Civic Light Opera Internship Ch 04

Civic Light Opera Internship - Ch. 4

Devastation and diversion on the way to Broadway

A/N -

I would like to share with you the concluding chapter in this series of our protagonist's life story. This fun fictional jaunt will follow Frances as she begins the next chapter in her life.

This storyline as well as the characters and names are purely fictional. If there is a chance of any misrepresentation, it is pure coincidence and not intended.

Thank you to Nicole for her love and support and for tolerating me as she edits this. Any mistakes you see are mine; these eyes aren't what they used to be. Please enjoy and let me know what you think.

*****

I couldn't hold back, I rolled in her arms and wrapped her in mine. I pressed my lips to hers without looking in her eyes due to the fear, I spread my legs and wrapped them around hers. I pressed my womanhood against her thigh and pulled hers against mine. Our breasts pressed against one another. My breathing spun quicker, it was rapid as I swirled my tongue around hers, as I rocked my hips and ground against her.

I slowed my hips and my kiss but kept my eyes closed. I lowered my forehead to hers. I left a soft and slow kiss on her lips and then whispered, "You know exactly how I feel."

Rebecca kissed me softly and then whispered in my ear. "Yes I love you dearly as well but your heart belongs to her."

"I hope I can have time with you throughout the coming semester Rebecca." I whispered.

"We shall see my friend, we shall see. Have you considered the New York or Washington DC interns trip?"

I pulled back, looking at her and asked. "What intern trip?"

She pulled me closer, our naked breasts pressed together. She kissed me softly and whispered. "Dearest Frances, I must see you more often. You have no idea what you are missing out on."

*****End of Chapter 3*****

August - Senior Year

I kissed Rebecca as I left her house heading to campus. I had a meeting this morning with my advisor and then with the registrar's office. When I finished I felt good, we had worked out the plan. My fall semester schedule included a MUS-411, Private Voice; THEA-438 Acting Through Song. THEA-403, was covered by my internship. I realized that once I had completed these 4 months, I could then move into the Intern Showcase in New York City. I was thrilled to have that opportunity starting in January.

Three weeks later, Mom, Momma, and I sat at the breakfast table on Monday, Labor Day discussing the next nine months and reflecting back on the last three years. We all agreed that my path hasn't been traditional but I joked with them both by asking them, "What about me is truly traditional?"

It was with that I stood and hugged them both and shared that I needed to start doing some voice work and would be down later as classes started the next day.

*****

Life as a college student moved forward. I was taking classes, working at the CLO via my internship, and counting the days until I would see Michaela. She and I were texting regularly and we both admitted how much we were still in love with each other. I was counting; it was eleven weeks until Thanksgiving. I would get to see her and hold the woman I love in my arms.

Thursday morning I was crossing the campus where I saw Annalise walking towards the HUB. I considered running up and chatting with her but thought better of it, I didn't want to be delayed. For the THEA 438 class, we had a guest lecturer this week from the Conservatory Theater Company to lecture us.

One of the advantages of the program at my school is we learn from past graduates who were working in positions in the theater and music community across the country and who have worked on stages around the world. We are so fortunate that this semester several acclaimed guest artists, directors, and casting directors will come to lecture. Two were scheduled for a guest workshop but that was an elective I needed to fit in somehow.

Just as important, I had a follow-up meeting scheduled with my advisor next week to discuss my opportunity to shadow and assist with the conducting of the Conservatory Theatre orchestra for the musical they were working on. That would be every Monday and Tuesday evening this semester. Considering that the internship at the CLO was on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, I didn't have much time for myself. All of this would be included in the application for the Intern Showcase to New York.

I was walking out of class and realized though my schedule was insane, I was missing something, well, someone. I was missing my friend, Jasmine.

That night I was chatting with Mich, she seemed a little off. I knew she was busy with her classes. She needed to perform well in order to gain her acceptance into her Master's program. When I shared with Michaela the opportunity of the internship trip, she was thrilled for me. I was so excited, I squealed when I told her it was a chance for Broadway! "Broadway Mich! Fucking Broadway!" She giggled listening to me.

