16. Eden

Eden's heart raced as she and Genevieve approached the theatre entrance, their hands intertwined. She glanced to her side, finding reassurance in the determination etched across her director-turned-lover's face.

"Ready?" Genevieve asked. She’d moved all morning with a relaxed kind of confidence that had Eden’s throat thickening with emotion. This woman was proud to be by her side.

Eden nodded. "As I'll ever be." She squeezed Genevieve's hand before releasing it. Though she was equally thrilled to know that their relationship was something real, Eden wanted to walk into that room on her own two feet. Not for the news on the day of the show’s launch to be about who she was sleeping with. She and Genevieve had agreed to keep things somewhat discreet until after opening night.

With a steadying breath, they pushed through the doors and into the familiar buzz of pre-rehearsal activity. The usual chatter died down as they entered, replaced by a palpable tension. Eden felt the weight of dozens of eyes upon her.

Genevieve cleared her throat, drawing the attention to herself. "Good morning, everyone. As you can see, Eden has returned. We appreciate your patience and understanding during yesterday's . . . difficulties. Today, we move forward. Let's make this second attempt at a decent tech rehearsal count."

Eden stepped forward, her cheeks flushed with slight embarrassment. "I want to apologize to all of you. My absence yesterday was unprofessional, and I'm sorry for any stress or inconvenience it caused. I promise to give my all as your lead today, and every dayafter this."

A murmur of acceptance rippled through the assembled cast and crew. Eden caught sight of Mara offering a small smile and nod of encouragement. The gesture warmed her, easing some of the uneasiness in her stomach.

The group sprang into action and prepared to begin. Sammy approached the couple, his expression a carefully neutral mask. "Glad to see you back, Eden," he said, his tone measured. "I trust we won't have any more . . . surprises?"

Eden shook her head firmly. "No, sir. I'm here, one-hundred percent."

Sammy nodded, then turned to the director. "A lot is riding on today, Gen. Make it count." With that, he strode away, leaving a wake of tension behind him.

Genevieve placed her hand warmly on Eden’s back. "Let's get to work," she said, her professional voice sliding seamlessly into place.

As Eden took her position in the wings, she felt a surge of faith in what they were doing, and in herself. This was where she belonged. The familiar weight of Beatrice's character settled over her like a second skin, the words she knew so well dancing through her brain.

Genevieve's voice rang out, clear and commanding. "Watch for your cues, everyone."

The rehearsal began, and Eden threw herself into the role with an easy grace. Each line, each movement felt more alive than ever before. She could sense the energy of the cast around her, rising to meet her own.

As they worked through the scenes, Eden caught glimpses of Genevieve directing from the sidelines. Her lover's face was a study in concentration, but Eden could see the pride shining in her eyes. It fuelled her performance, pushing her to live up to the vision her director had nurtured with such care.

They ran through key scenes multiple times, refining the timing of light cues and set changes. Eden marvelled at how smoothly everything was coming together. It seemed that the disaster of the previous day was now a distant memory for those around her. Calm smiles showed on their faces as they watched each scene unfold from the wings.

During a scene she wasn’t part of, Eden overheard two crew members whispering from her obscured position backstage.

"It's like night and day compared to yesterday," one said.

The other nodded. "Howard seems to be back on her A-game too. Whatever happened between them, I'm glad they sorted it out. I was just about ready to quit rather than be part of such an embarrassment."

Eden felt a sudden burst of shock that quickly gave way to a warm glow of satisfaction. They were getting back on track and people were had noticed the improvement.

As the run-through drew to a close, the atmosphere in the theatre shifted. Gone was the nervous tension from the morning, replaced by a buzz of excitement and camaraderie. Eden could feel it in the air. They had something special here.

Sammy's voice cut through the chatter as he rose from his seat in the front row. "Well, well," he said, a genuine smile spreading across his face as he gave a solo, standing ovation. "That's more like it. Excellent work today, everyone. If we can maintain this level of performance, we're in for a treat on opening night."

Eden beamed, basking in the praise. She searched for Genevieve, finding her deep in conversation with the lighting designer. As if sensing Eden's gaze, Genevieve looked up, flashing a quick, private smile that sent Eden's heart soaring.

As the cast and crew began to disperse, chattering excitedly about the day's success, Eden made her way to Genevieve's side. They stood close. Not quite touching, but sharing the same, comfortable space.

"You were magnificent," Genevieve murmured, her voice low enough that only Eden could hear.

Eden felt a blush creep up her neck. "We were magnificent," she corrected. "All of us. It feels like we’ve got it nailed, doesn't it?"

Genevieve nodded, her eyes sparkling with pride, perhaps even a little relief. "It does. We're going to blow them away on opening night."

For a moment, they simply stood there, savouring the shared triumph of the day. Eden could hardly believe how much had changed in just twenty-four hours. Yesterday, she'd been curled up on her couch, convinced she'd ruined everything. Now, she stood beside the woman she loved, on the cusp of something truly extraordinary.

