Post by onyxfyrefly on Oct 21, 2012 17:45:54 GMT -5
Let me start with a little disclaimer. This isn't a very happy story. There are some dark moments in this story and if you can't handle it just stop now. With that being said I hope you enjoy!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The first time Emmet met Shane she had a black eye.
He and the lads were in Dublin getting ready for their upcoming Fall tour. The door opened and they squinted against the harsh sunlight as Sharon entered the building with a young woman in tow.
At first she seemed rather plain: about five foot six or so with an average build and dark blue eyes. Everyone’s attention was immediately grasped by the shocking pink pixie cut and the piercings that studded her lip, eyebrow, and ears. Well, that and the impressive shiner that surrounded her left eye.
“Good morning, lads,” said Sharon. “I’d like you to meet Shane Thompson. She’s going to be the junior lighting director for the new tour and will be taking over as chief lighting director for the Australian tour and the promos.”
“Nice to meet you,” the young woman replied while stepping forward to shake their hands.
“Where are you from?” asked Emmet. He couldn’t place her accent, he knew she was American but aside from that there was a lit in her voice that he couldn’t identify.
“Most recently Chicago but I’ve lived all over the U.S.”
“Military brat?” asked Neil.
Shane shook her head. “I was a foster kid, I’ve been in the system since I was born.”
An awkward silence settled over the group and Sharon spoke up quickly. “Shane here has an impressive résumé. She just came from the touring production of ‘Wicked’.”
“Really?” asked Keith. “My sister is obsessed with that show!”
“Yep,” replied Shane, rewarding them with a real smile. “When I got kicked out of the system at sixteen I went to New York and managed to get a gig working on an off Broadway show. One thing led to another and soon I was working on some of the big shows.”
“What shows have you worked on?” asked Ryan. He was amazed that someone who worked on Broadway would give that up to come and work for them.
“My first big show was ‘42nd Street’ , then ‘Mama Mia’, then ‘Les Mis’. I was helping with the 25th anniversary show when the producers of the traveling production of ‘Wicked’ asked me to join up. Sharon saw the show the last time you guys were in the States and wanted to know if I was interested. I saw you guys the last time you were in New York and was impressed with the show so when Sharon approached me I thought I’d throw my name in and see what I could contribute.”
The group chatted for a few more minutes and as Shane got to know the performers she couldn’t help but notice that each of the guys kept glancing at her injury. “Oh just spit it out,” she finally said.
“What?” asked George, not wanting to breech the topic that was on all of their minds.
“This,” said Shane while pointing to her eye. “It’s not as bad as it looks. I may be able to coax light into various shapes and colors but I can’t get my own feet to walk in the same direction. I’m the clumsiest person you’ve ever met. Gravity has a personal vendetta against me and I hit the edge of the dresser the other morning.”
The guys seemed to relax at Shane’s explanation but Emmet noticed that Sharon was frowning as the young woman spoke. Shaking off her frown, Sharon forced a smile and nodded towards the rehearsal space. “Shane is going to stick around and watch you rehearse so she can get a feel of what the stage show is going to be like. So no goofing off!” She shot Keith a look and the blonde held up his hands in defense. “Let’s get started. I’m sure Brooke and Ana will be here any minute.”
Right on cue two more women came walking into the rehearsal hall. Brooke was a stunning woman in her early thirties with smooth brown skin and waves of black hair that was pulled back into a tight ponytail. Ana was closer to Shane’s age, 24, and had raven black hair and a dazzling smile.
“Shane, this is Brooklyn Anderson the lad’s choreographer, and this is Ana Diaz the set designer.”
“Shane Thompson, it’s nice to meet both of you.”
“Likewise,” said Brooklyn with a smile. She ignored Shane’s black eye, knowing that the young woman would talk about it if she felt like it. “Alright guys, starting positions!” she called while walking over to the singers. “Let’s try and get the timing for Ireland’s Call down.”
“Shall we?” asked Ana while pointing to the row of chairs set up against the far wall.
Shane nodded and settled herself in one of the chairs before pulling a notebook and a sketch pad from her bag. “Do you draw?” The young woman looked up at Ana’s question and nodded. “A bit. Sometimes it is easier to get the lighting right if I have an accurate picture of the performer.”
“Why don’t you just use the promo shots that Angie took?”
“Those shots are of the guys through Angie’s eyes. I want a picture from my perspective.”
Ana grinned. She’d known Shane for all of five minutes and already liked the young woman. “I’ve never thought of that, I’ll have to remember that little tidbit.”
The girls sat closely together throughout the entire rehearsal, comparing notes and sketches as Brooke led the guys through the show. Shane was impressed with Ana’s eye and knew she would be asking the young woman for help often.
Shane would be working with James who was the senior lighting director and he had given her a very thorough breakdown of the set and the lighting for the Fall tour. She was merely making notes and seeing if she could make any adjustments to the current set up.
Glancing up, Shane noticed that Emmet was staring at her as he sang and she quickly ducked her head, frowning at the attention.
Ana leaned over and grinned at Shane. “It looks like you have an admirer.”
Shane scowled and grumbled, “Lucky me.”
Slightly surprised at Shane’s reaction, Ana simply shrugged then went back to her work. Her work was more or less finished for this tour but she wanted to get as much done for Australia as possible so they wouldn’t be scrambling at the last minute to complete everything.
For the Australian tour Ana had somehow managed to take the stage from the very first show and transform it into something brand new without losing the feel Sharon was looking for. Paired with Shane’s dazzling lighting displays the show was going to be spectacular.
After about an hour Brooke gave the guys a break and Emmet immediately came to sit next to Shane. As soon as he approached both girls slammed their sketchbooks shut then laughed at their actions.
