dirty while she preferred them shiny. She’d been agreeable, so I hadn’t corrected her gross misunderstanding of what I actually studied and why I found them so fascinating.
But even that small mutiny against their practical plans for me had nothing on my next sidestep when I’d discovered acting.
I could be anyone, say things I’d never have the courage to voice myself, and experience life a million times over through the characters on stage and on screen.
Though I’d finished my degree and even work for a local professor now, being on stage has become a true passion.
And neither of my parents supports such an absurdly fanciful goal as being on Broadway.
But Carly always has.
She was with me when I’d wax on for hours about some article I’d read in Smithsonian Magazine, or when I’d drag her to museums every weekend, and she was by my side at my most pivotal moment when I saw a stage adaptation of Antony and Cleopatra’s story. Not Shakespeare’s famous one, but a modern take on the ancient story.
While I’d begun by analyzing the authenticity of the costumes and jewelry, the stage props, and backdrops, along the way, I’d become lost in the story, suspending reality and truly traveling to ancient Egypt with the actors on stage.
It was then that I’d known, and even at my first crazy mention of wanting to ‘do that’ as I’d pointed at the stage, Carly had been my cheerleader.
She still is.
“It is working out! You’re a fucking genius, girl. But oh, my God, I made such a fool of myself with the director!” I cringe at the memory.
Carly laughs. “It must not have been too bad because she didn’t take the role away. What’d you do? Spill it!” I can tell she’s ready to hear that I did something over-the-top wild.
I sigh, feigning nonchalance. “Oh, the usual. She says, ‘We’d like to offer you the role,’ and before I could stop the words, I said, ‘Get the fuck out!’ and then clapped my hand over my mouth, loudly slapping myself silly. I apologized profusely, of course, and at least Carol laughed at my reaction. But shit, I’m such a dork!”
Carly is laughing big and hard now, taking twisted delight in my embarrassment. But her giggles are contagious, and I find myself laughing along too. All the euphoria from the news and from talking to Carly bubbles out like champagne, popping and fizzing all around me.
“You are a dumbass, but such a cute one, so I guess I’ll keep you around. Seems like Carol felt the same way. Just don’t go blasting my eardrum again with the screaming. Damn, girl. Can I suggest you not take on any singing roles?”
The banter is easy and comfortable, nothing changed between us though we’re separated by miles.
“Oh, shut up!” I say, lying back and staring up at the ceiling. “I can act my ass off, but I know I can’t carry a tune in a bucket. Musical theater is not my calling. But this play, it so is!” I kick my feet and my voice gets high-pitched and loud as the adrenaline rushes through me again.
I glance over at the wall, worrying again about my neighbors calling the cops on the screaming banshee next door more than popping Carly’s eardrum. The thought of the cops banging on my door makes me realize something else.
“You have to come! Come back, stay with me, and see my big debut! Please, Carly!” It’s a big request and I know it. She hasn’t touched ground in the US in over a year, correctly believing that the ocean dividing her and her parents provides a much-needed buffer. But I need her for this.
“You’ve always been my biggest cheerleader, telling me that I don’t have to accept whatever my parents are willing to dole out and pushing me to chase my own dreams. I need you for this. It’s like we finally did it.”
I’m sniffing by the end of my plea, the emotions at not seeing her in person in so long hitting me hard, and I continue my hard sell. “We can have a sleepover like the old days, stay up all night and eat shitty food, gossip about boys, or I guess men now. And you can come see the play. I promise, it’ll be just between us. Your parents don’t even have to know you’re here.”
I hear her answering watery voice, and I know she’s fighting back the feels too. “You suck. Don’t make me cry. I’m