"Dinner tonight?" Genevieve asked, breaking the easy silence. "We should celebrate today's success."

Eden grinned. "Absolutely. Your place or mine?"

Genevieve pretended to consider for a moment before breaking out a mischievous smile of her own. "Mine. I have a bottle of champagne chilling that I think we've earned. And a bedroom that doesn’t share a wall with any roommates."

The backstage area hummed with nervous energy as opening night loomed. Eden stood before her dressing room mirror, adjusting her costume one last time. Her fingers trembled slightly as she smoothed the fabric, scrutinising every detail of her reflection.

A soft knock at the door drew her attention. "Come in," she called, already knowing who it would be.

Genevieve slipped inside, closing the door behind her. For a moment, they simply gazed at each other, drinking in the sight. Genevieve looked resplendent in a tailored suit, her hair styled in an elegant updo.

"You look incredible," Eden sighed, her eyes roaming appreciatively over her lover's formal getup.

Genevieve smiled, crossing the room to stand behind Eden. Their eyes met in the mirror. "And you," Genevieve murmured, her hands coming to rest on Eden's shoulders, "are absolutely breathtaking."

Eden leaned back into Genevieve's touch, drawing strength from her presence. "I can't believe we're here at last," she whispered. "It feels like a dream."

Genevieve pressed a gentle kiss to Eden's temple. "It's very real, my love. And you're going to be magnificent out there."

Eden turned, facing Genevieve directly. "What if I forget my lines? What if I trip and fall flat on my face?"

Genevieve cupped Eden's face in her hands and pressed her lips together in obvious amusement. "You won't. You know this role inside and out. You are the Beatrice I envisioned, Eden. Just trust yourself; trust the work we've done. I believe in you completely."

Eden nodded, feeling some of her nervousness dissipate under Genevieve's steady gaze. "I love you," she said softly.

"I love you too," Genevieve answered, leaning in for a quick, tender kiss. "Now go out there and show them what you're made of."

With one last warm smile, Genevieve slipped out of the dressing room, leaving Eden to take a few final, centering breaths before making her way to the wings.

The stage lights blazed, momentarily blinding Eden as she stepped into view. As her eyes adjusted, she felt herself transform. The nervousness faded, replaced by a surge of confidence and determination. For the next couple of hours, she wasn’t Eden. She was Genevieve’s Beatrice. Formidable. Vivacious. Sharp-tongued and merciless.

Eden delivered her lines with passion and precision, each word ringing true in the hushed theatre. She could feel the audience's rapt attention. The thousands of eyes that tracked her every movement, as though hypnotised.

In the final scene, as Beatrice delivered her impassioned speech about love and self-discovery, Eden felt as if she were pouring her own heart out on stage. The words resonated deeply, mirroring her own journey toward finally feeling self-assured, after so many years of doubt.

As the parting lines were spoken and the lights dimmed, there was a moment of breathless silence. Then, like a dam breaking, thunderous applause erupted from the audience.

Eden's heart soared as she took her bow, the deafening sounds of clapping and cheering washing over her from every direction. She felt lightheaded with joy and relief, barely able to believe the overwhelming response.

As the rest of the cast joined her for the curtain call, Eden searched the wings for Genevieve. Their eyes met and Eden saw her own elation mirrored in her lover's face.

Genevieve stepped out onto the stage, joining Eden for the final bows. They shared a triumphant look, their fingers intertwined tightly. In that moment, Eden knew with absolute certainty that this was where she belonged - on stage, bringing stories to life, with Genevieve by her side.

As the curtain finally fell, concealing them from the enamoured audience, Eden immediately found herself engulfed in a whirlwind of congratulations. Cast members hugged her, crew members patted her on the back, all showering her with praise for her performance.

Through it all, Genevieve remained close by, her presence a steady anchor amid the chaos. Eden could see the pride radiating from her lover's face, and it filled her with warmth.

"Come, darling," Genevieve eventually said, gently guiding her through the crowd. "There are some people I'd like you to meet."

They approached a small group of well-dressed individuals who had made their way backstage. Eden recognized a few faces from theatre magazines and review columns.

"Everyone," Genevieve announced, her voice ringing with the confidence of someone who’d tasted this success many times over, "I'd like you to meet Eden Rowley, our incredible lead actress and my girlfriend."

Eden felt a jolt of surprise at Genevieve's open declaration of their relationship, quickly followed by a wave of joy. She squeezed Genevieve's hand, shooting her a quick, radiant smile before turning to greet the group.

"It's a pleasure to meet you all," Eden said, extending her hand to shake with each person in turn.

"Eden, your performance was absolutely riveting," one woman gushed, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "I've never seen such a fresh take on Beatrice. You brought her to life in ways I never imagined possible."

Another nodded in agreement. "Genevieve, you've outdone yourself with this production. And Eden, my dear, you are a revelation. I foresee great things in your future."

