then, there were the people like me, who were there because they loved it, but didn't know if they were any good at it.

The auditions started when the musical director entered the room. She had a sort of “Wicked Witch of the West” presence to her because the second she walked in everyone grew very quite. You could here a pin drop as she got settled at the keyboard.

“Hey, did you here about Monica’s new boyfriend? He’s so cute.”

Everyone’s eyes shot to the front of the room where the “Monica gossiper” and her friend had just walked in. They saw everyone’s eyes on them and stopped dead in their tracks.

“Excuse me, I’m here to teach you so you should not be talking! Are we clear?” Wicked Witch of the West’s voice boomed across the classroom toward the gossipers.

“I’m sorry.” They muttered as their heads hung low, and they walked out of the classroom.

I know they shouldn't have been talking, but I felt bad for them. After all, they might not have known that the Wicked Witch was here.

“Okay, Ian?” Wicked Witch scanned the room and found her puppy dog.

“Yes, Ms. Meriwether?

I turned my head to spot the voice. I could tell he was nervous right away. He was a little overweight with glasses that made him look heavier. I felt bad for him, because he seemed like such a nice guy.

“Ian, would you be a dear and hand out the lyrics to this lovely song we’re all going to learn?” I swear you could spot the sarcasm in her voice from a mile away. It was going to be a long day.

“Of course I will.” Ian began to pass out the papers and when he got to me I took it from his hands as he shot me a smile. I was too nervous to even pay attention though. I wanted a part so badly…I just had to focus, a lot.

“Thank you, Ian. Now if you will all look at your music and we will begin learning the song “Anything Goes.”

I looked at the sheet music and the song really didn't seem too bad. It was definitely within my comfort zone. I had taken music lessons with my aunt, Dahlia so I did know a little bit about site reading.

After we had sang for a while and picked through the song note by note, the Wicked Witch split us up into groups of four. I got paired with Sally, Jamie, Lana, and Carrie.

“Okay, now that you’re in your groups I’m going to call your group up one by one and you will sing the song for me. Are we clear?”

“Yes, Ms. Meriwether.” It was almost scary how close we all said that to it being in perfect unison.

I watched each group go up and my palms began to sweat. Some of these people were actually good…like really good. How was I going to compete with them? When she finally called up my group I was as ready as I ever would be. She asked us, one by one, what our names were and she wrote them all down on a piece of paper. When she gave us the “okay” to start singing I quickly made myself the loudest of the group so I would stand out. I wasn't “screaming” I just made my voice sound more strong/powerful. When the singing part was over, I felt pretty confident about it. At least I knew I was the best out of my group.

The next part of the audition was dancing. I’d been doing cheerleading since I was 8 years old so I was pretty good at picking up on dances quickly. The only problem was…they wanted us to tap dance. I didn't know anything about tap dancing. Basically, I had to “learn” how to tap dance while in sneakers which is virtually impossible.

When the theatre director came out to pick people to go on to the next round of dancing…I smiled and picked my feet up in the sneakers acting like I was tap dancing. Somehow, she picked me as one of the people going on to the next round. She didn't even know my name, she called me “white shirt”, but nerveless, I was one of the few who were picked.

The last part of the auditions was the “cold read” that’s where you act while seeing the script for the first time. Sally dragged me into a group with a bunch of “upperclassmen” that I didn't know at all. She knew them though so to her it was comfortable and she was completely fine with it. at least all of them were really good actors so they made me look better when I acted with them.

We rehearsed a few times in our little group, then it was time to show the theatre director and the Wicked Witch what we could do. I made sure to be really loud while I was reading and to “act my heart out” because, well, it was now or never.

Overall I felt happy with my audition. No matter what happens, I would leave feeling like I tried my best. We were all on stage when the theatre director told us who she needed to see again. She kept calling names, I waited there to hear mine, and unfortunately she never called me or Sally’s name. I felt a pain in the pit of my stomach.