“Can I see?” asked Emmet.
“Nope,” replied Shane and Ana shook her head before dropping her book into her bag and walking off to talk to Keith and Neil.
“Can I help you with something?” asked Shane after a long silence.
“I just wanted to come over and chat. We are going to be working together for most of the year so we might as well get to know each other.”
Shane never lifted her head, she just kept scribbling in her notebook as Emmet spoke. “We may be working together but you won’t see much of me once the tour starts, I’ll be up in the rigs the whole time that you’re on stage. I’m just here to make you guys look good.”
“Then you must work miracles!” exclaimed Emmet. His comment coaxed a slight smile from Shane and he beamed. “So what are you working on now?”
“Lights.”
“For which show?”
“Both.”
“Oh.”
Sitting back in his chair Emmet was at a loss. He didn’t know what to say or do around Shane. He thought the young woman was intriguing but it was obvious that she didn’t want anything to do with him. He sighed and headed back onto the floor as Brooklyn announced the end of their break.
____________________________________________________
Shane purposefully ignored Emmet throughout the rehearsal but no one really noticed because she ignored everyone except for Ana. The two girls had found a kindred spirit in each other and by lunch they were chatting like old friends. Well, that’s not exactly true. Shane didn’t chat with anyone like an old friend but she did use more than a dozen words when speaking to Ana.
After assembling a plate Shane found a table off to the side and sat down by herself, pulling out a book and idly picking at her food.
“What’s up with the new girl?” asked Keith between bites.
“Yeah, she’s awfully quiet. Why didn’t she want to sit with us?” Neil asked.
Ana shrugged and glanced over towards Shane’s table. “She said she’s always been a bit of a loner. I guess it was hard having to move around so much growing up. Maybe it’s easier for her this way. If she doesn’t get attached then it won’t hurt when she leaves.”
Emmet turned to watch Shane as Ana spoke and felt his heart go out for her. He’d been blessed with a wonderful family that supported him every step of the way. He couldn’t imagine going from family to family, hoping that one of them will keep you for more than a couple of years.
He was pulled from his reverie by Brooke smacking his arm. “Hey! What was that for?”
“Pull your head out of the clouds. Let the girl be. If she wants to open up and talk then she will but until then leave her alone. And if I catch you staring at her in rehearsals one more time I’m going to skin you alive. You missed half of your cues today. Got it?”
Emmet’s cheeks flushed and he nodded as he began to pick at his lunch. “Got it.”
“Plus, from what I hear she has a boyfriend.”
“What?” exclaimed Emmet. “Where did you hear that?”
“Sharon.”
Emmet scowled and let his shoulders slump in defeat. It was just his luck. The first girl who caught his eye in a long time had a boyfriend.
“Don’t bother lad, if she’s got a man of her own you better let it go,” said George and Emmet nodded but couldn’t resist glancing over at Shane once more.
“Awwww…Emmet’s got a crush!” teased Keith and the tenor shot the blonde a look.
“I didn’t think she’d be your type. With the dyed hair and the piercings she seems more like Neil’s type,” said Ryan and Neil laughed.
“I must say I like the pink hair,” said Neil. “But I think it’d look better on Keith. What do you lads think?”
Emmet tuned out the conversation and let his mind wander. He barely knew Shane but there was something about her that drew him in. He knew Brooklyn would kill him if he kept messing up in rehearsals but there would be plenty of time to get to know the quiet new techie once the tour started. He didn’t mind (much) that she had a boyfriend. He just wanted to talk to her and to see what made her tick.
____________________________________________________
The next few days were more or less the same. The guys would rehearse, Emmet would try to hide the fact that he was staring at Shane, Brooke would yell at him, and Shane would ignore everyone until spoken to.
It’s not like Shane wasn’t friendly, she had a great personality, but she preferred to sit on the sidelines and watch instead of participating.
The following Monday rehearsals where moved to a larger studio where the stage and lights were set up so the guys could get a feel of the stage and they could begin running through the show with costumes.
The space was dark when the six singers, Daniel had arrived two days prior, and Sharon entered the space. “House lights up!” called a voice and suddenly the room was flooded with light.
Looking up Emmet laughed when he saw Shane hanging from one of the catwalks from a harness. “Morning guys, give us five minutes,” she said, her voice amplified by the headset she wore. “The main spotlight is not behaving.”
The other lads wandered off but Emmet watched as Shane pulled various tools from the belt at her waist, amazed that she didn’t drop any of them as she worked. A few minutes later the spotlight kicked on and nearly blinded George who happened to look up at that moment.
“Sorry!” called Shane but it was obvious she was smiling. “Okay, Brooke, it’s all yours.”
The choreographer waved and watched as Shane smoothly swung up onto the catwalk before getting the guys into their starting positions.
Rehearsals were hard for Emmet that day because he was unable to see Shane. From time to time he could hear her voice as she explained a cue or asked Brooke to rearrange something but for the most part she was nothing more than a ghost.
For Shane the situation was ideal. She was in her element; up in the rigs with the other crew members and away from the eyes of the performers.
Especially Emmet.
From day one the singer had taken a liking to her but Shane wanted nothing to do with him. Plus, she had a boyfriend. He was a great guy that she met while working in New York named Jason. He was the chief lighting engineer for the Lion King on Broadway and they had met while he was going to school at NYU. He had recently graduated with a degree in electrical engineering and the gig on Broadway was his first big break.
Pulling herself out of her musings, Shane walked over to where James was standing on the catwalk. He smiled at her and nodded towards the notebook in her hands. “Did you have any other ideas you wanted to try?”
