Embedded Files
Leroy walks up the steps into the School lobby, brushing the snow from his coat. He glances at the clock on the wall which shows 7.00am. He stretches and yawns as he makes his way to the dance rehearsal room. As he gets nearer he hears up-tempo music coming from the room. At the door he stops and peering through the window in the door he sees Lydia dancing energetically around the empty room, twirling and high kicking her way through a number she was obviously in the middle of choreographing. Leroy smiles as he watches his teacher in action as the routine comes to an end he enters the room.
Leroy smiles: “That looked great!”
Lydia is surprised to see him: “Well thank you, but what are you doing here so early.”
Leroy: “I thought I’d put in some extra rehearsal. Plus I thought you might be here and I want to talk to you.”
Lydia grabs a towel from her bag and places it round her neck and uses the end of the towel to gently dab the sweat that has appeared on her forehead: “Okay what is it that you want to talk about?”
Leroy hesitates slightly: “Well... I, I was wondering as you’re obviously coming into school early to work on the show and I’m here early if we couldn’t change the extra rehearsals to before school instead of after?”
Lydia looks him up and down for a moment before replying: “Okay, but how about you tell me what’s so important that you don’t want to have rehearsals after school and I’ll think about it.”
Leroy sits down in front of the big mirror that runs along the one side of the room and Lydia sits next to him.
Leroy: “Well you know how my Father came back last month and we nearly got to spend Thanksgiving together?”
Lydia nods as she recalls the events of Leroy’s Father returning after not seeing each other for years.
Leroy continues: “Well it got me thinking how important family is. I’ve got my friends and teachers here at the school and they have become like a family to me but I miss my own family. I’ve been living in the city alone for over 4 years now and I’ve barely seen any of them. Apart from my dad’s recent visit I haven’t seen my brother Willard or my Mom for over 3 years. It’s been even longer since I’ve seen my other brother, Lamar. He has a little girl, Tina and I barely know her at all. I miss them so I just thought that as it’s Christmas I’d like to spend some of it with my family. After thanksgiving I’m not even going to arrange anything with my Father and my brothers are just as difficult to track down and unreliable but if I can get the money together for a plane ticket then my Mom would visit for sure. I know she would. So I’ve been working at Lou’s Lanes to get the money together but with rehearsals after school I can’t do the shifts at Lou’s.”
Lydia smiles gently at him and placing her arm around his neck, gives his shoulder a supportive squeeze: “Well I think that’s a great reason to move the rehearsals to the morning. We’ll start tomorrow morning.”
A huge grin spreads across Leroy’s face and he hugs his teacher: “Thanks Miss Grant, you’re the best!”
Lydia smirks: “Well I’m going to leave it to you to break the news to the rest of the class. I know they aren’t going to be too happy about having coming in here so early.”
Leroy gets up to leave: “Okay I’ll tell them.”
Lydia quips: “Oh and Leroy I want you here on time.”
Leroy gives a knowing smile he has a reputation for being late for class and rehearsals much to the annoyance of his dance teacher: “Oh I’ll be here,
I promise.”
A group of students including Cleo, Nicole, Holly and Doris are stood outside the TV shop just down the street from the school huddled together for warmth. They are watching a video of Band Aid “Do They Know It’s Christmas” on the TVs.
Cleo: “I love this song and especially Boy George.”
Nicole agrees: “It’s certainly for a good cause.”
Doris sighs: “Yes it’s for a good cause but can’t we watch it inside, it’s freezing out here.”
Mrs Berg approaches and stops to see what all the fuss is about: “Oh My, what’s going on here and who are they?”
Doris explains: “It’s a music video Mrs Berg. A group of British Pop stars have made a record to raise money for the victims of the famine in Ethiopia.”
Mrs Berg watches but doesn’t recognise any of the performers: “These are Pop stars you say? Oh My what is the World coming to?”
Cleo: “Yes, it’s a good record and that’s Boy George, Duran Duran, Sting, Bono....”
Mrs Berg is confused by the names not recognising any of them: “The Who?”
Cleo sighs: “No not The Who Mrs Berg, It’s Culture Club, Duran Duran.....”