“Now remember that even if you didn't get called back, that doesn't mean anything.” Ms. Hikes, or as I like to call her Hikanator (the theatre director) announced to everyone. It sounded like it was just to try and make us feel better.

The next few days were pure torture waiting for the cast list to go up. I kept leaving class to go to the “bathroom” but really I would pass by the bulletin board to see if Hikanator had put up the cast list yet. She hadn't. I asked around to see if anyone knew for sure when she was going to post it. Everyone said they thought she would post it Friday after school because that’s what she usually does. When Friday rolled around, I couldn't focus on any of my classes. As soon as the final bell ran, I ran to the theatre bulletin board. Apparently everyone else who auditioned had the same idea that I did. By the time I got there, there was already a huge crowd surrounding the cast list. I couldn't see anything. I waited near the back, standing on my tip toes, trying to just see if my name was on there.

Before I could see the white of the paper from the cast list, I saw Sally pushing her way out of the crowd. How did she even get to the front in the first place? She was heading right towards me, excitement bursting from every angle of her.

“Elizabeth, you got a name!”

“Wait, I did?” I stopped moving. It would be a huge deal for me to get a named role as a freshman.

“Yes, look!”

I finally was able to push my way through to the front of the crowd (with Sally’s help of course). Sure enough, at the bottom of the named cast list was,

Charity-Elizabeth McClane

I did it. I actually got a name! Sure I was the last name listed on the list, but that doesn't matter because I got a name! My eyes scanned the list for Sally’s name; she did get an extra, but not the named role that she wanted. I tried to not be overly excited in front of her because I did feel bad, but at the same time I was so happy I was about to burst. I walked home that day with the biggest smile on my face. Nobody could bring me down. I felt like I could do anything.

…………………………..

Tech week was here. The most stressful week of every show anyone does. My mother was extremely stressed out too ever since she volunteered to do costumes for the shows. I was more stressed out then ever though. With grades, cheerleading, and the show…I was going crazy. I was always doing something, and I didn't have any down time. I could barely eat or sleep. All I did was run from one place to the next.

Today was our first real run through of the show from start to finish. I had all of my stuff memorized so I wasn't too nervous but it was going to be a long night. We couldn't go home until Hikanator was through with us.

I had just gotten into my costume and decided to sit on the stairs backstage and try to just relax. Hikanator began to run through all of the light cues for the show with the Technical people. I knew right away it would be a while before we actually got to doing anything. After this I had to run to cheerleading, then finish my science project, and if I get lucky, go to sleep for a little while. I propped my elbow on my knee and rested my head on my hand. I let myself close my eyes and try not to get so overwhelmed with everything going on.

“Smile.”

I looked up and saw Ian Dover standing in front of me. Was he talking to me? Did he tell me to smile? I had seen him around a lot at rehearsals and everything but I hadn't actually had a conversation with him. There he was, standing not more then a foot away from me, with a huge smile on his face. I then realized that he was talking to me, and for the first time in weeks…I actually smiled.

Ian:

When I walked into the school again it felt like hell. I guess I was looking forward to seeing my friends again, but other than that…I didn't really have anything to look forward to. I just got back from summer work in hell but I’m starting to think that even that is better then this.

I started to walk through the halls and found my band friends standing near the bathrooms.

“Hey, Ian! How’s your summer been?” Griffin practically yelled across the hall when he saw me. Sort of like JD and Turk from Scrubs…yeah that’s me and Griffin.

“Ehh, it was okay. How was yours?”

“Mine was great!” of course his would be great…and mine would be terrible.

I started to settle back into the school routine. I stood there and occasionally I chimed into the conversation but other than that, I was just sort of “there.” Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a small blond walking down the hallway. She was probably a freshman. She looked down at her schedule and then looked up again every once in a while to make sure she didn’t run into anything. She wore a flowered shirt and jeans.

“Hey, Griffin…do you know who that girl is?”

