I woke up before my alarm feeling refreshed and excited. For the first time in a long time, I was actually looking forward to seeing someone. I didn't know anything about the Dark Knight, save the color of his eyes. I knew I was getting way ahead of myself, but it brought me some small comfort to be thinking of someone else other then Brett.
I suddenly felt like I had possibilities again, not just professionally, but romantically. If this job worked out, then maybe I could start thinking about dating again. I knew I shouldn't get my hopes up; I'd only worked one day, but I still had a smile one my face as I was getting ready.
I got a little lost in thought as I was eating breakfast and realized I was running late. I had to catch a later bus then I would have liked. I still got to work with a few minutes to spare. The park was already open. I flashed my badge and they let me walked right in. I actually found my way to the locker room without using a map.
I put my things away and ran my fingers through my hair as I waited for eleven-thirty. I clocked in then went to the dressing room. A few people were chatting and getting ready. I grabbed my costume and got changed. Then I sat down and did my hair and makeup. I was actually making great time! I put on my jewelry and crown, then check my schedule. It was the same as yesterday, a show at twelve and then again at four. I wondered if the Dark Knight would-
"Mindy!" I paused, hearing Craig call out my name.
I turned to see him standing in the hallway along with one of the writers. I think her name was Cindy or Sandy. Yeah, it was Sandie! I remember her telling me it had an "ie" at the end.
"Yes?"
"Can we have a moment with you!" I felt like he wasn't asking, but telling me. He didn't look happy, nor did Sandie.
"Sure," I said as my heart sunk.
I stepped up to them, but they didn't talk to me. Instead, they turned and I followed them upstairs into one of the offices. We sat down at a table, with them on one side and me on the other. I kind of felt like I was in an interrogation. I nervously swallowed and my throat suddenly felt dry.
"Is everything okay?" I asked.
"You tell me!" said Craig, giving me a stern look. "What happened yesterday?"
"Yesterday." I repeated. I bit my lip and knew what this was about. "You mean everything with me and the Dark Knight."
"Yes," said Sandie.
"You went off script!" snapped Craig.
"Well I was just reacting."
"Reacting," repeated Craig. "That was not 'REACTING!' We went over this! It was covered in the manual and video you watched yesterday! If you see the Dark Knight, you are to scream, shout, run, hide or call for the guards! Nothing Else!"
"Well, I did that at first but- He- Well uh, I kept running into him."
"You kept running into him." said Craig. "We went over your path."
"I stayed on it, but he just, well-" I didn't want to get anyone in trouble, but I needed to defend myself. "He was sort of following me."
"Following you," said Sandie, pulling back in her chair.
"Yes, well at first I only saw him at a distance. I thought he was far enough away so I just went about my script, but then a guest pointed out he was following me. So I reacted like I was suppose to. I ran and hid in a nearby store, but he didn't go... So I rushed out and got the guards and they chased him off. Then well, he followed me again on another show, but no one pointed it out and my character didn't turn around, so I didn't react. Then it happened again."
"I see." said Craig. He took out a pen and clicked it several times. He looked at me, then down at his clipboard. He tapped his pen on the table clearly annoyed, "He's new, a temp I believe. I'll have to have a talk with him as well." He jotted something down.
"What else happened?" asked Sandie. "I heard he spoke to you?"
"Well yes, but I spoke to him first."
"What were you doing talking to him?" demanded Craig, clicking his pen several times.
"I didn't plan on it," I said. "On the last show of the day, another guest pointed out he was there. So I turned to run, but tripped and fell. Everything in my basket fell out and I tried to pick it up. I got my book and bread, but when I reached for the apple. Well, I found he'd gotten off his horse to help, and it surprised me."
"And." said Craig impatiently.
"I spoke to him without thinking." I said looking down at the table.
"Spoke to him without thinking!" Craig snapped. "So not only did you go off script, but you dropped character!"
"Kind of, but it could still work." I said looking up.
"What did you say to him exactly?" asked Sandie.
"Does it matter!" snapped Craig. "No one talks to the Dark Knight!"
"I want to know," said Sandie.
"Well, like I said I was surprised he was helping me, given he's the Dark Knight and all. I said something like. 'Aren't you a villain?"
"And what did he say?" asked Sandie, jotting something down.
"Uh I-" I'd run through it enough times in my head, I think I still remembered it all. "He said something like, 'Treachery is in the eye of the beholder. If I saw him as a villain, a villain he'd be, but if I saw him with my heart, or an open heart, I'd see more."
"Oh wow!" said Sandie
"I know! Right!" I said
We shared a moment, I could tell she was just as shocked as I'd been.
"REALLY!" hissed Craig. He looked like he was going to explode any second.
Sandie jotted something down in her notebook, mumbling to herself, "See me as a villain, a villain I'll be."
"And what did you say in response?" asked Craig.
"Well, uh, I stared at him." I said. I couldn't remember if I'd said anything. I mostly just recalled his eyes.
"And," said Sandie. She looked up from her notes and leaned in.