She cut our call short that night explaining she needed to focus a bit on a research paper. I told her I loved her, and we bid each other a good night.

I sat in my morning lecture and was really in the groove of things. As the lecture ended, I departed and was making my way to the Administrative Building. As I crossed campus I thought I saw Annalise again. At one point I considered running and catching up with her but I had doubts. I had things I needed to do. Damnit, I was just horny.

Sitting with my Advisor, I learned more about the intern showcase in January. We had already mapped out what I needed to do but space was limited. He shared with me that I needed to understand the reality of things and that not everyone would be selected. I was on the list but the selections hadn't been made yet by the sponsoring committee.

"In the worst case scenario, there would be the intern showcase in Washington DC or there may be another trip being planned, that one is in Chicago." He was blunt when he continued. "There is a slim chance of the Chicago trip this year." One of the school's previous alumni was working on adding her theater.

"She is going through the accreditation process now. But this isn't Broadway; it's located inside The Loop." He smiled and finished by saying the likelihood of it being approved this quickly wasn't in the cards. I explained I was focused on Broadway and I would do my best to stay focused.

That evening I was studying, well I was listening to an assignment and breaking down the music being played when I got a text from Michaela. It wasn't worrisome or anything unusual but she just told me she had a late night and wouldn't be able to chat. I replied that I understood and would chat in the morning.

I finished my studying and was feeling a tiny bit lonely, so I sent Rebecca a text.

'Hey, any chance we can have dinner or something else on Tuesday next week?'

I sat there looking for a response; waiting for a reply but eventually got up and took my shower before going to bed. I don't want to say that I wasn't feeling happy, I guess I just missed my nightly Mich chat and I hadn't heard from Rebecca.

I was up early the next morning for some damn reason. I was up before normal people should be up. What caused my morning to flip on its head and send me into a loop of the unknown, were the three texts I read. They were all from Rebecca.

'Dearest Frances, as much as I want to see you and as much as I want to love you there are three reasons I can not.'

I braced myself, as this was going to crush me. I knew it would.

'First, you are destined for greatness outside of our small city; Broadway is calling your name. Second, I can't come with you, this is home for me. I can't chase you and fall in love with you. It would be easy for me to fall in love with you but I won't.'

This was it, she is dropping the bomb and kicking my ass, I started crying.

'Lastly, I can't date nor fall in love with you; you are

so

in love with her. She means the world to you and I can't overcome that. I am sorry this is a chicken and easy way to drop this on you but I cannot see you anymore, I would love you too much and that isn't fair, because I can't have you, she holds your heart in the palm of her hand. I wish you all the dreams you want but I am sorry I can't. Rebecca.'

I dropped the phone on the bed and stood there crying. Yes, it was a chicken shit easy way out but if there was one thing about this all, it was that she was correct. I couldn't disagree with anything she said, the whole doing it over text, well that I agreed with even more. In person, I would have begged her, and trust me it would have hurt even more.

Damn I love her, I truly love Michaela.

I needed to get out of the house to clear my brain. I had promised Michaela that I wouldn't fall in love, and I damn near did fall in love with Rebecca. She was the perfect woman but alas, I had mine in Michaela.

I had to get my head on straight for classes today. I dressed, grabbed my books, left a note for Mom and Momma, and was out the door. As if the car and my body were on autopilot I drove away and headed into the city.

Don't ask me why but fifteen minutes later I found myself walking into Marcie's. As soon as the aroma filled my nose and the music filled my ears, I was floating on air.

It all came crashing down when I heard her, this was reality. "Frances, darling good morning!"

I froze, just looking at her. I blinked once then again. Still not speaking, I heard her. "Let me get you a coffee and a scone." I nodded

Honestly, I didn't know what to say, this seemed to be an out-of-body experience. My mind was racing. My thoughts were jumbled and discombobulated. She turned with the ceramic mug of coffee and a matching plate with a scone in it. I looked at her and the dam burst... again.

Likened to an adolescent little girl, I stood there crying. I covered my face and embarrassingly dropped to my knees. Thank goodness I was the only one in the queue waiting line. I heard the clang of the mug and saucer then I heard her voice coming to console me. But when I felt her touch me I cried harder.