Mrs Berg interrupts: “That’s nice dear, maybe some of these Pop stars are nicer people than they look but haven’t any of them heard of hairbrushes? Look at the state of that ones hair?”
Everyone laughs and Mrs Berg continues: “I suppose making a record to raise money is certainly a very worthwhile cause, I’ll have to get myself a copy. Also it gives me an idea.”
With that she hurries off down the street and into the school singing as she goes: “Feed The World, Let them know it’s Christmas time...”.
The female students watch and laugh and then turn their attentions back to the video.
Danny catches up with Reardon who is walking down the main corridor towards the teacher’s lounge.
Danny calls: “Mr Reardon, I need to speak to you.”
David: “Now let me guess you want me to play Santa Claus for this show you’re putting together?”
Danny is surprised: “How did you know?”
David laughs: “Word travels fast around here Amatullo. I heard you’ve asked just about everyone else already and they’ve turned you down. I guess I’m your last resort?”
Danny feels slightly awkward: “Well, not last resort exactly, I just thought some of the others would be more appropriate.”
David: “I see but now you’re desperate you’ve come to me have you?”
Danny feels slightly uncomfortable: “I wouldn’t exactly say I’m desperate but I could use your help.”
David sighs: “Well I’m sorry to disappoint you but I may not even be here. I’m up for a part in a Broadway show and it’s looking good. Very good indeed.”
Danny is surprised: “What are you leaving the school?”
David pauses for a moment he hadn’t actually considered the implications of getting the part until Danny asked the question: “Yeah, I guess I would be leaving if I did get the part.”
Danny groans: “Man, that sucks. Just when I get used to you and you’re leaving?”
David smiles to himself feeling flattered by Danny’s words. He remembers that Danny had a hard time relating to the drama teacher when he first came to the school, especially after the other drama teacher, Mr Crandall had died, whom Danny had been very close to.
At that moment Lydia passes by: “Oh David, I’m available after school to help with you audition piece if you still want my help?”
David smiles: “that’s great, I’ll see you after school.”
Danny walks into the cafeteria feeling depressed. He sees Leroy, Chris, Jesse, Nicole, Holly and Doris sat at one of the tables and goes over to join them. As he sits down he gives a loud sigh: “Guys, what am I gonna do, this show is turning into a disaster! It’s just me and Schwartz!”
Doris quips: “I’m so pleased that you think a show starring me and you is going to be a disaster!”
Danny sighs: “You know what I mean. My Pop is expecting a huge production and time is running out.”
Nicole questions: “Why is he expecting a huge production?”
Danny pulls a face and rubs his eyes, with his hand: “Well I guess I told him that everyone was involved.”
Chris laughs: “Why didn’t you just tell him the truth Amatullo. That it’s just you and Schwartz and it’s gonna be the worst show ever!”
Doris shoots Chris a stern glare and the others laugh.
Jesse interrupts: “Well don’t forget you’ve always got Mandenhall to fall back on. I’m sure a few Christmas carols on the tuba will save the show!”
Again everyone laughs and Danny sighs again.
Cassidy is sat at the next table and had overheard the conversation: “Amatullo if you want me to compose some music for your show then I’m available.”
Danny’s spirits start to rise but then Cassidy pulls out a portable keyboard and begins to play what can only be described as a funeral march and Danny’s heart sinks further, much to the amusement of his friends.
In the school office Sherwood and Shorosfky are talking to Mrs Berg, who is showing them a collation tin.
Mrs Berg rattles the tin: “I’ve started a collection for the poor children in Ethiopia, would you two like to donate?”
Shorofsky reaches into his jacket pocket, pulls out his wallet, selects a note and places it into the collection.”
Mrs Berg smiles: “Thank you Mr Shorofsky.”
Miss Sherwood: “Mrs Berg, I’ll have to catch up with you later my bag is back in my classroom. By the way has Mr Morloch apologised to you yet?”
Mrs Berg shakes her head: “Mr Morloch isn’t very good at apologising!”
Sherwood smiles: “We’ll see about that!”
