Wish Upon A Christmas Star 7
Elizabeth Sherwood and Lydia Grant watch as Carmine Amatullo stops on the street corner. They have just witnessed Quentin Morloch informing Danny Amatullo’s father that the benefit Danny is organising can’t take place at the school and that Danny hasn't had much luck getting people involved. The two women exchange concerned glances and wonder if they should go and talk to Mr Amatullo. However before they can he hails a cab and is gone.
Elizabeth approaches the Vice Principal and angrily asks: “Did you have to do that?”
Morloch is confused wondering what he’s supposed to have done wrong now: “Do what Miss Sherwood? Cross the street?”
Sherwood snaps: “No! Shattering Mr Amatullo’s illusions about Danny. Don’t you realise they have a very fragile relationship and you could have done some serious harm to it?”
Morloch shakes his head in disbelief: “Well pardon me if I don’t pussy foot around these kids! It’s impossible to keep up with all their individual little problems. The guy made a statement and I simply told him the truth. Would you have preferred that I lied to the man?”
Sherwood sighs: “I would have preferred you use some tact and diplomacy. Just graciously accept what Mr Amatullo had to say and then speak to Danny if there was some kind of problem.”
Morloch quips sarcastically: “Would you have me wipe their noses for them too?”
Sherwood ignores the comment: “Why can’t the show take place at the school anyway?”
Morloch raises an eyebrow: “Well there’s that little thing called insurance. For any show to take place at the school there has to be at least one teacher responsible for it or our insurance would be invalid. We can’t just have just anyone doing a show in the school whenever they feel like it! Now since Miss Grant was too busy to take on that role that means the show can’t be held here."
Lydia gasps in surprise: “So this is my fault now?”
Morloch smiles sweetly in Lydia’s direction: “How does it feel to be the bad guy for once?”
Lydia takes a deep breath as she glares at Morloch. She opens her mouth to angrily snap at the man, when Elizabeth interrupts: “Lydia! Don’t rise to him, he’s just trying to goad you into an argument and deflect the conversation from him!”
Morloch smiles: "On the contrary I’m just highlighting how easy it is to be blamed for something that’s not your fault. It seems the faculty here are always quick to blame me for everything. What you are forgetting is that Amatullo lied to his father and promised something he couldn’t deliver! Now none of that is my fault and I simply was honest with the man."
Sherwood becomes frustrated: “Well the teacher adviser doesn’t have to be Lydia anyone of us could be involved in the show!”
Morloch nods: “That’s true but I don’t see any of your other colleagues rushing to take the position do you? Let’s face it Amatullo has bitten off more than he can chew and that’s nobody’s fault but his own.”
Morloch notices a group of students, including Cleo had gathered around them watching the argument. Morloch turns and addresses them: “What are you all hanging around for? Inside, the show is over!”
Cleo and the other students quickly disperse and head into the school.
Sherwood suddenly has a thought: “Well if you want to spend Christmas at my house then you need to find a way to allow Danny to use the school for the shows.”
Lydia can’t help but smile to herself and Morloch is surprised by the statement: “Why Miss Sherwood, are you blackmailing me? I’m surprised by you!”
Sherwood is outraged by the comment although she has to admit that it did sound rather like she was blackmailing him. In her flustered desperation she snaps: “Well I’ll be the teacher adviser to the show and I’ll take responsibility for it. Does that meet the insurance regulations?”
Morloch looks at her and raises his eyebrows sceptical of her statement: “Well yes as long as a teacher takes responsibility then the show could take place at the school but the teacher needs to actually be involved either as a director or performer and from what I can see Amatullo is directing this fiasco, so exactly what will your roll be Miss Sherwood?”
Sherwood remains flustered and pauses for a moment: “Well, it looks like I’ll be performing then doesn’t it?”
Morloch stifles a laugh: “Well what will it be? Now let me guess. Another poetry recital? I’m sure Mr Amatullo will love that!”
Sherwood is hurt by the insinuation that no one is interested in her poetry readings: “Well, I’ll have you know that a couple of years ago, I once danced in a school show, didn’t I Lydia?”
Lydia nods: “That you did.”
Morloch smiles at the thought: “Too bad I wasn’t here to see it. So will you be dancing for us this Christmas?”
Sherwood pauses: “I don’t know yet, we’ll have to see. All you need to know is that I’m the faculty adviser and I’ll be in the show and please arrange any necessary paperwork so that the show can take place at the school.”