"Another character came and called for the guards and he took off. Well, wait- He helped me up, then tossed me my apple and took off,"
"He tossed you your apple."
"Yes, once he was on his horse. I'd completely forgotten about it."
"I bet!" said Sandie, jotting down notes again.
"You forgot a lot," said Craig. "You should have been the one to call the guards. You should have never spoken to him. You shouldn't have gone off script or dropped character. There are so many violations here, too many to count. I think this goes well beyond a verbal warning, perhaps even a written-"
I held my breath, realizing he might be firing me. It had happened enough times that I was starting to get a feel for it. Maybe I shouldn't have said anything and just-
"NO!" said Sandie, looking up from her notes."This is gold!"
"WHAT!" shouted Craig. I wouldn't be surprised if he got whiplash with as fast as he turned his head in her direction. He looked beyond bewildered, "GOLD!"
"YES!" said Sandie. "We've been getting calls since last night. The guests can't wait to see the next show."
"The next show! That wasn't a show! IT WAS A TOTAL DISASTER!" spat Craig.
Sandie shook her head, "More like a happy accident! We've got interest! Real interest from the guests! Do you know how hard it is to get guests talking, let alone excited enough to call in and find out when the next show is! We even got some calls about this weekend, asking if the Dark Knight and Azure Queen will be there."
"This weekend isn't about them!" snapped Craig.
"It's not," said Sandie, "But every bit helps. We were told to get more people coming in, and this is bringing them in."
Craig scoffed, "Pfft, well I don't think so."
"Well I do!" said Sandie.
"Well I'm in charge of the characters!" snapped Craig.
"Yes, you are in charge of making sure they stick to the scripts WE write,"
"Yes," said Craig, he lifted his head all superior. "And this wasn't in the script."
Clearly he thought he'd won this argument. Yet Sandie lifted her notebook, and surprisingly responded, "It is now!" Craig's face dropped. That had to be a checkmate, if I had ever seen one. Sandie smugly turned to me, "Do you think you can do that again, like yesterday, but with some tweaks?"
"Tweaks?" I asked.
"Yes, give me like fifteen or so minutes," she said.
She set her notebook down on the table and flipped through several pages of notes. She jotted a few things down as I responded. "I could. I mean I think so. I can try."
I felt the air in the room shift, things were looking up. Craig stewed for a minute or two, then protested, "No, you can't change the script on such short notice! We don't even know if the Dark Knight is working today, and she's suppose to go on in five minutes!"
"Well get him here!" said Sandie, "And have them post a delay, something like the Dark Knight and Azure Queen will be half an hour late. Trust me, I think the guests will be more than willing to wait, if they get to see what they came for."
"No!" said Craig. "This isn't professional!"
"Do I need to get my manager?"asked Sandie. "He told me to find out what all this fuss was about."
"Yes, so we could properly deal with it! They need to be written up and fired!"
"No way!" said Sandie. "You don't fire lighting in a bottle! The new owner put the writers in charge! I outrank you! Now we can either keep arguing, and make the guests wait that much longer, or you can move your ass and do your job!"
"I-," Craig opened his mouth to protest, then shut it.
Clearly if he had any power he would have used it. He looked at me as if this were all my fault. I put my head down and my crown fell off. It landed on the table hard, and made a loud sound as it wobbled. I reached out and laid it flat. I tried not to make eye contact with him. He let out a puff of air, then got up and rushed out of the room.
"Now then," said Sandie. "I need you to tell me everything again, in as much detail as possible. I'll also run it over with the Dark Knight. I don't want to miss a beat! I'll probably make some adjustments to it. If need be, I can do an ear reading. You know what that is?"
"I think."
"We do it on the fly, if there are changes to the script, or we need something to go out right away. I'll tell you what to say in your earpiece, and you just repeat it as your character."
"Okay." I said.
"Now, let's start from the beginning!" said Sandie, turning to a fresh page in her notebook.
At this point Sandie could have whatever she wanted, she'd just saved my job. We went over it for another ten minutes or so, then she left to check on the status of the Dark Knight. I wasn't really sure what I should do. It was already past my start time. I sat there for a moment, then decided to just get into position. I went back to the dressing room first, and made sure I still looked okay. I adjusted my crown a bit, then signed out an earpiece.
I realized I might be able to find out who the Dark Knight was, from the sign out sheet. Then I realized people just put their names and I didn't know his name. I slowly walked to my starting point and waited. Every so often I heard some noises outside the door I was suppose to enter through. I wondered how many people were out there. Suddenly, I heard an announcement over the loudspeakers.
"Hello one and all, I have a special announcement!" It was Sandie!"It's just about time for the Dark Knight and Azure Queen to preform. I ask that you be aware of the Dark Knight's horse, Ryder and give him enough room to perform. Thank you all for your patience and have a wonder filled day at Darrow's Park!"
I heard loud cheers from outside, and realized there WERE a lot of people out there! My stomach dropped. It was only my second day...there was no way they could be here for me! No, they were probably here for the Dark Knight. Was he that popular of a character? I swallowed and my throat felt dry. I wished I had some water on me.