Shorofsky is curious: “What are you going to do?”
Sherwood: “Well if Morloch is looking for a Christmas invitation I’m going to use that to my advantage.”
Shorofsky asks: “But I thought you didn’t want Morloch to come for Christmas?”
Sherwood sighs: “I don’t, but let’s face it he always manages to wear me down some how. Besides it’s Christmas and it must be terrible to spend it alone. I can’t wish that upon anyone, not even Morloch. So we may as well get something out of it before I give in."
Sherwood and Shorofsky move over to the cubby holes and start checking the paperwork that has been left inside for them.
Morloch enters, spots them and walks over: “Oh Miss Sherwood, can we talk about Christmas celebrations please?”
Sherwood sighs: “Mr Morloch, I’m running late. Can we discuss this some other time please?”
Morloch: “Sure how about 6th period, you’re got a free class I believe?”
Sherwood is a little taken aback that he knows her schedule so well: “Have you apologised to Mrs Berg for upsetting her yet?”
Morloch looks surprised: “Apologised, well er... no?”
Sherwood snaps: “Well apologise and then come to talk to me about Christmas, otherwise the subject is not up for discussion.”
With that Sherwood rushes out of the room, with a huge smile on her face.
Morloch turns around and sees Mrs Berg standing behind the counter: “Oh Mrs Berg.”
Mrs Berg looks up: “Yes Mr Morloch?”
Morloch approaches gingerly: “Erm, there’s something I need to say to you?”
Mrs Berg waits expectantly but Morloch struggles to apologise. Instead he changes the subject: “I was wondering have you seen Miss Sherwood?”
Mrs Berg is confused: “Weren’t you just talking to her? She was standing right there.”
Morloch laughs nervously: “Oh yes so she was. Well thank you Mrs Berg, you’re always a big help!”
As he walks to his office Mrs Berg stands watching and shaking her head: “My, he’s becoming a bigger ditz than me!”
Back in the cafeteria Danny notices Dwight looking over at where he’s sitting.
Chris sarcastically quips: “See Mandenhall is just waiting to join your show, can’t you see him looking at you?”
Nicole interrupts: “I think you’ll find he’s looking at Holly. He’s got a crush on her haven’t you guys noticed?”
Holly is embarrassed: “Nicole! Leave him alone.”
Nicole apologises: “Well I’m sorry Holly but it’s true.”
Holly is frustrated: “Yes but I don’t want the whole School knowing about it. Besides I’m going out on a date anyway.”
Doris’ ears perk up: “You are? with who? Do we know him?”
Holly becomes hesitant fearing she's already said too much: “It’s personal and he doesn’t want you guys to know.”
Doris is curious: “So we do know him?”
Holly feels a little trapped: “Maybe!”
Doris eagerly asks: “So if you can’t tell us who he is then how about how long you’ve known him?”
Holly ponders for a moment trying to work it out: “It’s about 15 months?”
Doris is more curious: “That’s about when you first came to this school. Is it a student?”
Holly shakes her head enjoying having the upper hand: “No he’s not a student?”
Doris remarks: “It’s not your crush on Reardon again is it?”
The others laugh and Holly blushes remembering how she made a fool of herself at the start of the school year falling for the handsome drama teacher: “No it’s not Mr Reardon.”
Doris feels frustrated: “Come on Holly, tell us who it is!”
Holly smiles, she grabs her books and gets up to go, watched from afar by Dwight, as she leaves she calls back: “I’m not going to tell you Doris so you may as well give up asking.”
Later that day Lydia and David are in the auditorium rehearsing for David’s audition
David remarks: “I think the choreography should go like this.”
He wiggles his hips a little which cause Lydia to burst into fits of laughter: "Are you trying to get a part or pick someone up in a club? I think you should leave the choreography to me!”
David smiles: “Okay but how about a break first”
Lydia quips: “I don’t know it looks like you need a lot of work to me I don’t think there’s time for a break.”
He hands her some sheet music and launches into a Christmas song, which Lydia joins in with.
“I never saw a reindeer fly, make its way across the sky,
But I know if I close my eyes my wishes will come true.
