Timothy’s Terrible Prompt Stories - 43. Prompt 472 When did you expect me to get that done?

“When did you expect me to get that done?”

“I didn’t, that’s why I have the lists here, ready for distribution. But I need the props and costumes sorted by next Wednesday, please.”

“I’ll help you, Nelson.” Eric slid his arm around my shoulders.

Ms. Neall beamed at us and hustled off to grab another early-arriving member of the drama club to rope her into some urgent task.

“I didn’t even get to tell her about us.” Eric and I had tried to get to the drama club meeting early, in order to have a quick chat with Ms. Neall about us being out as a couple to everyone. Assuming we’d need to, that is. Eric was certain Tina would have spread the news to every single person she could get ahold of.

“I think she already knows. But if not, we can make it clear.”

Before I could react, Eric had pulled me in for a hug and a brief kiss. I let him, but glanced over at the teacher afterwards to see her reaction. She hadn’t batted an eye, but the girl next to her grinned and gave us a thumbs-up. Okaaayyy, seems we’ve gotten that right. Eric’s friends had been good role models.

Eric had met me at my locker at lunch time and we found Tony and Maria waiting for us in the cafeteria. The conversation was casual while we ate, although it was clear Maria was determined to get to know the guy her best friend was in love with.

During the second half of the lunch break we went outside and walked around. We both observed Tony and Maria and let them be our example. Arms around shoulders and waists were fine. A quick hug? Check. A chaste kiss on cheek or mouth? All good. Holding hands? No problem. But when we sat on a bench for five minutes and Maria decided it was too cold and moved to Tony’s lap, Eric stayed put, and so did I.

“Are you going to the Junior Prom together?” Maria certainly didn’t seem shy about asking stuff, and Eric simply nodded. Tony rolled his eyes behind her back. He probably knew what was coming.

“Oooh, that’s wonderful. We can hang out together, if you don’t mind. I hardly know any people who are going since we don’t really mix much with the juniors.”

I had learned Tony was between Rob and Eric in age and one of the youngest guys in the junior class, which might be one of the reasons he spent most of his time with Maria and her high school friends, including Eric. My boyfriend looked at me and I nodded and smiled. I liked this couple, they were nice, and I felt they would be supportive of him no matter what. Maria had a strong personality even if she exuded kindness; I bet she’ll be a great mama, lol.

More boring classes after lunch, I had to pay attention rather than daydreaming about my hunky boyfriend. Jazz helped me by poking his elbow into my side whenever my thoughts wandered off. After the last class we split, him to go to baseball and me for drama. It was only as I walked away that I realized I’d forgotten to ask him about the end of the team meeting in the coffee shop. I told myself Jazz would have informed me if anything important happened.

The drama club slowly gathered and I was pleasantly surprised how casual most of them were about Eric and me. We sat next to each other, but refrained from anything else proclaiming our new status. After all, we weren’t here to create that kind of drama. Even the girls, who’d sort of pursued him most of the year, only pouted good-naturedly and kept their giggles under control. Soon, everyone was engrossed in discussing the end-of-term play, which only involved the senior students in minor roles, since they had finals to worry about. Finally, Ms. Neall cleared her throat.

“You have had time to read up on the play over the weekend and talk it over now. Is everyone comfortable with the role you’re in? Else, this is the time to speak up, before we start rehearsing.”

There was a general murmur of assent, and a couple of girls announced they were going to switch roles.

“Fine, in that case I need you all to talk to Nelson about costumes and props. He’ll give you a list of the things you need when you tell him your role. Items with a checkmark are things we already have. Please make an effort to come up with solutions for what we lack and report back to Nelson no later than next Monday. He will then compile a list of props and costume parts which are still missing. For the rest of today, please split into groups and start discussing and rehearsing your scene. I’ll walk around and help as needed.”

Eric gave my shoulder a squeeze before leaving to join his acting group. I sighed and went over to a desk and got out the neatly typed lists. Ms. Neall was organized and thorough, which made my job a lot easier, although still boring. Later, I had to assemble a large box of costumes and props for each role and label it with the name of the actor. After this, they were responsible for their own stuff and would add to it as necessary. The boxes were stored on deep shelves all along the side of the rehearsal room. Ms. Neall had designed the system some years ago, significantly decreasing the problem of actors frantically searching for lost items ten minutes before curtains-up.

But the cool part was Eric volunteering to help with the box task. This meant we had a legitimate reason to spend time together on the drama premises, giving us more opportunities to get to know each other better as well as kissing. But I’d better stop thinking about that and deal with the actors, who began trickling over.

Another smile ghosted across my lips as I reminded myself of Eric going home with me tonight for dinner and some studying. I had a promise to fulfill…