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Chapter 15

       Tea and Bakura weren’t together.

       As the fact sank in Seto Kaiba found himself growing almost giddy with excitement.

       If they weren’t together that meant that he still had a chance.  He remembered his behavior the last two months, and the accusations Mokuba and Analisa had made.  If she would forgive him for that he’d make it up to her.  He felt foolish for the way he had behaved. <Like a ten year old> he accused.  But surely she would understand.  Tea was nothing if not understanding.

       Realizing that he was practically running he forced himself to slow to something more like his usual confident stride.

       <Calm down> he cautioned <at this rate you’ll scare her off>

       But he couldn’t keep the spring from his step, or the sparkle from his eyes.

       He had a chance.

       He passed through the backstage area quickly, not really expecting to find her there.  It was only thirty seven minutes to show time which meant she would probably be out among the crowd greeting the parents.  He gave the last room a cursory glance, not even bothering to open the door all the way, and headed toward the end of the hall.  A few steps later he stopped and came back.

       Stopping at the door he nudged it open a little more and ducked his head inside.

       There was Tea seated across from a girl he gauged to be about thirteen.  They were speaking quietly.  Seto stood in the doorway transfixed.

       She was beautiful.

       Maybe it was the months without her, or his new found hope, but she had never seemed so gorgeous to him before.  Her hair was swept up in a French twist and she wore dark slacks with a blue button up blouse.  She had no jewelry save the single bracelet she always wore.

       Slowly the words she was speaking penetrated his mind.

       “You’ll do a wonderful job Naratu.” She smiled, “You’ve practiced this a thousand times.”

       “I-I c-can’t!”

       With a start Seto realized that the girl was sobbing.  Tea laid a hand gently on her shoulder.

       “Did you know I always wanted to be a dancer?” she asked casually.

       The girl shook her head and Kaiba could see her confusion.  She was wondering what this had to do with anything, and he was too.

       Tea smiled once more, “Well, I did.  For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to be a dancer.  I practiced every chance I got.  I took classes, I even got a job to pay for them even thought I had to lie about my age.” She leaned in conspiratorially, “Don’t tell anyone though.” She winked.  Naratu smiled weakly.

       “When I arrived in New York I was so excited.  And the opening night of my first real show I was walking on air… until I overheard a remark about the sold out house.  Then my whole world came crashing down.  I suddenly wondered what right I had to be there.  Why had I ever thought I could be a real dancer?  I was certain I would do something completely stupid and ruin the whole show.  Then every one would hate me forever.  I couldn’t go on.”  She paused, her tone becoming more serious, “My director found me in tears behind the green room.  Do you know what she told me?”  the girls shook her head, curious now.

       “She told me that there is nothing wrong with being afraid as long as we don’t let it keep us from what we love.  You see, if I hadn’t gone out on that stage that night I never would have forgiven myself.  And I never would have known what I was capable of.  A chance once lost is often gone forever.”  She brushed Naratu’s hair back from her fair.  “Those people out there, they love you.  They don’t care if you perform flawlessly.  All they care is that you try, and that you love what you do.  As long as you keep your love of the dance that is what they will see.  And that love is always perfect.”

       Seto could see that she was starting to get through to Naratu, though it might take some time.  Logic was no match for the insecurities of a thirteen year old.  He could also see that now was not the time to approach Tea.  He could wait for another day.

       As he stepped away from the room he nearly collided with an older teen boy.

       “Have you seen Ms. Gardner?” he asked frantically and, without waiting for an answer, began to head for the next room.

        Kaiba caught him by the shoulders.  “She’s here, but she’s a little busy right now.  Can I help you?”

       “Mr. Kaiba?” the boy stood still for a moment, evidently in awe, then he resumed his worried fidgeting.  “There’s a problem at the sound board.  All of the sudden the CDs won’t play.  Everything was fine, and then, a few minutes ago, it all just cut out.  We don’t know what’s wrong.”

       Kaiba hadn’t noticed, because he had been so focused on finding Tea, but now that he focused he realized that the boy was right.  Earlier there had been music playing in the background, now it was gone.

       “I’ll see what I can do.” He said calmly.

       The boy’s mouth dropped open, “Really?” he asked in excitement, “That’s great!  I wasn’t sure what Ms. Gardner could do anyway.  She doesn’t know much about electronics.  And she’s had to deal with so much other stuff too.”

       Kaiba eyed him curiously, “other stuff?”

       He nodded, “The programs didn’t come, and some of the set was missing.  I think some costume stuff was too.  Then the ushers didn’t show up and Kensuke nearly set the curtain on fire with that old lamp!  And then-”

       Kaiba cut him off, “I get the point.”  Poor Tea.  And he hadn’t even realized.  Well, it was too late now.  “I assume all of those problems have been dealt with?”

       The boy nodded.

       “Good.  Now,” he paused realizing the boy had never given his name.

       “Jeff.”