“I did have a few ideas but I don’t want to interfere with your design.”
James laughed and gestured at the equipment surrounding them. “Honey, in six months this will be all yours. If you have any ideas feel free to throw them out there. The worst I can do is say no.”
Shane nodded and flipped open her notebook. “Well, I was thinking about changing things up for ‘Jigs and Reels’…”
James smiled as he looked over the design. It was brilliant. He would never had thought to mix the colors and designs together but somehow Shane made it work. Well, on paper at least. “This looks great. Let’s get it loaded into the system and we’ll adjust the rigs once Brooklyn’s finished.”
“You’re serious?” asked Shane.
“Yes, I’m serious. That design is amazing. Let’s just see if it will translate from paper.”
“It will,” replied the young woman with a determined look on her face.
Thirty minutes later Shane looked down from the catwalk and saw Brooke explaining something to the performers. She waited until the choreographer was done speaking before switching on her headset. “Brooke? We’re going to change the lighting for one of the numbers and need the stage. Are the guys ready for a break?”
Six heads nodded vigorously and Brooklyn laughed before switching on her own headset. “Yeah, I suppose I’ll let them go. How long will you need the stage?”
“Twenty minutes, max. Not much needs to be adjusted but I can’t make the changes from up here. We’re going to have to bring them down.”
“Okay guys, you heard Shane. You have twenty minutes but you better not be late!”
The moment that they were released everyone scattered but Emmet found a seat off to the side of the makeshift stage. He knew that Shane would be working but he wanted to see her and make sure that she was alright. He wondered if her eye was healing and if she’d managed not to injure herself while setting up the massive set.
A few minutes later the lighting rigs began to lower and Shane and about half a dozen others appeared on the stage. Compared to the other days in rehearsals Shane looked completely different. She was smiling and laughing, looking completely relaxed as she worked with the crew on the lights.
Emmet wondered why she seemed so distant around him and the other band members. Ana had assumed that she didn’t want to get close to anyone due to her past as a foster child but obviously that wasn’t true. She was laughing and joking around with the crew like she had known them her entire life.
He was still puzzling over the issue when the lighting rigs began to rise and everyone began to trickle back into the rehearsal space. “Okay guys, we’re going to run through ‘Jigs and Reels’ once. Shane has a new lighting design that should really bring a new element to the piece,” said James. “Let us know when you’re ready.”
Emmet was surprised when Shane stayed on the floor instead of climbing back into the rigs, her arms crossed as they prepared for the number. Declan counted them in and Shane took a deep breath as the music started. After about thirty seconds she let out the breath and smiled. It looked great.
The lights seemed to dance as each band member had their moment and as soon as the music sped up the lights sped up as well, matching each note perfectly. The performers watched in awe as Shane’s creation came to life but Emmet missed most of the number because he was too busy watching Shane. She was beaming and was surrounded a warm glow of happiness. He had never seen her so happy, in fact he had never really seen her smile.
The number came to a close and the hall was filled with applause. “Shane, that was spectacular!” said Sharon while squeezing the young woman’s shoulder. “Do you have any more ideas?” Shane laughed and nodded then beckoned Sharon to follow her as they went to meet James and the others.
Emmet watched her go then jumped when he heard his name being called. “Cahill, get up here!” yelled Brooke while glaring at him. He flushed then made his way back to the stage, attempting to ignore the jibs from his band mates.
____________________________________________________
After ten days straight of rehearsals Sharon had pity on everyone and gave them a day off. Ana waited until Shane came down from the catwalk before bouncing over to her.
“Why are you in such a good mood?” asked Shane.
“We have a free day tomorrow and a bunch of us are going out tonight. Want to come?”
Shane shook her head. “No, that’s alright. I’m not exactly a social butterfly you know.”
“Oh come on, it’ll be fun! There’s supposed to be a great local band and I’m going to be leaving soon. I just have a couple more meetings with Sharon then you won’t see me until Australia.”
“Well…”
Ana took a step closer and placed a hand on her friend’s shoulder. “If it makes you feel better we can sit at our own table. Just you and me.”
“Alright, but you won’t get mad if I want to leave?”
“Not at all. Now let’s get out of here before Sharon finds us another project!”
At around eight that night Ana and Shane walked into the crowded pub. Ana had dressed up slightly but Shane wore an old Rolling Stones shirt, jeans, and her worn out converse. After getting their drinks, a beer for Ana and a soda for Shane, the two girls headed to a small table near the stage. It was only set for two and Shane let herself relax slightly.
After taking a sip of her drink Ana glanced up at her companion. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure.”
“Do you like it here?”
The question threw Shane for a loop. “What do you mean?”
“Do you like working here? You seem comfortable around the crew and you’re social enough with Brooke and myself but you completely ignore the guys. Did they do something to upset you?”
Shane sighed and glanced towards the stage where the band was starting to set up. “No, they didn’t anything but…I don’t know…I just never had to interact with the performers much. I would come in and do my thing, they would do their thing, and at the end of the day we’d go our separate ways. I’ve never worked on a show where the talent wants to hang out with the crew.”
“The talent?”
“Oh come on, Ana. No offense but we’re at the bottom of the totem pole here. No one is going to go home and rave about the lights. If we’re lucky they’ll kind of remember what the set looked like and will probably know which performer wore what but that’s if we’re lucky.” She took a drink of her soda and shrugged. “I like it that way. I just want to do my job and pay my dues. This whole ‘family’ thing is weird.”
Ana considered the young woman’s words as she sipped her drink. This was her third tour with Celtic Thunder and she enjoyed the fact that everyone was like one big family. The performers made a point of getting to know everyone involved with the show and the crew was always invited to the launch and wrap parties.