“Who, her?” he pointed right at her and I swear it was almost like she looked right at me. I quickly turned away so she couldn't tell I was staring at her.

“Yeah, her.” I started chewing at my nail. I hadn't felt like this in a while.

“I’m not sure man, but it looks like she’s a freshman. I’d stay away.” Stay away? Maybe he’s right, maybe I should stay away…I don’t want to though.

“Yeah, I guess you’re right. Anyway I’ll see you later.”

“See ya later.”

I followed after her walking quicker and quicker with each step. I turned the corner where I thought I saw her go, but she was gone. There was no trace of her. I didn't even have a glass slipper to go off of.

Maybe the auditions for the school musical this afternoon would help keep my mind off of her.

I started doing theatre last year because Griffin was doing it. I didn't really have interest in it but a lot of the band kids loved it. The whole year was a train wreak. The seniors were pissed because we just got a new director, and the only person I knew was Griffin. That’s it. I almost didn't decide to audition this year, but of course Griffin talked me into it.

The whole day dragged out painfully slow. To make matters even worse, I never saw that girl again. Walking down the halls, changing classes, going to lunch, and nothing. No sign of her. I have auditions right after school and then from there I have to run to band practice. At least I keep myself busy.

I walked into the drama room and it felt like home. All of the crazy people, and the craziness before auditions…yup, this was all too familiar. I saw Griffin standing in the middle of the floor talking to some girls. I started to walk towards him when I heard the drama room door open. I turned my head to see who’d come in, and it was her. The girl I saw in the morning… she’s auditioning? I can’t believe it. She likes theatre?

“Hey, Ian. How was your summer?”

“I’m sorry what?” I looked over and saw Sally standing next to me, giggling.

“I said how was your summer, silly!” apparently to her it is hilarious that I can’t seem to stop looking at this girl, and focus on anything but her.

“Oh, sorry. It was okay.” I looked back over at the girl but she disappeared again. Damn it.

“Who were you looking at?” Sally asked me, while she looked around the room to try to find who I was looking for.

“Nobody I was just looking at the new poster on the door”

“Sure you were, oh there’s Elizabeth! I have to run, see you later!” I glanced at Sally and saw her running towards someone…and then I saw who she was running towards. Elizabeth. That’s the girls name…Elizabeth. She was gorgeous. Even the way she talked to Sally, overusing her hand gestures, I thought was extremely adorable.

I need to focus. I have an audition today. I’m not that into theatre anyway, but she’s here. I’d get to see her at every rehearsal. For the first time ever, I was so thankful that Griffin made me do this.

Suddenly everything grew still. I couldn't tell why, until Ms. Meriwether walked in. She was the most intimidating person I knew. Then two girls walked into the room talking about something with a girl named Monica, when Ms. Meriwether snapped at them. After the two girls left being scared straight, you could hear a pin drop on the floor. I found Elizabeth from across the room. I watched her body pace back and forth with nervousness…Jesus, could she be any more adorable?

“Okay, Ian?” S**t, was Ms. Meriwether talking to me?

“Yes, Ms. Meriwether?” Now it was my turn to pace back and forth nervously. Everyone’s eyes were on me…including Elizabeth’s. I was so distracted with trying not to look at Elizabeth when all of the sudden Ms. Meriwether was handing me a stack of sheet music.

“Ian, would you be a dear and hand out the lyrics to this lovely song we’re all going to learn?” I quickly snapped out of my “moment” and grabbed the papers from her.

“Of course I will.” I walked around and starting handing out the papers. S**t, what was I going to do when I got to Elizabeth? Should I say “hi” should I not say anything at all? If I ran know, I might be able to avoid handing her the paper. No. I can do this. I got to Elizabeth and handed it to her as my hand brushed against hers. I flashed her a quick smile and then kept going.

