Stretched up on a ladder, I banged the hammer down hard, securing the ivy across Juliet’s balcony.

‘Is that straight?’ I yelled to Jackson, who was helping me fix the last of the set for the balcony scene in between rehearsing his role as Friar Lawrence.

‘Almost, just up a bit more on the left,’ he called back.

I reached out and straightened the ivy, then grabbed a nail from my tool bag and hammered it in.

‘Perfect,’ he said, holding the ladder so I could climb down.

I jumped off the bottom step and checked out my work. ‘That looks okay, doesn’t it?’ I asked, suddenly nervous.

‘Okay? It’s going to steal the show!’ said Jackson with a smile.

‘Really?’ I asked, pleased that he was trying to make me feel good, but worried he wasn’t objective. After all, it was his hard work too. Whenever he wasn’t needed on stage, he’d been helping me. But he nodded. ‘Yep. Really. It just needs a second coat of paint,’ he said, pointing to the spots where you could see the timber through the pale pink.

‘Ergh,’ I groaned, pulling a face. I didn’t have time for another coat of paint. But Jackson had already grabbed the tins and brushes, and was starting to mix the paint with a stick. ‘It won’t take that long,’ he said. ‘Not if I help you.’

‘No way, Jackson. You know you don’t have time.’

All the cast were supposed to be on stage for the dress rehearsal. We opened the next night, and everyone was working like crazy, trying to finish all the last-minute details. Mel and I had been practically living at the theatre for the last two months, trying to build all the sets and get them painted and perfect. Tess and I had hardly seen each other in weeks. She was just as busy with netball training, and playing games all around the state on the weekends. We weren’t even seeing each other much at school, because all my lunchtimes were spent finishing off the set. But we were texting each other heaps, and I was just hoping that by the time the play was finished, she wouldn’t have completely forgotten who I was.

‘Mel could help me but I don’t think she’s in until later,’ I said. Then I had a brilliant thought. ‘You know what, it’s okay. I know someone who loves painting!’

As Jackson headed for rehearsal, I sent Jean a hurried text:

Need you to paint something bigger than a fingernail!

While I waited for her to respond, I mixed the paint, then poured it into the trays. A second later my phone beeped. One word:

Theatre?

I laughed. Sometimes my sister was a winner.

Yep.

I knew she’d come. Even though Jean said she was too busy for drama, I knew that she still loved it just as much as I did. When I’d told my family that I’d pulled out of the play, Jean was totally onto me. Mum and Dad had no idea that I’d thought I was playing Juliet. But Jean knew. And she’d called me on it.

She’d also told me that I should have taken the part of the Nurse, because that’s what it is to be part of a play. But when I explained about Belle, and watching her and Freddy kiss every night, she sort of understood. She thought I was mad volunteering to design, build and paint the sets, though. She couldn’t understand why I’d choose to wear overalls and get all dirty, instead of having all the glamour of being fussed over on stage. And to be honest, if someone had told me a few months back that this is what I’d be doing, I would have laughed.

But I’d had a ball hanging out with Mel and getting to know her. Tess was still a bit funny about me having a new friend that she didn’t know, but then, I felt the same about Saskia and Maggie.

I’d also discovered how much I loved designing things. And I really loved wielding a hammer. Now that it was all coming together, I could finally see where all our efforts had gone.

And as it turned out, I shouldn’t have worried about how I would feel watching Belle and Freddy together. Belle’s mum had gotten a big job overseas, so her family had to move pretty much straight away. I’d felt a bit stupid for a moment – if I’d just stuck with the play, I might still have had a shot at being Juliet. But I was having so much fun working on the sets, I didn’t really regret my decision. And besides, Zoe, the new lead, was doing an amazing job.

As I started rolling the pale pink paint onto the bottom of the balcony set, Jean walked in, wearing ratty old jeans and one of Dad’s scruffy T-shirts. I laughed – I’d never seen her look like that.

‘Nice outfit,’ I said, handing her a roller.

‘Thanks. Wore my best clothes for you,’ she said.

She watched how slowly I pushed the roller back and forth. ‘That’s going to take you forever.’