“It may be weird but that’s how things are with the Celtic Thunder tours. The guys are really nice, you should try and get to know them. You are going to be working with them for nearly a year.”
Shane ran a hand through her hair then let her head rest on her hand. “Ana, you don’t understand. This is my big break. I couldn’t believe that after seeing a small sample of my work that Sharon asked me to be the chief lighting director for the Australian tour. I have never had an opportunity like this before and I may never have an opportunity like this again. I can’t let my emotions, even just those that come with friendship, distract me. This is my dream and I refuse to let anything or anyone get in my way.”
“Shane, I’m sure if you told this to the guys they would understand. They’re all living their dream and understand what it is like to make sacrifices. You shouldn’t have to walk alone. Let us help you.”
“I’ve always stood alone and I’ve done just fine. I’ve made it this far by myself and I’ll go even further without anyone tying me down.”
“Don’t you have a boyfriend?”
The techie raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, so?”
“Isn’t he tying you down?”
“Jason and I aren’t that serious. If we broke up tomorrow I really wouldn’t mind too much. I do miss him and he wasn’t particularly thrilled that I would be traveling across the globe with some band, but he understands that my work comes first.”
Ana frowned and tossed back the rest of her beer. She couldn’t understand why someone as smart and strong as Shane would chose a life of solitude. It was obvious that there was no arguing with her so she dropped the topic, attempting to forget Shane’s words as the band began to play their first set.
“Can I ask one more thing of you?”
Shane nodded and leaned forward so she could hear over the music.
“Can you at least try and be civil?”
The techie chuckled and shrugged.
“Civil? Yeah…I suppose I can do civil.”
____________________________________________________
About halfway through the band’s first set Ana glanced up to see Neil, Keith, Ryan, Emmet, Brooke and Nicole walk in. “They’re here, do you want to sit with them?” Shane shook her head. “Then don’t turn around and maybe they won’t notice us.”
Unfortunately Shane’s vibrant hair color stood out like a sore thumb. “There’s Shane and Ana,” said Ryan while pointing over the crowd. “Let’s go find a few more chairs, I’m sure we call all squeeze in.”
Brooklyn stopped him with a hand on his arm. “I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”
Ryan turned and frowned. “Why not?”
“Do you think they picked that tiny table by accident? Come on, I see one that will hold all of us.”
Brooke led the guys through the crowd and Emmet chose a seat where he had a clear view of the band…and of Shane. He was a little hurt that she didn’t want to sit with them and wondered what he had done wrong.
Apparently he wasn’t the only one wondering what was up with the new crew member because Keith echoed his sentiments a few moments later. “I don’t get it. We’re perfectly nice to her and she treats us like dirt. What did we ever do to her?” exclaimed the blonde before taking a large drink of his beer.
“Not everyone’s as social as you,” replied Neil. “Don’t you remember when I first met you guys? It was a struggle to get me to say half a dozen words, let alone go out for a pint.”
“But at least you talked!” said Keith. “Shane looks at us like we’re nothing more than the gum on the bottom of her shoe.”
Brooke ground her teeth together while uncrossing her legs and a moment later Neil jumped. “Ow!”
“Sorry, Neil,” said Brooke before adjusting her aim, grinning in victory when Keith jumped and rubbed his shin.
“What was that for?”
“Be nice!” hissed the dancer. “You have no idea what she’s been through. Maybe she has a good reason for avoiding you.”
“Like what?”
“I don’t know, it could be anything. I’ve had foster kids that dance at my studio and trust me, some of them have stories that will make your skin crawl.”
“What kind of stories?” asked Emmet.
The young woman turned to look at him and glanced at his beer. “You might want to take another drink if I were you.” The tenor raised an eyebrow and Brooklyn sighed. “I’ve heard the good and the bad side of a foster kid’s life. I’ve heard about families taking a child in at birth and raising them in an idealistic environment and I’ve heard about the agony some of those kids have gone through. Abuse of every kind imaginable, malnourishment, neglect. You name it, I’ve heard it.”
Brooke turned her head and glared at Keith who was trying to distract himself by drawing with the condensation on the table. “You have no idea what the girl has been through, Keith Harkin, and if I ever hear you, any of you, say one bad thing about her without provocation not only will I tell Sharon, I will personally tell your mothers.”
Her five companions at the table turned white and Keith refused to meet the dancer’s eyes. “I’m sorry, Brooke,” he mumbled and his apology was barely heard over the music.
The young woman shrugged it off and glanced over towards Shane’s table. “You can really show me that you’re sorry by leaving that poor girl alone. If she wants to sit by herself all day then let her.” She took a drink of her whiskey and shook her head. “I have a feeling she’s got some issues of her own to sort through.”
“Issues?” asked Nicole.
“Yeah, I have a theory on how she got that shiner.”
“She said that she fell and hit the dresser. Apparently she’s really clumsy.”
Brooke shook her head. “Have you seen her work? She walks on those rigs like a cat on a fence, sometimes without a harness. If she was clumsy she would have fallen by now.”
“What do you think happened?” asked Neil, slightly worried about what her answer might be.
“I think someone popped her.”
“What?”
“I think someone gave it to her,” she replied.
“Who? Her boyfriend?” asked Emmet. He was furious imagining that someone could have raised their hand to Shane.
“I don’t know but I used the excuse of being clumsy far too often in order to hide my bruises. And there’s something about her demeanor that speaks of it as well.” Ryan placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and the young woman smiled slightly.
Shaking her head the dancer leaned in close so the others could hear her. “If you breathe a word of this theory I will personally make your life miserable, understood?” After she received five nervous nods she sat back with a smile. “It looks like Declan and the others are here, who should we con into buying the next round?”
