Chapter: The Day The Stage Betrayed Me
(Jay's POV)
Today was the day.
Actual stage.
Actual audience.
Actual lights.
And unfortunately—
Actual Keifer.
I stood behind the curtain trying to breathe normally.
"Why is my heart beating like I'm about to write board exams?" I whispered.
Freya adjusted her costume and smirked. "Because you're married today."
"I am NOT married."
"To Papa," Ci N added dramatically.
Felix clutched his chest. "My parents are nervous."
"I will disown all of you," I warned.
Backstage Chaos
Blaster lost his fake moustache.
Mayo couldn't find his dialogue sheet.
Rakki was arguing with Ci N about who stands closer to the "parents."
Denzel was already in grandpa mode, shaking his head at everyone like we disappointed him in real life.
Grace fanned herself dramatically. "This family needs therapy."
And Keifer?
Standing calmly near the curtain.
Watching me.
Why.
Why is he calm.
I marched toward him.
"Why are you not nervous?"
He shrugged. "Because I trust my wife."
I choked.
"I am your co-actor."
"Same thing."
"No."
"Yes."
Before I could argue, Rory shouted, "Five minutes!"
My stomach flipped.
Keif leaned slightly closer. "You okay?"
I nodded too quickly. "Obviously."
"You're shaking."
"I am not."
He gently held my hands.
Not dramatic. Not teasing.
Just steady.
"Look at me," he said quietly.
I looked up.
"Forget the audience. Just follow me. If you forget lines, I'll cover."
"Don't act like hero."
"I am the hero."
I glared.
He grinned.
Idiot.
Comforting idiot.
Curtain Opens
The lights hit us.
And for one second—
I forgot how to breathe.
The audience was huge.
Teachers. Students. Section A. Section B. Juniors. Seniors.
Everyone.
Felix entered first dramatically.
"Mother! Father!" he shouted perfectly.
Ci N followed, arguing loudly.
Rakki flipped her hair.
Freya did her dramatic gasp.
Everything started smoothly.
And then—
My dialogue came.
My brain went blank.
Blank.
Completely blank.
Keif noticed immediately.
Without missing a beat, he stepped forward and said his line slightly differently — giving me a cue.
And suddenly—
My brain restarted.
I continued perfectly.
He didn't even look at me, but I knew he did that for me.
I kicked him lightly after that scene.
"Show off," I muttered.
"You're welcome."
The Big Emotional Scene
This was the scene.
The one everyone teased us about.
Script:
Papa comforts Mama during family argument.
The argument exploded around us.
Blaster shouting.
Kit fake crying.
Erdix pointing fingers.
Grace dramatically turning away.
Denzel shaking his walking stick.
It looked real.
Too real.
I delivered my emotional line.
And this time—
I actually felt it.
Not because of the script.
But because this whole crazy group meant something.
And maybe…
He did too.
Keif stepped closer — arm around my shoulders.
Audience went quiet.
Dead silent.
He said his line softly.
But he looked at me like it wasn't acting.
And that scared me more than the audience.
For a second I forgot it was a play.
My heart was not acting.
It was panicking.
The script said:
Papa wipes Mama's tears.
He hesitated for half a second.
Asking silently.
I gave the tiniest nod.
He gently brushed near my cheek — respectful, careful.
The audience went:
"Ooooooo…"
I wanted to disappear.
Freya from behind whispered loudly, "Mama blushing!"
The audience laughed.
I almost broke character.
Keif whispered under his breath, "Focus, Mrs. Watson."
I stepped on his shoe.
He winced but didn't react.
Professional.
Annoying professional.
The Ending Scene
Final reunion.
Group hug moment.
We gathered center stage.
Lights warm.
Music soft.
Script says:
Family unites. Parents stand strong at center.
He pulled me slightly closer — not dramatic, just enough to look natural.
Applause started building.
And then—
Ci N shouted loudly, off script:
"BEST PARENTS EVER!"
The whole section screamed.
The audience started clapping harder.
Someone from the crowd whistled.
Felix pointed at us and yelled, "They're actually in love!"
I froze.
Keif leaned closer and whispered, "Relax. It's just acting."
I whispered back, "You better hope so."
He smiled slightly.
And then—
Curtains closed.
After The Curtains
The second the curtain shut—
Chaos.
Everyone screaming.
Hugging.
Jumping.
"WE DID ITTTTT!"
Freya tackled me.
Rakki nearly knocked Ci N down.
Mayo was fake crying.
Denzel said proudly, "Grandparents are satisfied."
Grace clapped dramatically.
And Keif?
He stood in front of me.
Smiling softly.
"No forgotten lines," he said.
"Because of you."
He shrugged. "Teamwork."
For once—
No teasing.
No flirting.
Just quiet pride.
Then Felix suddenly pushed us together and shouted:
"PHOTO TIME! MOM AND DAD CENTER!"
We stumbled.
The whole section crowded around.
Camera flash.
And in that one second—
His hand rested lightly at my waist.
Natural.
Comfortable.
Like it belonged there.
And I didn't move it away.
Which is a problem.
A very big problem.
Because this was supposed to be just a play.
Right?
…
Right