Knowing You

Chapter Fourteen - THE AUDITIONS

Everybody was thrilled to hear the news. Some cried, some shouted with glee and the rest are just overjoyed. A huge smile drew on Louis’ face as he watched his comrades’ genuine happiness. He turned to Maggie who stood on his right and she could evidently see the satisfaction in his eyes. To Louis’ puzzlement, Carlyn was not around. He did notice her since the meeting started and while he announced to everyone that the Burrow Theatre is now in their hands, Carlyn was the first to jump out of her seat and give Louis a very warm and tight embrace. Out of his shock, he could only smile more to his beautiful friend. Now she was nowhere to be found and his eyes wandered through the crowd but he could not see her. He could easily recognize her with her flaming red hair if she was among the gleeful crowd but she was not there. He turns to Maggie and asks, “Have you seen Carlyn?”

“She went with Tom…”

As she said so, the pair came through the door and they were both holding a bottle of Champagne. Carlyn runs to Louis and hands him the bottle.

“This calls for a toast.” she gleefully said.

“This celebration is not complete without a drink. Bring out the glasses!” screamed Tom to everyone.

It wasn’t long until each person had a glass in their hands. Louis took a chair and climbed up the table standing higher over everyone. He holds his glass up in front and delivers a toast speech.

“This is such a delightful event for everyone and I can proudly say Renaissance shall soon grow ever bigger with the Burrow Theatre as our home. And for that let us have a toast.”

The clattering of glass hitting on glass reverberated in the room and sealed the triumphant celebration. Just when the crowd was about to return to its boisterous celebration, Louis had to halt them for another important announcement.

“Settle down everyone! I have another announcement to make.” said Louis while gesturing with his hand and continued, “Now that we can properly focus our attention to our performance, we must not forget what our sponsor asks from us. Our opening night shall be the most memorable night not just for us but for our audiences.” everyone applauds and he went on, “Our primary goal now is to prepare for that night. And part of our preparation is the renovation of the theatre which has to be done the soonest but most importantly, we will need an addition to our cast.” the room was silent, “We will have our auditions immediately.” and exploded into shout and applauds.

No time was wasted after the announcements. Days came and the renovations were already underway while publications all throughout the city were circulated of the wide search for additional members of the Renaissance Theatre Ensemble and for the cast of a re-staging of RENT. A choice agreed upon by everyone for it holds true to the group’s identity as a diverse ensemble of sexes and artists.

Louis’ classroom was flooded with aspiring artists from various parts of the city as well as those from far flung areas reached by the news. Some danced, some sang, and some did both while others did acrobatics, orated, declaimed and delivered monologues yet some did the extremes such as blowing fire and performing Houdini-tricks. Soloists, duets, trio’s and up to larger groups performed before Louis, Carlyn, Tom and Lisa who had the time of their lives witnessing the wonders, the shock and excitement. Hadji and Walter had their share of supervision as part of the pioneering group to oversee the ongoing resurrecting or rather reconstructive work of the theatre. And everyone else had their assistance at any time. The Renaissance was at work as one.

Then out of the blue, as the screening panel prepares for the next candidate, the person they least expected to ever see stood before them. It was Robert Grey. Louis looked on frozen in his place as Robbie stood there.

“Robbie?”said Louis, aghast.

“Glad to know you still remember me, Louis Travis.” replied Robert with a faint smile.

And it struck Louis, how Robbie called him by his full name because he never did call him that before and he cannot deny how it surprises him as his eyes widened and he was speechless. Carlyn could feel the tension building as she was sitting right next to Louis and she couldn’t stand it.

“It’s good to see you Robbie, this truly is quite a surprise but…uhmm…I believe you came for the audition?” asked Carlyn in a most casual way.

“Yes, I am here to audition for the role of Roger.” He confidently answered.

“The lead role…that is a very good choice. Show us what you prepared for this audition.” said Carlyn.

Robert breathes in and starts singing “One Song Glory” superbly that all four judges had their full attention on him including Louis. Robert on the other hand was unusually confident. He did not flinch nor shake while Louis’ eyes were fixed upon him. It’s as if it did not matter whoever was around. It’s as if he was alone and the spotlight is on him and he is basking the glory of the moment that one may think he is in a different space in time and this makes his performance so brilliant. Louis could not believe what he is witnessing. Standing before him is not Robbie, the bratty ex-boyfriend who depended on him, but was a different person.

As the song ended Tom, Lisa and Carlyn stood to applaud Robert while Louis just sat in awe and disbelief.

“That was exceptional!” exclaimed Carlyn.

“Bravo Robbie!” shouted Tom.

Robert smiled and thanked them before leaving saying he has an appointment afterwards and could not stay for long, much to their disappointment. After the last auditionee, they went to the restaurant where Tom was working and had a round of beer to ease their exhaustion after a hard day’s work screening the applicants and most of all, after their unexpected encounter with Robert Grey.