Morloch smiles to himself as he heads off into the school. At the steps he turns and grins back at Elizabeth. “Oh Miss Sherwood, I’ll look forward to spending Christmas day with you too!”
As Morloch disappears into the school. Sherwood groans: “How do I get myself into these things?”
Lydia squeezes her friends arm sympathetically and asks: “So what are you going to do in the show?”
Sherwood shakes her head: “Oh, I don’t know. But whatever it is it’s going to be something that will wipe the smile off Morloch’s face."
Cleo enters the cafeteria where it seems the whole school is up dancing. Nicole, Holly Jesse and Chris are singing a Christmas song:
"It came into my dreams last night
A great, big man in red and white.
He told me that it’s gonna be
A special year for you and me.
Underneath the mistletoe
Hold me tight and kiss me slow.
The snow is high so come inside
I wanna hear you say to me!
It’s a very, very, merry, merry christmas.
Gonna party on ’til Santa grants my wishes.
Got my halo on I know what I want
It’s who I’m with.
It’s an extraordinary merry christmas!
It doesn’t come as a surprise
Who’s been naughty, who’s been nice.
There’s someone here for everyone
Another year has just begun.
Silent night, not inside
Slaybells ring until the light
Hearts explode, here we go
It’s all like they’re inside your eyes!
It’s a very, very, merry, merry christmas.
Gonna party on ’til Santa grants my wishes.
Got my halo on I know what I want
It’s who I’m with.
It’s an extraordinary merry christmas!
Won’t you meet me by the tree?
Slip away so secretly.
Can’t you see how this could be?
The greatest gift of all!
It’s a very, very, merry, merry christmas.
Gonna stay with you ’til Santa grants my wishes.
Got my halo on I know what I want
It’s who I’m with.
It’s an extraordinary merry...
very, very, merry, merry christmas!
Gonna party on ’til Santa grants my wishes.
Got my halo on I know what I want
It’s who I’m with.
It’s an extraordinary merry christmas!
It’s a very, very, merry, merry christmas.
It’s an extraordinary merry Christmas!"
As the song comes to and end Cleo tells Leroy, Jesse, Nicole, Chris and Holly what she overheard outside: “It looks as though Danny’s not going to have any show and even if he does he has nowhere to hold it.”
Everyone shakes their head’s and Nicole is the first to speak: “Well, there’s got to be something we can do to help Danny.”
Nicole notices the jealous look that Jesse gives her and snaps: “Look Jesse, for once and for all, there is nothing between Danny and I. If you are going to act like this jealous jerk every time I mention another guys name then our relationship isn’t going to work.”
Leroy interrupts: “Come on guys, this is no time for one of your fights. We need to think of something to help Danny!”
Chris thinks for a moment and grabs his books: “I think I have an idea!”
As Chris rushes to nearest exit the school bell rings, signalling the end of lunch and the cafeteria starts to empty.
Shorofsky is sat at a table with Bruno: “Well Mister Martelli I have a class to get to. It’s been lovely to see you again. You should drop in again sometime. "
Bruno smiles as the older man makes his way out of the room. Bruno looks around at the now almost empty lunch room, remembering all the musical numbers that the kids had put on when he was a student at the school. It all seems like a long time ago now but they were good memories.
After a few minutes Bruno leaves the cafeteria and heads into the main corridor. A voice suddenly snaps at him: “Hall Pass!”
Bruno looks to see Dwight standing expectantly with his hand outstretched. Bruno smiles: “Hi Dwight nice to see you too!”
Bruno notices a strange look on Dwight’s face that he can’t place: “Are you okay? You look kind of angry!”
Dwight snaps: “I’m fine but you shouldn’t be here, you’re not a student anymore.”
Bruno smirks: “Well, Mr Shorofsky seemed to think it was okay for me to be here. He’s invited me back.”
Dwight bites his lip then snaps: “Just be careful that’s all?”
Bruno is confused: “Careful with what?”
Dwight seems to get angrier: “With Holly that’s what?”
Bruno is puzzled by the remark but before he can answer a voice calls to him from the end of the corridor: “Hey Martelli, have you spoken to Schwartz yet?”
Bruno looks and sees Danny calling to him. Leaving Dwight behind Bruno walks towards Danny: “No, she stormed out of the Cafeteria and I got waylaid by Shorofsky.”
Danny sighs: “Well I’ve just seen her sitting alone in one of the music booths. Maybe you could try again?”
