CHAPTER 66 - SHE IS MADLY IN LOVE WITH A GEEK
CHAD's POV
"Places everyone! We'll be ready in five." I called out the cast, and they all scrambled to their positions, ready to start the play. Some quickly took their places on the stage while others readied the props and did last minute audio checks. Everyone was working hard and in full swing, ensuring that every detail was perfect and that the show would be a success.
In just a few minutes, the curtains would be drawn, and the show would begin.
I still remember the day when I announced the casting call for this play, in the very same auditorium. That was my first encounter with Courtney. That day, I promised myself not to get involved with the likes of her, to stay away. But despite my promise to myself, I found myself hopelessly drawn to her.
And look where I am now--completely happy and in love with her.
How it all started was unusual. We weren't friends or acquaintances. She was the type of girl who wouldn't look at me twice. And I was the geeky kid who preferred to be in the background and wasn't looking for a relationship.
But somehow fate had a different plan for us. We were thrown together and our bond grew from there. Despite fighting off our feelings to each other, we began to realize that we truly cared about one another and had a connection that was undeniable.
Love.
My relationship with Courtney has been growing and thriving well. Though it's only been days, it felt like I had known her for years. We connect on so many levels and I feel so comfortable being with her--like all the time in the world had stopped whenever we were together.
But lately, we've both been busy with our respective school commitments, so we haven't had the chance to hang out as much. But I'm looking forward to spending more time with her when things settle down.
After this day, we can finally get more quality time together. That is if she's finished accepting extra school activities from Mr. Duval as a form of repentance. If not, I'd be more than willing to help just to spend more time with her.
After her conversation with Jeremy, Courtney went to Mr. Duval the next day and told him she is ready to take responsibility or any punishment suitable for her wrongdoings. Even though Mr. Duval said that she did not have to do it, and that she should consider what happened before as a lesson learned, Courtney still insisted on doing something, anything, to make amends.
She didn't press on anything about her graduating. In fact, she said she was willing to repeat the year instead of dropping out. But Mr. Duval said it wouldn't be necessary, confessing her mistake was more than enough. Also, just attending summer classes would be enough for her to graduate.
Yes, Mr. Duval let Courtney graduate despite her mistakes as he saw the effort she had put in and her willingness to take responsibility for her actions.
We were both happy with Mr. Duval's decision. Courtney was content as well, especially after she told her dad what she had done and was willing to do in order to make up for all the bad things she did.
Mr. Collins told her he was proud of her for taking responsibility and maturing. As a reward, he offered to buy her anything she wanted, but she chose to help Jeremy with his college instead.
My pride and admiration for her selfless act cannot be overstated. It was a truly heartwarming moment and showed she had grown and matured into such an amazing person. I didn't know I could love her even more, but I did.
And I couldn't help but feel lucky to have such an incredible girlfriend in my life.
"Don't get me wrong, it's really fulfilling doing all this. But I really want to spend the rest of my high school days with you and do those boyfriend-girlfriend stuff like in the movies."
I remembered how Courtney pouted when she told me that, and my lips couldn't resist kissing her in response.
Honestly, I wasn't sure what she had done to me. I was smitten and felt like I was under her spell or something. With just one smile from her, I'm lost in her eyes and completely captivated by her.
I looked at the crowd to search for her. I noticed it was packed, which I didn't expect.
There I found Jackson with his girlfriend--Lucy, one of Courtney's best friends. They still owe us the story of how they got together. I bet it was an interesting one! Also, among them were Jenny and Fiona--the champion of the cheerleading competition. And Courtney's confidant, the one who made her realize her true feelings for me, Terry. I owe her a lot!
Amazingly, we all bonded really well.
Courtney wasn't in the crowd yet, she told me she would be late because she has last minute prep to be done as part of her commitments. But she assured me she would be here.
"We're ready." The cast chirped excitedly. I looked at them proudly and said, "Let's do this!"
And just on cue, the curtains opened and the show began.
Once upon a time, in a town not so far away, there lived a cold-hearted Beast who never believed in love or any of the joys it brings.
He was a lonely creature who kept his heart shut away, believing love was a waste of time and just child's play.
The auditorium was dimmed, and the spotlight focused on me--the beast, as the narrator told the story.
Then came the Witch, so powerful that it could melt even the iciest of hearts. She vowed to give the Beast the chance to find true love.
I could feel the audience's anticipation as they waited for the Witch's dramatic entrance.
