Writing Challange Part II

[govcampbell]

Hi! For those of you doing the Mood Writing Challange, go ahead and post your responses here whenever you finish up! 

Comments

The Understudy

[in-the-blue.livejournal.com]

Quote: "It's got a good beat and you can dance to it."
Mood: "Frightened"
Word count: 323


"No." Beryl's voice was little more than a harsh rasp; it had to be quieter than a typical stage whisper but loud enough to be heard over the restless noises of the intermission audience. "No, I won't do it. I can't. The concept scares me to death: don't ask me again."

Joe rolled his eyes. Prima donnas. "Come on. Isn't this every understudy's dream? To go on stage and take the number and make it their own? You can do it, sweetheart. You've been touring with us for eight months. You've seen the number more than anyone else. You can sing it and dance it in your sleep."

Christ: it wasn't his fault that Marcia was so doped up on tranquilizers that she'd practically had to be dragged off-stage at the end of the first act. Hell of a day to get served divorce papers. And now they had less than ten minutes to go and she was passed out -- not a pretty sight -- in her dressing room. Thank God this tour was almost over. Just five more nights, two more cities.

"Bee, sweetheart, we're counting on you. Now quick, like a bunny, get dressed. We need you ready when Mike hits his cue. Go on."

"But—"

"No buts about it. This is it. Your big break. It can change your life forever. Now buck up, kid, and go get in costume. I've heard you sing; I've seen you dance. They're going to love you."

Beryl's big baby blues softened and filled. "You really think so, Joe?"

"Sure do, Bee. Sure do."

The understudy took a deep breath, nodded, and raced off to the dressing room. As soon as she was gone from sight Joe let out a huge sigh, shook his head, and rolled his eyes. They didn't pay him anywhere near enough for this job.

Five more nights. Only two more cities.

He couldn't wait until it was all over.

Re: The Understudy

[govcampbell.livejournal.com]

Solid! I loved it! I love the grittyness of the theater, it reminds me a little bit of 42nd Street. Nicely done!

Re: The Understudy

[in-the-blue.livejournal.com]

That was a very difficult prompt/mood combination. I did have Ruby Keeler in mind when I wrote it.

I couldn't think of a fandom response for it. I can write a lot of characters who wouldn't dream of dancing, but not because they're frightened.