Bruno sighs: “Okay I’ll give it a go but she seems pretty angry with me right now, maybe it’s better if we leave her to cool down a little first.”
Danny Shakes his head: “Bruno man, there’s no time I’ve got to pull this show together or my Dad is going to kill me!”
Bruno sympathises: “Well, I’ll help you. I’ll play some piano of something.”
Danny smiles: “That’s great but please try and get Schwartz onside too. Oh yeah, if you have any pull with Shorofsky could you ask him to dress up as Father Christmas. He just refuses when I ask but he’d probably do it for you.”
Bruno reluctantly agrees to help his friend.
Chris is on the phone outside the make-up room: “Thanks Pop that will be so much help. Look I’ve got to go, I’ll see you later.”
Chris has asked his Father if they could delay their travel plans, to visit Chris’ older sister until Christmas Eve. His father was a little reluctant at first but Chris managed to persuade him. Having ended his first call Chris picks up the phone again and dials a number he has scrawled on to a piece of paper. After a moment the phone is answered: “Hi Lou, it’s Chris Donlon from the School of the Arts. Listen I have a favour to ask you.”
Lou sigh: “Why do I get the feeling I’m not going to like this?”
Doris sits alone in the music booth. Her finger lightly presses the keys on a synthesizer, which is set to play as a piano, and produces a melancholy sound. Bruno opens the door and stands sheepishly in the doorway: “Hi... How are you now?”
Doris looks up at Bruno but remains silent. She places her hands on the keys of the keyboard and plays a downbeat scale to explain her feelings.
Bruno raises an eyebrow: “That good, uh?”
Doris shrugs.
Bruno tries to apologise: “Look I’m really sorry if I hurt you. I didn’t mean to do that. I just had a lot on my mind and didn’t want to see people and have to keep talking about life in L.A. When I first got back I thought all the kids would still be hanging out at Caruso’s so I thought I would bump into people. Then when I realised they didn’t go there anymore and potentially I could avoid having to deal with my problems, it just seemed easier to stay out of everyone’s way.”
Doris quips: “But you had no problems telling Danny and Holly that you were back and talking to them about your problems. Was it just me you didn’t want to talk to?”
Bruno shakes his head: “Of course it wasn’t just you. Danny dropped by because Coco phoned him and told him I was there and Holly just came in one night. Once they were there I couldn’t avoid them. Maybe I was wrong not to say anything but at the time it seemed like the best thing for me. I didn’t think anyone would find out so didn’t realise that people could get hurt. I’m sorry, but that’s the truth.”
Doris looks at him for a long moment and slowly moves her head from one side to the other: “But it’s not just that you came back and didn’t tell me. It’s that I’ve barely heard from you since you went to L.A. I always thought we’d be friends for life but now I’m not so sure. It just feels like you moved away and forgot all about us.... Forgot all about me!”
Bruno sighs: “Hey, that’s simply not true. Of course we’re always going to be friends but Doris you don’t know what it’s like working in the real World. I’ve been working on the background music for a TV show. It such a tight schedule. They tell me what they want and it’s always like they want it straight away and then it might need to be changed if the script has to be changed. I get up go to work, spend all day on the music come home, work on my own music if I’m lucky, if not I’m still working on the show’s music. I get a few hours sleep and then do it all again. That was one of the reasons I didn’t want to get too serious with Heather, this girl I’ve been seeing, because there’s simply no time to have a proper relationship. When you leave here next summer and start working you’ll realise it’s true, how little time you have for other people. Hell, how little time you have for yourself.”
Doris contemplates what her friend has said: “Gee, I guess I’m the one that owes you an apology. I had no idea things were like that for you. Of course if you’d taken a few minutes to phone or write then I would have known and this whole problem could have been avoided."
They both laugh and Bruno is relieved that he is finally getting through to Doris: “Of course you’re not the only one who’s been hurting. You’ve been taking this all out on Danny, when it’s not his fault.”
Doris nods her head slowly and thinks for a moment: “You’re right, I have been blaming Danny and I guess I owe him an apology.”
Bruno smiles: “You know it’s been over a year since I was last in one of these rooms. Do you feel like singing for old times sake?”
Doris agrees and moves over to make room at the synthesizer for Bruno to sit down and play: “But what about Holly? Are you and her an item? She’s been going on about a new mystery boyfriend and you and she looked pretty close when I saw you together!”
