Chapter 88 - Cliffhanger On The Stage

Music Recommendation: Unfaithful piano variation- Jan A.P. Kaczmarek

—

Julie sat in front of one of the chairs in front of the mirrors while Ms. Piper prepped her face before applying the makeup. The girls who were helping the other students go on the stage turned to look at them with curiosity. 

"Would you like me to work on Julianne's makeup, Ms. Piper?" asked one of the girl's who finished one girl's makeup and hair. 

"That's fine. The gown that she will be wearing is of a different colour than the previous one. I believe the boys need help, go and see if they are ready," stated Ms. Piper, pulling the makeup kit and spreading the different brushes and other makeup products. "Close the door on your way."

"Yes, Ms. Piper," said the girl, stepping out of the room and closing the door behind her to avoid students who were walking back and forth outside the room, and wouldn't peep inside. 

In the meantime, Julie was worried if Roman would be late. He wasn't completely ready, and the building that Ms. Piper said was far away from where the theatre was. 

"I should have checked the gowns yesterday," said Ms. Piper, "I never thought someone would pull a stunt like this on the gowns." 

"I am sorry about that," apologized Julie, even though it wasn't her fault. Because it was only her dress that had been ruined while every other person's costumes were in good condition. Someone didn't want her playing her role on the stage today and wanted her to fail.

"That's fine, it isn't your fault. I am hoping that Mariot will be able to finish altering the gown to your size as quickly as possible." 

Ms. Piper started applying foundation on Julie's face.

"Can I ask something, Ms. Piper?" 

"Go ahead." 

Julie, who sat still in her seat, asked, "The gown that Roman went to get, is it of the same time period?"

The woman nodded her head, "Thankfully it is. Somewhere in the late eighteenth century. There aren't many wearable gowns that have been stored in that time period. We can only hope that Roman finds the right dress and brings it to Mariot soon."

Once Julie's makeup was done, Ms. Piper started to work on her hair, turning her brown hair into something wavier. The first half of her hair had been tied in pins, and Ms. Piper made sure not to overdo the look, trying to keep it simple and elegant. 

After some time, they heard a knock on the door. "Come in," said Ms. Piper. 

It was Mariot who had brought the gown after altering it. She stepped inside the room while carefully holding the olive green gown in one hand. 

The gown looked different compared to Eleanor's, which was made to have many layers and frills. It seemed like there were three parts to Julie's gown now. One was the long chemise-like gown which was pastel crepe pink. The next one was an olive green gown, which she believed would be worn after the chemise. This was made out of chiffon, and it looked crumpled with thin layers. Lastly was a belt which was designed like a flowery-bird pattern. 

"Were you able to alter all the sides to Julianne's size?" questioned Ms. Piper. Walking forward, she took hold of the dress and took a good look at it. "It's good to see that it's still in perfect condition. Get me the satin gloves."

Mariot nodded her head, but before dashing out of the room, her eyes fell on Julie, who looked beautiful. She then quickly dashed out of the room. 

"This is a beautiful gown, I didn't know they mixed the materials like this and design," murmured Julie while staring at the gown. "I wonder why they didn't showcase it in the gallery." 

Hearing this, Ms. Piper smiled. It was because this gown was hers that she had specifically got it stitched years ago. But after what happened to the town, the little things people wanted to preserve had been locked and later forgotten. She said, "Get into the dress quickly. I will go and see if I find anything that doesn't look too much around your neck." 

Once Julie was alone in the dressing room, she picked up the gown, walking behind the wooden divider, she started to change her clothes to wear the gown. The satin felt soft on the skin that reached right above her ankle. Though it was slightly tight at the top, there was room to move her legs freely. She then wore the olive green chiffon-like gown on top of it. 

The half sleeves of the dress had slits in the middle. She was working her way with the gown's belt when Ms. Piper appeared in the room. The teacher had returned with a small box in her hand. 

