Knowing You

Chapter Four - THE INCEPTION

The table is set for the rendezvous that will make and break their plan. They waited for an hour until the next hour came and another. While waiting, they know they had to make use of the time. So, they brainstormed to come up with a basic identity for their company and that is the name they are to give for the group. Three names came up and were chosen from among the various suggestions as final options ˗ Downtown Theatre Group, Tony Carr Renaissance Theatre Ensemble and Downtown Theatre Company. All of a sudden, the door opens and a black lady comes in wearing a very big smile on her face.

“Lisa!!” greeted Carlyn.

Carlyn and Thomas gleefully scream and run to embrace her. Lisa’s wide body was enough to welcome them both. Lisa was the last person they’d expect to come after leaving a month before the final presentation due to certain issues of her own. Carlyn had her on her contact list but was doubtful at first to even try and call. But it turns out she was just right to consider Lisa.

“Thank you so much for giving me that call Carlyn. I was badly waiting for anyone from the company to call me after the news broke out that you had the last show. But there was nothing! I thought you were all keeping me out and were giving me a silent treatment. And I just can’t stand that. I didn’t want to upset any of you.”

“Lisa, I should be the one thanking you. To be honest, we were about to give up. When you came through that door it was like a miracle. Thank you so much for coming.” And she embraces her again.

“You can count on me Carlyn.”

Tom stood beside them and adds, “And Lisa, we must be clear about one thing. We were sad when you left but that does not mean we are shutting you out. We just thought you needed some space and the demise of the two companies won’t be any help either so none of us bothered telling you.”

“That is sweet of you guys…”

Louis disrupts the drama by loudly clearing his throat and says, “I understand that this seems to be a reunion and I wouldn’t want to ruin it but we all know why we are here. So please, Lisa come join us.”

“Oh! I know this gorgeous young man. Louis Travis! Well, I’ll be damned. I never would have thought you were working with Carlyn. I believe we haven’t been personally introduced.”

Lisa motions towards Louis and offers a handshake as she utters her name for a formal introduction. Louis extends his hand as well but as he does Lisa grabs him by the hand and pulls him closer and kisses his cheek. He is amused and everyone else laughs.

Each of them sat in their places and are about to start the long discussion when Mags came in with two men. The white one was thin and quite timid. They immediately recognized him as Henry Walter. The other one was bigger and dark skinned, it was Hadji Grover, the Indian man. They welcomed the last attendees of their first meeting and started the first of a series of brainstorming. For the record, this small group turned a sour event of postponement into a light of hope for the company which they are bound to show to the world. For such, they will need a name to be reckoned with.

Downtown Theatre Group and Downtown Theatre Company are both conventional and easy to remember. They all agree to this but they are also aware that the name they have to choose must not be just conventional and easy to remember. It has to have a sense of depth. It has to be significant to each founding member who happens to be just the five of them. What better way is there to pay respect to the man who inspired them to dream and to love the theatre, than to name the new company in honor of him? The Tony Carr Renaissance Theatre Ensemble bears the very spirit of hope they have against the frustrating reality when their previous companies died out. Tony has become a torch of inspiration and dream. It is only but fitting to dedicate the new group to him. They all agreed to this with a sense of pride and dignity.

The hour hand went around for the fifth time since they sat down for the serious brainstorming. From the selection of name they went on to discuss the tedious legalities they must cover for the first phase of creating their company. This is the stage of making their group official. Maggie went back and forth for a couple of times to check up on them. She is not amazed at how these eager artists could only ask for coffee refills every now and then. They have to be awake for the entire time. They had their heads down from the plans of the first phase to the second phase which is the collection of funds. It is no joke that almost any kind of business must have a capital. They are not millionaires, neither are they high paid employees but they do have one thing in common – the talent and commitment. Facing the crowd is never easy even for professional performers yet it is in the stage that they feel most at home. They can and they will perform to earn more financial support and to market their new company. It’s like hitting two birds with one stone. Acquiring money while marketing the new company can both be done.

“This won’t be easy.” Said Louis

“Nobody said it’s going to be easy.” Carlyn adds.

Indeed, no one would disagree to this. Busy days are about to come.

It was already past eight when they left the office. Hadji was eager for a drink but everyone else protested. They are eager and motivated to jump start their plans but at the moment they are exhausted and alcohol is not much to their liking. Louis started the engine of his car when he noticed Tom and Carly treading their way on the paved sidewalk. He slows down towards them and offers a ride. They hopped in without any much ado and comfortably leaned their backs on the soft passenger back seat.

“You should have taken a cab.” said Louis turning towards his shoulders to address the question to whoever could give an answer.

Tom was up for it and mindlessly replied, “Carlyn used to have a car…”

Carly pinches Tom on the side and he groans in pain.

“I did have a car. It got towed and the bank took it away because I couldn’t pay, right Tom?”

Tom nods and murmurs. Louis could notice that Carly was hiding something but he did not bother delving into it. It’s the least of their concern at the moment. They were all tired and they needed rest.

Louis did not mind other things after dropping his two passengers off. As he stepped out from his car all he ever thought about was his bed and the sleep he is going to need. To his surprise, Robert was waiting by his front door. He was absolutely not expecting anyone especially Robert. After making sure his unwanted guest is sober, he invites him inside for a serious talk.

“Why did you block my calls?” he asked demandingly. “I called many times but you didn’t answer any of it. The next thing I know I’m block listed. Is it really so hard to talk this through?”

“Do I really have to answer that?” said Louis in a sarcastic tone.

He sighs, “Fine. I know I messed up again and I’m sorry…”

“That would be the hundredth time you said that to me, Robbie…”

“I will keep repeating it if I have to. Just…please…forgive me” begged Robert.

“Robert, that is no longer the issue here. It's plain and simple. I want you out of my life. Look, I’m doing you a favor here…I’m giving you a chance to stand on your own. Sort things for yourself.”

“But I can’t do it without you. Lou, I need you…”

“Believe me, I tried convincing myself about that before but after these past few months you’ve just gone worse. How am I supposed to believe that I can be of any help to you? When you go around doing whatever you want without thinking? I helped you join the company because I had faith in you. But nothing happened. You come late to rehearsals and sometimes you don’t even show up at all. And there is more to your list of lapses if you have to ask. If you can't even commit yourself to a simple matter, how can you commit to a relationship?”

Robert was silent and tears were about to swell up from his eyes.

“Listen, my decision is final. I want to focus on the new company and myself right now. I can’t look after you anymore. I believe it’s not me you need.”

Robert drives home with a heavy heart. He was just thinking. Louis’ words rang through his head over and over again. His eyes were on the road but his head floats. Then, a blinding light came flashing before him and all he could think of was to avoid it.