Page 144

appreciation in his eyes. I felt as if the effort couldn't be stopped. I was flying, reaching for the stars. The applause after the stage manager's final lines was thunderous, and when we came out for our bows, the audience rose to its feet.

I couldn't stop myself from crying. Suddenly, someone ran to the stage and thrust a bouquet of beautiful red roses up at me. I looked down and for a moment was unable to move.

"It's for you," Corbette shouted over the continuous ovation.

I stepped forward.

Brody was holding the flowers up, his face enveloped in glee. He had been there after all.

"Thank you," I said and took them quickly.

When the curtain came down, everyone in the cast and crew let out a nearly simultaneous roar. Corbette embraced me in the dim light and kissed my cheek.

"You were fabulous," he whispered. "It's our night!"

I was spun around by the adulation. Mr. Bufurd looked so proud. I thought his face seemed positively luminous. Other cast members and stage crew members waited for their opportunity to squeeze my hand or hug me. Even Maureen had to choke on her words of approval.

People began to stream backstage. I wanted to get the make-up off, but my teachers and other people in the audience kept me busy accepting their accolades. I saw Jake, Brody a

nd Grandmother Hudson talking to people in the wings and made my way toward them.

"Some terrible play," Brody said with a smirk and then a smile. "This made the one at our school look like a joke. You were fantastic. I'm impressed and I'm glad I decided to come," he said quickly.

He held onto my hand and looked into my face so intently, I couldn't just push him away. I had to smile and thank him even though I saw Grandmother Hudson watching us with concern darkening her eyes. Fortunately, Jake interrupted us.

"I have to get Mrs. Hudson home," he said. "You were great, princess. Proud of you," he said.

"Thank you, Jake."

I hurried over to Grandmother Hudson.

"Very nicely done, Rain," she said. "It's difficult to believe this was your first time on the stage. I'd like you to meet Conor MacWaine," she added nodding at the tall, thin gentleman with auburn hair beside her. He wore a tweed jacket and cravat. "Mr. MacWaine is a drama instructor from London, a friend of my sister Leonora."

"A very impressive premier," he told me. "Thank you."

"Don't stay out too late," Grandmother Hudson warned. The small tight smile on her lips and the gleam in her eye told me she was very proud.

"So where is this cast party?" Brody asked quickly.

"It's at someone's home," I said. "I really can't invite people. I'm sorry," I said quickly.

His eyes turned bleak so quickly, I felt a shaft of pain in my chest.

Corbette was at my side, slipping his hand into mine.

"Let's get out of here," he said loud enough for Brody to hear.

Brody and he gazed at each other for a moment.

"I see why you can't invite anyone," Brody said with a cold smile.

"I told you not to come," I replied, feeling just terrible. Corbette tugged at me.

"I'll see you at the house," I offered as we retreated. Brody just gazed after us looking shattered.

"Who was that?" Corbette asked as we hurried toward the rear entrance of the theater.

"Mrs. Hudson's grandson," I said.