Earl leaned on the front desk in the shop as he scrolled through emails on his phone,

“I got a part?” He double-checked the list, “I got a part!” Earl ran out the back door and towards the garden where Alder sat,

“Alder! I got a role!” Alder stood up to be immediately sent into a bear hug. As he gasped for air he called out,

“Congratulations!”

“Oops,” He chuckled as he let go of Alder, “I didn’t mean to hug you so tight.”

“It's all right, but I am so proud of you! Your hard work is paying off. But what kind of role did you get?”

“It’s only a side character but I’m glad to get any role. I auditioned at a couple of other theatres, but this is the only one that got back to me.” Explained Earl.

“Well, I’m glad you're trying something new.” Alder smiles and kissed Earl’s cheek.

* * * *

“Welcome cast and crew! I’m glad to see such happy faces today! Let’s all get started by reviewing lines.” Announced Ms. Nelson, the theatre director.

Everyone sat around a table and started to flip through their scripts,

“Oh, Grace. You’re here. I didn’t think you would make it today.” Sneered Mrs. Nelson as the young woman walked in,

“You know me so well, always late.” Replied Grace. She walked up behind Earl,

“Hey, newbie.” She punched him in the shoulder,

“Grace, stop bothering him, let's begin rehearsal people.”

* * * *

“10-minute break!” Ms. Nelson announced, and the cast immediately scattered.

Grace walked over to Earl who was reviewing the script at a lunch table,

“So, newbie, what brings you here?”

“That’s not my name, it’s Earl.” he retorted. “But I’m just here to experience something new.”

She grabbed a seat from a different table and flung it next to Earl.

“Don’t get too excited. This isn’t an easy business.” She took a small sketchbook and pencil out of her bag and began to draw someone in the distance. She looked over to Earl and asked,

“Do you see who Ms. Nelson’s talking to?” She looked back and forth at Earl and the man.

“I think he’s got a little crush on her.”

“Why are you drawing him?” Asked Earl.

“When I see something I like, I draw it. His outfit today is horrendous, so I need to capture this image.” She gestured over to the script in his hand.

“What role did you get?”

“I’m the bartender. I’m glad to get any role though. Why are you here?”

She dropped her pencil and pointed to a wall covered in paint,

“See that? I’m a set designer. This is the only job I could find where they like my paintings.” She glanced over at Ms. Nelson who was walking towards a microphone,

“Well, it seems like breaks about to end,” She sat up from the table,

“see you around kid.” Her black high-top boots squeaked on the floor as she walked away.