I cried as Marcie picked up the broken pieces of my heart and soul and walked me behind the counter and into her office.

She walked me to her office where I sat in my old familiar chair with my previous and very loving ex-girlfriend. She was there for me. She knew when to speak, she knew what to say, she knew what I was feeling. Marcie has an uncanny way about her as if she was reading my mind. But then the mature woman inside of Marcie spoke and kicked me in the ass.

After forty minutes of talking and listening and some coffee she kissed my cheek. She told me to get to class. I tried to hug her and she shook her head. She said she wouldn't hug a broken heart.

"Broken hearts need mending before they can love again," Marcie whispered in my ear as she kissed my cheek a second time.

She was right, I needed to wake up and get my head on straight. I had Michaela coming home in less than two months. October was upon me and I was back in the swing of life. I was happily texting and chatting with Michaela when she was available, which seemed less and less. She was studying for exams and finals as well. Our calls were becoming more frequent. She seemed busier with her study group.

I didn't think much of it; I chalked it up to her work, her studies, and her internship as well.

*****

Thanksgiving Week - Tuesday

I was thrilled. I just completed one of my hardest exams of the semester. This was the in-person vocal assignment for the MUS 411. I felt I had nailed it and did well. The exam included us listening to and providing feedback and critique, if needed, for the performer.

It was a challenge as you never want to sound harsh. You always want to be uplifting and not damage the fragile thoughts of the performer.

Rumors were running around our classmates and in the class chat groups that the selections would come out next week and we would know where we would be heading in January for the Intern Showcase. Three weeks being hosted by the department we were majoring in, mine Music and Orchestra. I couldn't wait.

Madam Conductor Platt, aka Mrs. Platt, whispered in my ear that she sent a personal note to the selection committee. She knew the associate conductor for the one show on Broadway. The one about the sisters, one who is a witch. I shivered when she told me that.

The Washington DC show was an older one being offered. I wasn't really excited about it but I would gladly accept should I be selected. To add to the thrill and excitement, we did hear that the Chicago production was pushed through accreditation and was approved. That show was

even more exciting to me. It was the show about the super exciting late pop singer who thrilled throngs of crowds in the 80's, 90's, and beyond until his untimely death.

Mom and Momma liked that opportunity; they loved his video about the ghastly thrill of the werewolf character.

Regardless, two of the three seemed very exciting. I was still focused on Broadway and the bright lights of New York!

I made my way to the parking lot and jumped in the car. I started the car, firing up the heater. I sent Michaela a text.

'I can't wait to chat with you tonight. In just thirty-some hours, I will be holding you in my arms. I love you Mich!

❤️'

I was super excited to talk with her. I didn't wait for her to respond; I started my car and headed home. Arriving home, I should have suspected something was amiss. I walked into the house to see Mom and Momma sitting in the living room, not in their recliners.

"Hey!" I walked from the kitchen into the living room.

"Frannie, can we... "Mom's voice buckled and cracked.

I froze in my tracks. "What?"

She looked at Momma, she started to talk. "Frannie, Michaela called me today and well she isn't coming home." Her voice cracked as well.

The typically stoic and flat voice of my Momma sounded fragile. This was something I hadn't expected. Damn it!

"Oh." I responded with an exhaustive sigh. "Umm okay..." I was thinking I needed to do this quickly. "Umm okay, she does have a much harder academic schedule than mine. I know it will cost an arm and a leg but maybe I can look at the cost of flights to Chapel Hill."

"Baby?" My mom stood and took a step towards me. "Baby, you can't. She won't be there."

I looked at my Mom. "Don't."

Suddenly Michaela's words played back in my head, words she spoke a few weeks ago when we were chatting. She was swamped with class work, she said. She wasn't able to talk long, like only a few minutes. She told me she was in a study group and not to worry.

Then it hit me hard. We once spoke about a concern last year. Michaela had told me to give Mom and Momma credit, they raised us, and they know everything already about us. She didn't elaborate and promised to tell me the only thing I didn't know about her when she kissed me, she would tell me everything. She said it was nothing of concern.