"Let me help you with that. It goes a little higher than that," informed the woman, coming to stand in front of Julie. Taking the strap-like belt, she tied it a little higher than what Julie was trying for earlier, without pushing the bosom provocatively. "I can tell you are nervous." 

Julie took a deep breath that she had held when Ms. Piper was tying the belt around her. She said, "I have never stood in front of such a large crowd before… and I was nervous about the gown."

"I understand. These little mishaps can cause more stress in these kinds of circumstances. It's good that Roman volunteered to pick up the gown," smiled Ms. Piper. Once she was done tying the belt around the human, she stepped backwards. She picked up the box she had brought earlier and opened it. 

Julie noticed it was a chain with a pearl pendant hanging in it, and she wore it. 

Once the human was ready, Ms. Piper admired her. The students assigned to help the ones with the makeup thought what they did was a good job. Even though Ms. Piper had opted for a bolder style on the darker version, where she looked like a ring leader in the detention room, she knew how to get a suitable look for the drama. It was because she had lived during that time, witnessing the gowns and hairstyles once worn by the women of high society.

"You look stunning, Julianne," Ms. Piper couldn't help but praise herself for her work. She then said, "Don't be scared. These last couple of days, you have practised really hard and I am very much aware of it."

Julie was thankful for the pep talk that Ms. Piper was giving her, which she very much needed. In the far corner of her mind, as the time started to get closer to seven, her heart had begun to race faster. 

"Thank you for all the help, Ms. Piper. I will not forget it," said Julie, a smile appearing on her lips. 

But Ms. Piper shook her head, "No. I should be the one to thank you, and not the other way round." The teacher's words had Julie turn perplexed on what she meant. Because the woman had taken her time to help her get ready, while the fellow students helped the other students. "Don't worry about tripping or forgetting your words. I am sure there's another person who will help you fix it," she then smiled. 

"Ms. Piper," asked Julie, before saying, "Do you think I could stay in here until my scene arrives?" 

"Can. I will send someone to come and fetch you. But don't leave the room, okay? I don't want someone to come here and see that you aren't here." Ms. Piper's words made Julie believe that the woman knew someone was trying to target her. 

Not knowing that someone was busy daydreaming of the kiss that was going to place on the stage.

"Yes, Ms. Piper," replied Julie.

"I will be going near the stage now to see how things are going. Take deep breaths," said Ms. Piper before stepping out of the room, leaving Julie all by herself in the room. 

Now that the chaos about her gown had simmered down, Julie's eyes moved to the clock and saw there were fifteen more minutes before the play would start. Out of nervousness, her hands had turned cold, and she clenched it tightly before letting them free. 

She turned to look at her reflection in the mirror. 

Her appearance didn't change much, but Ms. Piper had applied makeup on her in such a way that it emphasized her existing features that she had been hiding until now. Because of the golden light in the room, it did make her feel right now as if she belonged to the time that was a century ago. 

But looking at her reflection, she felt good about herself. Ms. Piper had turned her pretty and not to mention the pastel olive gown looked wonderful with the light pink satin behind it. 

Finally, when the room's door was knocked, Julie turned around. A girl pushed open the door and said, "Julianne, your scene is going to appe—" the girl stopped mid-sentence, staring at Julie. "Ah, you, Ms. Piper told me to tell you to come near the stage." 

"Okay," replied Julie with a smile, and she stepped out of the dressing room. 

"Do you need any help with the gown?" asked the girl, after recovering from the pause-like moment. 

"No, I am fine. Thank you," said Julie, and she walked into the corridor, which had a mix of blue and orange light. She asked, "Is it still the second act  of the play that is being played?" 

"Yes. It's almost coming to an end," answered the girl. 

When Julie reached the place where the students stood backstage, one by one, the students whose eyes were on the stage turned to look at her. A little whispering started, which was shushed by Ms. Piper with a glare at them to shut up and concentrate on the stage. 

At the moment, Roman was on the stage, enacting his role, and Julie took herself to stand in the corner. But it wasn't of much help as people kept turning to look at her. 