I heard some static from my earpiece before Craig spoke. "Sandie! What are you doing using the loudspeaker! It's for important announcements only!"
` "This was important!" Sandie snapped back.
"If it's important than I'll do it, that is not how announcements are done!"
"It got the job done." said Sandie "Now, Dark Knight should be in position soon. Azure Queen you can start, but make sure you see him before you start walking."
What! They wanted me to start! I wasn't sure what they wanted me to do exactly. Didn't she want to make tweaks! Wasn't I suppose to get an updated script or something! I pushed my button to talk and my voice came out shaky. "Uh Azure Queen here, I never got the updated script!"
"See! This is why we need more notice!" said Craig.
"It's fine," said Sandie. "Just do what you did yesterday."
What I did yesterday! I felt uneasy. What if I couldn't remember everything? Another voice got on the radio, "Relax, I'll get you through it. Just start walking and I'll get your attention, trip like you did yesterday and I'll handle the rest."
I let out a gasp, realizing it was the Dark Knight. I'd heard his voice before, but it had been altered by his helmet. Hearing his voice now so clean and clear over the mic, there was something about it that got my heart racing. I found his voice reassuring and couldn't wait to see those ice blue eyes again.
"Okay," I said, over the mic.
I was about to say I was coming out, when I heard Sandie, "OH BOY!
"What now?" asked Craig.
"We might need to change the starting point, going forward." said Sandie.
"What?" said Craig.
"Get down here and see for yourself!" said Sandie.
I bit my lip as I wondered what she was seeing.
"I'm here," said the Dark Knight. "Go."
Go! Go! Go! I told myself, but I stood there frozen. I wasn't one of those flight or fight people. When I got upset I'd freeze. After a second, I heard his voice again, "Mindy come out, it will be fine. We got this!"
He knew my name and sounded so confident! I wanted to believe him. I managed to move and grabbed my basket. I opened the door and stepped out as Craig shouted into my earpiece. "WHAT IS THIS!"
I walked through the tavern and immediately understood what he meant, when I stepped outside. There were so many people. They lined both sides of the street like they were waiting for a parade to start. I froze thinking they couldn't possibly be here for this! Sandie had said they'd gotten calls, but this was insane! I bit my lip, then realized I was just standing there with this look of shock on my face. I was suppose to be working!
I softened my expression and tried to get into character. The Azure Queen wasn't shocked by such a large crowd. No, to her they were not there! She was just going for a walk and shopping. I closed my eyes then opened them and strode forward. I looked about with a smile on my face. It was a beautiful day, spring wasn't just around the corner, it was here!
I kept looking around and in the distance I saw him, the Dark Knight atop his horse. My heart picked up once more and I felt my cheeks heat up as I took him in. I realized now why the guests were on either side of the street. The announcement Sandie had made! They were making room for the Dark Knight's horse. It must have been hard for him to move around yesterday. If Sandie had not made the announcement just now, it would have been nearly impossible for the horse to get down the street.
I turned my back to the Dark Knight and took half a dozen steps or so before I began. I spoke loudly, "Oh my what a beautiful day! How lovely it is, to be in the Ruby Kingdom!" I heard the guests whisper amongst themselves that the Dark Knight was following me. I soon heard the horses hooves and saw a large shadow looming over me. For a moment I got this sinking feeling as I recalled my dream.
Several girls squealed and I pulled out of my daze. Now was not the time to space out! The girls cried out "Oh what is that in his hand? I don't know! Oh a flower! Is he trying to give her a flower?"
I tried not to react to what they were saying and focused on my lines. I went over who I was, where I was from, and most importantly why I was here. I made it very clear I was exited for this weekends big announcement at the castle. I kept expecting the Dark Knight to interrupt me, or for a guest to call out that he was following me, but nothing happened.
I finished my lines and could see the courtyard coming up. I slowed down worried I'd get there before I was suppose to trip. Shit! I just realized I didn't know how to trip on command! I didn't want it to look to fake, but I also didn't want to hurt myself. I stumbled a bit, considering how I might fall, when the horse suddenly let out a loud nay.
I was so startled I fell and everything spilled out of my basket. For a second I froze, my heart was pounding in my chest. I had not expected that! Thankfully I came to my senses and began looking for the book and bread. The Dark Knight got off his horse and reached for the apple. It hadn't fallen the same way as last time, but he made it work. He fell to one knee and waited for me to place my hand atop his.
Once I did, I looked up at him bewildered. We locked gazes and again I got to see those ice blue eyes of his. I struggled not to smile. I stared at him for a moment then stuttered, "The Dark Knight...but you…you're a villain!"
Sandie called out in my earpiece, which almost threw me. I knew she might do this, but a little more warning would have been nice, "Repeat. I've heard of your treachery!"
"I've heard of your treachery!"
