At the beginning of the week of the performance, Wylder invited me to an after-school practice. While I watched, they used the original stage directions as the cast ran through the play four times.
Donny Drake elevated his Columbus to tolerable. I hoped his replacement wouldn't ham it up as much. Cassie Cortez did her royal best as Queen Isabella while Lilah took over the role as the head native. Hen Hudson served as the captain of the Santa Maria while Emma Erickson played two roles, hanging out in the crow's nest and as King Ferdinand.
Wylder narrated the play while at the same time attempting to direct. What little hair he had when I met him had been pulled out since. "I'm not sure I'll survive," he whispered to me. "I realize now it wasn't just their confidence. They really can't act."
"You can throw away your fears," I said in my calm voice. "You no longer need to worry about finding perfection in the play. It will go on and be memorable."
"Was I ever worried?" he said as his brain resolved my words. "Everything is under control."
As much as a lie as I told him, Wylder sat back and allowed chaos to reign. Letting the students have fun with their roles produced a less stressful performance, the best run through I had seen.
The assistant stage manager, also known as April, approached me. "Uncle Dave, this is going to be a disaster."
I winked at her. "And if all goes well, the audience will never remember it." With the acting somewhat under control, I anticipated only one more huge hurdle before the curtain could go up. Approval.
Wednesday night, I arrived at the auditorium just as the five members of the school board took seats on the stage. "Mr. Wylder, what do you have in mind?" asked Cesar Cortez.
"Our principal cast will do what we refer to as a table read of the script. We are fortunate to have four of your children in key roles. I'm sure you will give this a fair shot since they have been so happy acting."
"And who is that guy?" asked Margaret Magellan, the only member without a kid in the cast.
"This is our producer, Dave with the unpronounceable last name. He's helped with funding and sets this year. In fact, I call your attention to the sea waves."
I flipped on the power on the gadget I procured. The five waves moved back and forth on cams, simulating the water moving. The motion produced a hypnotic rhythm. Just what I required.
In my calm voice, I said, "Stare at the waves as they rise and fall, as you listen to my words. You will fall into a state of relaxation." While I spoke, April activated the sound system, adding the actual sounds of ocean waves breaking against the rocks.
I continued with the wording supplied by my Vegas colleague and watched five pairs of eyes glaze over. "Amazing," whispered Wylder in my ear.
"You haven't seen anything yet. Girls, lift your tops." The four actresses flashed their tits at the board. "Donny, drop your pants." The boy did, exhibiting his flaccid member." Among the students, only April remained fully clothed.
I turned to my niece. "Go ahead with the narration. All other students, approach your parent. For the fathers, unzip their fly and pull out their cocks. Jack them off. For the women, pull down their panties. Finger them to orgasm."
I stood back as the incestuous commands were carried out. Lilah served in the role as Mrs. Magellan's child. Wylder's eyes grew as he watched. Soon all of the members climaxed.
"Unbelievable," said Wylder.
I turned to April. "Skip to the last lines, please." My niece recited the concluding words of the play. With that accomplished, she grinned at me, knowing what we accomplished.
"You have heard the play and enjoyed it. You also enjoyed the sexual play with your child. After this meeting, you will seek out opportunities to further explore that relationship. You will find your children quite willing. You find the incestuous feelings normal and desirable. As for you, Mrs. Magellan, you will seek out a youth to seduce and love."
I snapped my fingers and watched the adults become acclimated to the real world again.
"Brilliant modification of an old and out-of-date script," said Cesar Cortez. "I think I speak for everyone in granting permission to move forward with the performance."
All smiles, I turned off the waves and collected my two nieces. Wylder approached me as we left. "That was…"
"Indescribable? Yes. And I doubt any of your cast makes it to Thanksgiving as a virgin."
I glanced to April, wondering if this was her plan all along. Introduce the entire school to sex. And she brought me in as her co-conspirator.
If so, thank you, my girl.
The time flew and the night of dress rehearsal was upon us. I had concentrated on my real job so much I'd missed out on Wylder's progress reports. So as I arrived at the school after classes let out, I was surprised by the director pacing outside.
"Anything amiss?" I asked.
Wylder stood there, wringing his hands. "There's no more time," he said, repeating it like his mantra.
"Listen to my voice. The time for nervousness has passed, like water in a stream. Worry makes nothing better. Do not worry."
The teacher returned to his calm state. "Thank you. But we can't go on."
"Why not? Aren't the kids ready?"