       Kaiba nodded, “Jeff.  Let’s go fix that sound system.”

       As they hurried off toward the sound booth Seto cast a last glance at the room behind him.  Tea had had to deal with so much tonight, at least he could spare her this.

***

       Tea ducked out of the room, having sent Naratu on her way in much better spirits, and leaned wearily against the door.  There was probably something she should be doing right now, but she just didn’t have the strength.

       “Miss. Tea?”

       Tea looked up to see Sara, one of the older girls, fidgeting nervously behind her.

       “Yes Sara?”

       “Miss Tea, Makonai’s mom called, she’s sick and can’t come.”

       Tea forced herself to remain calm for Sara’s sake, but inside she was ready to break.  Makonai was the soloist in the second scene.  This night  was going from bad to worse.  She forced a smile, “That’s too bad.  Can you do me a favor and go ask Rachel to get ready then?  She’ll need to change costumes.”

       “Rachel isn’t here either.  She told me at school today that she had to watch her little brother tonight.  Her mom got called in for a late shift.”

       Tea nearly groaned.  As it was she pressed her eyes closed tightly <maybe I’ll wake up and find this is all a dream> a horrible dream. But when she opened her eyes Sara was still there, looking very sorry and sad.  Tea wracked her brain for a solution.  No one else knew the part. 

       No one but her.

       And she’d already agreed (with much pleading from Bakura, and her students) to do one short piece.  Now she would have to do two.  She had an old costume for the piece, but it was at home.

       “It’s fine Sara, go on back inside.” Joey and Tristan were busy, and Yugi and Yami had joined them in handing out programs since her ushers hadn’t shown up. She didn’t know where the Bakuras and Kaiba had run off to, and she had thought she had seen Duke helping with some props, but right now she didn’t have time to think about it.  Ideally she should have asked Mai and Serenity to help, but they were already helping with makeup and hair. She’d just have to find another way.  Tea ducked outside in time to see Marik walk by.

       “Marik.” she pounced on him and he pulled back, startled.

       “T-Tea?”

       “I need you to do me a favor,” she said quietly.  She quickly outlined the situations for him and then handed him the keys to her apartment and prayed he’d arrive in time.  She’d hate for him to have to miss the show.  He was being really sweet to do this for her.  Maybe she should have asked Yugi…

       Tea slipped inside and saw part of the first set was missing as well.  No one had told her about that.  Clenching a fist and biting back tears she walked calmly behind the curtain and then ran to the prop room.  Where was the third tree?!?  And she still had to inform her assistant stage director, Hannah, of the changes.  Where was Hannah anyway?

       By the time the theatre lights flashed their five minute warning Tea was nearly in tears.  All she wanted to do was collapse in a sobbing heap.  Could nothing go right tonight?  She forced her head to remain high and confident smile to remain on her lips.  The show must go on.  That was something she had learned in New York.  Here there were no contracts or reviews at stake, no ticket sales to worry about, but these kids had worked hard, and they deserved a good show.

       Marik raced in, breathless, and thrust some cloth into her hands along with her keys.

       “I hope I got the right one.” He said with concern, then he continued apologetically, “Sorry it took so long. I had a bit of trouble finding your number, they were repainting the doors.”

       She had forgotten all about that.  Poor Marik!

       Her eyes glistened with unshed tears and she pulled Marik into a tight hug.  “Thank you.” She whispered.

       Startled it took him a moment to adjust, but then he patted her back reassuringly.  Pulling back he smiled at her gently, “It’ll be fine.  You’ll see.”  He winked at her, “better get to my seat or an usher will kick me out.”  He walked off to find his seat with the others.  She didn’t bother to tell him that there were no ushers to kick him out, only their friends who had hopefully taken their seats by now.  

       Just as he slid into his seat Hannah came up announcing that the show would begin in five minutes, and also announcing the program changes.  Tea watched anxiously from the edge of the curtain.

       “Tea?” Yugi peeked his head into view.  “There you are.” He whispered.

       “Yugi?” Tea pulled back and went to him, pulling him away from the stage.

       “I just came to wish you luck.”

       “We’ll need more than that.” She muttered darkly.

       He smiled sympathetically at her and took her hand, “You’ve had a rough night haven’t you?”

       She nodded staring down at the costume Marik had brought, still in her other hand.  She really should go change.

       “It’ll be alright Tea, I promise.  Just remember why you’re here.” 

       She smiled at him appreciatively and he squeezed her hand.

       Hannah walked by and flashed two fingers at Tea.  Two minutes to show time.

       “I’d better get going.” Yugi said.

       Tea seemed reluctant to let him go, but released his hand with a nod. She turned toward the green room, but then turned back.

       “Yugi!”

       He turned.  “Yeah?”

       “Can you hang on to this for me?”  She tossed something at him and out of reflex he caught it.  Studying it he saw that it was a silver bracelet.  The one he had given her just before she left for New York.