The Dark Knight leaned in closer, then spoke loudly. "Treachery my queen, is in the eye of the beholder. Should you see me as a villain, a villain I shall be, but should you open your heart, then perhaps more you shall see."
I had time to react today. I let my character really take in what he was saying. I tilted my head and looked at him with a sort of awe. To hear such words from someone who was suppose to be a villain, would catch anyone off guard.
"Hold Carl!" Sandie called out in my earpiece. "Hold!"
"No!" said Craig. "He should go!"
"No wait!" said Sandie, "Wait for it! Wait for my mark!" I softened my expression, to something more puzzled and parted my lips as if I might say something. "Now Carl!"
I heard someone shout, I assumed Carl, "IT'S THE DARK KNIGHT! THE DARK KNIGHT IS IN THE CITY! GUARDS! GUARDS!"
The Dark Knight stared at me for a moment longer then rose up. He offered out his hand and I took it. He helped me up then pulled me in close. He reached out a gloved hand and I realized there was a rose in it...a blue rose. It had been him! My eyes glistened with the realization and I smiled as he put the rose in my hair, just above my ear. He let me go, then turned and got on his horse as the guards were coming. He didn't toss me the apple, instead he just lifted it as if to show me it was his prize, before he rode off.
The crowd roared with delight and clapped as the guards chased after him. I could hears the guests talk amongst themselves and they seemed to have liked it, "Was that it! Oh wow! Yeah, like what was that? Does he like her? Maybe he knows her? Just wait, he shows up again later, before she exits. Really! I can't wait!"
Carl rushed up to me and asked, "Are you okay my lady?"Then he looked me up and down, and quickly bowed, "Excuse me, my queen!"
Sandie was in my ear again with lines. I repeated them. "It's quite alright. I am a bit shook, but grateful you came along when you did."
"May I help you get somewhere?" Carl asked.
"No!" said Sandie, "Tell him you'd like to walk about. Then go to the courtyard like yesterday, only don't go to the stalls. Act like you're lost in thought as you walk around. Deliver your lines again, before going to your exit point. Oh and don't notice the Dark Knight! Again act like you're lost in thought!"
I nodded to her instructions, then realized what I had done. I quickly recovered, "No, but thank you kind sir. The weather is so nice, I think I shall walk about. I wish to get the lay of the land."
"Of course, of course, we are happy to have you!" said Carl. Then he looked about, at the guests. "We are happy to have all visitors to the Ruby Kingdom!"
` He stepped away and went about his normal routine. I stood there for a moment longer, then checked the contents of my basket before I turned around. I slowly walked to the courtyard and the crowd followed. I talked about who I was, where I had come from and this weekend as I walked around the large fountain.
I kept reaching for the rose and stared off into space several times as if I'd gotten lost in thought. As I approached my exit point, I took the rose from my hair and gave it a good sniff. I smiled then looked confused. I furrowed my brow and bit my lip before I put the rose back in my hair and exited through my door.
Once I was in the back Sandie cheered in my ear, "Oh I loved it! Especially that bit at the end so conflicted! It was fantastic!"
I smiled glad she'd liked what I'd done. Before I could relish in it too long, Craig quickly pipped in. "THAT WAS A DISASTER! So many things could have gone wrong!"
"But it didn't. They both did amazing! Wonderful job as well Dark Knight! I'll see if I can't get you two an updated script. Until then, just do it like before and keep up the good work!"
Craig scoffed, "This whole thing is a mess! The streets are way too crowded!"
"We can fix that, like I said, we might need to change the starting point! If we put it in the courtyard more people will be able to see."
"Yes, but what of the other cast members, especially the guards. Just what would you have them do, when they see the Dark Knight trotting about!"
"Well pull the guards back, and let the other cast members know to hold off on calling out the Dark Knight."
"That goes against everything! You want us to disrupt the whole park for one show!"
"Not the whole park, just the courtyard and a few streets."
"Either way, it's going to take more then five minute to relay everything!"
"So the next show will be a little late, they'll wait. This is big, so big that we should add another showing!"
"Another showing! Have you lost your mind!" snapped Craig.
"Are you blind? Did you not see how many people are out here?"
' "I did, it's a fluke!"
"Fluke my ass!"
"Uh, may I ask something?" I asked, interrupting their latest argument.
"Yeah?" said Sandie.
"What!?" asked Craig.
"Why are there so many people out there? I knew there were some calls, but that's a lot of people and like- I mean, we just did it yesterday!"
"Word travels fast around here, when something big or unexpected happens! There are die hard Darrow's fans who don't want to miss a beat, and follow the lore like no ones business. Trust me, I've been a dire hard fan for years! I like to think it was one of the reasons I got hired on as a writer."
"Oh wow!" I said, "I had no idea this place had such a following. I thought it was just a theme park."
"Best keep that to yourself," said Sandie. "This can be a way of life, like a living soap opera!"
"A living soap opera," I said to myself as I got back to my starting point. I set up, only to realize I didn't have my apple. What was I going to do? "Uh wait!" I talked into the mic, "I don't have my apple. Like I'm suppose to have one when my basket falls."
