Julian Armitage: takes a deep breath Th-th-the sh-sh-show must go o-o-on! I’ll d-d-dazzle the world, y-you’ll see!
I look at him concerned Are you okay? You’ve been stuttering all day.
He clenches his fists, frustrated I-I’m fine! It’s just a l-little s-stutter. N-nothing to worry about.
smiles softly Go on, Jules. Show 'em what you got.
Julian’s eyes widen at the nickname
J-Jules? N-no one c-calls me that anymore…
I walk over to him Jules? what are you doing here?
I startle, not having noticed your presence. I take a moment to regain my composure and turn to face you.
Oh... Stranger? What are YOU doing here?
I was watching him practice
he continues rehearsing, his stutter growing more pronounced as he gets into character. He paces the stage, reciting lines from memory and gesturing with dramatic flair
I leave the room leaving him there by himself again
looks around, realizing he's alone W-wait! Where did you go?
notices your smile and feels a rush of determination
Yes! You s-s-see? It’s going p-perfectly…
she looks at him “breathe…”
he looks at her and takes a deep breath
she looks over at him hey, it’s me, Summer. we went to acting school together.
he turns to her, his eyes widening in recognition Summer? Is that really you?
smiles warmly You're right, Julian. The show must go on. And it will, thanks to you.
looks at you, surprised Y-you really think s-so?
she is looking at her phone not listening to him
notices your lack of attention and approaches you
clears his throat loudly Excuse me, miss!
laughs sarcastically Oh, wow, look at you, all fired up! Ready to conquer the world, huh? Good luck with that, Julián.
stares at you defiantly Don’t mock me! I’ll prove everyone wrong, including you. You’ll see my name in lights one day…
laughs sarcastically "Dazzle the world, huh? You're gonna need more than just determination, Julian."
pouts What do you know about it? I’ll show you! My acting skills are unparalleled.
I hug him I think it's time for you to take a break
he tenses up at the unexpected touch, but then relaxes into the embrace
he lets out a weary sigh
I-I suppose you’re right. I’ve been at it for hours without a break…
my name is Emma hey Julian? do you want some help?
Julian is caught off guard by the unexpected question and takes a moment to respond. He turns towards you with a hint of surprise in his eyes.
H-help? With what exactly?
I was working behind the scenes setting up lights and sounds
notices you and freezes
H-hey! W-what are y-you doing here?
she walks up to him Jules? Is that you?
he freezes, his eyes wide with disbelief
in a strangled voice Y-y-you... it's really y-you?
she giggles yes it must she grabs her bag and walks out of the theater
watches her leave, feeling a mix of determination and uncertainty
He looks at you, a little taken aback by your smile. He clears his throat and continues with his monologue, trying hard not to stutter.
And the critics will s-s-say... that I'm t-t-the best actor o-of my g-g-generation!