       “I can’t wear it on stage, and I don’t want it to get lost.” She explained.  “You can give it back to me after the performance.”

       He nodded and slipped the jewelry into his coat’s inside pocket, zipping it closed.  Then they both turned and made their way to their places.

***

       The actual show went off beautifully.  Thankfully Kaiba had gotten the sound straightened out in no time and Tea had never even known.  Watching her dance he felt a surge of admiration, not just for her dancing, but for her character.  She had been through so much tonight – from what he had heard – but she still was determined to smile for the children’s sake.

       Her dancing was amazing too.  He smiled as he saw Bakura lean forward to get a better look, his eyes wide with wonder.

       Yes, she had a grace that was indescribable.

       Most of the audience members probably had no idea that anything had gone wrong.  That was the point of show business after all, or any business really, to make everything appear effortless. It was a difficult thing at times and could definitely take an emotional toll.

       He wondered if that was part of the reason Tea had left New York.

       Before he knew it, it was the end of the show.  Tea gave a brief ‘thank you’ and then he came to the stage sharing a bit about the center and this particular activity.  He closed by offering his own thanks to Tea, who he jokingly said he had ‘roped’ into this venture against her will.  But with soft eyes and a warm tone he quickly added that she had poured her heart into these children, and that she loved every one.

       He watched her, hoping to catch her eye, and communicate his apology for the last ten weeks.  But she seemed to be avoiding him.  He found that puzzling.

       Was she upset at him for his behavior?  He wouldn’t blame her if she was, but it wasn’t like her at all.  He wanted to go to her right then and there and ask her what was wrong, but of course he couldn’t.

       Finishing his speech he turned the microphone over to Hannah who wished everyone a wonderful night and encouraged them to send their kids to more of the Center’s  activities.  She also reminded them that they needed to lock the theatre up so it would be greatly appreciated if they would limit their socialization.

       As the audience was comprised mostly of parents and their young children they had no problem with this.  Within forty five minutes the premises was clear of everyone but Tea and a few of her friends.

       “Good night Hannah.  Thank you.” Tea smiled as the assistant stage director passed by.

       “You did a wonderful job Ms. Tea.” Hannah gave her a hug.  “Are you sure you don’t want me to stay?”

       Tea shook her head.  “No.  It’s fine.  I won’t be staying long.  There’s a crew coming tomorrow to put everything away, I’m just going to make a final walk to be sure no one left anything.”

       Hannah still looked uncertain.  “If you’re sure.”

       “I am, now go.” Tea urged her and the woman went.

       “Well, we’d better go too.” Joey said, looping an arm around his wife’s waist.  “Great job Tea.”

       “Thanks.  And thanks for your help today.” She gave him a quick hug.

       “Hey,” he shrugged it off, “No problem.  Anything for a friend.”

       “Well, thanks anyway.” She said again, and with a smile and a jaunty wave the Wheelers walked off.

       “Goodbye Tea, excellent performance.” Bakura took her hand in both of his and she gave him a peck on the cheek.

       “Thanks.  The children worked hard.”

       “You were amazing too.  It took my breath away.”

       She smiled at the image of the quiet British boy unable to breath, and shook her head.  “Have a nice night.”

       Bakura looked between Tea and Seto meaningfully for a moment, but when she shook her head he simply gave a sad smile and left.  It wasn’t really his place.

       Bakurai shook her hand and then hurried after his partner.

       One by one, or in twos, her friends all left until only Yugi and Yami remained with her.  She was disappointed that Seto had left without a goodbye, but at least Mokuba had bid her farewell.

       “You sure you don’t want us to stay Tea?”

       Tea shook her head, “Now you sound like Hannah.” she laughed, “No.  I’ll be fine.”

       Yugi seemed to be about to object, but Yami stopped him.

       “If you need us, you can always give us a call. At any time.”

       She smiled her thanks and waved goodbye as they headed toward their car.

       As soon as they were out of sight she turned wearily toward the theatre.  She just needed some time alone.  Despite the front she had put up she was nearly at the breaking point.

       Entering the darkened theatre she clicked on the house lights and wearily began walking the rows, checking for personal articles left behind.  She had left the door open slightly to let in air.  The night watchman would be sure no one snuck up on her.  Being alone had never bothered Tea, even though she had always loved being around people.  She had spent much of her childhood and teen years alone.  She preferred people, but she wasn’t afraid of the emptiness.  She had learned long ago there was no boogeyman save the one inside your own mind.

       She certainly had one tonight.

       Several actually.

       Tonight had nearly been a disaster, and if it hadn’t been for all the help her friends had given her she likely would have fallen apart.  As often happens one train of dark thoughts led to another and soon she was thinking about Seto and the socialite.  She was certain he had been avoiding her because he hadn’t known how to tell her about his relationship.  How he had known she loved him when she hadn’t was beyond her, but he must have.

       Caught up in her thoughts she failed to hear the door creak open behind her.