Collette Bonnar's Short Stories: A Midnight Spirit

“I wish to welcome Tess Murdoch, our new member, here this evening,” chairman, Roy Whyte announced as he opened the monthly meeting of the Millbrook Drama Group. All eyes turned to Tess who felt herself blush when she suddenly became the centre of attention. Seeing her discomfort, Mags Dobson who was sitting beside her whispered; “Don’t worry, we all felt shy on our first night, but you’ll soon fit in…”

Roy continued; “Tess, you’ve joined at a very good time. We’re about to begin rehearsals for our next play – A Midnight Spirit. It’s a ghost story set in an old country hotel.”

“Brilliant!” the rest of the group chorused. The chairman then proceeded to discuss the other business of the evening. He brought the meeting to a close by handing out scripts for the new play. When Roy came to Tess, he smiled; “I think there’s an ideal part in there for you. I’ll be interested to hear what you think when you’ve read the script.”

“Oh… thank you,” Tess murmured. She couldn’t believe her luck. Her first night and the chairman was suggesting that she’d get a part in the upcoming production.

As they were leaving, Mags broke into her thoughts as she asked; “Fancy coming for a drink? There’s always a lovely open fire in The Golden Eagle.”

“I’d love that. It’s been a bit chilly in here,” Tess remarked as she glanced around the draughty parish hall. A short time later, the two women were seated by the fire in the quaint pub.

“Tell me, have you ever been involved with a drama group before?” asked Mags as they settled with a hot port and lemon.
“No. I’ve always wanted to act though, go to drama school and all that. But my parents were anxious that I go to university and get a teaching job. Permanent and pensionable, is what they wanted for me,” said Tess with a wry smile.

“Well, maybe that’s not a bad thing. I hear you’ve been promoted to head teacher in the secondary school over in Grangetown. You can now have the best of both worlds, and make acting a serious hobby,” said Mags as she took a sip of port.

The two women chatted for a while until finally Tess said; “I must be off, it’s great it’s Friday night, no school tomorrow. I’m planning to go over the script and have an early night. That’s what I plan on doing as well,” said Mags as they said goodnight.

Later, after changing into her pyjamas, Tess settled with a cup of tea and read through the script. Brilliant, she thought, when she’d finished reading. Smiling, she figured out which part Roy was referring to that would suit her. A schoolteacher. Tess allowed her thoughts to drift back to when she was growing up and her dreams of becoming an actress.

She thought of her best friend at school, Bethany Miles. Bethany too had dreams of being an actress, had gone to drama school and got her first big break shortly after appearing in a few soaps. A film company offered her an audition in Los Angeles. She landed the part and never looked back. Her acting career took wings, and she was now a famous actress in Hollywood.

Instead of feeling envious, Tess realised how happy, contented and fulfilled she’d felt in her teaching career. Thinking of Bethany, as teenagers, they’d been very close but she’d lost touch with her over the years. Not surprising with the hectic, glamorous life she led in America. Tess thought back to the last time they talked – five years earlier. ‘Follow your dream,’ Bethany urged. ‘Join a local drama group, you never know where it might lead,’ she’d said encouragingly. Well, I’ve done that now, Tess sighed happily as she made her way to bed.

Over the following months, the drama group were rehearsing four nights a week. Tess was amazed how much she was enjoying it and the many friends she’d made. Mags being one of the closest to her, she’d often call to Tess at the weekends and together they’d go over their lines.

As the time for the play’s opening night wore round, Roy announced one evening at rehearsal; “As you all know, the play is set in a hotel. The owner of Coxtown House has very kindly offered that we can do the final few dress rehearsals in the bar where it’s being staged.”

“That’s great,” said Justin Carter, one of the main characters. “It will really bring the play to life.” The other cast members nodded in agreement.

On the night before the play was due to be performed, the group were having the final rehearsals in Coxtown House. It was getting late, Roy decided they’d go over the play one more time and then call it a night. Just as Tess was about to walk onto the set, she spied a familiar figure sitting at the back of the bar. Her heart skipped a beat. Bethany Miles! With that, Bethany looked over at Tess, waved and smiled encouragingly.

So, Bethany’s here on holiday and she’s heard about the play, Tess thought, as she stepped forward to say her opening lines. Any nerves she’d felt vanished as her heart soared with pleasure that her old friend had come to watch her rehearse. When the curtain came down, Roy and Mags rushed forward to hug her. “That’s your best performance yet,” Roy was grinning from ear to ear.

“If you perform like that, tomorrow night, you’ll be the star of the show.” Mags told her.
As they were leaving, Tess rushed off to seek out Bethany. No sign of her. Ah well, she thought, I’ll phone her later. She’s probably coming to the play tomorrow night.

The following day, things were so hectic, it was late afternoon when Tess got the chance to phone Bethany but it went through to voicemail.

The play was sell-out and the packed audience gave the cast of A Midnight Spirit a standing ovation. Afterwards, Roy had organised a little party to celebrate. Tess had looked out for Bethany in the audience but was disappointed when there was no sign of her. Passing through the television room, she froze in her tracks as the newsreader concluded the news; ‘Irish-born film star, Bethany Miles, died tragically in a plane crash yesterday afternoon.

The plane had just taken off from Los Angeles International Airport around 4pm but crashed minutes later. It is believed Ms Miles was travelling on a connecting flight to New York, en route to Ireland.’

Tess stood transfixed with shock. Bethany was with me in spirit, she thought sadly as the tears welled up in her eyes. She figured the time of the crash was when she’d spotted Bethany at the back of the bar – Midnight Irish time.