Bruno hesitates for a moment: “Holly and I are friends. She needed someone to talk to and I guess the fact that I hadn’t been around for awhile meant I wasn’t involved in her problems at school and at home.”
Bruno feels guilty for not telling the whole truth but he really didn’t want to discuss the situation with Doris.
Doris ponders what he’s said then asks: “What problems?”
Bruno is puzzled as to what Doris is referring to: “Sorry what do you mean?”
Doris explains: “You said Holly had some problems, I’m just curious as to what they are?”
Bruno hesitates again: “Erm, I really don’t think it’s down to me to tell you. If Holly wants people to know then it’s up to her to tell people. Now don’t take that the wrong way.”
Doris laughs: “Okay! Are we going to sing or what?”
Bruno smiles and begins to play a fun Christmas song and Doris joins in with the singing.
"Have a holly jolly Christmas
It’s the best time of the year
I don’t know if there’ll be snow
But have a cup of cheer
Have a holly jolly Christmas
And when you walk down the street
Say hello to friends you know
And everyone you meet
Oh ho the mistletoe
Hung where you can see
Somebody waits for you
Kiss him once for me
Have a holly jolly Christmas
And in case you didn’t hear
Uh by golly have a holly jolly
Christmas this year
Oh ho the mistletoe
Hung where you can see
Somebody waits for you
Kiss him once for me
Have a holly jolly Christmas
And in case you didn’t hear
Uh by golly have a holly jolly
Christmas this year
Santa Claus is coming to town"
As the song ends Doris gives Bruno a huge hug: "Oh I’ve missed you so much!”
David Reardon rushes down the main corridor towards the exit and glances at the clock on the wall: “Damn I’m going to be late.”
Mrs Berg has just come out of the school office and hears the drama teacher talking and thinks it must be to her: “I’m sorry I didn’t hear what you said!”
David quips: “I was just commenting on the fact that I’m going to be late.”
Mrs Berg notices the time: “Why Mr Reardon, school is still in session aren’t you leaving a little early?”
David smiles: “It’s okay Mrs Berg I have Mr Morloch’s permission. I’m going to a call back and will hopefully have the news that I got the part I’m after.”
Mrs Berg remembers that the drama teacher had been auditioning for a show: “Well if Mr Morloch knows then who am I to hold you up. Run along dear and good luck.”
As David turns to go Mrs Berg calls him back: "Mr Reardon you're not wearing a coat you catch your death out there."
David holds up the coat that he his carrying under his arm.
Mrs Berg shakes her head: "Well for goodness sake put it on. It's not doing you any good carrying it"
David smiles and rushes down the main steps into the street.
In the guys locker room Jesse, Leroy, Chris and Danny are changing after dance class. Leroy approaches Danny: “Look Danny, Cleo overheard something at lunch time that you should know about before you go home.”
Chris and Jesse are now standing close to Leroy and Danny looks from face to face wondering what is the matter: “What is it Leroy, we need to get to English Class.”
Leroy hesitates: “Well, your father was at the school and was talking to Morloch...”
Danny interrupts: “So what’s so important about that.”
Jesse takes over trying to explain: “He knows man. Morloch told him that you can’t hold the benefit at the school.”
Danny puts his head in his hands: “I can’t believe that man. My father’s going to kill me. I was counting on wearing Morloch down and persuading him to let me use the school. Now what am I going to do?”
Chris interrupts: “Well it’s not all bad news. I’ve spoken to Lou and am working on getting him to use Lou’s Lanes for the show. Also I’ve got my father to delay our flights so now you have a lead dancer for the benefit. Just tell me what you want me to do.”
Danny gives Chris a Hi five: “That’s great news man but even so my father is still going to kill me.”
Leroy has been pondering what Chris has said: “Now wait a minute, what’s all this about a lead dancer? Now that I’m no longer in the seniors show, I’m available to be in the lead dancer in the show.”
Chris and Leroy start to argue about who is going to be the lead and Danny yells at them to stop the fight: “Guys! Guys! I’m glad that you are now both available but there’s no need to fight, you can both Dance leads in different numbers. The more the better.”
Chris and Leroy eye each other up and down as they accept the situation. Jesse starts to feel a little jealous that he’s not part of the show: “It looks like this thing maybe really coming together. It’s a shame I can’t be part of it.”
Danny nods: “Yeah I’m sorry too, but I hope you’re right about things coming together. I need all the good news to try and reassure my old man.”
The bell rings for the end of Elizabeth Sherwood’s English class and the end of the school day. Sherwood reminds the students: “Don’t forget your term papers are due in tomorrow.”