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The first time Emmet met Shane she had a black eye.
He and the lads were in Dublin getting ready for their upcoming Fall tour. The door opened and they squinted against the harsh sunlight as Sharon entered the building with a young woman in tow.
At first she seemed rather plain: about five foot six or so with an average build and dark blue eyes. Everyone’s attention was immediately grasped by the shocking pink pixie cut and the piercings that studded her lip, eyebrow, and ears. Well, that and the impressive shiner that surrounded her left eye.
“Good morning, lads,” said Sharon. “I’d like you to meet Shane Thompson. She’s going to be the junior lighting director for the new tour and will be taking over as chief lighting director for the Australian tour and the promos.”
“Nice to meet you,” the young woman replied while stepping forward to shake their hands.
“Where are you from?” asked Emmet. He couldn’t place her accent, he knew she was American but aside from that there was a lit in her voice that he couldn’t identify.
“Most recently Chicago but I’ve lived all over the U.S.”
“Military brat?” asked Neil.
Shane shook her head. “I was a foster kid, I’ve been in the system since I was born.”
An awkward silence settled over the group and Sharon spoke up quickly. “Shane here has an impressive résumé. She just came from the touring production of ‘Wicked’.”
“Really?” asked Keith. “My sister is obsessed with that show!”
“Yep,” replied Shane, rewarding them with a real smile. “When I got kicked out of the system at sixteen I went to New York and managed to get a gig working on an off Broadway show. One thing led to another and soon I was working on some of the big shows.”
“What shows have you worked on?” asked Ryan. He was amazed that someone who worked on Broadway would give that up to come and work for them.
“My first big show was ‘42nd Street’ , then ‘Mama Mia’, then ‘Les Mis’. I was helping with the 25th anniversary show when the producers of the traveling production of ‘Wicked’ asked me to join up. Sharon saw the show the last time you guys were in the States and wanted to know if I was interested. I saw you guys the last time you were in New York and was impressed with the show so when Sharon approached me I thought I’d throw my name in and see what I could contribute.”
The group chatted for a few more minutes and as Shane got to know the performers she couldn’t help but notice that each of the guys kept glancing at her injury. “Oh just spit it out,” she finally said.
“What?” asked George, not wanting to breech the topic that was on all of their minds.
“This,” said Shane while pointing to her eye. “It’s not as bad as it looks. I may be able to coax light into various shapes and colors but I can’t get my own feet to walk in the same direction. I’m the clumsiest person you’ve ever met. Gravity has a personal vendetta against me and I hit the edge of the dresser the other morning.”
The guys seemed to relax at Shane’s explanation but Emmet noticed that Sharon was frowning as the young woman spoke. Shaking off her frown, Sharon forced a smile and nodded towards the rehearsal space. “Shane is going to stick around and watch you rehearse so she can get a feel of what the stage show is going to be like. So no goofing off!” She shot Keith a look and the blonde held up his hands in defense. “Let’s get started. I’m sure Brooke and Ana will be here any minute.”
Right on cue two more women came walking into the rehearsal hall. Brooke was a stunning woman in her early thirties with smooth brown skin and waves of black hair that was pulled back into a tight ponytail. Ana was closer to Shane’s age, 24, and had raven black hair and a dazzling smile.
“Shane, this is Brooklyn Anderson the lad’s choreographer, and this is Ana Diaz the set designer.”
“Shane Thompson, it’s nice to meet both of you.”
“Likewise,” said Brooklyn with a smile. She ignored Shane’s black eye, knowing that the young woman would talk about it if she felt like it. “Alright guys, starting positions!” she called while walking over to the singers. “Let’s try and get the timing for Ireland’s Call down.”
“Shall we?” asked Ana while pointing to the row of chairs set up against the far wall.
Shane nodded and settled herself in one of the chairs before pulling a notebook and a sketch pad from her bag. “Do you draw?” The young woman looked up at Ana’s question and nodded. “A bit. Sometimes it is easier to get the lighting right if I have an accurate picture of the performer.”
“Why don’t you just use the promo shots that Angie took?”
“Those shots are of the guys through Angie’s eyes. I want a picture from my perspective.”
Ana grinned. She’d known Shane for all of five minutes and already liked the young woman. “I’ve never thought of that, I’ll have to remember that little tidbit.”
The girls sat closely together throughout the entire rehearsal, comparing notes and sketches as Brooke led the guys through the show. Shane was impressed with Ana’s eye and knew she would be asking the young woman for help often.
Shane would be working with James who was the senior lighting director and he had given her a very thorough breakdown of the set and the lighting for the Fall tour. She was merely making notes and seeing if she could make any adjustments to the current set up.
Glancing up, Shane noticed that Emmet was staring at her as he sang and she quickly ducked her head, frowning at the attention.
Ana leaned over and grinned at Shane. “It looks like you have an admirer.”
Shane scowled and grumbled, “Lucky me.”
Slightly surprised at Shane’s reaction, Ana simply shrugged then went back to her work. Her work was more or less finished for this tour but she wanted to get as much done for Australia as possible so they wouldn’t be scrambling at the last minute to complete everything.
For the Australian tour Ana had somehow managed to take the stage from the very first show and transform it into something brand new without losing the feel Sharon was looking for. Paired with Shane’s dazzling lighting displays the show was going to be spectacular.
After about an hour Brooke gave the guys a break and Emmet immediately came to sit next to Shane. As soon as he approached both girls slammed their sketchbooks shut then laughed at their actions.
“Can I see?” asked Emmet.
