Onto the Stage

Arthur peered out at the crowded theatre of people from behind the red stage curtain. He scanned the front row, searching through the faces. His eyes widened. Front and center sat his father. The other audience members around him had giant grins on their faces as they watched the current act perform. While his father sat still, his back straight, and with a blank stare towards the stage. A cool bead of sweat dripped from Arthur’s brow.

'Is he here?' Chris’ voice rang out from behind Arthur.

'He is.' Arthur continued to watch his father. His hands clenched the curtain. 'Inviting him might have been a mistake.'

'He should be proud. Isn’t that why he came?'

'Or he came to say I told you so.' Arthur turned and caught Chris’ brown eyes looking up at him. He dropped his head and pondered the small scuff on his shoes. 'I don’t think I can do this. I can’t face his judgement. Not another I told you so.'

'Arthur. No.' Chris grabbed him by the arms with a firm squeeze. 'We’ve had nineteen shows already. You can’t let him ruin our last one.'

'What if he hates it?'

'Are you happy doing this?'

'Yes,' whispered Arthur.

'Would you prefer to be working for him at the mill instead?'

'No. Definitely not.'

Chris, with one hand on Arthur’s shoulder, pointed to the stage and the act that had just reached their crescendo. 'Then go out there and show him why the theatre is packed out.'

'I guess you’re right.' Arthur lifted his chin and looked into Chris’ eyes. They gleamed and started to light the fire again that Arthur usually felt before going on stage.

'Damn right I’m right.' Chris gave a sturdy nod.

A stagehand’s shaky shout echoed out, 'One minute until we’re on. Places everybody.'

Dancers started to shuffle around, they put the perfecting touches on their outfits, making sure not a single lace or strand was out of place.

The music from the current act faded to silence and a roar of clapping erupted from the audience. Arthur peered out from the curtain again. The audience were on their feet. Meanwhile his dad sat with the same emotionless expression as before. Not bothering to stand or clap along with the crowd. Arthur’s hands shook as he held the curtain.

'Arthur. Are you ready?' said Chris as he made his way to the stage. He beckoned him with an outstretched hand as the other dancers fluttered by.

With a breath in, Arthur clenched his fists as tight as he could. Then with a slow breath out he let them relax. 'Let’s go,' he said as he followed Chris onto the stage.