Julie tried to remember her lines, going through the first scene in her mind while watching the other students in their costumes. Caleb stood on the other side, who looked like a puppy whose bone had been snatched away from him. The bone here being his role as Blake Turner. The hairstyles and clothes made everyone look like they belonged to the old time.

It made Julie realize that she was part of something this time instead of standing on the sidelines. 

Ms. Piper walked towards Julie and said, "Julianne, you and Mateo are next. Take your positions and just remember what you did during rehearsals."

Julie nodded her head, taking a deep breath and calming her nerves that had turned slightly errant now. The porcupine had been made to wear a wig to cover his mowed head, and he didn't seem too happy about his look. 

"Now go and make me proud," Ms. Piper ushered the two of them, making Julie and Mateo walk towards the back corner of the stage. Mateo stood in the front, and Julie stood one step behind him, taking a peek at the crowd and feeling her legs starting to shake.

The earthquake was here again! Julie internally panicked and gulped. 

Music could be heard filling up the room, played by the pianist, who sat below the stage and in the front. The lights slightly dimmed down, focussing only on the stage, making Julie realize that she wouldn't be able to see a single person in the crowd later. 

When Julie stepped into the audience's view, she had already started to immerse herself into her character of Iris. Her demeanour, her facial expression, every step she took belonged to Iris Turner. She was no more Julianne Winters, but this moment, she was Iris Turner.  A woman, who was married while still holding the thoughts of someone from her past. 

"I don't think I heard about it. I should perhaps check with Mr. Batterons," said the person with a hat to Roman, who were talking to each other at one side of the stage. 

Iris and her husband Blake were walking when the man with a hat greeted them, "Mr. and Mrs. Turner, how wonderful to see you here!" 

The couple turned in the person's direction, and Blake smiled, the smile tight on his face because of the student who was playing the role of Blake Turner, "Good afternoon, Mr. Robert."

"I didn't know you came into town. I did hear rumours but I wasn't sure. Are you here to visit someone?" asked Mr. Robert. 

At the same time, Julie's eyes fell on Roman, who stared at her without looking away or blinking his eyes. She stared back at him with the same intensity in her eyes. His hair had been combed back, and his features looked even more attractive than usual. Julie was sure it wasn't the makeup, but the way he looked at her, pulled the strings of her heart. 

Roman looked as if he belonged to that period of time, with his demeanour and the smoulder in his eyes. 

In the back of her mind, Julie wanted to fan herself and maybe even look away for a moment to gather herself. How did she end up with such a handsome person as her lover? Realizing she had stared at him longer than her character was intended to look at him, she looked down at the ground. 

On the other hand, Roman stared at Julie as if he saw her for the first time. 

She looked breathtaking in every possible way. Good job, Piper, said Roman in his mind. The makeup wasn't too much, and it was just enough to bring Julie's beauty. Her eyes looked brighter, her lips fuller and rosy pink. Her brown hair cascaded down her back beautifully. 

The colour of the gown suited her skin, and a dainty necklace hung around her neck, which Roman wanted to hook his finger. To pull her towards him so that he could take a bite from her. Right now, he wanted to weave his fingers through her hair and smear the lipstick on her lips while having her alone with him. 

"I don't think you have met Mr. Cheverell before," said Mr. Robert to Blake. "Atlas Cheverell owns the four residents buildings," and turning to Atlas. He said, "And this here, is Blake Turner and his wife, Iris Turner."

Atlas' eyebrows furrowed while he greeted the couple, "I hope you are here for many days."

"We are here to live. We recently bought the house that is at the corner of the tea factory," replied Blake. 

Atlas turned to look at Iris, who looked like she wanted to bolt from the place. He said, "How wonderful, I look forward to knowing you more, Mr. Turner. Now if you will excuse me," and he stepped away from the stage. 

"Mr. Cheverell is engaged to Lady Eve Campbell, I believe there's a lot of preparation to be done for the wedding," laughed Mr. Robert and saying this, he took his leave too. 