“Nope,” replied Shane and Ana shook her head before dropping her book into her bag and walking off to talk to Keith and Neil.
“Can I help you with something?” asked Shane after a long silence.
“I just wanted to come over and chat. We are going to be working together for most of the year so we might as well get to know each other.”
Shane never lifted her head, she just kept scribbling in her notebook as Emmet spoke. “We may be working together but you won’t see much of me once the tour starts, I’ll be up in the rigs the whole time that you’re on stage. I’m just here to make you guys look good.”
“Then you must work miracles!” exclaimed Emmet. His comment coaxed a slight smile from Shane and he beamed. “So what are you working on now?”
“Lights.”
“For which show?”
“Both.”
“Oh.”
Sitting back in his chair Emmet was at a loss. He didn’t know what to say or do around Shane. He thought the young woman was intriguing but it was obvious that she didn’t want anything to do with him. He sighed and headed back onto the floor as Brooklyn announced the end of their break.
____________________________________________________
Shane purposefully ignored Emmet throughout the rehearsal but no one really noticed because she ignored everyone except for Ana. The two girls had found a kindred spirit in each other and by lunch they were chatting like old friends. Well, that’s not exactly true. Shane didn’t chat with anyone like an old friend but she did use more than a dozen words when speaking to Ana.
After assembling a plate Shane found a table off to the side and sat down by herself, pulling out a book and idly picking at her food.
“What’s up with the new girl?” asked Keith between bites.
“Yeah, she’s awfully quiet. Why didn’t she want to sit with us?” Neil asked.
Ana shrugged and glanced over towards Shane’s table. “She said she’s always been a bit of a loner. I guess it was hard having to move around so much growing up. Maybe it’s easier for her this way. If she doesn’t get attached then it won’t hurt when she leaves.”
Emmet turned to watch Shane as Ana spoke and felt his heart go out for her. He’d been blessed with a wonderful family that supported him every step of the way. He couldn’t imagine going from family to family, hoping that one of them will keep you for more than a couple of years.
He was pulled from his reverie by Brooke smacking his arm. “Hey! What was that for?”
“Pull your head out of the clouds. Let the girl be. If she wants to open up and talk then she will but until then leave her alone. And if I catch you staring at her in rehearsals one more time I’m going to skin you alive. You missed half of your cues today. Got it?”
Emmet’s cheeks flushed and he nodded as he began to pick at his lunch. “Got it.”
“Plus, from what I hear she has a boyfriend.”
“What?” exclaimed Emmet. “Where did you hear that?”
“Sharon.”
Emmet scowled and let his shoulders slump in defeat. It was just his luck. The first girl who caught his eye in a long time had a boyfriend.
“Don’t bother lad, if she’s got a man of her own you better let it go,” said George and Emmet nodded but couldn’t resist glancing over at Shane once more.
“Awwww…Emmet’s got a crush!” teased Keith and the tenor shot the blonde a look.
“I didn’t think she’d be your type. With the dyed hair and the piercings she seems more like Neil’s type,” said Ryan and Neil laughed.
“I must say I like the pink hair,” said Neil. “But I think it’d look better on Keith. What do you lads think?”
Emmet tuned out the conversation and let his mind wander. He barely knew Shane but there was something about her that drew him in. He knew Brooklyn would kill him if he kept messing up in rehearsals but there would be plenty of time to get to know the quiet new techie once the tour started. He didn’t mind (much) that she had a boyfriend. He just wanted to talk to her and to see what made her tick.
____________________________________________________
The next few days were more or less the same. The guys would rehearse, Emmet would try to hide the fact that he was staring at Shane, Brooke would yell at him, and Shane would ignore everyone until spoken to.
It’s not like Shane wasn’t friendly, she had a great personality, but she preferred to sit on the sidelines and watch instead of participating.
The following Monday rehearsals where moved to a larger studio where the stage and lights were set up so the guys could get a feel of the stage and they could begin running through the show with costumes.
The space was dark when the six singers, Daniel had arrived two days prior, and Sharon entered the space. “House lights up!” called a voice and suddenly the room was flooded with light.
Looking up Emmet laughed when he saw Shane hanging from one of the catwalks from a harness. “Morning guys, give us five minutes,” she said, her voice amplified by the headset she wore. “The main spotlight is not behaving.”
The other lads wandered off but Emmet watched as Shane pulled various tools from the belt at her waist, amazed that she didn’t drop any of them as she worked. A few minutes later the spotlight kicked on and nearly blinded George who happened to look up at that moment.
“Sorry!” called Shane but it was obvious she was smiling. “Okay, Brooke, it’s all yours.”
The choreographer waved and watched as Shane smoothly swung up onto the catwalk before getting the guys into their starting positions.
Rehearsals were hard for Emmet that day because he was unable to see Shane. From time to time he could hear her voice as she explained a cue or asked Brooke to rearrange something but for the most part she was nothing more than a ghost.
For Shane the situation was ideal. She was in her element; up in the rigs with the other crew members and away from the eyes of the performers.
Especially Emmet.
From day one the singer had taken a liking to her but Shane wanted nothing to do with him. Plus, she had a boyfriend. He was a great guy that she met while working in New York named Jason. He was the chief lighting engineer for the Lion King on Broadway and they had met while he was going to school at NYU. He had recently graduated with a degree in electrical engineering and the gig on Broadway was his first big break.
Pulling herself out of her musings, Shane walked over to where James was standing on the catwalk. He smiled at her and nodded towards the notebook in her hands. “Did you have any other ideas you wanted to try?”
“I did have a few ideas but I don’t want to interfere with your design.”
