Center Stage

Second short story for the semester. This is a first draft. Let me know what you think. Thanks guys! :)

Center Stage

Emma couldn’t believe that Jake was leaving her. Right before their planned trip to visit her sister too. That was going to take some explaining. Her family loved her but they all knew her drive for her work had the possibility of pushing people away. Stepping from the cab, Emma greeted the bellboy and instructed him to be careful with her Louie. Following him to her suite after checking in, she gave him a generous tip and amazing white smile.

Closing the large wooden door, Emma turned to the small, round entrance table and circled the large flower arrangement in the foyer. The tiny white card was barely visible through the overflowing vase. Moving a large pink rose she plucked it out and opened the fragrant envelope.

Emma,
I regret that things turned out this way. I would love nothing more than to be there with you, but I just can’t. Please think about everything we discussed. I’ll have my things out of the house before you return and have someone come watch Bo.
Jake

Emma set the note calmly next to the bouquet and took three deep breaths. She wanted to pick up the vase and heave it against a wall. Instead, she mentally checked off the reasons to remain cool and stepped away from the table and left the entryway to unpack her bags. Being mad was easier than being hurt. She could deal with anger.

Seeing that the bellboy had already hung her dresses and left her favored Louie on the luggage rack, Emma unzipped it and began hanging the varieties of clothing in the open closet. The suitcase was massive and held a weeks’ worth of outfits easily. It was the first big ticket item Emma had purchased for herself after her initial break on Broadway. When she traveled she wanted to be known as someone important, someone who could have anything on her own. Things she had earned by working hard. Rising out of her parents life in upper-middle class suburbia was Emma’s greatest accomplishment. Her parents had always been supportive and kind but she wanted to make a name for herself. Let that name be known.

Placing her Louie makeup bag on the marble counter in the oversized bathroom, Emma washed her face and dried it on the terry cloth towel. Before dinner she’d expertly reapply the excess color to her lips, eyes and cheeks. She had become a high profile makeup artist on her way to the stage. Makeup and costumes were a large part of becoming a character after all. Talent was the main ingredient though. Emma learned she had talent in her high school’s production of Suzy Q and from then on she did whatever it took, while still maintaining her dignity, to get under those lights. Emma Brooke was meant to entertain.

.....

A knock interrupted her short nap. The bedroom of the Deluxe Suite was softly lit by outside sunlight peeking through the cracks of the heavy red curtains. Emma shifted and stretched under the white duvet. Another knock sounded impatiently on the main door and forced her to rise and pull back the curtains. Slipping on her rose-colored robe, Emma walked from her room to the foyer and opened the dark wood separating her space from the hall.

“Why didn’t you tell me you got in early?!”

Her sister Sarah was already wrapped around her and Emma gave a tight squeeze in return. “I didn’t know I would be and I didn’t want to take you away from work,” Emma assured her sister. Taking Sarah’s hand, Emma walked to the left, opposite of her room, and into the parlor of the suite. “I missed you like crazy!”

“I missed you too. Your play was wonderful. I just love watching you on stage Emma! March was so long ago though. Let’s not go two months without visiting again.”
Emma laughed and hugged her sister again then got down to the business of catching up.

“So give me the scoop on everything. How’s life?”

Even after moving to New York, Sarah was still Emma’s best friend. They had a sibling relationship linked like no one understood. Sarah’s matching white teeth shown back to Emma. She knew her sister was completely unguarded around her. Emma had always wanted more of everything from life and Sarah supported her sister’s ambition and success.

“Things are good. Ryan and I are officially living together as of three weeks ago. Mom is going crazy with wedding plans for the fall and Dad has been bursting with pride to everyone about his two ‘fabulous girls,’” Sarah informed her sister.
Emma flinched at the mention of her father’s pride in them both but it went unnoticed by Sarah, who continued on. “I’m so glad you and Jake were able to come and visit us! Tennessee missed you Emma almost as much as I have…” Sarah trailed off and her brow wrinkled slightly.

“Emma? Where’s Jake? He would’ve come and said hi by now. Isn’t he here?”

“Well,” Emma began to think up a million different scenarios in which Jake could believably be absent, but decided to tell the truth instead. She couldn’t lie to her sister. Besides, no one else would listen the way Sarah would. “Jake isn’t going to be here Sarah. I’m sorry. He sends his best. He’s leaving me.” Tears began to run down her cheeks as Emma finally realized what was happening to her relationship. Thinking back to when the trouble started, she wondered how to explain it to her sister.

.....