While Iris and Blake stood there, Blake turned to his wife, putting his arm around her shoulder. He asked her casually, "Do you know who that man is, Iris?" 

"We used to live in the same town before. But I don't think he remembers. You know how short a person's memory can be sometimes," Iris tried to cut the conversation short with a smile.

"I wouldn't say that. He seemed like he was trying to figure out where he saw you before," said Blake, pulling his wife closer to him. 

Julie tried hard not to step away from his crushing hold. She was uncomfortable being in this position, but she told herself that it was just acting. And it was only for some time, and it would be over soon. 

"Not to mention, his eyes seemed like they were not ready to look away from you. Not that I argue as you are my beautiful wife. The most beautiful," stated Blake, and every person in the theatre could agree after seeing the girl with the glasses and her sweater, who had transformed herself into a Cinderella. 

Roman, who stood behind the stage, watched the students' body language, noticing how Mateo kept Julie close to him, hugging her from the side. His unwavering gaze continued to stay fixed on them. 

Seeing how the porcupine was not letting her go and continued with his dialogues as if he was the most loving husband on the stage, Julie took a step closer to Mateo with a smile. Right in time, she stepped with the heel of her shoe on his foot. 

The porcupine's face contoured in slight pain that showed on his face, "You stepped on my feet, dear." 

"My apologies, the gown is too long at the front and I must have missed it. I think the gown turned longer when it was stitched. Maybe we should go back home and put some ice on it," Julie's alias Iris offered him a gentle smile. 

The porcupine nodded his head, "Maybe we should shorten the length of it." 

Julie laughed, "I don't think the dressmaker would be pleased if she came to know about it. I am tired, I will be going home. I will see you at home." 

Julie made her way towards the back exit of the stage, followed by Mateo after a minute. 

"That was some modification," commented one of the students. 

"Everybody try to stick to the original script unless you discuss it with me, and Julianne, don't go too overboard with your lines," instructed Ms. Piper, and Julie nodded her head. The teacher shook her head before going to talk to Mateo Jackson. The next scene was Eleanor's, to get back on the stage with her friends, and while walking past Julie, the girl stared at her with a baffled look. 

Instead of stepping onto the stage, Eleanor turned to look at Ms. Piper to complain, "Ms. Piper, why is her gown like that? I thought we both were wearing similar kinds of gowns. I am the only one who looks like a puffy character on the stage."

Ms. Piper smiled before glaring at Eleanor, "It is no time to chit chat. On the stage you go," and she pushed the girl towards the entrance exit at the corner of the stage. 

From where Julie stood, she looked at Roman, who stood with Olivia and Maximus. When their eyes met, she didn't know why she didn't walk to where he was, but neither did he, just watching her, and a blush appeared on her face. 

Julie turned back to look at the stage, watching Eleanor, who looked more upset than her character was supposed to be. 

Eleanor's character, Eve Campbell, said, "Since one week Atlas has been too involved in his work. Do you think I should ask for the wedding to be held sooner?"

One of Eve's friends said, "This is why I asked you before on why there's so many weeks gap between the engagement and the wedding. You said you both needed time for your family to get to know each other better."

Eve sighed, "I didn't want it to look like I was rushing things, but I didn't know I would feel lonely with him being occupied and barely any time to spend with me."

"You know what you should do, Eve? Take him to Madame Georgina's soiree. I mean you can spend time together and maybe talk to him later? It isn't a bad opening," suggested another friend. 

"Yes, I think that is what I should probably do," agreed Eve, and the dialogues continued between them. 

The students who had been allotted their roles continued to act, moving the story forward with every scene until Julie and Roman shared the stage just by themselves. The characters in the play had gone to attend a soiree and had met each other, right now all alone in the room. After exchanging a few heated lines, Roman now held Julie's wrist. 