"Relax," called the Dark Knight. "I've got a plan. Just do everything like before."
"Okay," I said, but wasn't sure what he was going to do.
"Great!" said Sandie. "I'll talk to my manager about adding another show!"
"You're getting head of yourself! I doubt this will last!" said Craig. Then he started giving out instructions to the guards and other performers, over the radio.
When he went silent, Sandie called out. "You know Craig, I think you're right, this wont last!"
"Finally coming to your senses."
"No, I just realized this is only the people who didn't have to work today, or could get the time off on short notice. Tonight might be even bigger."
I thought she had to be joking, people would actually take time off work for this! She said die hard, but seriously! I had really underestimated this place.
"Azure Queen, Dark Knight, are you in position?" asked Craig.
"Yeah," I responded.
"Yes," said the Dark Knight.
"Great!" said Sandie, "Let's see if we can't do this again!"
I took a deep breath and was about to step out, but heard Craig call out, "Azure Queen is not in position!"
"What?" I said to myself, my hand on the doorknob. I was literately seconds from stepping out. I pushed the button on my radio and said, "I was just about to step out."
"And where are you?" asked Craig.
"I'm at my starting point."
"Old starting point," said Craig, "Can someone please redirect the Azure Queen?"
Oh right, they had changed things to the courtyard! Craig had given out instructions, but I hadn't heard him call out to me. I worried I might have missed it. Soon one of the 'handlers' found me. I hadn't interacted with one yet, but had watched a video on them. They were crew members who moved around behind the scenes, fixing and setting things up.
The handler showed me where my new starting point was, and where it would let out in the courtyard. Craig made a quick announcement over the loudspeaker, that the starting location had changed to the courtyard. I was told to hold for five minutes to give people a chance to move.
Sandie also gave me more instructions, "Okay, so for the changes, leave and immediately do your lines, the Dark Knight will follow you around the courtyard. From there go into the fall and everything should play out the same."
"Right," I said, feeling overwhelmed. Nothing felt the same at all! If anything the only thing that was consistent was that things kept changing.
"Go!" said Craig.
"It's time!" I sputtered into the radio.
"YES GO!" hissed Craig
I swear five minutes had felt like five seconds! I took a deep breath and stepped out. There were still so many people...only this time I could see more of them. They left a big open area in the courtyard for me to walk around. I did my best to pretend like this was all so normal as if I'd done it a thousand times before.
I took another deep breath, then said my lines as I wandered around the courtyard. I saw the Dark Knight was following me. The horse soon let out a loud nay, but it didn't startle me this time as I was expecting it. I froze for a second, then dropped to the ground and knocked my basket over. I know it didn't look natural, because I got a few laughs. Still it got the job done. I grabbed my basket then reached for the bread as the Dark Knight got off his horse. I slowed down, hoping to pick up on what he was planning.
He got to the book before me. He didn't drop to the ground, but simply bent over and picked it up. He flipped through the pages as he walked over to me. I looked up at him and he handed me the book. I grasped hold of it, but he didn't let it go. I realized now would be the best time to say my lines. I quickly said them and he said his before he let go of the book. I put it in my basket, and he offered his hand, to help me up.
I stood and he pulled me in close. Our eyes locked and I felt him move. His slid the apple into my basket so smoothly I barely noticed. Then he reached for the rose in my hair. He pulled it free and brought it up to his helmet as if he were smelling it. Someone called out for the guards and he pulled away, mounting his horse. I looked bewildered as he rode off.
I watched him until I could no longer see him then, clutched my chest. The crowd cheered once more. It was a bit chaotic, but his plan had worked. I suppose next time we'd do it like the first show, then alternate going forward, between the apple and the rose. It was smart! Not only did he have the most beautiful eyes I'd ever seen, but he was smart too. I felt my heart flutter in my chest.
Carl stepped up to me and we did our lines again. When he pulled away, I added my character looking in the direction the Dark Knight had gone. I reached for my hair, where the rose had been, then clutched my chest once more, before I turned and began to walk around the courtyard.
I acted like I was in a daze as I said my lines. I threw in a few conflicted looks before I turned down the street to my exit point. I noticed the Dark Knight this time, watching me in the distance. I tried to act like I didn't see him, but my cheeks flushed a bit before I hurried into the back.
"Oh yes! Yes!" Sandie cried out over the radio. "The crowd loved it, smooth move with the rose."
"Yeah." I added, "Quick thinking. I wondered what we were going to do."
I was hoping the Dark Knight would say something, but he didn't, instead Craig popped on, "Talk more about the announcement this weekend."
"I think it's fine!" said Sandie, "They've got it down. We've piqued their interest!"
The radio fell silent for a moment. I still wasn't sure if they were changing my schedule today or not, so I asked, "Um sorry, do I just do three more shows, and come back at four and that's it, or will I be doing another show?"
"Yes," said Sandie, "Another show at six or maybe seven, does that work for you?"
Before I could respond, Craig did, "We still haven't approved a third show!"