"They are. But we have no costumes. And your actors haven't shown up."
I laughed heartily. "Is that all? The costumes are on their way, and I assume, so are the cast replacements. Why don't we go back in and relax?"
The inside of the auditorium looked fantastic. With the curtain up, the sets on stage dominated the place. Two of the stage hands were rolling the Santa Maria back to its location off stage, in preparation for the court set to be brought forward. Just like Broadway, at a fraction of the cost. Perhaps someday I should become an Angel of the Great White Way for real.
"Where is my gown?" screamed Cassie Cortez as she stomped toward us.
"On the way," I said. "Why don't you spend the time on hair and makeup until it arrives?"
"But what if it clashes?" asked the little diva.
"Then we'll have you perform in the nude." Her mouth dropped open. "I'm kidding, Cassie. I know for a fact they matched the makeup to the costumes. Now, shoo."
When she got out of earshot, Wylder whispered, "She doesn't know?"
"Not yet. They'll find out after dress rehearsal."
Fifteen minutes later, the door opened and a familiar face stuck itself inside. "Am I in the right place?"
"Andrea, welcome." I ran up the aisle to embrace my friend from the shore. "You found us, finally."
"It took longer than I expected to drive here. And the Isabella gown needed some last minute fixes. But it should be perfect now."
"Good. I had confidence in you. So where are the costumes?"
"In the van, just waiting to be picked out."
I got on the public address microphone. "Attention. The costumes have arrived. All cast members report to the parking lot."
It took a half hour to hand out the garments and re-assemble inside. There Wylder had a few last minute instructions. "I want you to handle the costumes carefully. They have to last until tomorrow night. Wash your hands before touching them. Oil creates stains. For tonight, wear them over your underwear. Tomorrow night you will wear them on your skin. Costumes show off every line of clothing underneath them. Be careful putting them on and taking them off. If you rip or tear anything, tell us, and Andrea will fix it. Remember, this is the theatre and there is no modesty allowed while changing. Now go and try on the costumes."
The cast scattered. Having added another dozen members, all female, we had five principal cast with eighteen in the background roles. These latter players could have a costume change during the performance.
Several minutes later, the chorus reappeared wearing one of three outfits. They would be natives, dressed in a nude body stocking with a leather breechcloth, sailors in white puffy shirts and black pants, or courtesans in colorful period outfits consisting of a shirt and jacket along with a skirt and white hose. The front of each skirt bulged with a rather prominent codpiece.
Wylder had each model the outfit, turning so we saw it from all sides. "Very nice work, Andrea," the director said.
"Thank you."
The director dismissed the group and sent for the others. Lilah appeared in her native attire, the same breechcloth and body stocking, but added a necklace glittering with gold. She had fluffed out her normal ponytail, creating a huge cloud of black hair around her.
The featured sailors appeared, dressed like their unnamed crew, but with headgear to distinguish them. Poor Emma Erickson wore a red bandanna to hide her blonde hair.
"Nice," said Wylder. "Very spiffy. And ship shape."
About ten minutes later, the final group to appear, the royals, walked across the stage with Queen Isabella flanked by Columbus and King Ferdinand. While Cassie strode regally forward, Donny had to tug his pants up every few steps and Emma got caught in her costume change and couldn't get her buttons straight.
"This is a disaster," yelled Wylder.
"We can fix this," said Andrea, with a wink to me.
"All right. Everyone, back into your street clothes. The pizza is on the way. In one hour, we start our dress rehearsal performance."
The cast scattered. Apparently, they love pizza. Wylder, however, wore a worried look on his face. "Where's the actors you promised?"
"Don't worry, they'll be here." I hoped.
The white stretch limousine followed the pizza delivery van into the parking lot. While the hungry cast members surrounded the van, the limo dropped off its two passengers. In their dark glasses, the pair entered the building unnoticed.
"Hey Dave," shouted one of them. "Bet you thought we'd never make it, didn't you?"
"I had confidence, Troy," I yelled back. "Come on down."
While he scampered toward us, the second person hobbled behind. Instead of waiting, I scurried up to meet her. "Dot, why are you on crutches?" I asked the actress.
"You've heard the expression, break a leg? Well, I tried to. Don't worry. It's only a sprain. But I'm not running any marathons this weekend. Though maybe you could have me acting on a pegleg." After a hug, we made our way slowly to join the others.
"This is who you got?" asked Wylder.