James laughed and gestured at the equipment surrounding them. “Honey, in six months this will be all yours. If you have any ideas feel free to throw them out there. The worst I can do is say no.”
Shane nodded and flipped open her notebook. “Well, I was thinking about changing things up for ‘Jigs and Reels’…”
James smiled as he looked over the design. It was brilliant. He would never had thought to mix the colors and designs together but somehow Shane made it work. Well, on paper at least. “This looks great. Let’s get it loaded into the system and we’ll adjust the rigs once Brooklyn’s finished.”
“You’re serious?” asked Shane.
“Yes, I’m serious. That design is amazing. Let’s just see if it will translate from paper.”
“It will,” replied the young woman with a determined look on her face.
Thirty minutes later Shane looked down from the catwalk and saw Brooke explaining something to the performers. She waited until the choreographer was done speaking before switching on her headset. “Brooke? We’re going to change the lighting for one of the numbers and need the stage. Are the guys ready for a break?”
Six heads nodded vigorously and Brooklyn laughed before switching on her own headset. “Yeah, I suppose I’ll let them go. How long will you need the stage?”
“Twenty minutes, max. Not much needs to be adjusted but I can’t make the changes from up here. We’re going to have to bring them down.”
“Okay guys, you heard Shane. You have twenty minutes but you better not be late!”
The moment that they were released everyone scattered but Emmet found a seat off to the side of the makeshift stage. He knew that Shane would be working but he wanted to see her and make sure that she was alright. He wondered if her eye was healing and if she’d managed not to injure herself while setting up the massive set.
A few minutes later the lighting rigs began to lower and Shane and about half a dozen others appeared on the stage. Compared to the other days in rehearsals Shane looked completely different. She was smiling and laughing, looking completely relaxed as she worked with the crew on the lights.
Emmet wondered why she seemed so distant around him and the other band members. Ana had assumed that she didn’t want to get close to anyone due to her past as a foster child but obviously that wasn’t true. She was laughing and joking around with the crew like she had known them her entire life.
He was still puzzling over the issue when the lighting rigs began to rise and everyone began to trickle back into the rehearsal space. “Okay guys, we’re going to run through ‘Jigs and Reels’ once. Shane has a new lighting design that should really bring a new element to the piece,” said James. “Let us know when you’re ready.”
Emmet was surprised when Shane stayed on the floor instead of climbing back into the rigs, her arms crossed as they prepared for the number. Declan counted them in and Shane took a deep breath as the music started. After about thirty seconds she let out the breath and smiled. It looked great.
The lights seemed to dance as each band member had their moment and as soon as the music sped up the lights sped up as well, matching each note perfectly. The performers watched in awe as Shane’s creation came to life but Emmet missed most of the number because he was too busy watching Shane. She was beaming and was surrounded a warm glow of happiness. He had never seen her so happy, in fact he had never really seen her smile.
The number came to a close and the hall was filled with applause. “Shane, that was spectacular!” said Sharon while squeezing the young woman’s shoulder. “Do you have any more ideas?” Shane laughed and nodded then beckoned Sharon to follow her as they went to meet James and the others.
Emmet watched her go then jumped when he heard his name being called. “Cahill, get up here!” yelled Brooke while glaring at him. He flushed then made his way back to the stage, attempting to ignore the jibs from his band mates.
____________________________________________________
After ten days straight of rehearsals Sharon had pity on everyone and gave them a day off. Ana waited until Shane came down from the catwalk before bouncing over to her.
“Why are you in such a good mood?” asked Shane.
“We have a free day tomorrow and a bunch of us are going out tonight. Want to come?”
Shane shook her head. “No, that’s alright. I’m not exactly a social butterfly you know.”
“Oh come on, it’ll be fun! There’s supposed to be a great local band and I’m going to be leaving soon. I just have a couple more meetings with Sharon then you won’t see me until Australia.”
“Well…”
Ana took a step closer and placed a hand on her friend’s shoulder. “If it makes you feel better we can sit at our own table. Just you and me.”
“Alright, but you won’t get mad if I want to leave?”
“Not at all. Now let’s get out of here before Sharon finds us another project!”
At around eight that night Ana and Shane walked into the crowded pub. Ana had dressed up slightly but Shane wore an old Rolling Stones shirt, jeans, and her worn out converse. After getting their drinks, a beer for Ana and a soda for Shane, the two girls headed to a small table near the stage. It was only set for two and Shane let herself relax slightly.
After taking a sip of her drink Ana glanced up at her companion. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure.”
“Do you like it here?”
The question threw Shane for a loop. “What do you mean?”
“Do you like working here? You seem comfortable around the crew and you’re social enough with Brooke and myself but you completely ignore the guys. Did they do something to upset you?”
Shane sighed and glanced towards the stage where the band was starting to set up. “No, they didn’t anything but…I don’t know…I just never had to interact with the performers much. I would come in and do my thing, they would do their thing, and at the end of the day we’d go our separate ways. I’ve never worked on a show where the talent wants to hang out with the crew.”
“The talent?”
“Oh come on, Ana. No offense but we’re at the bottom of the totem pole here. No one is going to go home and rave about the lights. If we’re lucky they’ll kind of remember what the set looked like and will probably know which performer wore what but that’s if we’re lucky.” She took a drink of her soda and shrugged. “I like it that way. I just want to do my job and pay my dues. This whole ‘family’ thing is weird.”
Ana considered the young woman’s words as she sipped her drink. This was her third tour with Celtic Thunder and she enjoyed the fact that everyone was like one big family. The performers made a point of getting to know everyone involved with the show and the crew was always invited to the launch and wrap parties.