The spotlight focused on the prop cauldron on the other side of the stage. Smoke erupted as Katy--the Witch emerged from the thick fog. A loud gasp from the audience filled the room. The suspenseful atmosphere made me feel proud and excited about the rest of the show.
The witch cackled her way to the center of the stage. And at that moment, I finally understood the reason for that excitement roar from the crowd awhile ago. There I realized the Witch was not Katy.
It was... Courtney.
* * * * * *
COURTNEY's POV
Then came the witch, so powerful that it could melt even the iciest of hearts. She vowed to give the beast the chance to find true love.
When I saw the spotlight on the cauldron, that was my cue to make my entrance and step out of the thick fog.
I was ready to take on the role of the Witch.
How did it happen?
I was at the library, cramming for my final exams, when I overheard Katy's dilemma. She has a college interview on the same day as the play. She didn't have it in her to disappoint Chad, who was counting on her to play one of the lead roles.
She tried to figure out the timings and such, but it was useless. She wouldn't make it in time no matter what.
I felt bad thinking this way, but I saw her problem as a blessing to me. I had been wanting to help Chad in any way I can and this was the perfect opportunity for it. After everything he has done for me, it was the least I could do to help him out.
Plus, I actually have a long-lost bet that I need to pay off with him, right?
So here I am, playing the Witch in Chad's wonderful and amazing play.
Beauty and The Beast, and The Witch.
I tell you, it was the most magical and inspiring tale I read. There's no doubt that a talented and insightful person like Chad would come up with this. I think I just fell in love with him over and over again after reading this story!
He crafted it so beautifully and perfectly. A story of determination, adventure, and true love, and it was the most heartwarming thing I have ever read. And I was so excited to be part of it!
I told Katy that I would take her place and asked her help to practice the lines and rehearse the scenes with me. I was so nervous, but determined to make it perfect for Chad. I wanted to do my best and make him proud.
Of course, I told Katy to keep this a secret. That's why I've been so busy lately and didn't have time to hang out with him and my friends.
I wanted this to be a surprise for everyone. Not even my friends knew this. But I told Mr. Duval about my plans of joining the play, and he was excited for me.
"Who knows, maybe performing arts is your calling after all, Miss Collins." He said proudly that day. He even added that if I ever consider this, he would help me find the right school that caters to my needs and interests. He would support me in any way he could.
I was so grateful for his support and am forever thankful for it.
I made my way to the center of the stage, and there I saw Chad--that handsome Beast, looking so surprised as expected. He was staring at me with both admiration and confusion. I bet he couldn't believe what was happening! I hope I didn't disappoint him though, but that knowing smile on his face was a sure sign that he liked what he was seeing.
I blushed, feeling my heart beat faster as I looked into his eyes. He nodded and quickly returned to his character. I did, too.
Let's do this together.
The narrator then introduced Beauty, the one that the Witch will use to melt the beast's icy heart. She will channel her kindness and courage within to help the Beast find his way back to loving and caring behavior.
And of course, the Witch, me, played a major role in this. I guided them to find their paths and eventually reach the happily ever after they deserved.
While I wasn't really looking forward to their kissing scene, I knew I had to act professionally. This was part of the play. Besides, I know Chad's heart belongs to me anyway. So there's no reason to be jealous or worried about the scene.
After the first act, Chad came to me immediately and asked, "What happened?"
"Katy has a college interview, and I offered to step in for her. I know that you were short of cast members and didn't have any understudy, so I thought I could help out."
"Is that the reason you've been busy lately?"
I bit my lip and gave him an apologetic smile. "Yes, and I'm sorry I kept it a secret. I wanted to surprise you. Besides, I was the reason half of your members left the club, remember?"
Chad laughed and held my hand. "You really are something you know."
"Well, aside from that, there's also another reason why I took this role." I grinned, feeling so excited about my grand reveal. "You didn't know this, but I was actually the first one who lost in our deal."
"What?"
"I fell in love with you first, Chad. I think I lost the deal before I even knew it. So, since I'm the type of person who is true to her words and keeps her promises. Here I am, fulfilling my end of our deal, joining your play." I stepped closer and gazed at his striking blue eyes.
He reached out and gently held my face in his hands, looking deep into my eyes. "You are full of surprises. I'm out of words. Well, since we're dropping surprises out of the blue, I have a surprise for you as well."
"What?"