Jean started rolling fast and straight. I couldn’t believe how quick she was. ‘Where did you learn that?’

She shrugged. ‘I have hidden talents.’

I laughed. And tried to copy her style, but I was never going to be as neat as her. After I’d slopped paint off the wall and onto my overalls, the floor and my hair, Jean groaned. ‘Have you got something else you could be doing?’

‘Heaps.’

‘Then leave this to me.’

‘Thanks, Jean,’ I said.

‘You owe me,’ she shrugged. ‘Maybe I can wear your nice green jacket on Saturday night.’

I laughed. ‘Yeah, we’ll see.’

As I ducked off to the toilets to go and de-paint myself, I almost crashed straight into Jackson. He was in costume and looked ridiculously cute, even in his long, black flowing robes.

‘Nice,’ I said, noting the outfit.

‘Been in a paint fight?’ he fired back, touching the end of my nose and showing me the pink paint that came off on his finger. I blushed. Great – now my whole face would look pink!

‘My sister has taken over – apparently I’m too slow.’

He nodded. ‘That’s great delegation. She does the work – you get the credit. Now go and put your feet up, and I’ll bring you a cup of tea and a bickie.’

I laughed. I seemed to do that a lot around Jackson. He was funny, but he was also sweet and silly, and he liked mucking around. Ever since I’d decided to do the sets instead of being in the play, he’d been really supportive.

Freddy, on the other hand, had been really busy being Freddy. I’d barely seen him or talked to him. I’d been a bit sad at first, but then I’d become so busy with the sets, I’d sort of forgotten to be upset.

‘How’s the rehearsal going?’ I asked Jackson.

He sighed and shook his robes, trying to create a breeze. ‘It’s so hot under these things! Especially when the stage lights are on. Then again, the other guys are wearing tights – at least I’ve avoided that!’

I laughed. ‘No tights under the robes?’

‘A lady should never ask a Friar what’s under his robes,’ said Jackson playfully. ‘In fact, I’m surprised a lady would think such a thought!’ Then Jackson stepped closer to me and leant down. For a second I had this weird feeling that he was going to kiss me, but instead he said, very seriously, ‘When this is over and we have some normal time again, would you like to come over and watch a movie?’

Before I could even speak, I was nodding. Then I managed to respond. ‘Yeah, yeah, yeah!’

‘Sounds like a song,’ he said, and pretended to sing. ‘Yeah, yeah, yeah!’

‘I think you’d better get back to the stage. Obviously it’s calling you,’ I said dryly.

He nodded. ‘Good luck with the painting. I’ll see you on other side!’

He swept off with a dramatic flourish, stopping once to do a little dance. I smiled, then remembered I had to get back to the shed to finish off the rest of the sets. Even though I’d promised myself I wouldn’t think about Jackson until we opened, I couldn’t help myself. Someone else could have Freddy. I wasn’t interested.

‘Pleaaaaaassse,’ begged Jean.

‘But nobody’s going to see me,’ I argued.

She shrugged. ‘Doesn’t matter. You’ll see you.’

I knew there was no point resisting. She’d end up wearing me down anyway. Sighing, I sat down at the table and closed my eyes.

‘Just don’t make me look too fancy,’ I said, dreading the idea of a makeover.

‘How come you got all the eyelashes in the family?’ she complained, as she worked on making them longer – or was it bigger? I wasn’t quite sure how that worked, but I didn’t dare ask.

‘You have eyelashes,’ I said stupidly.

‘Of course I do, otherwise I’d look creepy, but mine are short and stumpy and yours are all pretty and long. It’s not fair – especially as you don’t even know how to look after them.’

‘I didn’t know you could look after eyelashes. I thought they just were?’

‘Yep, that’s exactly my point. You don’t deserve them.’

I couldn’t believe I was having a conversation about eyelashes, but at least it meant I could put my nerves on hold for a bit. I’d spent last night dreaming all the sets were going to collapse – or worse, fall apart and crush someone. I’d stupidly thought that opening night jitters were reserved for the people on the stage, not those behind it. Clearly, I’d been wrong.

‘There, I’m finished. You look … good.’