"Yeah. They are the only actors I know. Sorry if you don't like them"
"They are perfect. I've watched Troy and Cressie, and I bet most everyone on the production has, too." He paused to stare at the girl. "Why the hell are you on crutches? They didn't have crutches on the Santa Maria. Not steel ones at least."
Dot Cummings opened her mouth to explain again, but I interrupted. "Wylder, return to your calm place. This is all in the contingency plan. The production will be perfect."
"It will be perfect," repeated Wylder.
"I'm impressed," said Troy. "So you expected old Cressie here to fuck up, did you?"
"No, but I think well under pressure." I reached for the microphone. "Will Donny and Emma join us in the auditorium at once?"
Two minutes later the pair sat with us, their pizzas getting cold as they stared at Troy.
Taking charge, I explained our Plan B. "Donny, I need you to relinquish the role of Columbus. Troy will be a better fit to the role and to the costume."
"All right," the downtrodden boy said. "Then I'm out of the play?"
"No. I want you to replace Emma as the sailor in the crow's nest. And you, Emma, will then concentrate on the role of the king. No costume change needed."
The two students exchanged glances. "That sounds fair," said Donny, feeling a bit better. "I've been mouthing the words for the part since I had the lines after them."
"Anything so I don't have to climb up that ladder again." Emma turned to the drama coach. "Mr. Wylder, there is no way I will ever do Juliette on the balcony. No way. No how. No more ladders for me. Don't even ask."
That brought a laugh from the teacher. "And I suppose no Fiddler on the Roof either? Off with you. Finish your pizza and get ready."
After the students hurried away, Dot asked, "What do you have planned for me?"
"Off-screen narrator. Think you can handle that?"
"No prob. That was my role in a production of Our Town, only I wasn't off-screen."
Wylder pointed at me. "You may have saved this production yet again. I owe you more than I can pay."
"Just have a great play." I couldn't say I did it all for my nieces.
The dress rehearsal went off with no major problems. Troy took over his role with only a few slips in dialog, a problem he promised to correct. The re-cast crow's nest part was much more to Donny's talents, and Emma appeared more confident with her feet firmly planted on the stage floor. Lilah did flub three lines and when the author does that, you know she was mixing her script versions. I suspected more errors tomorrow night in front of the audience.
With the costumes hung up, and the cast and crew headed home, we turned out the lights. I waved to the limo as they headed to the hotel with Dot going to elevate that ankle. I then turned to Andrea. "What are your plans?"
"I was going to head for home," said our costume coordinator. "With the outfits handed out, my job is done."
"It's too far to go in the dark. Besides we might need you for the performance. You did bring your sewing kit, right?"
"Well, where would I stay?"
I made a gesture beckoning her to follow me. "To the top of the hill. I have plenty of room. And I don't charge an arm and a leg like Troy will have to pay."
She drove her van behind me, literally to the top of the hill. "This is my mansion. Welcome."
We stepped inside, and like everyone who visited, she marveled at my great room. "Do you want the grand tour or something specific?"
"Someplace we can shed these clothes and fuck," she said just before kissing me on the lips hard and long. "I've wanted to do that since you walked into my boutique."
"Really? Just out of curiosity, how old are you?"
"Don't worry. I'm eighteen. Does that shock you?"
I shook my head. She'd be the first legal lover I had in a long time. This was going to be a long, long night.
I woke up with my arms around my seamstress. "Good morning, Andrea."
"Morning, lover. Want to cuddle all day and blow the play off?"
I thought for a moment or seven. "I can't today. How about tomorrow?"
"Not unless it's every tomorrow after that."
"I never make plans that far in advance."
The girl spun around in my arms to face me. "Then I guess it's over. And I'll never tell you that last night was the best fuck of my life."
If I had any brains, I would have complimented her also. Or proposed. Instead, I gave her one last kiss and headed for the bathroom.
The doorbell that sounded on my return ended any chance of reconciliation. Lilah stood on my porch, in tears.
"Dave, I couldn't sleep last night. I kept dreaming everything went wrong. And they blamed me."
I led the girl to my couch knowing exactly what aspect of the play bothered her. She didn't even mention my lack of clothes. Or of Andrea's when she joined us. "My little firedog, remember nudity is an acceptable form of dress. When you are as beautiful as you are, everyone admires your courage."
"Thank you, Dave." Lilah closed her eyes.
"Let me take her to the bedroom," said Andrea. "I'll help her relax."
I carried the tall girl up to the master bedroom. There we removed her clothes and then Andrea curled up next to her. I turned to leave, but Andrea gestured for me to stay. I observed as the older girl licked and sucked Lilah, bringing her to a minor climax, just enough to let sleep kick in.
