Short Story - Page 7

Marius stood outside Cosette’s door, his nerves working overtime. He couldn’t believe that he was actually going to try to talk to this beautiful creature. He loosened the bow tie on his tux, wiped his hands on his handkerchief. He then stammered, “Uh, um, it’s me, Marius.”

The voice that escaped his throat did not even sound like his own. It was higher pitched than normal. He stood there, stunned at just how nervous he was about this meeting. As he stood there, it seemed to be forever before Cosette came to the door. He was just about to turn around to leave when the door opened just a crack.

Cosette peeked out the door. “Oh, hello there. Is everything okay with your car?”

Marius smiled and stifled a laugh. “Yeah, everything is fine.” He nervously looked down at his feet. “Um, okay, just thought I’d stop and say ‘hi’.”

She thought for a quick moment and then opened the door. “Well, as long as you’re here, won’t you join me for a cup of coffee?”

“Sure,” Marius quietly answered. “You have a coffee maker in here?”

Cosette giggled as they walked together to the pillows. “I live on coffee. I searched out the only outlet in this room in order to have my coffee. If there wasn’t an outlet, I’d have run an extension cord.”

Marius sat on the pillows as Cosette fixed him a cup of coffee. She brought the steaming mug over to him and settled down with her own cup. “So, what brings you to my neck of the woods?” She sipped her coffee in awe with how bold she could be.

“Don’t know,” he shrugged. He tried to quickly think of a good excuse as to why he knocked on her door. “I was just wandering around backstage and came across your door. Looked like it needed a knock.” He inwardly grimaced at how inept he sounded.

Cosette smiled. “So, my door looked lonely?”

He laughed. “Heh, I guess so.” He blushed a bit.

They fell into an easy conversation. Before they knew it, Cosette had to start another pot of coffee. They talked and laughed throughout the afternoon between performances. Before too long, Cosette’s little alarm clock let out a screech telling them it was time to prepare for the evening performance.

Cosette’s shoulders fell a bit as she sadly announced, “I’m so sorry, Marius, but I’ve got to get some warm ups in before tonight’s performance. I also have to touch up my make up.”

Marius rose off the pillows and set his mug on her vanity. He looks at his watch. “Well, I guess I’ll go for a walk. I’ve got some time before I have to be at my post.”

She turned to watch him go. Except, he wasn’t leaving. She surprised herself by walking over to him and wrapping her arms around his neck for a hug. He jumped a bit, but returned the embrace by wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her in tight. Her tiny dancer frame nearly disappeared in his embrace. They stood this way for what felt like an eternity.
When they finally broke away, Cosette knew she wanted to see him again. Needed to see him again. And, yet, she could not form the words to make that so. Just then, the door to Cosette’s little room slammed open.

In the doorway stood Darion. He surveyed her room and found her standing with Marius’ arm on her waist still. Darion could feel his blood boil over with jealousy. “What is going on here?” he spit through his clenched teeth.