"I'm on the phone with my manager and we're working out the details." said Sandie
"You should wait until four o'clock, and see if this is still even a thing!" spat Craig.
"Oh it will be!" said Sandie, "I might actually get a promotion for this!"
I realized she wasn't just helping me out. There was clearly something in it for her too, but I didn't care. If I got another show that meant more hours and money. I found my way back to my new starting point, and we went again. We did three more shows. On the last one, I felt bad for a lady who rushed down the street, only to realized she'd missed it.
"Oh no! I missed it!"
"Don't worry," said another woman, "It will be back at four!"
"I heard it might even be on again, later tonight." said yet another woman.
"A third showing! Really!"
I couldn't believe they already knew about the possibility of a third show! Word did travel fast! I tried to act like I wasn't listening and finished up the show. Once I was in the back, I let out a heavy sigh then took out my ear piece. I turned it in, got changed and clocked out. Again I hadn't made anything. So I used some money and got a few snacks from the vending machine.
It felt like forever between shows this time. I clocked in half an hour before I was suppose to go on, then changed and got my earpiece. I set up at my new starting point and at four stepped outside. Right away, I recognized the woman from earlier that had just missed the show. I couldn't believe it! She'd waited this entire time!
We did our show and everything went like before. Between the third and fourth showings, Craig called out to me on the radio. "Azure Queen, are you free tonight?" I could hear the bitterness in his voice.
"I am," I said, realizing Sandie had done it. She'd gotten a third show!
"Then you'll do another showing at seven."
"Six to seven or seven to eight?"
"Seven to eight!" He snapped.
"Okay," I said, "But wont it be hard to see in the dark?"
"Don't worry about that, everything is lit up at night."
I didn't know. I'd never been here after dark, save for the night I got hired, and I hadn't walked through the park I'd just gone straight home. I couldn't help but wonder what this place was like at night. We finished up our last two shows and I couldn't believe it still felt so fresh. I was sure doing it over and over again, it might lose some of its flavor, but every time I saw him, I still got so excited. I think the guests could tell because they sounded just as excited as me.
Some hadn't missed a single show. Even though they had watched it ten times, they planned to stay until the last show. A lot of them made plans to go to dinner and come right back. I couldn't believe it, but it got me thinking I should probably get dinner too, snacks just weren't going to cut it this time.
I turned in my ear piece, got changed and clocked out. I counted up my money and did some quick math. I didn't have much, but I knew it was enough to eat at the chicken place down the street. One of the perks of having worked there was I knew all their prices. I checked the time and left the park.
The place was fairly busy when I got there so I had to wait in line. When it was my turn, I ordered a small soda, fries and chicken burger. It didn't take long to get. As I was eating I stared off into space. When I was finished, I checked the time then just sat there for a bit. Eventually I got up, and as I was collecting my things, I thought I recognized someone sitting a few tables over. It took me a second to place where I'd seen them. Usually it was easy to recall a face, but I'd seen so many in the last few days. I think I remembered him, because he'd been so tense the first time we met.
I dumped my tray and walked over to his table. I thought I'd just say hi really quick. He looked up at me as he was eating a chicken burger, and I smiled at him. I gave him a wave, then said, "Hello again!"
He immediately stiffened, just like the other day, becoming a statue; a second later he looked like he might be choking. I looked around unsure of what to do. Thankfully he coughed something up. He wiped his mouth with a napkin, then nodded without looking at me.
"Are you okay? I asked. He just nodded again."Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt anything. How are you?"
He wiped his mouth again, but didn't respond. I stood there for a moment, then realized he might have no idea who I was. "Oh uh sorry, it's me Mindy, from Darrow's Theme Park. We met yesterday, I was the girl with Jules in the costume department."
Yet again he nodded, but didn't say a word. He just looked so tense. Maybe he didn't like to talk while he ate.
"Well okay then," I said awkwardly, "See you around, I guess."
I turned and walked away. When I got outside, it was starting to get dark, several street lamps had already turned on. I slowly walked back to work and sat in the breakroom until it was time to clock in. I got dressed and still had some time to spare. I looked at my section of the dressing room, then to the others. They had various personal effects and I wondered if I should do something with my area. Maybe after a week or so, maybe two, just to be safe...especially since I'd almost gotten fired earlier. I'd almost forgotten about that.
I let out a heavy sigh. My stomach suddenly felt uneasy and I worried I'd eaten too much. I decided to get up and walk around for a bit. After a while I signed out my earpiece, and got into position. When it was time I stepped out, it was dark, but everything was well lit with streetlamps and ground lights. I was able to see everything and saw there was a lot of people. It had to be our biggest crowd yet! Once again Sandie was right!
I said my lines and noticed camera flashes this time. It caught me off guard at first, but I kept going. I assumed they'd been taking pictures this entire time and I just hadn't noticed. The rest of the show went relatively smooth. My heart was pretty much racing the entire time and I tried not think about how many people were out here. I kept thinking this was insane. A few days ago I had no idea I'd be performing, let alone in front of so many.
