Page 7 of In What World

I heard what you said about turning the show announcement into something about me. I want to make sure it’s clear that was not my intention. That moment fully belongs to the kids. I can still remember when Dallas told us about our production ofRENT. Jaz and I started throwing fistfuls of confetti around. You got everyone to sing “La Vie Bohème.” I hope this group gets to celebrate just as big.

I do fully intend on coming to opening night, unless you think I’ll be a distraction. Please let me know.

While I have you, I wanted to ask something. A few months ago, I reached out to the WRHS administration about making an even larger than usual donation to the drama department. They were super appreciative, and they mentioned wanting to rename the theater in my honor. In follow-up emails, they’ve expressed to me that due to internal pushback, naming the theater for me is no longer a possibility.

Do you happen to know who is pushing back? I would love to reach out to that person and discuss. I don’t need a theater named after me, of course, but if there’s something I’ve done to make the WRHS faculty think I’m not proud of my alma mater, I want to remedy that ASAP.

All my best,

Priscilla

“What did you say?” Erik asks.

“Just that I’ll go,” I tell Erik, still rereading my email, trying to imagine which frustrated face Marlowe might be making as she receives it. Is it the one where her caterpillar brows burrow down so low they almost bury her eyes? Or is she letting out an exasperated sigh, her lower jaw puckered forward so that the exhaled air blows the wispy pieces of her hair off her face?

On second thought, her hair is probably too short for that now—a dark brown shag that comes in above her shoulders with bangs scattered across her forehead—and her round, wire-rimmed glasses that are destined to slide down the narrow slope of her nose.

She must have thought of me whenever she finally got those glasses. How many times had I told her she needed to get her vision checked? She was always squinting at anything more than five feet ahead of her, which meant she never caught the way Dallas would subtly direct us by doing things like clacking his front teeth together when we went somewhere intriguing in a scene, or flaring his nostrils when we were being too obvious. She’d always ask me how I knew what he wanted from me, and I’d say, “I just look at him.”

God, she hated that.

Right as my hand is reaching to return my phone to Erik, the device pings with Marlowe’s reply.

Hey Cilla,

That’s very generous to offer your presence on opening night. I’m sure it won’t be a distraction at all. Let us know all of the special accommodations you’ll need to pull it off.

I hadn’t heard about renaming the theater after you. Perhaps whoever spoke out thinks it would make more sense to name it after Dallas, the department head for the last thirty-two years? I will look into this and find out.

Warmly,

Marlowe

Warmly?

Oh yes, Marlowe Jenkins, always known for her warmth.

Marlowe,

Appreciate your prompt response! I will book my ticket for May. No extra accommodations necessary! And yes, please do investigate the theater thing, if you can. It makes total sense to name it for Dallas instead of me. Let me know if I need to throw my support behind that nomination to pull it off!

With unfailing gratitude,

Priscilla

Cilla,

Your support would be great.

Kind regards,

Marlowe

Marlowe!

Consider it supported!! I’ll email the admins right now!

Eternal blessings of prosperity and peace,