As the conversation flowed, Eden found herself fielding questions about her interpretation of the role, her background in theatre, and her experience working with Genevieve. Through it all, Genevieve remained by her side, occasionally adding her own insights or praising Eden's work.

Eden marvelled at the ease with which Genevieve navigated these interactions, introducing her not just as a talented actress, but as an equal partner both on and off stage. It filled her with a sense of belonging and validation that she'd never experienced before.

As they moved from one group to another, Eden caught snippets of excited chatter about the production. Words like "groundbreaking," "revolutionary," and "masterpiece" floated through the air, each one sending a thrill through her.

In a quiet moment between introductions, Eden leaned close to Genevieve. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

Genevieve looked at her quizzically. "For what, darling?"

"For believing in me. For giving me this chance. For . . . for being proud to call me yours."

Genevieve's eyes softened and she brushed Eden's cheek with a tender kiss. "Always," she murmured. "You've earned every bit of this success, Eden. I'm just honoured to be by your side as you shine."

As Eden and Genevieve continued to mingle, a familiar voice cut through the chatter. "There's my dynamic duo!" Sammy exclaimed, approaching with a wide grin and open arms.

Eden felt a momentary flutter of nervousness, remembering the tension from just a few days ago. But Sammy's enthusiasm seemed genuine as he enveloped them both in a bear hug.

"Ladies, you've outdone yourselves," he said, stepping back to beam at them. "I haven't seen a debut performance like that in years. The critics are already buzzing!"

Genevieve smiled, her arm slipping comfortably around Eden's waist. "We had an exceptional team," she replied modestly.

Sammy nodded, then turned his attention fully to Genevieve. "I've just been speaking with a few board members. After tonight's success, I think we can safely say your student program is a go."

Eden felt Genevieve stiffen beside her in surprise. "Really?" Genevieve asked, her voice uncharacteristically hesitant. "You mean it?"

"Absolutely," Sammy affirmed. "Your vision for this production proved that taking risks and nurturing new talent can pay off big time. The board is impressed, Gen. They're ready to back your next big idea."

As Sammy continued to outline the possibilities, Eden watched Genevieve's face, seeing a mix of joy, pride, and something that looked suspiciously like tears shimmering in her eyes. Eden suddenly realized there was so much about Genevieve she still didn't know. So many layers yet to uncover.

After Sammy moved on to congratulate other members of the cast and crew, Eden tugged Genevieve toward a quiet corner. "A student program?" she asked softly. "You never mentioned that before."

Genevieve smiled, a hint of shyness in her expression that Eden found utterly endearing. "It's been a dream of mine for years," she admitted. "To create opportunities for talented actors who might not otherwise have access to formal training or connections in the industry."

Eden felt her heart swell with admiration. "That's incredible, Gen," she said, squeezing her hand. "Just when I think I couldn't possibly fall any deeper in love with you, you reveal another facet that leaves me in awe."

Genevieve chuckled, pulling Eden closer. "Careful, darling. You'll inflate my ego even further."

"I mean it," Eden insisted. "You're amazing, Genevieve Howard. Your talent, your vision, your heart . . . I fall in love with you all over again each day."

"Well," the blushing director answered, her tone playful, "if we're being honest, I knew I'd end up madly in love with you from the first moment I saw you."

Eden raised an eyebrow, amused. "Oh really? That sure of yourself, were you?"

"Of course," Genevieve replied with a mock haughty sniff. "My first impressions of a person are never wrong. Although," she added, her voice dropping to a husky whisper, "I must say, you’ve done well to live up to my incredibly high standards."

They shared a laugh, the easy sound mingling with the ongoing celebrations around them. Eden leaned in, capturing Genevieve's lips in a tender kiss. "I love you so much," she murmured against her lips.

"I love you more," Genevieve whispered back, her arms tightening around Eden's waist.

As they broke apart, Eden suddenly felt the weight of the long, emotional day settling over her. "How about we start saying our goodbyes?" she suggested, a hint of mischief in her tone. "I think we've earned a private celebration, don't you?"

Genevieve's eyes darkened with desire. "I couldn't agree more."

They made their rounds, offering warm thanks and farewells to the cast and crew, while rousing everyone’s enthusiasm about repeating their success for many nights to come. Eden felt a surge of affection for this makeshift family they'd formed during the weeks of rehearsals. Each hug and kind word made her feel honoured to be part of it. To be their lead.

Finally, hand in hand, the two women slipped out of the theatre and into the cool night air. Eden shivered slightly and Genevieve immediately shrugged off her jacket, draping it over Eden's shoulders before flagging down a passing cab.

Eden snuggled into Genevieve's side as they climbed into the back seat. The cab pulled away from the curb and Eden gazed out at the twinkling lights of the city, her heart full to bursting.

She turned to find Genevieve watching her, a soft smile playing on her lips. No words were needed; the love and promise of their future together shone clearly in their eyes. While the taxi wound its way through the streets, Eden nestled closer to Genevieve, eager to share the night ahead and all the days to come.