“Showtime! I hope you all have prepared yourself. Good luck!”

Ms. Nelson announced towards the actors as the set crew made their finishing touches to the stage props. Immediately the actors scattered, and Earl went towards the bathroom to change into his costume.

“Earl! Over here!” Yelled Grace,

Earl waved and walked over to see her finishing a painting.

“This is amazing!”

“Thank you.” She smiled and put down her paintbrush. “Are you ready for tonight?”

“I’m very nervous, but I think so.”

“Is anyone coming to see you? Grace asked.

“Yes, my friend Alder is,” Earl replied.

“Really,” She grinned. “Maybe I’ll get to meet him.”

“He’s very shy, but we’ll see. I need to get ready now, I’ll see you later,”

“Good luck tonight,” she called out as he walked away.

After a long day of work, Alder finally closed the shop and was on his way to Earl’s play. This was the first event he would be going to alone, usually; Earl was there to comfort him when they met new people. The auditorium was packed, and he could barely find a seat in the audience. He ended up sitting next to a family, with an annoying kid.

“Mister, can I use your phone?” The little boy looked at him with puppy dog eyes.

“John leave him alone.” She grabbed the boy’s wrist, making him squirm in his seat.

“Mom! I want to play games! This play is so boring.” He groaned and slouched in his seat.

“It hasn’t even started yet!” She leaned over to Alder, “I’m sorry for bothering you.”

“It’s alright,” the boy looked over and rolled his eyes at his mom. Before she could scold him again, the curtains began to open and the lights dimmed,

“Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to introduce you to the Aurora theatre production of “sunlight kiss,” by our director…” The announcements went on as Earl stood backstage peeking through the curtain, looking for Alder in the rows of seats.

I hope he’s ok,

Earl thought as the announcements ended and the play began,

* * * *

As the actors took their final bows, the audience roared and cheered, Alder had the biggest smile on his face, which intrigued Grace. Every time Earl came on the stage, she noticed one person in the audience who would light up immediately.

They are not just friends.

As the audience dispersed, Alder met up with Earl,

“You were amazing!” He exclaimed, running up to Earl. I’m so proud of you.

“Thank you.” He gushed,

“Would you like to get dinner?” Alder suggested.

“Yes, please.” They were almost out of the door when Grace ran up behind Earl,

“Great job tonight, I was impressed.” She paused looking over to Alder, “This must be your friend, Hi, I’m Grace.”

“Grace, this is Alder,” Earl replied as Alder became nervous.

“Hi,” he squeaked.

“Well, I’ll let you two leave, it was great meeting you Alder.” She turned away walking back to the auditorium, with a grin forming on her face.