I worried I might lose my nerve and was happy when we got to our last show of the day. I couldn't wait for this to be over. Again everything went smoothly...until the end. After the Dark Knight helped me up, he pulled me in close like he always did. Only this time there was something different about the look in his eyes. He paused longer then he needed to. He was suppose to put the rose in my hair, but he just stood there staring at me. I titled my head wondering what was up.
The crowd started to whisper amongst themselves, like me, they wondered what was going on. He lifted the lower part of his helmet exposing the bottom of his face. Then without warning, he grabbed the back of my head and pulled me in for a kiss! It was unexpected, so much so, that I heard a loud gasp from the crowd. It paled in comparison to the sound of my heart exploding in my ears. I felt like all the blood in my body was rushing to my head.
My adrenaline spiked and I didn't think, I just reacted, which was rare for me! I jerked from him and slapped him hard across the face. More gasps erupted from the crowd. My heart sunk as I realized I was no doubt getting fired for this, but he straight up kissed me out of nowhere! I was interested, but I didn't know him...LIKE AT ALL! You didn't just kiss someone like that, in front of everyone, without first discussing it! Still hitting him might have gone too far. Seconds passed, but it felt like minutes.
I bit my lip and broke character, quickly apologizing, "I'm sorry,"
"I'm not." he said, there was a cockiness in his tone.
My jaw dropped at his sheer audacity. He smirked, then as he walked backwards he lowered his helmet. No one had called for the guards, but he got on his horse. I wondered where Carl's replacement had gone. Carl had gotten off at five and they'd found a replacement. I didn't know his name, but he'd done the last four shows without issue. However he was no where to be seen. I looked around and realized how tightly the crowd was packed. They had all drawn closer, not wanting to miss a second.
The Dark Knight whistled, then shouted, "CLEAR A PATH!"
The crowd parted enough for him to ride off, but he didn't. Instead he pulled out the rose, he was suppose to put in my hair, and tossed it. I wasn't sure if he was tossing it too me or not, but I didn't catch it, still awestruck at what he'd just done. Another woman caught the rose, but didn't hang onto it long as she was tackled by half a dozen other women and some men. It was chaos! I couldn't help but be reminded of piranhas, when blood hit the water.
Finally Carl's replacement made it through the crowd. "Guards." He seemed a bit winded and had to take a second before he started up again, "GUARDS! GUARDS! HOW DARE YOU FIEND!"
Some guards worked their way through the crowd and the Dark Knight took off. I touched my lips without thinking and someone took a picture as the crowd roared with excitement. The guests were besides themselves, talking about what had just happened. It was just a kiss. It was just a kiss...but oh what a kiss! It was sad, but I couldn't recall the last time anyone had kissed me.
"Are you alright?" asked Carl's replacement. He seemed genuinely concerned.
"Yeah, I mean yes," I said, reminding myself the show wasn't over.
I struggled to remember my lines and deliver them. I knew what I was suppose to do next. I'd been doing it all day, but I was personally spiraling with what had just happened. Why had he done it? Had someone told him to? Was he just acting? Had someone changed the script again and not told me? Had he gone rogue?
A million questions flooded me. I finished up and couldn't exit fast enough. I barely remembered to turn in my earpiece. As I was changing, I really wished I could talk to him. I wanted to know what was going on. I hung up my costume and it occurred to me that he'd have to change too, right! I rushed into the hall and stood outside of the men's dressing room.
I didn't want to be weird or anything, but I was hoping to bump into him on his way out. I waited a good ten minutes, but didn't see anyone. Maybe he wasn't done for the night. He could be changing or have his own dressing room, since his identity was suppose to be a secret. Uh, gorgeous eyes, smart and mysterious. He was like something out of one of my romance novels, but I didn't want to get my hopes up. The guy could be a total psycho for all I knew.
Someone tapped me on the shoulder and I nearly flew into the air. I turned around and saw it was a handler, "Azure Queen?"
"Yes," I said.
"You'll need this for Saturday." The man handed me a thick stack of paper and I took it.
I quickly realized it was a script. It must have been for this weekends announcement. "Oh uh, thanks."
He nodded then took off. I stood there for a moment and glanced through the pages. I suppose I'd better get going. I still hadn't clocked out yet, and didn't want to get in trouble… again. I went to the locker room and clocked out. I put the script in my backpack then headed outside. It hadn't been cold while I was performing, but it felt chilly now. I wrapped myself up in my jacket, then slowly walked across the parking lot.
As I was passing one of the parked cars, the headlights suddenly turned on, which caught me off guard. I was still lost in thought, thinking about what had happened. I froze assuming the car was going to drive off. The engine turned on, but it just sat there. I could see a figure in the drivers seat, but couldn't make out who they were.
