The Only Exception -Neil Perry

Chapter 15

"He's good. He's really good." Charlie told Keating as I pulled him back down.

"Sometime for three-foot stool mistaketh me. Then slip I from her bum down topples she and "Tailor" cries and falls into a cough." Everyone laughed.

"And then the whole quire hold their hips and laugh and waxen in their mirth
nee-e-e-eze and swear."

"A merrier hour was never wasted there.
But room fairy... Here comes Oberon."

"And here my mistress. Would that he were gone."

My uncle sat in the back with a few other directors at NYU, and from where I was sitting they were enjoying it.

"Then by your side no bed- room me deny. For lying so Hermia I do not lie."

"Lysander riddles very prettily. Much beshrew my manners and my pride if Hermia meant to say Lysander lied." I stole a twissler from Charlie.

"But gentle friend for love and courtesy lie further off in human modesty such separation as may well be said becomes a virtuous bachelor and maid. Good night sweet friend. Thy love ne'er alter 'til thy sweet life end."

"Amen. Amen to that fair prayer say I. And then end life when I end loyalty."

"It's the last part and Neil's big finish." I smiled widely at Charlie before looking back.

The stage was dark, only shining a spot like on Neil

"If we shadows have offended think but this and all is mended. That you have but slumber'd here while these visions did appear." I smiled at my boyfriend.

"And this weak and idle theme no more yielding but a dream. Gentles do not reprehend. If you pardon we will mend." He took a pause.

"And as I am an honest Puck if we have unearned luck now to 'scape the serpent's tongue we will make amends ere long; else the Puck a liar call." He looked at me.

"So good night unto you all. Give me your hands if we be friends and Robin shall
restore amends."

The curtains closed as everyone cheered and clap.

They opened again as the boys and I were the first ones that stood up, cheering.

They all bowed and once they stood up straight Neil tried to hide but they pushed him back to the front.

The boys than counted to 3 before yelling.

"Yawp!" I chuckled.

Charlie took ahold of my hand dragging me to the lobby so we could wait for Neil.

We all stood talking and laughing, as Victor came over.

"Allison. You were right, I did like one person in particular." I smiled.

"I thought you would... Uncle Victor, these are my friends and my English teacher Mr Keating." I introduced.

"Nice to meet you." Victor nodded.

We than saw Neil and Perry heading to the door.

We all followed as Charlie tried to get Neil's attention but it didn't work.

Once we were outside Keating finally got to Neil stopping him.

"Neil, you have the gift. What a performance. You left even me speechless." Keating said.

"You have to stay with--"

Perry pulled Neil away.

"Get in the car." He turned back.

"Keating you stay away from my son." Perry made his way to the drivers side.

"Neil! Neil! Mr Perry come on!" Charlie said.

Neil was about to get in but I spoke up.

"I heard you." He turned looking at me.

"What?"

"That first night you stayed in my dorm, after I left the meeting Charlie brought the girls to." I took a step forward.

"I heard you say you love me." I said.

"When my parents divorced, I thought I would never fall in love... But then I met you and you changed that." I took a breath.

"What I am saying is... is that. I'm in love with you Neil, and I thought I would never say those words but I love you." Tears fell down my cheeks.

Neil slammed the car door shut before making his way over to me.

"Neil, get in the car." Perry said as Neil didn't listen.

Neil wrapped his hands around my waist, pulling me into a kiss.

I kissed back tangling my hand in his hair.

Neil pulled away resting his forehead onto mine.

"Say it again?" He asked.

"I love you." I said as he held me tightly.

He was then pulled away from me by Mr. Perry.

"Get in the car now Neil." He said.

"No!" Neil pushed him away.

"I'm done! I'm staying here with my friends and my girlfriend!" Neil yelled.

"Neil Perry?" I turned to see Uncle Victor.

He made his way over to us holding out his hand.

"Victor Chase, one of the administrator at New York University. My niece here." Victor looked at me.

"Called me yesterday asking me to come see this play... now I see why." I smiled.

"I want you to attend NYU, full scholarship for the class of '54." The boys started whispering.

"You were magnificent in the play, and your talents will be a great asset of our school." Victor said.

"It would be an honored to attend your school sir." Neil said as they shook hands.

"Well, I must be getting back to New York." Victor said.

"It was a pleasure to meet you sir." Victor nodded before giving me a smile before leaving.

"I cannot believe you did that for me." Neil said.

"I thought I made it abundantly clear. I'd do anything for you." I said as he chuckled pulling me into a hug.

We pulled away as the boys came over.

They picked him up, before cheering.

"Puck! Puck! Puck!"

I laughed shaking my head.

I cannot believe that these 7 idiots changed my life and I couldn't believe one of them would make me believe in love again.