The sounds of the audience hummed as people quickly filled in their seats.
Soon enough, the house lights dimmed, and the conductor raised his arms, and the magic that was Guys and Dolls began. And there, in row C, seats 107 and 108 of the Nederlander Theatre, sat Martha Rogers and Alexis Castle, hand in hand, smiles on their faces.
Grandmother and granddaughter, enjoying their Broadway night.
Hours later, after the cast had taken their final bows, the two women sauntered out of the theatre, arm in arm, humming along to the tune of their favorite song.
They continued their trek, laughing and giggling, all the way through Times Square.
"You know, Darling," Martha said on a sigh, "I used to sing this song to you all the time when you were little." Their steps slowed to a smooth. "I thought your father was going to strangle me at some point." She laughed, looking into her granddaughter's crystal clear baby blues, "Either that or escape across the country with you in tow."
Alexis leaned her head into the older woman's shoulder. "I highly doubt it Gram. He won't admit it, but Dad likes it when you sing. I think it reminds him of when he was growing up."
"Maybe so, damn those stubborn male traits." Again, they shared an airy laugh. "He was probably just sick of the song. Used to sing it to him too."
"Really?" Alexis's head cocked to the side. "I remember one day when I was like…five, Dad told me I was going to turn into you, because apparently I was walking around singing it. I told him he was just jealous because it was our song, and he stuck his tongue out at me." She sighed.
Martha reached around and pulled Alexis close into her side, pressing a kiss to her head. "Oh Darling, it'll always be our song. You don't honestly think your father would ever sing with me, do you?"
Alexis laughed, wrapping her arm around her grandmother's waist. "If he does we'll have to have his head examined. Though, it would get us both some good video for blackmail."
"True." They bent heads together, picking up speed again. "Come on, we better hurry back. You know he worries."
"And you know, Gram…we should make sure to sing extra loud when we come in, so that he'll know that we're alright, of course."
"Is there any other way to make an entrance?" Marta waved an arm dramatically through the air.
"Not one that you've taught me."
"Come on, Love, such a grand arrival demands rehearsal."
Arms looped, the pair continued their trip, singing and dancing in the streets to their song.
I love you, a bushel and a peck,
a bushel and a peck, and a barrel and a heap,
a barrel and a heap and I'm talking in my sleep about you…
Again, I'm drawing on personal memories for this. The song is "A Bushel And A Peck" from 'Guys and Dolls'. My grandmother used to sing it to me all the time, and when I was old enough we sang it together. She was as much a diva as Martha, which is why I love this dynamic so much.
Hope you like it! Review?
Tappin
=)