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FINDING LOVE, FINDING YOURSELF Author: Sparrows Mistress Disclaimer: I don’t own Johnny Depp, James Barrie, or anything to do with Finding Neverland. Summary: One year after the death of Sylvia, James is still caring for the boys with the help of their grandmother, Emma. Her death had hit him pretty hard and now he is ready to get back into the theater. The one thing he wasn’t ready for was you. * * * * * CHAPTER 1 “Everyone, please take your seats” Charles called, his voice echoing through the theater as the actors and actresses filed in. “James wants to get everyone in place for the first scene and we’ve taken entirely too long already.” His normal drab voice was full of life since James had returned and he was doing his best to contain the enthusiasm. After a year, he was finally going to have another wonderful play from him. James sat in the front row, giving Charles some of the most astounding looks. He had rarely seen the man crack a smile in all the years he’d known him, yet now, one seemed to be plastered permanently to his face. Tapping his pen idly on the page of his brown leather journal, he passed the last little bit of time before they would begin. He closed his eyes, shutting out the chatter of the cast and crew, and found his bearings. After moments of gathering himself, he took a deep breath and he set his journal aside, standing with his arms crossed over his chest as he stared at the collage of faces. Some he knew, like Lord Carlton who had played Captain Hook and Mr. Reilly who had done the part of Nana the dog but there were so many new faces. Well, he would have to meet the new ones at some point and better sooner than later. He’d learned the hard way that doing something sooner was always better than later. “So sorry I’m late,” came a soft voice and James turned in the owners’ direction. James looked at the woman who stood there. Quite pretty, beautiful in fact. “And you would be?” James asked. “Samantha” you reply, smiling with a faint blush at the mishap. “Sorry, I’m playing Samantha. Ms. Frohman, ( ) Frohman. It’s been a long time Mr. Barrie,” you tell him with a smile. The last time you’d seen him was twelve years earlier when you’re father had just brought him on staff at the theater. He hadn’t changed much, if any, for the better. Charles heard the chit-chat behind him and turned, the smile gone and his irritation showing in his eyes. “Really ( ), we would like to start at some point today” Charles mumbled, the toneless voice back again. “Sorry Father” you mutter, smiling to James. “I’d love to catch up with you later” you tell him quickly before taking your seat. James watched as you walked back through the aisle, sitting down in one of the seats on the end. You were nothing like he remembered. If memory served right, the last time he’d seen you, you couldn’t have been more than fifteen years old. Had that much time really passed? God, it hasn’t seemed that way. “( )? James asked, the name finally dawning on him. “Your daughter ( )?” “One in the same same,” Charles replied dryly. “I haven’t seen her for years,” James murmured to Charles. “( ) went to live with Catharine in America after the divorce twelve years ago. She came back after college. Acting school is better here than in America.” James continued to stare at you, without you knowing; you were to busy shuffling through your script. A thick chunk of your hair had fallen down in your face and you tried blowing away the annoyance. Your once bland eyes now held a gorgeous hue to them as the searched the pages, getting a feel for the first scene. You’d filled out in all the right places that a woman should and you’d become such a beautiful creature. Feeling a pair of eyes on you, you look up, connecting with James’. You smile sweetly and turn your attention to your father as he started to speak. “As most of you know, James took a break from the theater” Charles started, bringing James out of the trance he was in. James listened as Charles did the introductions, not revealing any more information than necessary about James’ absence. “Now that he’s back, he’s brought with him a splendid play. He was not here when we held auditions so I hope he’ll find the parts assigned to everyone agreeable. I was not in on the auditions but my daughter did land the lead, with no help from me,” Charles added. Everyone knew he was fair so no one challenged it when you’d landed the part of ‘Samantha’. You look around the sea of faces and smile, which everyone returns, except for the girl that had auditioned for the same part. Celine had played the part of Peter in Peter Pan since it was easier to lift a girl on the rope. She simply sat there staring at Charles with a look of displeasure on her face that James and Charles both noted. “James?” Charles asked, stepping back from the crowd to give James the floor. As James stepped forward, he felt every eye on him which was what he wanted. “Thank you all for being here today” he started, walking the length of the front row of seats, getting his thoughts in order. “This play, Breaking Free, is about a girl, Samantha, as she finds herself in the world. She has to cross a lot of bridges along the way: marriage, betrayal, love, and loss. It’s not an easy role but I think ( ) can handle it.” You smile at James and your father, nodding you head in 'thank you' to him for the compliment. James continues to talk about the other roles and you shut out the words he was saying and concentrate on only him. God, he’d only grown more handsome over the years. His chiseled features, from the high cheekbones to the slight cleft in his chin, had become more defined and suited him. The olive pants served as a good contrast to the white dress shirt he wore, and they made his hair look a deeper brown. It had lightened slightly due to the summer sun and a few light brown highlights could be seen. His thin, soft lips formed every word perfectly with the Scottish accent. “Now, if we are ready to begin” James prodded, the cast standing and heading for the stage while the crew headed off in their own direction. James and Charles are speaking quietly as you walk by and James calls out your name. “( )?” James asked, obtaining your attention. “Yes?” you inquire, coming to stand between him and Charles. “Celine has mentioned some concern she has over you taking such a complicated part,” James comment, keeping his concern over the idea as well to himself. Bitch, you thought but smiled. “No, I’m fine with it. I’ve read over the script and I can do it. Tell her not to worry her pretty little head,” you him smartly. “Ah, still the feisty one” James accuses with a smirk and Charles laughs under his breath. “Some things never change” Charles tells James and presses a kiss to your cheek. “Show me what my money went for ( ),” your father tells you and you walk off with a mischievous smile adorning your lips. “James?” Charles asks, staring at the man. “James?” he says more sternly. “Barrie!” came his sharp voice which brought James’ head turning to him. “Aye?” he asks. “Please, remember she is still my daughter” Charles warns. “I’d hate to have you whipped.” James puts his hands on his hips and cocks his head, an offended look coming to his face. “Charles, she’s always going to be that young girl to me” James drawls, making Charles roll his eyes. You overhear the comment and roll your eyes. “Could we please remember that I am a grown woman now?” you call, walking backwards and away from them both. “Father, leave him alone and go home. You look tired. You haven’t been taking very good care of yourself since I left,” you scold. “I’ll be home later.” “America certainly made her too bold” Charles murmurs, agitated at Catharine for letting you have your own way all the time. “But, I’m off. James, make sure she gets home safe, would you?” “Aye Charles” James tells him, waving to his friend as he walks up the aisle and out the doors. James turns back to the cast on stage and slaps his hands, rubbing them briskly together and says, “Let’s get to work!” TBC... |