Good & Dead #1 Read Free

the deliciously unsettling beginning.  A dedicated and skillful cast of characters bring Poe’s words to life in true nightmarish fashion,” Tom read with a smile.
    There was a breakout of applause, but the more seasoned actors leaned in, expecting the more nitpicking bits that always followed a good word.
    “Newcomer and junior Michael Wallace forced our undivided attention to the story with his dramatic entrance into the scene.”
    There were more cheers.  Randy punched him in the arm. 
    “An excellent set and a believable lead performance from senior Tom Hambright make Charlotte Birdwell’s debut as a director a smashing success, and a delightful (but spooky) surprise for a student production.”
    “If you’re in the mood for a late night scare, get thee evil eyes to the 23 rd street theatre, where For Evermore will play late throughout the week.  Call for dates.  Box Office opens at 11.  Curtain at midnight,” He finished with a flourish and a bow.
    Charlotte beamed with pride.  Michael smiled, too.  I helped .
    “Alright, now you’re just a creeper,” Randy said under his breath.
    “Shut up.” Michael blushed.
    Everyone dispersed into lively conversation, and Michael bumped awkwardly from one group to the next before making his way to the snack table.  He selected a slice of Hawaiian pizza and a filled a plastic cup with coke, and retreated to a table in the corner.  Randy’s voice carried over the crowd, and Michael smiled as he told the story of their fourth grade production of Cinderella , during which Michael puked on the fairy godmother’s dress.
    “You’ve come a long way!” Randy hollered over at him.
    Michael’s mouth was full of pizza, so he gave him a thumbs-up so sarcastic it may as well have been a middle finger.  Full of free food, Michael was the first to reach for his coat.
    “Are you leaving already?” Charlotte asked.
    Michael had not seen her standing there.  “Uh…yes,” he replied, one arm already in his jacket.  I sound like a cyborg whenever I talk to her.  “I have a paper to write.  It’s due….last Wednesday.”
    “Oh, okay,” she laughed. “Are you sure?  This was your first stage experience, wasn’t it?”
    “Yes.” Michael gestured to Randy. “Except for Cinderella.”
    “That doesn’t count.” Charlotte waved his remark away. “You were a kid.  As an adult,” she said, “half the fun of acting is the opening night party.  Well, when the show is good, anyway.  Plus this is your night, in a way.  You saved the show.”  Even though she barely came up to Michael’s shoulder, her effect on him was beyond intimidating.  He stuck his other arm in his jacket and turned down the collar.
    Michael laughed.  It was a really painfully weird laugh.  Now I sound like a donkey cat.  I’m a donkey cat cyborg.
    “I don’t know about that,” he choked out. “I didn’t know what else to do.”
    “You did very well,” she said, beaming at him encouragingly. “I think there are some bigger roles in your future.”
    “Oh, dear, I hope not,” he said, wondering how long it had been since he had last used the phrase ‘oh dear’. “I don’t think I’m cut out for acting.”  He reached for his cup and took a nervous sip.
    “What?  You’re a natural,” said Charlotte, “I thought you did great, especially for a stage virgin.”
    Michael choked on his drink, coke dribbling down his chin.  Behind her, Randy shook his head in horror.  Michael glared at him and wiped his chin with his sleeve.  “I thought you did really well.  Wasn’t this your first time directing?”
    “It was,” she replied, “and I thought I would hate it, but it was a lot of fun.”
    “I think my head would explode if I tried to keep track of everything that went into it tonight,” Michael said.  He was finding it very hard to stay focused on what she was saying.  He thought he was looking at her too much again, but this was the longest conversation