Playing inside Louis’ head is the sudden appearance of his ex-boyfriend and the mysterious sponsor who is suspiciously willing to give so much to a new company that still has to prove its worth. He tries to make a connection between the two incidents while at the same time opposing it in his thoughts. He did not say anything at all but it wasn’t just him who is thinking of it the same way.

“A crazy idea just came into my mind.”said Tom all of a sudden.

Everyone looked at him and waited for him to continue.

“It just came to me that all the recent events have been very fast, unexpected and weird. From the weirdly generous sponsor to Robbie suddenly auditioning, I just can’t help but relate these events.” Louis was all ears now, “I’m just guessing that maybe…Robbie could be working for the sponsor!” exclaimed Tom. “Or better yet, he is the sponsor himself!” he added.

“I have to agree…that is a very crazy idea.” said Carlyn mockingly.

“The latter is quite impossible while the former could pretty much make sense.” commented Louis.

“Couldn’t have put it in any way better Lou.” agreed Lisa.

Louis went on, “For Robert to become the sponsor he would have to be filthy rich and Robert is obviously not. He isn’t even mature enough to take on a business and gamble away lots of cash to a new company without getting broke. But he could pretty much fit in as a spy for the sponsor to watch over our activities.”

“Yet still it would take skills to become a spy. As for Robert? I doubt it.” said Carlyn.

“I could agree with Carlyn too.” said Louis as he raised a toast with Carlyn.

“Hmm…I don’t know…but the last time I checked, Robbie was madly in love with you Lou and he would give everything for you just as Suzie would for Carly.” teased Tom.

“Oh stop it Tom…it’s not funny.” protested Carlyn.

“If I were to speak of Robbie as I knew him before, I can guarantee that he is not the sponsor although now I could hardly tell if he is the same.”

“Then all we all we have are speculations…”concluded Lisa and went on, “The sponsor did say he or she would reveal his or her identity at the proper time so I guess we just have to wait and keep doing what we do best.”

They all agreed to avoid speculations and to focus their attention to the task before them. Louis on the other hand still couldn’t get over the fact that Robert is back. He is happy to see that his former lover is in good shape and seems to be an improved version than the last time they met. He couldn’t help but wonder what happened to him that it changed him so much and if he would be compromising enough to share it with anyone especially with Louis. At the same time he is afraid of what could Robert be up to in his return. Louis could only pray that it isn’t for the worst.

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The surprise did not stop when Robert auditioned the past day, this time it was to Carlyn’s utter shock to see Suzie step into the audition room. The statuesque beauty elegantly walked in like she was on the cat walk. Lou, Lisa and Tom couldn’t help but tease Carlyn, whose cheeks are starting to blush.

“Suzie, what is all this about?” asked Carlyn obviously annoyed.

“I came to audition.” Suzie replied with a smile as she stood with her right hand on her waist as a pose.

“And for what role are you auditioning my dear?” asked Lisa

“Any role…as long as I don’t have to sing. I can dance. You can put me as a background dancer.” she said in her hard accent.

Carlyn was now shaking her head in dismay and embarrassment. She realized, it has been a week since she last visited Suzie and this was just another one of her stints to grab her attention.

“Suzie…uhmm…can we talk outside for a second?”

Suzie glared at Carlyn and crossed her arms. “I figured you will say that. Fine, I’ll sing and dance.”

Without any further ado she performed “Take Me or Leave Me” and it seems the table was turned between Carlyn and Louis. She was now marveling at the talent she never thought Suzie had. When she dropped the last line and posed for a finale, she was now smiling at Carlyn as though it was what she had always expected from her four audiences and most especially her love.

“That was hot! Never knew you had it in you girl!” cheered Tom.

Louis leaned to Carlyn and whispered, “Did you have any idea she could sing?”

“Absolutely none! She is amazing…” Carlyn replied, apparently dazed and proud.

“I believe we found our Maureen…” said Lisa.

Suzie noticed how Louis leaned towards Carlyn and couldn’t help but feel a tinge of jealousy. She walked towards the table and kissed Carlyn on the lips then said, “I’ll wait for you tonight…” and waved goodbye to everyone.

Carlyn was speechless. Louis could tell his friend is in cloud nine yet he noticed something else. There was sadness and fear in her eyes. And the moment Suzie kissed her, he noticed how Carlyn’s hand grasped his under the sheet and it was cold. He senses something is not right. Carlyn was not the same throughout the day after it. Tom was getting worried as well. Louis decided to have an earlier closing time. Much to Lisa’s relief since she had to attend to her family afterwards. Louis and Tom took Carlyn to the office.

“Carlyn, are you alright?” asked Louis

“Did Suzie’s excellent performance make you sick?!” added Tom.

Carlyn retorted, “No! Of course not…she looked perfect to me. It’s just that…”

“Was it the kiss?” Louis asked.