I bit my lip and started walking again. The car pulled out of its spot, really slowly, and turned in my direction. Soon it was right behind me. I assumed I was in its way and moved over, but it didn't pass me. It just slowly crept behind me with it's headlights beaming at my back. The hairs on my neck began to stand up, and I got an eerie feeling. Was this car following me? Surely not and yet it remained behind me as I walked the entire parking lot. I was glad when I got to the sidewalk. I rushed to the bus stop and when I looked back at the parking lot, I didn't see the car. I told myself it was nothing...paranoia. My bus pulled up a second later and I got on.
I was glad I didn't have to go back until Saturday. I looked over the script on my way home and found it was like a chapter in a book. I tried to figure out what parts were mine, but I found it hard to focus. I couldn't stop thinking about that kiss and what it meant. What it meant? It probably meant nothing! I was probably reading too much into things and it was just acting. Maybe he was trying something new to excite the guests or- or- I didn't know what to think. I doubted he- My cheeks got hot again and I dared not finish the thought. I twisted in my seat and suddenly felt restless.
I got off a stop early, thinking I could use the fresh air and exercise. I walked home slowly. When I got inside I went straight to my room and shut the door. I collapsed on my bed then screamed into my pillow. After that I read the script and found I only had two paragraphs. Mostly I thanked the Ruby King and Queen for having me, and told them how wonderful their kingdom was. I vowed my allegiance to them, and gave them a gift from my kingdom as a symbol of our everlasting friendship. My part was barely a blip. Not bad, considering I got paid to attend the entire event.
I ran the lines a few times then took a bubble bath. I stewed in the water for a good half an hour then made myself a cheese quesadilla. I went back to my room and looked over the script again. I practiced some more then decided to get ready for bed.
As I was brushing my hair, and putting it into a braid, I dropped the hair tie on the floor. When I bent down to grab it, I noticed imprints in my carpet. It looked like someone had walked across my floor in heavy boots. I found it odd. My dad didn't wear boots. He was still up watching TV so I popped into the living room.
"Hey dad, did you go into my room today?"
He shook his head, not taking his eyes off the screen. I bit my lip as a commercial came on. He turned away from the TV and I asked again, "Was anyone in my room today?"
"No, I don't think so?" He shrugged, then added "You know, your mother was home, she might know."
"Thanks," I said. I went down the hall to my parents room. I could hear my mom through the door. It sounded like she was on the phone with my sister. "You know what always worked for me, crackers. Yeah, oh any brand, but you want something bland."
I had no idea what they were talking about. I knocked on the door, then opened it. She covered the bottom of the phone with her hand, acting all secretive, "Yes?"
"Uh, was someone in my room today?"
"No," she said, then rolled her eyes, like I was annoying her with my one question. She got back on the phone,"It's just your sister,"
Yeah just me, no one important or anything. I turned to leave, but my mother suddenly snapped her fingers. I turned back around as she said "Wait, there was a maintenance man earlier, needed to do something or other. I let him in, but he didn't stay long. Had to leave in a hurry."
"Oh," I said.
"Yeah," she said, then went back to her phone call again, "Oh nothing, some maintenance man stopped by earlier today."
"Well night." I said.
She waved me off and I left. I went back to my room and looked everything over.
Nothing was missing as far as I could tell, but things felt off. I wondered what he needed to come into my room for. I sat down on my bed, then turned on the radio. I was tried, but still felt a bit restless. I supposed I could stay up a bit longer. I could always sleep in tomorrow. I yawned and stared up at the ceiling.
My mind wandered back to the kiss and I shot up in bed. Again, I wondered why he'd done it and in front of all those people! I clutched my face and shook my head. I wondered how I was going to keep my composure, the next time I saw him. What should I say? What should I do? Should I act like it was no big deal? Again, I worried I was making this into more then it was. I collapsed on my bed and wondered when I'd see him again.
I don't think he had any lines in this weekends script. I got up and grabbed it. I combed through it with a fine tooth comb, but he was only mentioned. I guess we wouldn't be working together for a while. I wasn't sure if that was good or bad. It might give me some time to calm down, or just wind me up more.
I groaned and got back in bed. Instead of asking myself why he'd done it. I asked myself how I felt about it...about him. I honestly didn't know how I felt about him, again I didn't know him. As for the kiss, it had been so unexpected. I'd been too shocked to really take it in...no wait, his lips! I recalled his lips being cold. Maybe it was from the night air, his armor or perhaps he just ran cold.
I ran my fingertips across my lips and recalled how I'd smacked him. I groaned again thinking I'd really given it to him, but what was he thinking? What was I thinking? It was just one kiss. One stupid little kiss and I'd been going over it for hours now. I closed my eyes and rolled over onto my stomach. I shoved my face into my pillow and screamed.
One kiss shouldn't get me this worked up! I felt like I could run a marathon right now, or I already had, my heart was beating so fast. I rolled onto my back and let out a heavy sigh. It just made me realize how long it had been…far, far too long.
Brett had probably moved on by now and I should too. Any reasonable person would, but since when had I ever been reasonable. I let out a chuckle. Still, maybe there was something here...even if there wasn't, I should still keep the possibility open for someone, someday. I yawned thinking about it until I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep.
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