CHAPTER 14

The curtains parted to reveal the set beyond, and from the audience a collective gasp was heard. The lights glowed above the ballroom style set, even as the body of the extras dressed in elaborate costumes moved to the music's hypnotizing beat. It was a whirlwind of colour designed to whisk the audience away into another world.

It was upon this stage that the mask-clad figure of the young knight appeared looking smart, and extremely fit in his costume.

The only clue to the audience as to his identity were his companions, jostling him through the crowd as they teased and taunted him, while commenting upon the number of beautiful women present.

To the man on stage it was clear that their chatter was unimportant as his gaze focused upon a figure standing over by the punch table. He could only see her from the side, yet he was unable to move. Her golden hair glowed in the low lighting, and the pure-white dress shimmered about her slender frame.

Unheard to the audience but he gasped as she turned to face him fully, and he did not have to act as he all but stumbled towards her, an expression of complete awe upon his face.

He had always been backstage during practices operating the lighting, and ensuring everything was perfect for the set changes.

She smiled shyly at him as was correct for the blushing virginal maid that was Juliet, averting her attention elsewhere even as her eyes slipped back to him.

When he was before her, he felt as if he was Romeo, seeing the love of his life for the very first time, and suddenly understood what it meant to be afraid of rejection. He knew why she had been afraid those few months ago when he had pulled away from her so suddenly.

He delivered his lines in a daze, unable to take his eyes off her. She was perfect.

They would say later in the reviews how spectacular the understudy was in the opening night performance. Rumours would race of Jason's jealousy and the outrageous things Darien had done in order to play the part that night, when really Jason had simply lost his voice.

Talk of the emotion between the understudy and Juliet would last for months. Exclamations made over how the emotion was so tangible that it made one believe in love at first site, and comprehend why they could not live on if they were not together.

The play was an utter success. One that had Madame Beaufleur in tears as funding poured in for the Drama Department, funding that would allow her to upgrade the lighting and sound systems, and perhaps produce and extra show per year!

Yet Darien and Usagi did not care about any of it. They were in love, and could not have acted any differently. To them the only thing that mattered was the ending of the school year and the promises of freedom that loomed on the horizon.

University was awaiting them, and with it the slender gold promise ring hidden from sight.

They had grown closer since his confession those months ago, and now were near inseparable. Their friends were supportive although clueless to Usagi's identity… though today, the day after graduation day, was the day that they would be finding out the truth…

"Are you everything will be allright?" Usagi questioned nervously

"everything will be fine, don't worry" Darien replied, leanign down to place a loving kiss upon her rosy lips.

"hey, anybody home?" the loud call from the front door caused the pair to jump apart, withUsagi scramblingtowards the kitchen andDarien calling out,

"Hey guys, how are you?"

"Just fine Darien you?"

"Great, there's someone I'd like you to meet"

"Hi, I'm…"

"Brandon? Is that you?"

"Erm… my name is actually Usagi"

Three heads turn from looking at the shy smile of the beautiful blonde, down to the gold ring on her slim fourth finger, and up to the face of their widely grinning raven-haired friend.

"…dude"

"Why did you get to room with a girl…?"

THE END

story will be revised from beginning to end. there are deff. parts that need. work. let me know what you think! and thanks so much to all those who have read and reviewed.