Since yesterday, Julie's mind and body had turned a little more aware of Roman's presence. His eyes shone bright, and she looked away from him and said, 

"I think you forget that I am a married woman now, Mr. Cheverell. It is impolite to hold-"

"Does that mean you wouldn't mind if we were like before? Before you got married and ran away from my sight," Roman pulled Julie towards him by her hand, "I haven't forgotten about you."

Somewhere, Julie felt as if Roman was letting her know that even though they hadn't seen each other until he had found out about her dress being damaged, that he hadn't forgotten about her. 

"I don't know what you are talking about," replied Julie.

"Let me remind you then."

Suddenly Roman turned Julie in a way where her front was pressed against the front of his body. The look in his eyes changed, an emotion that had flickered in his eyes. The impatience was clear in them, and the music from the piano only continued to play intensely but not over the top. 

His one hand circled her waist, and the other continued to hold her wrist, not letting her leave. 

Roman's character said, "How did you decide to forget me even after I have held you in my arms?" 

He leaned forward, running his nose from the bottom of her neck and moving it upwards as he grazed her soft skin. He could smell the perfume that she had worn. It was very subtle and sublime, just like the girl. He kissed her neck, and electricity ran down her spine. 

Julie shivered on feeling the tip of Roman's nose tickle her, feeling him inhale in her scent. 

"I cannot get you out of my head. Even after all this time, you still haunt me. I waited for you," stated Roman, coming to hover his face in front of hers. 

Julie turned to look at one side of the stage, noticing at one exit at the back, students watching them. She said in a hurried tone, "Let me go, before someone catches both of us-"

"Then let them," Roman interrupted her. 

"I am married, Atlas. I am not the same girl-"

"I know that," he cut her short again, sending a glare to her, and Julie felt her feet pushed further into the shoes that she wore. "You found the next best thing and hopped in the carriage. That day, you said you were going to your aunt's place, but you knew that you were not going to come back, didn't you?"

Roman ran his hand on Julie's back, and her face turned redder, but she tried to even her voice. 

"I was forced into it. I couldn't do anything, and this is something that you should have known." 

"Does that mean you still love me?" questioned Roman. 

His face leaned in closer, hovering in front of her lips, and Julie, who already knew how it felt to be kissed and to kiss Roman, couldn't help but be drawn closer to him. The tension on the stage increased, and he said, "Tell me you love me."

Julie felt Roman brush the corner of her lips. She pushed him away from her with both her hands. She turned away, saying, "I should go. Blake is waiting for me." 

Was he not supposed to kiss her? Julie asked herself in doubt. 

Both Roman and Julie disappeared from the stage once again. The next scene was of Blake and his brother's, porcupine and Maximus, where Maximus informed Blake about catching his sister-in-law in the soiree, exiting the same room as Atlas. 

Once their scene was over, the scene was Iris and Blake's confrontation about what happened. Mateo was back to gripping Julie's arm, and he shouted, 

"Silence! I do not want to hear one more word coming from your mouth. How much do you love him? Did you miss your past?!" 

"I did not!" replied Julie, stepping back from him, and Mateo followed her. 

"Then why is it that someone has seen you with him in the same shop, this noon?" demanded porcupine. "How long has this been going one?! Since when did you like him!" 

Julie pushed Mateo's hand away from her, "I do not love him anymore." 

"Lies! This is not the first time I am hearing about this. You are a shameless woman, roaming around with another man, who is not your husband but your past lover. I think it would be best if you go back. I cannot see your face right now,  not until I feel alright," said Mateo, turning his back to her. 

"I have nowhere to go? This is my home!" 

"This is not your home and I won't allow someone with such thinking and behaviour, who goes around spoiling my name and hers in the town. Leave now."

After having some more scenes and dialogues of others on the stage, then came the final scene of the play. Everyone who had appeared in the play until now, came to witness the wedding of Atlas Cheverell and Eve Cambell. 

They stood on the left and the right side of the stage, while the priest, the groom and the bride-to-be stood at the made-up altar. 

Eleanor looked the happiest bride-to-be in her wedding gown that was white and the veil on her face had been pushed back to show her face. 