Like the one I saved for you.
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow,
Don’t care it’s cold outside.
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow,
I’ll keep you warm tonight.
Through the good times and bad, happy and sad,
I’m still holding on, I know what I have,
and all that I want is Christmas Eve with you. (With you, Yeah.)
The simple things like going home,
and friends that say you’re not alone.
Songs of joy, they keep you strong, make everything okay.
Oh and Santa’s on his way (On his way).
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow,
Don’t care its cold outside.
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow,
I’ll keep you warm tonight.
Through the good times and bad, the happy and sad,
I’m still holding on, I know what I have,
and all that I want is Christmas Eve with you. ( Yeah, yeah, yeah)
The sleigh bells are ringing, they’re getting real close.
I think I hear Ruldolph, just up the road.
Candle lights and hearts full of hope,
Stars shinning bright, some things never change.
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow,
My arms are open wide.
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow,
I’ll keep you warm tonight.
Through the good times and bad, the happy and sad,
I’m still holding on, I know what I have,
and all that I want is Christmas Eve with you.
Let it snow, let it snow
The fires burning bright.
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow,
I’ll keep you warm tonight.
It’s not just the gifts under my tree,
The best things in life are totally free.
And waiting for me is Christmas Eve with you.
Is Christmas Eve with you.”
As the song ends Lydia gives David a hug: “That was great you should offer your services to Danny Amatullo. I hear he’s looking for some talent for his Christmas show.”
David: “Well he has asked me. Not to sing but to be Father Christmas.”
Lydia laughs: “Well I think singing would suit you more.”
David sighs: “But if I get this part I won’t be here.”
A silence falls as Lydia takes on board the information. All this time she hadn’t considered that David could be leaving: “Well I think we should get back to work.”
Danny is at home watching TV, although he’s not really concentrating. He’s still wracking his brains trying to work out how he can put a show together and make his father proud. Suddenly the phone rings and he goes over to answer. The line is faint at first and he can’t really hear who it is.
Danny asks: “Hello, who’s there? It’s a really bad line and it's difficult to hear you.”
Eventually the line improves: “Hello Danny, It’s Coco, Merry Christmas.”
Coco Hernandez had left School to join a road company about a year ago, since then there had been the odd letter but Coco had been busy with various jobs she had managed to get.
Danny is excited to hear from his friend: “Merry Christmas to you too. Are you back in New York?”
For a moment Danny is excited to think that he’ll be able to see his friend over the holidays. His mind starts racing ahead, if anyone could save his show, it would be Coco. Sadly his excitement fades just as quickly as it began.
Coco explains: “No I’m in still in L.A. I’m just about to start a new show, it’s a big play and I’ve got the lead. So I’m phoning around to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. I’m not sure I’m going to have time to get cards written this year.”
Danny feels disappointed but happy for his friend: “Well it’s good to hear your voice.”
Coco asks: “How are things there?”
Danny sighs: “We’ll I’m trying to organize a Christmas show for my Father’s lodge but so far it’s turning into a disaster and I guess it’s getting me down a little. It’s too bad you’re not here because having you in the show would help enormously.”
Coco laughs: “Yeah, too bad. It would be just like old times. Talking of which do me a favour. Wish Bruno a Merry Christmas from me. I don’t have a number for him.”
Danny is surprised: “But Bruno’s in L.A. with you isn’t he?”
Coco now is puzzled: “No he went back to New York a couple of weeks ago. He said he was going to look Caruso up and hoped to stay there. Haven’t you seen him?”
Danny: “No, he’s not been in touch with any of us, which is a real surprise.”
Coco is now shocked: “Oh, I hope he's okay, I’m sure he was talking of seeing everyone. He said he needed to get away and surround himself with familiar things. I’m sure he’ll be in touch with you all before Christmas. Listen, Danny I better go, these long distance calls can start to get expensive. Take care of yourself and Have a wonderful Christmas.”
Danny: “Merry Christmas to you too, bye.”
As Danny hangs up the phone he pauses for a moment wondering why Bruno hadn’t been in touch. He grabs his coat and heads out the door.