Chad brushed my cheek with his thumb before answering my question. "I plan to tell you this after the play, but I can't wait. I understand how much you want to spend the rest of your high school days with me, I am too. And knowing that rehearsing and memorizing lines for this play has taken a lot of your time, I just want to let you know how much I appreciate you and how much I love you for it. So, don't worry, we'll still spend the rest of your high school days together."
"What do you mean?"
Chad's smile was wide and bright, and there was a sparkle in his eyes that made my heart flutter with joy and made me feel like I was the luckiest girl in the world! "I signed up for the summer class as the student assistant."
"What?" I shrieked in surprise, drawing attention from the people around us. I couldn't believe Chad would do that!
"There's no place I'd rather be this summer than be with you," he said, smiling. I was so touched by his statement that I almost cried! I was so happy that I could barely contain my excitement.
"The Witch's act is coming next!"
My upcoming long speech of love and appreciation for him was interrupted by the announcement of my next act. Chad might have noticed the disappointment on my face so he kissed me on the forehead and assured me by saying, "I know." As if he knew what was on my mind and about to say.
But, I still want him to know anyway. So with that, I looked him in the eye and said, with all my heart, "I love you, Chad Treyson." and stole him a kiss before I got on stage.
* * * * * *
The play is nearing its end, and so far, everything's going well!
The audience was captivated, and the actors performed their roles to perfection. I couldn't help but feel proud of Chad for pulling all this together. He really is creative and very talented!
Because of this experience, I considered studying performing arts. I was inspired by the Chad's passion for story making and the dedication of the actors. I wanted to experience more performing on stage--even Broadway!
Now, to my favorite part, the ending.
The Beast will sing a beautiful song, expressing his confession of love for Beauty. They will share a true love kiss that melts the Beast's icy heart. The Beast will then thank the Witch for showing him what magical things love can do and how it can turn something dark and lonely into something beautiful and wonderful.
Beauty and the Beast lived happily ever after.
The song Chad used is from one of my favorite films, Moulin Rouge's Come What May. It was the most perfect song for this scene.
Never knew I could feel like this, like I've never seen the sky before.
I want to vanish inside your kiss. Every day I love you more and more.
The Beast, Chad, started walking, and I remember the first time I felt something special for him--that was the time he also sang a song here in the auditorium. Who would have thought, huh? I was just trying to seduce him back then, and look at where we are now.
Listen to my heart, can't you hear it sings. Telling me to give you everything.
Seasons may change, winter to spring. But I love you. Until the end of time.
The audience were in awe as well as they listen to Chad's voice. It was moving and heartwarming. I wish he was singing this to me instead.
But, be professional Courtney. This song is for Beauty.
Come what may. Come what may.
I will love you. Until my dying day.
Wait, what?
All of a sudden, Chad was in front of me--the Witch. And Beauty is not even on the stage anymore.
"What is happening?" I whispered as the music continued to play in the background.
"You didn't know this, but it's really the Witch who melted the Beast's icy heart. She made him believe in love." Chad answered in a low voice where only I could hear. He covered his microphone and continued.
"This is the real ending to this story. I told the rest of the cast to go ahead with the original one while you were at the third act. I didn't tell you because I wanted to see the surprise look on your face, because that's how the Witch would have reacted too anyway. She would have been surprised and delighted to know that her magic had worked, and that she, herself, had brought true love into the Beast's life."
Chad held my hand, and I felt like crying at that moment. I was overwhelmed with emotion, I wasn't sure what to do!
Before I could even say or do anything, Chad already closed the distance between us and whispered, "You are the beautiful and powerful Witch to my lonely and cold-hearted Beast." And he kissed me softly, his lips brushing against mine and I felt my heart raced as I melted into his embrace.
The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, captivated by the beautiful and romantic scene before them.
It was really romantic and moving!
I knew in that moment that Chad and I were meant to be together. I knew that no matter what happened, I would never ever forget this magical moment.
Our happily ever after.
-THE END OF SHE'S IN LOVE WITH A GEEK-
A/N: No words can express how grateful I am for all your support. Thank you for being there for me for years, and for all the love and generosity you showered on me. You are my inspiration for writing stories. SILWAG might have ended here, but I hope they will live in your heart forever like how they are in mine.
Again, thank you my dear lovies for the wonderful memories. What a roller coaster ride! I hope you enjoyed the ending. This is my perfect ending for their perfect love story.
I hope to see you on my other stories too! I love you all!