The priest started the wedding ceremony, and Julie stood at the side, watching Roman and Eleanor. After a minute, the priest asked, 

"Do you agree to take Atlas Cheverell as your husband?" 

"Yes, I do with all my heart," replied Eleanor, lovingly staring at Roman. 

The priest then turned to look at Roman and asked, "Do you agree to take Eve Campbell as your wife?"

"No," came the direct refusal from Roman. 

Everyone on the stage looked shocked. Eleanor, who had been bubbling with happiness, her face fell. She stared at Roman before turning back to look at the backstage where Ms. Piper stood. Eleanor then awkwardly laughed and said, 

"I think you meant to say yes, Atlas." 

"No," Roman shook his head and said, "I think it would be wrong to marry you Eve as I wouldn't be able to give you everything that you expect by marrying me."

"I don't mind little things too…" said Eleanor, not knowing how to react to this. "I love you."

"And I love someone else," replied Roman, turning his head and eyes in the direction where Julie stood. 

Before anyone on the stage could utter any more words, the curtain pulled on both the sides to hide the stage with the high note of music, ending the play right there. 

"What about the wedding?!" questioned Eleanor, "What was that?" she asked in shock. 

The other students looked at Roman, and he deadpanned, "That was a cliffhanger."

"Ms. Piper, what-" Eleanor started when the teacher came near them. 

"Not now, Eleanor. We have to greet the audience," said Ms. Piper, and once the stage was quickly cleared, the curtains were pulled to the sides and lights had been turned on. 

All the students who had participated in the play, and the ones who had helped, stepped on the stage along with Ms. Piper, who stood in the middle. The audience applauded the play by clapping their hands louder than they had last evening. 

There were cheers from the audience, and it brought a smile to Julie's lips. 

At last, she had done it.

When the curtains drew in again, the students burst into conversation. 

"Ms. Piper, did you know that Roman was going to change the ending?" asked one of the students. 

"Yes, it was a last minute change," replied Ms. Piper, and she had a smile on her face too. "Good job everyone for making the play successful."

Some of the students came to congratulate each other, and the same boy who had spoken to Julie when she had just arrived at the theatre said, "That was some fine acting there. I got a hundred bucks thanks to you." 

"You did well," praised another student, and at the same time, Julie noticed Roman standing against the wall with his arms crossed against his chest. 

After thanking the people around her, she excused herself and made her way to where Roman stood. The students didn't come to hover around him, knowing how he enjoyed his space and didn't like being bothered. 

"Looks like you finally proved everyone wrong, that you were the best female lead to be picked for the play," remarked Roman, and he uncrossed his arms. 

"I think it's because we share a chemistry," the chemicals from her were flying all over the place because of him, thought Julie in her mind. She then asked him, "Did something happen yesterday?"

Roman stared at her, his black eyes unwavering and taking in her every action. From the movement of her lips to the number of times she blinked. 

"Like what?" he asked, his tone casual.

"Like…" Julie was shy to speak about it when there were people walking by them. "You were supposed to kiss me on the stage, but you omitted the scene." 

Roman raised his hand, running his finger across her necklace that rested around her neck. "Were you anticipating it?" he asked, his finger tracing her skin while feeling the cold metal.

"I-It was in the scene. It felt like you were being distant…" she trailed, feeling his finger tracing her neckline, and she sucked in her breath. 

"I wasn't ignoring you, if that is what you wanted to know," and Roman pulled his hand away from her neckline and leaned forward before pressing his lips on hers. When he pulled away, Julie noticed the hint of her lip colour on him. "I feel I might not behave. That I cannot control myself around you."

Considering Roman's previous reputation, Julie wondered if he missed making out and having sex? He was holding himself back with her, and she wasn't sure if he was torturing just himself but also her. 

Julie's eyes lowered, and she coughed. 

She clenched both sides of her dress. Feeling confident today, she raised her hand and stood on the tip of her toes before kissing Roman.