Emma met Jake when she was twenty-two years old. Her first lead role on Broadway had its last showing that evening. Emma was never nervous before a production. She took weeks memorizing lines, cues, placements and timing. There was no room for error in her mind so she made preparations to ensure nothing went wrong. She was a lot like her mother in that sense. Acting was more than a career to her, it was what drove her, motivated her, and challenged her. She enjoyed it.

That night when Emma stepped onto the stage, she became Meg. Little Women had been one of her favorite stories as a child. Emma has always had a close sister relationship and could relate to the many characters very well. The evening went off without a hitch and after she changed, Emma walked into the celebration of the after party feeling like a star, with everyone applauding her and cheering at a job well done. Across the room she saw her manager talking to a very attractive man in a trim and elegant suit. He was watching her closely as she moved around the room greeting other actors, the playwright, and financial contributors who were allowed to attend.

“Emma!” her manager, Tony Pierce, called her over as she got closer. “Emma, this is Jake Preston. He works in the Finance Department for the theater. He is responsible for getting us some of our funding so we can perform.”

“Is that so? I guess I have to be nice to you then.” Looking over her bare shoulder, she beckoned to the server. “Would you please get us some champagne? We’re celebrating a success after all!” The room cheered again and Emma turned her laughing face back toward Tony and Jake. “So Jake, do you do anything besides crunch numbers for us?” That wonderfully happy night had been the beginning of more than Emma’s fast growing career, it was the start of hers and Jake’s two year courtship and four year marriage.

.....

Things had been perfect for a long time and looking back Emma wondered if that should have been a sign to her. She continued to star in lead roles all over Broadway during their courtship and marriage while Jake was promoted over the years until he was the head of the Financial Department. Together they attended parties and rubbed elbows.

One evening, after the success of the theater’s latest play, Chicago, Emma and Jake decided to go out and celebrate by renting a limo and treating themselves to a private rooftop dinner in the Glass Dome restaurant. The restaurant was famous for exactly what anybody would think; a clear glass dome over tables and chairs on a rooftop high above New York City under the beautiful night sky. Emma and Jake both had a lovely time and connected in a way that made them feel closer than ever.

“What an adrenaline rush! That was is why I love what I do. Did you hear the people calling my name? ‘Emma! Emma! Emma!’ They really think I’m good!” Emma beamed across the white linen table cloth.

“You are better than good, you’re great. You should be proud of yourself. You’ve come a long way in the last few years. I love you so much Emma. I’m so glad my boss made me go to that party six years ago.”

“Me too. You really swept me off my feet Jake. Waltzing right into my heart with your fast charm and continuous compliments,” she teased.

“What else was I supposed to do? Leave it to chance? Oh no, I had to make an impression,” he stated puffing his chest out like a peacock. “Think I’d let some other guy steal you away?” Pausing, his eyes went far away as he remembered the floor-length, off the shoulder, clingy purple gown. “You were so beautiful.”

“Thank you baby.” She took his hand in middle of the table by the centerpiece and squeezed tight.

She remembered him kissing her palm then they had shared a large warm brownie with a scoop of ice cream and hot fudge. It seemed like such a long time ago. It was a long time ago.

.....

About a year ago, around Emma’s twenty-seventh birthday, small things in their relationship began to shift. Jake wanted her to slow down in accepting big roles and let him take over being the main breadwinner for their small family.

One day he brought home a puppy and let her name it. She picked Bo as the name for the tiny multi-colored hound dog and gave Jake a nervous glance when he said it would be a “test run” for them. Surely Jake remembered their conversation about kids from back when they had been dating? Emma had told him that she really enjoyed kids and that if she ever had a break or decline in her career she would love to have them, but assured him that she was going to ride the gravy train as long as it stopped at the station to let her on board. She had worked toward her acting career as long as she could remember. Emma never really wanted anything besides success. Even finding Jake had been a stroke of luck; she was an independent person and could take care of herself and be happy living alone. The first big fight they had about the possibility of children was still fresh in Emma’s mind.

“Jake, I told you when we were dating that I love my work. I just don’t want kids right now.”

“If not now, then when Emma? Don’t you hear your clock ticking? You are almost thirty.” Emma had never seen such cool, controlled anger in his face before. It startled her that he was that desperate to have a family. She was content with where her life was.

“I’m aware of my age Jake. And I’m also aware of how I like my life to run and I know that I am the one in control of it. If I say I don’t want kids right now, I mean I’m not having kids right now.”

“How much longer are you going to make me wait?”