“It may be weird but that’s how things are with the Celtic Thunder tours. The guys are really nice, you should try and get to know them. You are going to be working with them for nearly a year.”
Shane ran a hand through her hair then let her head rest on her hand. “Ana, you don’t understand. This is my big break. I couldn’t believe that after seeing a small sample of my work that Sharon asked me to be the chief lighting director for the Australian tour. I have never had an opportunity like this before and I may never have an opportunity like this again. I can’t let my emotions, even just those that come with friendship, distract me. This is my dream and I refuse to let anything or anyone get in my way.”
“Shane, I’m sure if you told this to the guys they would understand. They’re all living their dream and understand what it is like to make sacrifices. You shouldn’t have to walk alone. Let us help you.”
“I’ve always stood alone and I’ve done just fine. I’ve made it this far by myself and I’ll go even further without anyone tying me down.”
“Don’t you have a boyfriend?”
The techie raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, so?”
“Isn’t he tying you down?”
“Jason and I aren’t that serious. If we broke up tomorrow I really wouldn’t mind too much. I do miss him and he wasn’t particularly thrilled that I would be traveling across the globe with some band, but he understands that my work comes first.”
Ana frowned and tossed back the rest of her beer. She couldn’t understand why someone as smart and strong as Shane would chose a life of solitude. It was obvious that there was no arguing with her so she dropped the topic, attempting to forget Shane’s words as the band began to play their first set.
“Can I ask one more thing of you?”
Shane nodded and leaned forward so she could hear over the music.
“Can you at least try and be civil?”
The techie chuckled and shrugged.
“Civil? Yeah…I suppose I can do civil.”
____________________________________________________
About halfway through the band’s first set Ana glanced up to see Neil, Keith, Ryan, Emmet, Brooke and Nicole walk in. “They’re here, do you want to sit with them?” Shane shook her head. “Then don’t turn around and maybe they won’t notice us.”
Unfortunately Shane’s vibrant hair color stood out like a sore thumb. “There’s Shane and Ana,” said Ryan while pointing over the crowd. “Let’s go find a few more chairs, I’m sure we call all squeeze in.”
Brooklyn stopped him with a hand on his arm. “I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”
Ryan turned and frowned. “Why not?”
“Do you think they picked that tiny table by accident? Come on, I see one that will hold all of us.”
Brooke led the guys through the crowd and Emmet chose a seat where he had a clear view of the band…and of Shane. He was a little hurt that she didn’t want to sit with them and wondered what he had done wrong.
Apparently he wasn’t the only one wondering what was up with the new crew member because Keith echoed his sentiments a few moments later. “I don’t get it. We’re perfectly nice to her and she treats us like dirt. What did we ever do to her?” exclaimed the blonde before taking a large drink of his beer.
“Not everyone’s as social as you,” replied Neil. “Don’t you remember when I first met you guys? It was a struggle to get me to say half a dozen words, let alone go out for a pint.”
“But at least you talked!” said Keith. “Shane looks at us like we’re nothing more than the gum on the bottom of her shoe.”
Brooke ground her teeth together while uncrossing her legs and a moment later Neil jumped. “Ow!”
“Sorry, Neil,” said Brooke before adjusting her aim, grinning in victory when Keith jumped and rubbed his shin.
“What was that for?”
“Be nice!” hissed the dancer. “You have no idea what she’s been through. Maybe she has a good reason for avoiding you.”
“Like what?”
“I don’t know, it could be anything. I’ve had foster kids that dance at my studio and trust me, some of them have stories that will make your skin crawl.”
“What kind of stories?” asked Emmet.
The young woman turned to look at him and glanced at his beer. “You might want to take another drink if I were you.” The tenor raised an eyebrow and Brooklyn sighed. “I’ve heard the good and the bad side of a foster kid’s life. I’ve heard about families taking a child in at birth and raising them in an idealistic environment and I’ve heard about the agony some of those kids have gone through. Abuse of every kind imaginable, malnourishment, neglect. You name it, I’ve heard it.”
Brooke turned her head and glared at Keith who was trying to distract himself by drawing with the condensation on the table. “You have no idea what the girl has been through, Keith Harkin, and if I ever hear you, any of you, say one bad thing about her without provocation not only will I tell Sharon, I will personally tell your mothers.”
Her five companions at the table turned white and Keith refused to meet the dancer’s eyes. “I’m sorry, Brooke,” he mumbled and his apology was barely heard over the music.
The young woman shrugged it off and glanced over towards Shane’s table. “You can really show me that you’re sorry by leaving that poor girl alone. If she wants to sit by herself all day then let her.” She took a drink of her whiskey and shook her head. “I have a feeling she’s got some issues of her own to sort through.”
“Issues?” asked Nicole.
“Yeah, I have a theory on how she got that shiner.”
“She said that she fell and hit the dresser. Apparently she’s really clumsy.”
Brooke shook her head. “Have you seen her work? She walks on those rigs like a cat on a fence, sometimes without a harness. If she was clumsy she would have fallen by now.”
“What do you think happened?” asked Neil, slightly worried about what her answer might be.
“I think someone popped her.”
“What?”
“I think someone gave it to her,” she replied.
“Who? Her boyfriend?” asked Emmet. He was furious imagining that someone could have raised their hand to Shane.
“I don’t know but I used the excuse of being clumsy far too often in order to hide my bruises. And there’s something about her demeanor that speaks of it as well.” Ryan placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and the young woman smiled slightly.
Shaking her head the dancer leaned in close so the others could hear her. “If you breathe a word of this theory I will personally make your life miserable, understood?” After she received five nervous nods she sat back with a smile. “It looks like Declan and the others are here, who should we con into buying the next round?”