‘What’s with the pause?’

She shrugged as she started putting away all her equipment. ‘Nobody’s perfect.’

Terrified she’d made me look crazy, I rushed to the mirror. But it was fine. I looked just like me, with a bit of make-up on. Even my hair wasn’t much different to normal.

‘I figured you’d be a bit freaked out if I went for the whole shebang,’ said Jean, looking over my shoulder.

I smiled. ‘Thanks.’

‘Relax. You look so nervous. You don’t even have to go on stage!’

‘I know, I know. I can’t help it – I’m still so jittery.’

‘God, I remember that feeling,’ she said.

I stared at her, surprised. ‘But you were always the star of the show!’

‘Yeah, but I would always get super nervous. It got to the point where I wasn’t having fun anymore – I was too stressed. That’s why I dropped out of drama class,’ she said.

‘Really?’ I couldn’t believe it. Jean never seemed nervous. I was so relieved to finally hear that she hadn’t quit because of me.

‘Yeah. But I miss it. I’m thinking of going back next year. Maybe we both could?’ she said quietly.

‘I’d love that,’ I said, really pleased that Jean and I were finally getting along again.

‘Well, I’ll see you at the show. Hope the set stays up,’ she said with a laugh.

I groaned. Trust Jean to pinpoint my greatest fear.

Everyone I knew was coming tonight. My parents were bringing Tess and Jean, and they’d managed to score front-row seats – which would only make it worse if the sets fell down. Mum offered to drive me, but I’d decided to ride my bike. I felt like a dose of normal before all the madness started. As I rode towards the school, I could see some of the other kids arriving. I was so happy to be part of it, but also relieved that my part was almost done.

I found Jackson pacing back and forth outside the theatre. He was half in costume, and he looked terrible. ‘Are you okay?’ I asked him.

‘Nope. What if?’ he managed to say, before blinking wildly.

I touched his arm. ‘I know. But it won’t. It’ll be great. You’ll be great.’

He started nodding as if he was taking it in. ‘Really? Do you think?’

‘I don’t think. I know. You’ll be the star.’

He breathed in deeply and gave me a huge smile. Then he leant over and kissed me on the lips. Just like that. Right outside the theatre, where everyone could see.

‘A good luck kiss. Thanks, Edie,’ he said quietly.

‘I didn’t kiss … you did … it wasn’t … it …’ was all I got out.

He laughed. ‘You’re right. Sorry. I kissed you. I didn’t mean to. I just …’

I started laughing too. ‘It’s fine.’

Jackson pulled a face. ‘Are you calling my kiss fine?’

Shaking my head, I added,‘No, not fine – nice.’

‘That’s better.’ He grabbed my hand and bowed down to kiss it. ‘Good luck, my lady. I’ll see you after the show.’

‘Break a leg,’ I said, as he disappeared into the theatre.

I knew I was blushing like mad. I wondered if anyone had seen. Then I decided I didn’t care. It was nice and fine. I liked him. And it was a good start to opening night.

Argh! Opening night. The thought made me hurry. I still needed to check that the props had all been set up.

There were people everywhere backstage. It looked so crazy, it was hard to believe we’d be putting on a play anytime soon, let alone tonight! Angus was running down the corridor in half his costume. I jumped out of the way as he hurried past.

‘Sorry, Edie,’ he called. ‘I’ve lost my top!’

‘Try the boys’ dressing room!’ I called back.

I squeezed past a couple of cast members who were huddled together, nervously running lines.

‘Break a leg,’ I said as I passed them.

As I made it to the stage area I saw Freddy and Zoe in the wings, warming up their voices and giggling. They were already in costume and they both looked incredible. I started to walk past them, then stopped and headed back.

‘You two look amazing,’ I said. Freddy looked at me and smiled. I think it was the first time he’d really noticed me since I’d pulled out of the play. As cute as he was, I didn’t feel all jittery and nervous around him anymore. ‘Knock ‘em dead,’ I said with a smile.

Zoe turned to me. ‘Thanks, Edie. I’m so nervous I think I might be sick.’

I laughed. ‘You’ll be fine.’

