Stitched Wounds

Sewing Visions

Anastasia came into the prop area backstage and sat next to Cass who was obviously at a dismay. "Hurry! It doesn't take forever to sit down!" He hissed. The actors and actresses gave that funny look at him and sat down. Opening her journal, Anastasia began to take notes on each mini performance. Her blue eyes were met by some hazel ones as she looked up from her writing. There was a faint smile on his face then smoothly, he looked away from her as if he has not been stealing glances as her. Finally his turn came, everyone was practically on the edge of their seat and she had no idea why.

After his rehearsed performance, there were claps and sound of compliments that were popped by Charles' annoyed hand clap. "Let's take 15" he sighed and turned to his stage manager. With no given instructions, the young girl walked over and began to pour coffee for people. December was a cold month and the weather outside was not as soft on the little theater as other people pitied. She turned to pour the next cup for the person in line and she saw those same hazel eyes. He didnt have the cup she has bought for his across the way.

"Did you not like your coffee Mr. Grey?" She asked softly. He gave her fond look and shook his head.

"I don't like store bought things. I enjoy things hand made. George knows how to make his coffee. You see, we were in the war together and I respect him even if he is a stage worker. I see only people, not class." He smiled at her and took a sip of coffee. "Just how I remeber it" Anastasia nodded and smiled back.

Someone called her attention over and she gently moved about the crowd with the coffee can steaming hot. Alistair leaned back against a table and watched as the red headed girl migrated across the room. A woman came up and smiled touching his shoulder. Peeling his eyed off the young girl, he gave a friendly smile at his colleague. "I can't believe you are back Alistair. You know, I was in New York when they did Fiddler on the Roof. I saw you there. I-I told you to call me after the show.." Alistair nodded a little. "You didnt call!" Her voice rose a little and she hit his shoulder with her hand purse. His lips pursed together and he glanced at the woman who was about to have a psychotic break down. "I-I am sorry" she rubbed his shoulder and sauntered off.

Anastasia had watched their little chat and gently turned her attention away. Was he bad news? "Who is the red head?" Alistair asked a man who wore a dirty apron and who himself looked a little roughed up.

"That there laddie is Anastasia. She is the new stage assistant. Helps everywhere. Charlotte hired her not too long ago. Cass hardly ever recognizes her. She talks to me when we work. We painted your pirate ship already, her own design. I think she said she was from Liverpool. Why?" George has this Irish accent that seemed all London grown but still more than the common Irish man. He laughed out loud and shook his head "No lad, she is taken I believe. This guy picks her up after work sometimes. Don't go messing around in the sewer Grey. Keep your hands clean this time" He whispered before he went back to making more coffee.

Anastasia came back around and he held out his cup to her again. His lips hardly touched his cup that if she did refill it, it would over fill. "D-do you want another cup?" She asked a little scared. Looking down at his cup, he noticed he had hardly taken a drink and took a big gulp before holding it out to her again. "Okay.." she said a little caught off guard.

Cass called the actors back and continued on their rehearsals. After Smee, Charles gave a round of applause to the people acting and the people behind the curtain. "For those of you that don't know, unfortunately Madame Lousie quit her job today which makes Anastasia our new seamstress. If you havent already seen your costume, I suggest you do that today with her. She's the young one over there. Now further more, I have decided to allow you all to pick your parts for Mary Poppins and try out for that part. No more announcements. Until tomorrow" Cass dismissed everyone and went to work on his ideas.

Anastasia closed her journal and made her way to one of the offices. The actor playing Smee was waiting for her at her door. "H-hello Miss A-Anastasia. I-I would like to see my costume please." He pipped with a slight blush.

"Aww Gorgan, you know you are suppose to use what you've got at home. Mr. Smee isn't that hard of a character. But a baggy short and maybe some big trousers would work!" The young girl smiled a little as the short chubby man thought to himself.

"Ah, you are right miss, but I was also wondering if you'd like to come get a drink with me tonight" he asked bashfully. The red haired girl brushed back her locks and shook her head.

Politely refusing, she spoke "I don't think. I'm sorry Gordan but this is the last time I expect you to ask me out. You've tried at least 4 times and all those times, I have told you I don't drink. Now, you have costume details and your answer. Have a good rest of your day" with a smile, Ana closed the door and huffed.

A knock came at the door and Anastasia gave an annoyed sigh. "I told you already Gordon. I dont want to go on a date with you. I don't drink" she said opening the door. She stopped as she finally met eyes with a hazel hue. "I-I uh, I thought you were someone else. I apologize. Please come in. Have a seat while I get your costume ready" The young girl darted around the room pushing a chair into the back of his knee making him sit down in shire pain as she pulled out a mannequin with many different layers on it. Anastasia stopped and looked at the costume with a hint of pity for the man. "T-this....is it." She said unsure of her own words. Needless to say, the clumsy red headed girl had knocked down half of the other mannequins that awaited approval. Turning around, she gasped and stood there a little dazed. A chuckle came from the sandy haired man as he stood up.

"Miss Anastasia, I must apologize for I have caused a mishap in your schedule today. Perhaps another time would suffice?" He asked with a charming smile.

Anastasia brushed back her hair and returned his chuckle. "Ah, no you did Sir. I just" she rubbed the back of her neck and glanced around her newly destroyed office. "This day has been a mishap for me. Forgive me Mr. Grey. Perhaps I should have gave a glance at the costumes first and tidied up the room before accepting anyone" she said with a hint of unnecessary guilt in her tone.

Alistair's face became a little worried and smiled. "Well Miss. Anastasia, I'd like to be of assistance if I could. Here let me help" He started by picking up the fallen mannequins while she gave the Captain Hook costume a look.

"Thank you Mr. Grey. I appreciate the help. But unfortunately this next part, it will all have to be on me. These costumes are ridiculous. This play is a children's play and there is dancing and singing... This costume is very restrictive in all ways created." A deep expression touched her fragile porcelain skin as she stood back to see a vision. Picking up a nearby notebook, she opened it and began to sketch a quick drawing of a new costume all made out of creativity in her head.

He watched as the girl made a quick sketch. He felt a small hint of interest touch his heart as he sat back and admired her look. "Can I look at it?" He asked intrigued with his new look. Anastasia pulled her book close to her chest and smiled.

"Well no. I'd like for it to be a suprise! Could you get into the costume for me? I know I said I didnt like it but I'd really like to see where I can make changes and what would look good on your skin tone." She smiled before closing her book to step outside while he changed.

After a few minutes, the well known actor tapped on the door and Anastasia entered the dressing room. A little shocked, she stood in silence looking at how tight fitting and how inhuman his costume looked. A few tsks slipped from her thin lips before she finally picked up her note book to make fonaly adjustments. "Too many buttons" she mumbled to herself. "Too tight" she whispered again. "Too many ruffles." Finally the young girl sat down and smiled at her book. "Thank you Mister Grey. You can change now." She seemed rather content with her new vision and stood against the door. Not long after, another rap came and she slunk back into her office. "So I will make the new outfit. It should be due by the end of the week, so come back Friday afternoon and I'll make the finishing touches." The rosy cheeked girl smiled up at the man who seemingly smiled back.

"Very well Miss Adelay. I expect to see you Friday! Now, go on and sew your visions my dear girl!" He applauded her with a light sense of cheer. The girl was very easy to talk to and very open minded. It was rather relaxing for him to be around someone who wasn't so restricted.