Carlyn’s eyes were on Louis and it did not need any words to answer his question. Tom could see through her as well.

“Of course…it was the kiss, right?” Tom sat beside her on the couch and took her hand which has now turned cold.

“I don’t know why I feel this way. Every time we kissed it didn’t feel like this.” she sighed, “Quite honestly, I don’t even want to see her tonight.”

But she knew she had to see Suzie either way. Tom and Louis agreed. Avoiding Suzie won’t help her figure out what caused her to feel so weak, so frightened.

Both Tom and Louis retired that night, worried of what could happen to their beloved friend. Tom was alone and it took him hours of reading and listening to soft music just to sleep. He woke up only to find he is still alone. He is starting to get really worried. He checks his phone for any calls or messages but there was none. He hastily does his routine and leaves the apartment with a prepared breakfast if Carlyn happens to return any time of the day.

It was already noon time and the morning auditions just ended when Carlyn came. Tom was especially relieved to see that she was all in one piece.

“Carly!” exclaimed Tom and he runs to hug Carlyn.

“I was so damn worried about you. What happened then?” asked Tom

Carlyn smiled and said, “Nothing.”

“What? What do you mean nothing happened?” Tom asked confusingly

“You had us all worried for nothing?” added Louis

“Because nothing happened.”

Carlyn grabbed a chair and seated herself.

“I went to her apartment but she was not there. I decided to just leave when she arrived. Her friend was helping her walk up the stairs or shall I say dragging her. She was wasted. I had to look after her the entire time. We didn’t get to talk. She needed more sleep so I left her while she was asleep. There, nothing happened and I think its better this way. I don’t feel it anymore. Everything is back to normal. In fact, while I was with her the whole time I felt fine. I must have been drinking a lot of coffee yesterday. That must have been the reason.”

Tom and Louis looked at each other unconvinced but they did not want to bother Carlyn anymore so they just let her be. They know things are far from normal and different from the way it was. But whatever is bothering Carlyn, whatever happens in the future they will surely be there to catch her.

The auditions finally came to a close after three days. Their cast as well as their crew is complete. Some old members have returned and most are new additions. Hadji and Walter have done their part impressively as well that the Burrow Theatre was now restored to its physicality and its glorious days will soon follow with Renaissance as its flag ship.

The casting is finalized and all other things are underway but there was something missing. The realization of their dreams was not only theirs in the first place.

“The conception of this impossible dream was not ours.” Louis told Carlyn.

“We were extremely fortunate to have even reached this far. It felt so far away before but now it’s just happening right before our eyes. And it all started with one man’s dream.” said Carlyn

“I think it’s time we pay our father a visit.”

It took five hours of driving just to get to the Carr’s residence. It was situated in the far country side where the hills were lush green and the air was fresh. It was a perfect get away from the bustle of the city and it was a good place to retire. Tony was enjoying a tea in his garden with his love when his two visitors arrived and joined them. Louis talked to Tony while Carlyn enjoyed herself by chatting with Lilia, Tony’s better half as she tends to her plants.

“We don’t mean to interrupt you in your relaxation Tony but we dearly need to deliver you the good news.” said Louis

“You wouldn’t travel five hours just to say hi, would you?” and they laughed.

“We would still have found time just to see you and that is the truth. We miss you Tony. All of us in the company.” said Louis in a serious tone.

“I always thought of all of you Louis. I spent most of my lifetime nurturing talents such as yourself that even though Lilia and I were not blessed with a child, we were happy to have all of you. So, what news do you have for me?” asked Tony.

Louis took out a printed poster of the announcements made for the auditions. Tony carefully took it and looked at it with teary eyes.

“The Renaissance!” he exclaimed, “You finally did it!” and he embraced Louis.

“Wouldn’t have done it without the others, especially Carlyn. She was the most persistent one. She was always the bravest and…” Louis said as he looked at Carlyn bathing in the sunlight among the flowers.

For that moment, it was though a light was emanating from her and she was glowing. The color of her hair was burning brightly like a flame. She waved to both of them and shouted, “We will join you in a little while!” and went back to her feet helping Lilia.

“Strong?” Tony interrupted.

Louis snapped out of the trance and turned to Tony. It took a second or two before he answered, “Yes, strong…”

Special, that was the word that danced inside Louis’ head all the while as he looked at her in the garden. But he could not seem to utter the words. Then he was back to business with Tony.

“Tell me Louis. How did all this happen? Tell me everything.” Tony gleefully asked.

Louis happily narrated to Tony all the events that lead to their current achievement. After a little while, Lilia and Carlyn joined them and Carlyn was more than happy to add more to the narrative. Tony enjoyed listening to their story so much and his joy is overflowing for them. When they showed him the videos of the audition of the chosen artists, Tony was impressed and dismissed any changes for the casting. He could very much appreciate the independence and partnership of Louis and Carlyn and he is confident that they are going to lead the company to greater heights.