“I don’t know if I ever want to have kids Jake. Don’t you listen to me?” she snapped back at his calm resolve. “I’ve told you that I don’t know how many times. Getting my name out there and being recognized has always been my goal. Now that people are just starting to really know me, you want me to quit? To walk away? I’m sorry, but it’s not happening. I’m not walking out on my dream.”

“That’s really selfish Emma. I never knew you could be that cruel. I guess I’m learning a lot of new things these days. I’m going on a walk.”

With those last words Jake picked up the puppy and left the room. Emma cried after he left but he never knew because when he returned she was taking a bath, reading a new play. Emma wasn’t trying to be cruel to him; she was just going after her dream. She didn’t understand how the goals of their marriage had shifted without her knowledge. Children were never mentioned before. Their marriage had been about both of them excelling at their work, what made them happy, and now Jake wasn’t happy with her and he was leaving.

.....

“He wants children Sarah. Right now. I don’t so he’s decided to leave me. It’s not like it’s a personal vendetta against me. We still love each other and basically have a good relationship, we just disagree about the future.”

“I know you Emma, so I understand your point of view about your career, but are you sure you don’t want kids? It’s a big decision.”

“Maybe someday, but not right now. I’ve just been offered the possibility of a movie role Sarah. It’s big. I don’t want to turn it down and jeopardize the future positions. If it works out I’m going to take it.”

“What?! Oh that’s wonderful Emma! Did you tell Jake that? Explain to him that you just want to wait another year or so?”

“Yes. He simply said that he’s already 30 and doesn’t want to wait any longer to start a family. He doesn’t understand that I can’t start showing while I’m filming a movie. I don’t know what else to do. There isn’t really a compromise between having a baby and not having a baby. We already have a one year old dog.”

“That’s true Emma, but unruly pets are different than a baby bump.”

“I know that. Tell me what the solution is here Sarah. Is this really a reason to give up my career?”

“Not a reason Emma, the reason if you choose it to be. He’s your husband. You’ve spent the last six years with him every single day. Could you really just let him walk away? I know you love him.”

“We don’t see eye-to-eye on this Sarah. And I’m not letting him walk. He is choosing to go.” Emma was starting to get frustrated with her sister.

“Alright. Alright. Well you know I support you no matter what. What’s your next step?”

“He’s moving his things out while I’m here and I guess he’ll serve me with papers or file for a separation with the city next.”

“Wow Emma. I’m just shocked. I never knew Jake felt that way. You’re welcome to stay here as long as you need to. I don’t mind the company.”

“Thanks. I’ll be here for the week, but then I have to get back to Bo.”

.....

Two evenings later, Emma and Sarah were wandering around Beale Street’s Historic District window shopping and waiting until eight o’clock, when their blues concert was beginning at BB King’s Blues Club. They decided to get a few daiquiris at the Coyote Ugly Bar to pass the time and relax.

“Emma!” Sarah waved enthusiastically at her sister down the bar. By chance, two gentlemen had gotten up to pursue the ladies they had been eyeing on the dance floor leaving two barstools open for the sisters to occupy. Sarah settled onto hers waiting for Emma to make her way through the crowd and brushed off an approaching fellow dressed in a suit by picking up her daiquiri in her left hand, flashing the six month old ring that glittered generously there.

“I saw that.” Emma giggled and slid onto her wooden stool taking a tiny sip from her drink.

“You didn’t see anything. I was simply holding the seat for you.”

“Yeah you were. Speaking of gentlemen callers, how is engaged life? It’s only, what, four months until the wedding right?”

“Yep. You got off so lucky being an out-of-town Matron of Honor.” Sarah smirked at her sister. “Mom is happy to do the planning though. And just wait til you see Ryan later! He’s so cute; actually keeping up with the details. Last night, when he got home from work, he asked me if we should get our names monogramed on the drink napkins. It’s adorable.”

“He sure is working a lot lately.”

“Yeah, the new client is kind of picky. I don’t see what the big deal is if the building is twelve stories or fifteen, but Ryan has a knack for it. Sorry you’ve only seen him in passing. I wanted you to stay at our place but we’re still working out what will stay and what will go so there’s boxes everywhere. You’ll see tomorrow when you stop by.”

“Well, as much as I enjoy seeing your fiancé, we both know I’m mainly here to visit you. I don’t know what I’ll do when I get back home in a few days.”

“You’ll call me and tell me all about the fabulous wedding boutiques and their wonderful dresses and how you’ll fly me right up to try them on.”

“I just might have to. I can’t believe that you still haven’t found a dress!”

