After rehearsal one night, I checked my e-mail. We were all on the cast and crew mailing list for the show and I ended up getting twenty e-mails or so a day. The purpose of the list was to keep us informed if there were any changes to the rehearsal schedule. A lot of the time, though, the e-mails ended up being conversations between a few people in the cast that had nothing to do with the show: things like, “did you see what so-and-so was wearing today?” and “did anyone understand the trig assignment?” Every once in awhile, there was a question about the show, but they were few and far between. I ended up deleting a lot of the e-mails without even reading them.

One night, I saw an e-mail from Katie, so I had to read it:

I wanted to let everyone know how much I’ve enjoyed doing this show. This is my only show here, but I’ve had so much fun and made so many friends. I wish it didn’t have to end. I’m going to miss all you guys when we graduate. Let’s keep in touch!

Wow! She wants to keep in touch! Okay, so I know it wasn’t just intended for me. Maybe it was a foot in the door for me, though. I created a Save folder on my e-mail account just for this e-mail (and any other e-mails Katie may write) and I responded to her:

Hey, Katie, it’s been great working with you too. Don’t be a stranger. What are your plans for the future?

It doesn’t sound like much, I know. But, it took me a good hour to come up with that. I wanted to sound sincere, but not too pushy, genuinely interested but not like a stalker. After I sent the e-mail, time seemed to stop. It was like watching a boiling pot. I’d sit by my computer waiting and waiting for a response. I’d get up and walk around trying to occupy myself with something else. I’d turn on the radio and sing another duet with Morty, but my mind was always on my e-mail.

“Why hasn’t she written back?” I’d ask Morty. He didn’t have any valuable words of advice. He just stood there with that blank expression on his face.

Finally, I gave up and went to bed. The next morning, I woke up, determined that I wasn’t going to check my e-mail. Maybe just a peek. Hey, Katie responded! Well, now I had to read it:

Scott, I'll miss our conversations. That’s always the hard part about doing a show. You get to know people, and then, when it’s over, we all go how separate ways. I hope that doesn’t happen with us. I’m trying to get into an acting school in New Calvert City. I love performing. I’ve been doing it since I was little. I used to put on little shows for my family. Ha, ha. What are your plans for after graduation?

What would I say to her that would sound intelligent and witty? I had to get to school; I’d have the rest of the day to think about my response.

The day was dark and rainy. Jeff and I met up during home room, sixth period. He was talking about the latest Doctor Life comic book, which was a common occurrence with him, but, I really wasn’t paying attention. All I heard was, “Dude... helicopter crash... brought the pilot back to life.”

I was so deep in thought that I didn’t even see Katie approach me from the right. “Hi, Scott!” she said, as she smiled and did a little shimmy next to me. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you again."

“Hi! What? Me? No!” I said. “What are you...?” and then, the damn bell rang. I had to go to my next class.

“Off to Civics,” she said, scowling. Then, she brightened. “See you around.” She touched my right arm as she walked away.

“Okay,” I said waving. “Did you see that?” I asked Jeff.

He flashed me that condescending glance of his. “She said hello, man. Don’t go crazy.”

I sighed. “Yeah, I know. You’re right.” I hate it when he’s right. The day did seem to get brighter after that, though. I made it through seventh and eighth periods, History (moan) and Physics (which I actually liked), but I kept thinking about what I would say to her. It was an eloquent conversation in my mind:

“How are you this fine morning, Katrina?”

“I’m quite well, Scott. Thank you for asking.”

“You look well.” I kiss her hand. “Is that dress new? It’s very flattering.”

“Why, yes, it is. So sweet of you to notice. Pardon me, but, do you have any of that fancy mustard?”

"But, of course."

It’s one of those conversations that never happen in real life, though. Instead, I decided to say something that sounded more real. When I got home, I wrote her email that I'd been refining all day:

Hi Katie. I’ve been doing artistic things since I was little too. Jeff and I used to act out scenarios of our favorites comic book heroes. Ha! Honestly, I have no idea what I’m going to do with my life. People keep asking me. I admire you for pursuing your dream. I’d like to be appreciated for my creativity too.

Thus began several days of e-mailing if only about life in general. I'd start with something I've never told anyone else (besides Jeff, of course):

A few years ago, Jeff bought an old video camera and we made a bunch of cheesy sci-fi movies.

Katie would respond with:

Ha! Well, now you'll have to show me those movies some time.

I eagerly responded:

Sure! Any time!

Then, she tell me something she found embarrassing:

Have you ever seen that movie, "I Thought We Were Only Friends?" I rented the video, thinking it would be a romance. It turned out to be a slapstick comedy and there were these big explosions. I'm not usually into that kind of thing, but I loved it! I must have watched it six times that weekend.

Occasionally, I’d slip in something about what I liked in women, what I liked about her, how funny I thought she was. Even when I talked to her in school, I couldn’t wait to get home and chat through the night. I almost felt bad about not spending time with Morty. If Morty had felt neglected, though, he didn’t say anything.

Next Chapter: Chapter Six