A collective sigh emits from the class as they start to gather their books and leave the classroom. Holly protests: “That’s so unfair, it’s Christmas Miss Sherwood!”
Sherwood raises an eyebrow: “And that’s why you’ve had two weeks to do these papers. Tomorrow people, no excuses. Doris, Danny can you stay behind please."
In the corridor Holly sees Bruno and rushes over to him and links her arm through his: “Are you ready to leave?”
Bruno feels awkward and unlinks his arm: “Look Holly I don’t think it’s a good idea to be seen together like this.”
Holly feels rejected: “But why? What does it matter? They are going to know about us sooner or later.”
Bruno looks cautiously around: “Well I would prefer it be later. Now if you want this to continue then please do as I ask.”
Holly nods reluctantly in agreement: “Okay.”
Bruno takes a deep breath: “Now I’ve got to see Shorofsky before I leave. So if you want to wait I’ll meet you outside the main entrance.”
Holly nods and sulkily walks towards the exit. She looks back as Bruno heads up the steps to Shorofsky’s room on the second floor and she wonders if things are over between her and Bruno.
In Sherwood’s classroom Danny is protesting that he can’t stay behind to help with anything as he’s got lots of things to do.
Sherwood eventually interrupts: “Well if you listen to what I have to say maybe you’ll hear something that will be of help to you.”
Doris and Danny look at the English teacher expectantly and she continues: “Well I have good news and I have bad news.”
Danny sighs: “Why does there always have to be bad news as well?”
Sherwood smiles: “Well hopefully the bad news won’t be that bad. Which do you want first?”
Doris is puzzled: “What does any of this have to do with me?”
Sherwood turns her gaze to Doris: “Patience dear, all will be revealed. Now Danny what do you want first the good or the bad news?”
Danny ponders for a moment: “Okay give me the good news, maybe that will soften the blow of any bad news.”
Sherwood sits down on the corner of her desk: “Well, I overheard Mr Morloch telling your father that your benefit couldn’t take place at the school. Something to do with Insurance agreement being invalid, if you don’t have a teacher adviser involved with the show. So the good news is I’ve managed to persuade Mr Morloch to allow the show to go ahead at the school after all.”
Danny can’t believe his ears: “Really, Oh Miss Sherwood I could kiss you. You don’t know how much of a relief that is. The guys told me what had happened with Morloch and my Father and I’ve spent the whole of your lesson dreading going home but now I can tell him the good news that should make everything okay. Plus I’ve now got Leroy and Chris on board and Doris is talking to me again.”
Doris smiles at him reassuringly as he continues: “For the first time since I started this it feels like everything is coming together.”
As Danny becomes excited, the smile falls slightly from Sherwood’s face: “Well we’ve still got the bad news to come so don’t get too carried away.”
Danny gathers his composure and turns to look at his teacher: “So what is the bad news then?”
Sherwood takes a deep breath: “Well as I said for the show to take place at the school you need to have a faculty adviser as part of the show.”
Danny nods: “Okay, well that doesn’t seem so bad as long as they realise it’s my show!”
Sherwood laughs: “No there’s no doubt about that.”
Danny shrugs: “So what’s the problem?”
Sherwood braces herself: “Well in the absence of Mr Reardon and Miss Grant, I will be your teacher adviser.”
Danny smiles: “Well that doesn't seem to be too bad. I’m sure you and I can work together.”
Sherwood nods in agreement: “I’m sure we can but the agreement that I have with Mr Morloch is that I am actually in the show.”
Danny is still unfazed by his teacher: “What will you be doing one of your poetry readings? I’m sure we can find something Christmassy that will work.”
Sherwood takes another deep breath: “No Danny it won’t be a poetry reading. I have something else in mind and that’s where you come in Doris.”
Danny and Doris exchange puzzled glances before Doris asks: “How can I be of help?”
Sherwood hesitates before she speaks and looks at Danny and then to Doris: “I thought I would try singing a song for the show.”
Danny still isn’t sure what the problem is: “That’s fine, I ain’t got a problem with that. But what’s it got to do with Doris?”
Sherwood bites her lip for a moment and then asks: “Doris, can you teach me to sing?”
The smile falls from Danny’s face as Doris stumbles for words: “Erm..., erm..., sure. How difficult can it be?”
Sherwood gives a weak smile as Danny and Doris exchanged concerned glances.
To be continued.....