I immediately thought to myself, again. Momma always said when someone says "not to worry," you best worry. Time stood still as I felt Mom wrap her arms around me.

Then it hit me as I looked at Momma but I didn't want to say it out loud, I wanted to deny it all. "How long have you known?" I glared at her.

"Frannie, we didn't..." I interrupted my mom.

"Don't you dare!" I pulled away from the hug. "I am your fucking daughter, your flesh and blood, not hers! Don't defend her, don't you defend either one of them!"

I looked at Momma again. "How long have you fucking known Momma?"

She just lowered her head. She couldn't even look at me. I was even more enraged.

I pointed my finger at Momma. "Bitches, both of you, you and your daughter... just bitches!" I screamed and walked from the room.

"Frances Elizabeth!" Mom screamed at me but I was already out of the room and down the hallway heading up the steps closing and locking my bedroom door.

I took a shower after the first round of rage and tears disappeared. Only when I calmed down did I send her a text.

'Seems the cat is out of the bag that you aren't coming home and I can't come see you. What is this about? Are you dating or in love?'

I tossed my phone across the room and crawled into bed listening to a perfectly fitting "sad classical piano" playlist of mine. I didn't fall asleep until well past midnight. I just lay on my bed and cried listening to my music. This was my fortress of solitude.

How dare Michaela do this to me?

I woke up Wednesday morning and had a feeling that today would be a day to be classified as an abomination, well it already was one. I woke up thinking horrendous thoughts of what she was doing and what she was doing to me.

I couldn't get out of the house fast enough. I showered and dressed and left without a word spoken and drove to campus and sought the solace of the corner table with a crap coffee in the HUB. My thoughts floated to my dead friend Jasmine and how I missed her.

I was leaving class later that day, heading to the CLO for work when I felt my phone vibrate. I looked and saw Momma had sent a text.

'I did know, she was supposed to have told you. Can we talk?'

I didn't reply. She could interpret my response of nil and my lack of desire to speak with her through the cold nothingness she received.

I needed to focus. The theater and the CLO were hosting a very popular show. It was the one about the guy on the dollar bill, the ten dollar bill to be exact. There was no show Wednesday night; we had a run of show and a walk-through. The first show would be Friday with a matinee. There were doubles on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It would be a typical busy weekend spent at the theater.

I got through work on Wednesday, and Mrs. Platt was thrilled with the orchestra's performance. We were released early for the Thanksgiving holiday. I didn't feel like going home, that was going to be hell. I drove past Marcie's but the lights were off, she would be open Friday morning for the shoppers. I had no choice, nowhere to go, no fortress of solitude to fall back on.

I drove home knowing it would be pure hell in that house. My mom met me in the kitchen, I just glared at her.

"Did you know she wasn't coming home?" I was laser focused. She blinked and lowered her head. "You knew and didn't have the decency to tell me. You knew I was counting the days!"

My voice was getting higher and higher. I saw her phone sitting on the counter. I grabbed Mom's phone. "Bitch isn't answering the text I sent her last night. Let's see if she answers your phone."

She closed her eyes partially. "Don't you dare, young lady." She spoke with closed teeth.

"Pfft! What else are you hiding? She hasn't returned my text, not that I want to hear from her." I was tempted. "I should call her from your phone. Oh! Even better I will call the bitch from Momma's. Let me find her phone."

I was on a rampage as I didn't know the truth, I suspected but I needed to know the truth. "Or will you tell me what Momma and the bitch are hiding?"

Just then Momma stepped into the kitchen from the hallway. I looked at her. I didn't have the nerve to even speak to her. If I did, it would be horribly harsh.

It was then I saw the look on her face. She lowered her face. I might not be that smart but I know when bad news is coming.

"What? Just fucking tell me." I spat at the two of them.

Momma took a step forward and reached for me, I backed away as she stepped forward, maintaining our distance. She raised her hands in a truce motion. "She... Frances, Michaela was supposed to call you and obviously she didn't, but she met a woman..."