The final performance was in full swing. The actors were setting the stage on fire, like they always did. Like she always did.
A quiet, dark corner, backstage. Ava took a deep breath. She could do this. She was going to do this. Like she planned. As soon as she took her curtain call. Her final chance. One final rehearsal. "The moment I saw you, I was lost. But it's like one glimpse of your b..."
Come on, Ava. You can do it. Breathe.
"... your beauty ties my tongue into hopeless k-knots, so all I can do is just stare at you from afar, and w-worship."
God, she's going to laugh. Think you're such a weirdo. No. Keep going. It'll be your last chance.
"And and and I know you're an amazing actress, Gloria, and you're going to take over the world, like you took over my h-heart, and I'm just... here... but I... had to... to tell... you..." Ava devolved into mumbles. Her shoulders lumped.
No. She couldn't do this after all. A frustrated groan. It was stupid. There was no way someone like her would be with someone like Ava.
A gentle cough. A velvet voice. "And you were doing so well. Did you forget about my costume change?" it gently asked, as there was a rustling behind her.
Ava was frozen. Couldn't turn around. Gloria was right there? How much did she hear?!
"You sell yourself short, Ava... oh, and the answer is 'yes'. Now if you'll excuse me..." And she was gone again, back into the dazzling lights, leaving the darkness brighter than she'd found it.