Holly arrives at the open air ice skating rink early and stands watching the other skaters, particularly the couples holding hands and imagines herself holding hands with Bruno. It is a very clear night and stars are twinkling up in the sky. She closes her eyes and makes another wish.
Danny arrives at Caruso’s. The sign says “Closed” but the door is unlocked and Danny goes in. The room is virtually dark apart from some candle light by the piano. As he stands watching he hears some music and a familiar voice singing:
“As I look out tonight, up at your silver light
You are the one I'm counting on..
Christmas star, so warm and wise there,
can you please tell me,
where she's gone.
She was my star this eve,
a very breath of me.
How could I let her walk away
Christmas star, tell her I'm sorry,
Hope to guide her journey home this day.
(Christmas star)
If she could just hear me now,
If I could just tell her I care
And hold her again in my arms.
(Christmas star)
Can you see from your sky above
If she's falling in love or dreaming her dream,
feeling lonesome like me.
I should be strong, I know.
should try and let her go
But I'd give my life if I could just believe
you'll be sending my love back home, this Christmas Eve.
(Christmas star)
If she could just hear me now
If I could just tell her I care
And hold her again in my arms.
(Christmas star)
I would kiss away all these lies
She would know from my eyes just how precious we were,
If only I could reach her.
And so old friend up there
If you can hear my prayer
Won't you try and help this lonely man believe,
you'll be sending my love back home, this Christmas Eve.
(Christmas star...)
(Christmas star...)
so warm and wise there
(Christmas star...)
If I could just tell her I'm sorry
(Christmas star...)
Then maybe she'll run to my side
(Christmas star...)
Hoh...oh...
If she could just hear me now
oh...how could I ever let her walk away
where is she gone ?
where is she tonight ?
I need her home to stay
yeah...
I'd give her the love she needs, the dreams...
All to grab her in my arms again,
I'd give my life, my soul,
my heart is breaking, please send her home
Send her home to me, this day.
It ain't Christmas without her.
And without her,
It could never be Christmas again...”
As the music comes to an end Danny clears his throat. Bruno is a little startled by the noise: “Sorry we’re closed!”
Danny comes down the stairs and closer to the light: “Even to old friends?”
Bruno is surprised “Danny, it’s good to see you!”
The two friends hug and pat each other on their backs
Bruno asks: “What are you doing here?”
Danny: “Oh I’m just looking for you.”
Bruno interrupts: “But how did you know I was here? Wait I suppose Holly told you?”
Danny shakes his head: “Actually it was Coco She wishes you Merry Christmas by the way. So how come you didn’t tell us you were here and how does Holly know you're back?”
Bruno sighs: “I’m sorry, I didn’t let anyone know; I guess I just needed some time to get my act together Holly came in here one night and we met by accident”
Danny asks: “So what did you need to recover from? Does it have anything to do with that song you were singing? Sounds like you got pretty burned?”
Bruno nods: “Yeah, there was this girl in L.A. and well....”
Danny interrupts: “And she broke your heart right?”
Bruno smiles: “Actually I think I broke hers! She was the one that wanted things to become more serious she wanted us to live together. She even mentioned marriage. I guess I got scared that things were going too quickly. I knew I was falling in love with her but didn’t think I was ready for anything more. I thought it was better to end things. Then when I saw her with someone else I realised what a huge mistake I’d made and what I’d thrown away but of course it was too late then. So I packed up and came back to New York, looked up Caruso who gave me a job and somewhere to sleep and I’ve been hiding out here ever since. I thought putting some distance between me and Heather would make me feel better. But so far that hasn’t worked. Which is why you are finding me alone, singing a song all about her.”
Danny gives Bruno’s arm a gentle reassuring squeeze: “I’m sorry to hear all that, so if there’s anything I can do to help then just ask. I know what it’s like to get your heart broken. I guess it being Christmas doesn’t help. Still that was a great song. I’m putting a Christmas show together for my Dad. I don’t suppose I can use the song for that?”
Bruno is hesitant: “I don’t know Danny, it’s a little raw for me at the moment. I don’t think I want to share that with other people.”