“I’ve been looking, but there isn’t ‘The One’ yet. I’m holding out for that feeling and I will until the very last second if I have to.”

Shaking her head at her sister, Emma glanced at her small wrist unit and noted the time. “We’d better get going if we want to get good seats. We’re a few blocks away and only have a half hour now.” Finishing off her drink, Emma stood and looked at the suited man still perched in the corner, watching them. “I think he’s waiting to see if you’ve changed your mind.”

“And he can keep on waiting,” Sarah stated and lead the way out of the bar into the night air.

.....

Three weeks later Emma was alone with Bo in the half-empty penthouse back in New York. When she got back two weeks ago from her sister’s, she noticed that Jake had kindly left her all the appliances and old wedding gifts they commonly used. Things like the coffee pot and toaster remained on the counter tops. Only his personal belongings and clothing were gone. He didn’t need any of the furniture yet because he was staying with a buddy until he found a more permanent place. Though they were still speaking with regularity, the topic that had driven them apart was left alone.

Emma felt the spaces unfilled in the rooms and missed Jake. Flipping through the TV channels, Emma sighed deeply and clicked the Off button on the remote causing Bo to look up at her.

“Bo? You wanna come keep me company tonight? Come on boy!” Enticed by adventuring somewhere he generally wasn’t allowed, Bo immediately hopped up on Jake’s side and snuggled into the large goose feather pillow. Emma curled around him remembering that she and Jake had warmed these sheets with love only a month ago. She wondered if they could find a middle ground. Though she was independent, Emma had grown used to coming home to him, taking trips with him, and sharing her life to make it their lives. She fell asleep that night thinking of the past six years and what the next six would be.

.....

Exactly two months were left until her sister’s wedding and Emma was preparing for her opening night by running a last rehearsal with her fellow actors. Promises, Promises was set to be a hit. To her mind everyone would love the “swinging sixties” setting and the Mad Men feel it had. About halfway through the second act, she had a déjà vu feeling when out of the corner of her eye Jake stepped into the theater and settled into the last row stage right. Emma carried on with the performance playing Fran Kubelik, the object of Chuck’s eye in a romantic musical comedy until the curtain call and the all clear. The actors were allowed to retire for a few hours to calm themselves before show time.

“Emma,” Jake called as he walked down the aisle to the stage. “I was hoping I could talk to you for a moment.”

“Just let me grab a water bottle. I’ll meet you in my room ok?” Emma spoke gently though her insides were twisting. Jake nodded and walked around to the stairs. She didn’t want to know what Jake was going to say. It was probably that he had found a place to live and that the divorce papers were being drawn up. Jake was still Jake; even though they were separated, he’d want her to know beforehand that he was thinking of such things.

She entered the snack room for a water bottle but her stomach overwhelmed her and she headed for the bathroom instead. Splashing cool water on her face and resolving to take some Tums immediately, Emma ended up rushing into a stall instead. Five minutes later, her stomach completely empty, Emma finally made it to her room to talk to Jake.

“Hi. Sorry it took so long.” She walked over to him and gave him a timid hug. “What’s up Jake?”

“Emma, are you alright? You’re very pale.”

“I’m fine. It’s probably just a bug going around. I’ll take something for it. Why did you come?”

“I just wanted to let you know that I miss you. I know we have this disagreement but I’ve built my life around you Emma and now it’s all upside down. I hate staying with Tommy and I miss you and Bo. I came to ask you if there is any way we can work things out now. We’ve each had some time, a lot of time, to breathe and think and I want your opinion. I want to know what you want.”

“Jake,” Emma paused thinking of how to phrase what she was about to say and to catch her breath from the unexpected words. “I’ve missed you too. I would love for you to come home, but how are we going to compromise? We can’t just ignore that we want two different things.”

“Oh, I was hoping you had considered my side some more. Emma, what is it going to take? When are you going to want this?”

“I don’t know that I ever will. I’m happy where I am…” Emma trailed off and closed her mouth as more nausea moved into her belly. Jake took her lack of words as a close to the short conversation and nodded again, briskly and tight-lipped. Emma’s face fell at his hurt look and she took a deep breathe to speak. “Jake, let’s just see where we are in a few months. After this play I’ll either be offered a contract for the movie or I won’t. Can we make a decision then? After Sarah’s wedding?”

“It doesn’t look like I have much of a choice I guess. I’ll wait for your decision Emma, but not any longer. After your sister’s wedding, you make a choice and be sure it’s one you can live with.” He turned to leave but as his hand touched the knob of the door, he turned back to face her. “Emma, I just want you to know that you still have everything. You really do shine best on the stage.”