As I started to walk off, I heard Freddy yell behind me,‘The set looks amazing!’

And it did. It looked better than Mel and I could’ve hoped for.

Mel! I had to get back and help her check the props. Dodging half-dressed actors and anxious looking stagehands, I rushed to the maintenance shed where we had all our props stored.

Mel had beaten me to it. She was already there, ticking off the props.

‘Hey, Edie. Nervous?’

‘Yeah. Totally.’

‘Me too. Didn’t expect it back here, but I had these crazy dreams that the bottles of poison had disappeared and the play was ruined,’ she said, her eyes wide.

I laughed. ‘In mine, the sets fell down and crushed everybody.’

‘Ew, gruesome.’ She showed me the list of props. There were red ticks next to almost all of them. ‘I’ve nearly finished. Everything’s where it should be. I’ll just check the last few then we can start moving the first set on stage.’

Mel had been awesome. She’d worked as hard as I had getting it all finished, and we’d become really good friends. It was nice to have someone to hang out with when Tess was off doing netball stuff. Plus, Mel was cool and funny, and she liked being backstage nearly as much as I did.

I started moving the parts of the set for the first scene out onto the stage. Then Mel and I lifted the backdrop and carefully manoeuvred it into place. We stood back to admire our work. It was a huge picture of a beautiful large Italian square with a fountain in it. One of the older art students at school had drawn it, then Mel and I had painted in the colour.

‘Wow!’ said Mel.

‘Yeah. Looks pretty good, doesn’t it?’ I said, amazed at how professional it seemed.

‘Certainly does,’ said Kerry from behind us. ‘Well done, you two. You’ve created a whole world. Now let’s hope the actors do it justice!’ she said, smiling.

As she hurried off to get the cast ready, I whispered to Mel,‘Promise me the sets aren’t going to fall down.’

‘I promise,’ she said, then, sounding worried, added, ‘And the poison isn’t going to disappear. Right?’

‘No way. It’s right where it should be,’ I told her.

‘Well, let’s go and take our positions.’

With a crazy nervous feeling in my tummy, just like the one I’d had before trying out for state netball, I stood in the wings next to Mel and waited. We watched as the cast made their way on stage. I could hear the audience settling in their seats. Mel reached across and grabbed my hand, giving it a nervous squeeze. I squeezed back.

Everyone was ready. The curtain opened and the lights dimmed. The play had begun.

It was strange watching the play from the side of the stage, particularly as I had to keep concentrating on set changes. Everything seemed to be happening faster than it did in rehearsals, but I think that was just because everyone was so focused. I did manage to watch all of Jackson’s scenes. Each time he came on stage, I’d smile secretly to myself, remembering his kiss.

‘Balcony scene next,’ I whispered to Mel. ‘You ready?’

She nodded. As the lights dimmed on stage, we switched the backdrops as quickly as we could, sliding the ladder up behind the balcony drop so that Zoe could peep out the open window.

Even from the wings, the set looked incredible. The ivy was straight and draped right down across the pale pink wall. Zoe leant out of the window and delivered my favourite speech in the whole play, and just for a second, I wished it was me.

But then we were on to the next scene, and the next, and before I knew it, it was time for the death scene, where Mel nervously checked and rechecked that the bottles of poison were in place. She grabbed my hand and squeezed it. ‘Good job, Edie.’

I squeezed back. ‘You too.’

‘Glad it’s almost over,’ she whispered, as Freddy kissed Zoe on stage and then lay down to die.

But that was the weird thing. I didn’t want the play to finish. I’d loved working backstage and building things and being part of something amazing with an amazing group of people. And then there was Jackson.

As the curtain came up and the audience started cheering madly, I watched the cast take their bows. Zoe and Freddy were presented with huge bunches of roses, and then suddenly Mel and I were being dragged out to join the others. Somehow I ended up in the front row, standing next to Jackson. He took my hand and we all bowed. As I stood up, I looked down into the audience and saw Mum and Dad and Jean, and Tess, standing there grinning at me, holding out a bunch of daffodils. She’d brought me flowers, even though I wasn’t in the cast. I grinned back at her. I was the happiest set-builder in the world.