“Thank you, Ian. Now if you will all look at your music and we will begin learning the song “Anything Goes.” Glad that was over with. I got to touch her hand…and smile at her. She didn't seem to notice though. I mean maybe she did…I couldn't tell. I told myself that I needed to focus. I mean, this is an audition and I can’t let one girl distract me. Especially a girl that I don’t even know.

When we got into our groups and began to sing…I couldn't help but stare at Elizabeth as she sang in her group. She definitely stood out. Her voice rose above the others and it sounded absolutely beautiful. I got nervous just looking at her. My palms started to sweat. I can’t sing, and more importantly, she can’t hear me sing. I’d humiliate myself. I did it anyway but I sounded as quiet as possible. I don’t want her to hear me.

After the singing was finally over, the dancing came up. I enjoy dancing but that doesn't mean that I’m good at it, because I’m not. When we all walked into the auditorium to dance, I stood near the back and Elizabeth stood near the front. I watched her as she concentrated on what she was doing. She looked so adorable as she practiced the choreography constantly. I practiced too, but I was more focused on her. She had changed into her cheerleading clothes because I guess she had practice right after. Her short shorts were just a temptation…I swear she was trying to make this difficult.

When we had to “perform” the dance with a group, I watched as Elizabeth went up. She smiled really big as she danced. I could tell how badly she wanted to be in this musical. When I started to dance, I looked at her as she watched the group. Then she looked right at me so I looked away. I smiled as I danced because I did want a good part so I thought I should probably try.

The last thing that we had to do was a “cold read.” I went into the group with my friends Alivia, Rob, and Billy. Then Elizabeth and Sally came over.

“Hey, can we be in your group?” Sally asked us with a big smile. I know she knows Billy and I (a little) so I guess that’s what motivated her to come over.

“Of course.” I told her she could because how could I say no? She was with Elizabeth. The whole time we were practicing for our cold read I kept looking at Elizabeth. She was just incredibly talented. From her singing and dancing to her acting, this girl really was perfect. When I went home that night, I couldn't get her out of my head. I laid awake in bed thinking about her and the way she smiled. She was too good for me, way too good for me. I can’t get someone that far out of my league. There’s no way.

The next couple of days, I kept looking for Elizabeth around school but I didn't see her anywhere. The cast list hadn't been posted yet, but in theory it was supposed to be posted tonight. During my classes, all I could focus on was that fact that it was going to be posted. I tried to be attention but it was just too difficult. Finally, it was fourth period and class was about to end. As soon as the bell rang, I walked briskly to the theatre board. There it was, the cast list. I pushed my way through everyone and saw my name.

Chinese Man- Ian Dover

Well at least I got a part…an incredibly raciest part, but a part none the less. I backed out of the way and saw Elizabeth looking at the cast list. She had the biggest smile on her face. She hugged Sally and I could just tell how excited she was. God she was adorable when she got excited.

……………………..

Tech week was here and of course it was as stressful as ever. We weren't prepared for it at all. The whole show I had been trying to gather the courage to talk to Elizabeth…I just got so nervous every time I saw her.

We had just gotten into all of our costumes and got our hair done. They were running the light cues for the show and it was taking forever. I walked over to the stage left wing and began looking over my lines again. I was looking at my script when I looked up and saw Elizabeth sitting on the steps backstage. Her head was resting on her hand and her eyes were closed. She was wearing her costume, a white dress with blue accents. Her hair was curled and she brushed half of it behind her ear. She looked so tired and stressed out. I wanted to walk up to her and tell her how beautiful she was but I was scared. I had to say something right? I mean today was the first time I’d seen her where she was practically alone…I needed to do this. What could I say though? She looked sad, and I wish she would just smile. Or better yet, smile at me. That’s it, that’s what I’m going to say. I walked up to her and stopped right in front of her.

“Smile.”

That was all I had the courage to say, but she slowly lifted her head and looked up at me. Then she smiled at me. I know I’ll never forget the look on her face when, for the first time, her smile was directed towards me.