“Thank you Jake. That means a lot.” She watched him walk out the door leaving her behind for a second time about the same topic.

.....

The play went off without a hitch, as it always did. Emma called her sister at eleven when she got back to the apartment to tell her all about it. Afterwards they talked about the finalities of the wedding, Sarah had finally chosen a dress, and the conversation Emma and Jake had had that morning. On the phone Sarah kept hearing a loud crunching noise in solid increments. It baffled her enough to finally ask before hanging up.

“Emma, what in God’s name are you eating? It’s been driving me crazy.”

“Oh! I’m sorry. I didn’t know you could hear it. It’s the new flavor of Sun Chips. Guess the bag is as loud as they say.”

“Sun chips? You hate chips. You always say they should be banned and the world will be rid of heart attacks.”

“I know but on the way home I just wanted something crunchy and they really aren’t that bad.”

“Anything else you’ve been eating that’s new?” Sarah’s voice had taken on a deadly still tone but Emma hadn’t yet caught on.

“Not really… Actually, yes. I had a Meat Lovers calzone yesterday. I just felt like trying something new. Maybe that’s why my stomach was upset this morning.”

“Your stomach was upset this morning? What do you mean?”

“Well, when Jake came to talk I felt clammy so I went to splash water on my face but I got sick. I was fine by lunch though.”

“When’s the last time you and Jake slept together?”

“That’s random. If you’re asking me if I’m sleeping with anyone else, the answer is no Sarah.”

“It’s not that. Just tell me.”

“Uhm, about two months ago I think. What’s wrong with you?”

“Emma. Listen to me. You need to get your coat back on and find a twenty-four hour drug store right now.”

“Why? What’s the matter with you? You sound all James Bond-ish.”

“Emma. Think carefully. You are craving foods you don’t normally eat, you are feeling sick in the morning, and you and Jake were last together about two months ago. Have you had your period?”

“Of course I have!” A long pause followed. “No. No I haven’t. I was going to go to the doctor because I thought something might have been wrong. Normally it’s at least four days but two weeks ago it was only one. I thought it was funny. Oh crap. Oh crap Sarah!”

“Calm down Emma, calm down. Go to the drugstore Emma. I’ll be right here. I’m in for the night. Go get a test and call me back. I can come if you need me to. Just let me know.”

“Ok. Ok.” Emma breathed deeply and tried to calm her suddenly panicked mind. “I’m going. There’s a store three blocks from here. I’ll call you back in a half hour. I’m freaking out a little right now.”

“I know hun. Don’t worry. It’ll work out. Let’s not react until we know the truth.”

“Ok,” Emma repeated again, clearly shocked. “I’m going. I’ll call you back.”

.....

Half an hour later Emma was back in the apartment yet again and closed in the bathroom alone. Bo was lying outside the door whimpering occasionally. Emma’s shaking hands pulled the tab of the box as she listened to her sister’s rhythmic breathing through the speaker of the phone. Inhaling deeply and tearing at the wrapper Emma addressed Sarah. “I really hope Ryan isn’t listening to this.”

“He’s not. I left him in the bedroom and came into the kitchen. You ok?”

“I’m holding up. Here goes nothing.” Emma crouched over the toilet and held the thin plastic stick in her stream of pee for ten seconds then removed it and replaced the cap back on it, setting it on the rim of the sink. “Ok. The box says to wait for four minutes then it’ll read out the answer.”

“That’s how it goes. Want to talk about anything while we wait?”

“I think I’m going to go get a drink really quick. Want to wait here or come with me?”

“I’ll wait here. You’re on speaker too and I’m going to grab a snack. I need to do something with my hands.”

“Alright, I’ll be right back.”

Emma opened the door, stepped over Bo, and walked down the hall and into the kitchen. Taking a glass from the cabinet and she filled it with water from the tap. Emma drank it slowly and then refilled it and drank again. Setting the glass in the left side of the sink, she inhaled and walked down the hall back toward the bathroom.

“You there sis?” Emma asked the phone on the counter while standing in the doorway.

“Yeah I’m here.”

“I’m going to look at it now.”

“Alright. Remember I’m right here.”

Emma stepped into the room and walked the eight feet to the test still sitting on the rim of the sink. Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, she exhaled and opened them looking into the mirror.

“Emma?”

“I’m ok. I’m ok.” Emma looked down to the sink and nearly dropped to the floor. The pregnancy test read Not Pregnant.