Danny is disappointed: “Well any other Christmas songs that you’ve written or could write for the show would be gratefully received. Actually you’ll be saving my life.”
Bruno nods: “I’ll see what I can come up with, but I’m not promising anything.”
With that Bruno notices the time: “I’m sorry Danny I’ve got to go, I’m late for an appointment.”
Holly looks at her watch and feels slightly anxious that Bruno hasn’t arrived yet. Just then she hears her name being called. She turns and sees Dwight approaching, with a big grin on his face.
Dwight is surprised: “Holly, fancy seeing you here.”
Holly feels disappointed that it's not Bruno arriving: “Hi Dwight.”
Dwight notices that Holly is alone: “Are you on your own? You can join us if you want to?”
Dwight was with his parents. Having separated last year they were currently giving things another go. His Mother’s drinking had got completely out of hand after she’d separated from Dwight’s Father and she’d even become violent. Dwight was relieved that his parents had reconciled because his Mother’s drinking and anger were now under control again.
Holly hesitates: “Thanks Dwight, that’s really sweet of you but I’m waiting for a friend. He should be here any moment.”
Dwight is disappointed and frustrated at being labelled sweet. He didn’t want to be seen as sweet, he wanted to be the type of guy that girls were interested in.
He smiles to hide his feelings: “Okay, well if you change your mind.”
As Dwight heads on to the ice Holly feels someone put their hands over her eyes and say: “Guess who?”
Holly is delighted that Bruno has arrived. He apologises and the two also head onto the ice.
Dwight sees them together and mutters to himself: “Bruno Martelli?”
Lydia and David exit from the auditorium.
David: “Thanks for helping me out, it means a lot.”
Lydia smiles: “I don’t think you need very much help. You seem to have everything pretty much perfect.”
David is relieved by Lydia’s comment: “Yeah I guess I was really just looking for your seal of approval. I know you’ve got high standards and would be honest with me.”
Lydia asks: “So have you told Morloch you may be leaving?”
David shakes his head: “No I didn’t want to rock the boat if I don’t need to. I’ll cross that bridge if I get the part.”
Lydia mutters: “Oh I think you’ll get the part and we’re going to miss you around here.”
David stops and looks at her knowingly and slowly nods his head.
Later that evening Holly and Bruno arrive back at Caruso’s which is now closed up for the evening. They laugh while talking about their evening on the ice rink. Afterwards they’d gone for a walk in Central Park, which looked lovely covered in snow. Bruno unlocks the door and invites Holly in.
Bruno: “I’ll see if there’s any leftover food in the kitchen. You must be starving, I know I am.”
Holly shakes her head: “No I’m fine I don’t want anything to eat!”
Bruno is surprised: “Well, how about a drink then?”
Holly nods: “Yeah, some tea would be nice.”
Bruno laughs: “I meant something a little stronger than tea.”
Holly is shocked: “But Bruno we’re under age”
Bruno laughs again: “It’s okay, I don’t think anyone’s going to ask for any ID”
Bruno pours two large glasses of brandy and hands one to Holly: “Here this will warm you up!”
Holly takes a sip of the drink and coughs: “My goodness, that’s strong!”
Bruno smiles: “Do you want something else instead?”
Holly shakes her head: “No this is fine, But there is something else I want...”
Bruno waits expectantly for Holly to tell him what it is but for a moment there is silence. He sips his drink as he watches Holly take the full glass and drink it all back in one go. She coughs and splutters a little afterwards but then moves closer to Bruno. Her eyes look longingly into his as she gets closer. He can feel her warm breath on his neck and smell the alcohol on her lips. Holly pulls him closer and kisses him deeply on the mouth. Bruno hesitates for a moment, not sure what to do but the alcohol has loosened him up a little and he finds himself kissing Holly passionately.
After a few moments they separate and Holly smiles: “I’ve been waiting all night to do that. I hope this is just the start of the evening?”
Bruno looks deeply into her eyes, drinks the rest of his drink in one go and reaches out his hand to lead Holly upstairs.
To be continued.......
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