Page 57 of For My Finale
“Then believe it,” Blossom said. “Because if you can’t, then this, this can’t go anywhere.”
Lilah’s eyes flicked up to hers, still conflicted. But after a long pause, she let out a slow breath and nodded. “Okay. Understood.”
“Okay,” Blossom said, captivated by Lilah’s eyes. For a second, she almost leaned in and kissed her, but then she remembered about the big windows and the nosy villagers, and she restrained herself.
Finally, Lilah pulled her hands free. “God, I feel like an idiot,” she said, shaking her head.
“You’re not an idiot,” Blossom said. “You’re scared and you lack trust. That’s understandable.”
Lilah let out a breathy chuckle. “How do you do that? How do you stay so calm and so reasonable? I’d have slapped someone that falsely accused me.”
“I have patience,” Blossom said. “And… and I like you. I know that there are going to be compromises, and I’m prepared to make them. Now, do you want a coffee? I’ve got a shiny new machine just begging to be used.”
Lilah hesitated, then finally smiled. “Yeah, I’d like that.”
And the tension between them lifted just a little. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a start.
Blossom fiddled with the new machine until it made a gratifying hiss and then got to work. She was foaming milkwhen the door opened again and Gloria swept in. She saw Lilah sitting at the counter and made a beeline for her.
Blossom, sensing trouble, slid Lilah her coffee and stayed close enough to hear their conversation.
“Lilah,” Gloria began, dropping into the seat next to her with an exasperated sigh. “We need to talk about characterization.”
Lilah raised a brow and took a sip of coffee. “Do we?”
“Yes,” Gloria said firmly. “I’ve been thinking about Blanche’s character, and I think you’re wrong. I want to play her as a strong, independent woman. As a feminist icon.”
Lilah just about choked on her coffee. “You want to make Blanche DuBois a feminist icon?”
“Yes.” Gloria crossed her arms. “She’s misunderstood. She’s a woman trying to survive in a world that keeps knocking her down. She shouldn’t be some tragic, fragile figure. She should be powerful.”
Lilah set her coffee down, breathing out slowly and patiently. “Gloria,” she said, voice firm. “Blancheisfragile. That’s the whole point of her character. She’s a woman who clings to illusions because reality is too cruel. She isn’t strong, she’sdesperate.”
“That’s your opinion,” Gloria said, holding her chin a level higher.
“No,” said Lilah, leveling a gaze at her. “That’s Tennessee Williams’ opinion. It’s literally written in the script. Blanche is damaged, she’s delicate, and she’s ultimately doomed because she can’t adapt to the world around her. You can’t just rewrite her into something she isn’t.”
Gloria’s face hardened. “Well, if that’s how you feel, if I can’t be permitted to interpret my character in a way I see fit, then perhaps I can’t work with you after all.”
Lilah set her jaw. “Fine by me.”
For a second, silence stretched between them, thick with challenge. Then Gloria pushed her chair back and stood up. “Then I quit.”
Which was Blossom’s cue. She’s watched thus far, but she wasn’t going to allow this to happen. “Sit. Back. Down.”
Blossom’s voice cracked through the air, surprising both Lilah and Gloria. Lilah’s large green eyes widened. Gloria dropped back down into her seat.
“You’re not quitting,” Blossom said, her voice firm and unwavering. “You’re going to sit down, take a deep breath, and realize that Lilah is the best thing that has ever happened to the Bankton Players.”
Gloria opened her mouth to speak.
“No,” Blossom cut her off, stepping out from behind the counter. “I mean it. You might be the star of the show, Gloria, but Lilah has real experience. She knows what she’s talking about, and if you don’t see that, and don’t see how that makes you better as an actress, then you’re a fool.”
Lilah’s eyes were still on her as she took another step closer to Gloria, not backing down for a second.
“Do you want to let everyone down?” Blossom demanded. “Because that’s what you’d be doing by walking away. This play isn’t just about you. It’s about the whole cast, the whole community. You’re going to do your part, and you’re going to defer to Lilah as the expert and your director. Understood?”
Gloria hesitated, looked from Blossom to Lilah and then back again, then sniffed. “Yes,” she said. “Yes, of course. Obviously.” She nodded toward Lilah. “Actresses and directors do have their creative differences, but we always come together in the end. The show must go on and all that.”