Having witnessed them make love, I headed to the kitchen to whip up breakfast. I ended up eating alone as the pair emerged after noon. It was great to see the two bonded together.
The rest of the day flew by. At five we headed for the auditorium. There the cast enjoyed a meal before makeup and costuming. Wylder gave them a pep talk, and I handed out the blue sheets with the finalized stage directions. Several moaned about more lines. I explained just reading the stage directions would be enough to remember them.
While we ate, Andrea made her last modifications to their wardrobe. I activated their previously implanted suggestions and headed for the dark stage. With fingers crossed, I started the wave machine. With a single spot focused on the machine, the curtain rose just enough to reveal the rising and falling illusion.
"Ladies and gentlemen, if you would take your seats and watch the ocean waves. Tonight we will transport you back to the beginning of the Age of Exploration. During those days there were no cameras, no cell phones, and no flash photography. Turn off your electronic devices. And then watch the waves."
I stepped to the curtain and peeked out. Most of the audience was settling in. Three minutes later, the house lights dimmed, and I then repeated my announcement before peeking out again. Only a few squirmed in their seats. The third time with the house lights extinguished, I knew all of the audience sat there entranced.
"The play you are about to see has scenes that have never been performed before. You as the audience shall accept the performance without judging. Afterwards, you will not be able to speak of the performance to others."
With that I handed the microphone to Dot. I gave her a kiss, not as chaste as I should have, but she gave me a smile of thanks. Perhaps it helped with her butterflies in the stomach.
"Ladies and gentlemen," she started. "Welcome to the Age of Exploration. The year is 1492, in the court of Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain." The curtain parted to reveal the twin thrones of the royal pair. Emma and Cassie allowed the audience to applaud the start of the play.
Andrea made her way over to me. "They look so cute, don't they?"
I nodded. "How is costuming?"
"All business-like, aren't you, Dave? Everybody accepted their changes. Lilah had briefed the natives before. And your little niece helped with the others. They all appeared ready."
I glanced back to the stage where Troy strode out in his Christopher Columbus disguise. Immediately, the preteens broke out clapping as they recognized the famous actor. As he pleaded with the queen to supply him with ships, I saw the difference between amateur and professional.
"My Queen, I believe in the voyage to the west so we travel to the east. Give me a fleet and I will return with the riches of India."
"I cannot believe any crew will sail out of view of the land for so long," said the king. "They will mutiny and return out of fear. We will have wasted our investment and our fleet."
"Give me just six ships for the voyage, and I will return only after my success."
"Leave us alone," said the queen. "We must discuss your proposal."
Columbus backed away and began a soliloquy about his dilemma and quest for glory. In the background, the royals held a silent discussion about funding the voyage.
Wylder made his way from the stage left to us watching from stage right. "It's begun," he said.
"And now the first of Lilah's scenes," said April with glee.
"Since I cannot win favor in this court, I shall try again with Portugal." Troy crossed the stage in front of the thrones, only to have Emma run after him.
"Captain Columbus," said the king. "Pray, where do you go?"
"Away from where I am not wanted."
"In truth, I believe in your plan, though the queen has reservations. I believe with one more appeal, she will agree to have you fly our banner."
Troy circled the stage and then approached the occupied throne. "Kneel, Columbus, at my feet," said Cassie in her most royal voice.
"Your Royal Highness, I beg for your favor."
"Then please me as a man pleases the woman who controls the purse strings."
Troy lifted the hem on the royal gown and crawled under it. Surrounded by material, he began to pleasure Cassie with his experienced tongue. Though the audience might think her reaction faked, we in the wings knew better.
"Yes. Yes! Yesssssss!!! You may have your ships."
Troy withdrew from the skirt. "And the title?"
"You are now Admiral of the Oceans. Go and prepare for your voyage."
As Columbus backed away from the throne, he met the King once more. "The queen has agreed. Thank you for the encouragement."
"Go forward and return with the wealth."
The audience applauded as Troy and Emma took a bow. I motioned for Andrea to get them ready for the last act. April headed around the stage to control the ship's crew, making sure they entered on time.
While the curtain closed, Dot recited the next portion of the script narration. The stage crew changed the scenery, removing the thrones and bringing the bow of the Santa Maria to center stage. Troy and the three captains took their places on the set and waited for Dot to finish.
"…and so the three ships were prepared for the voyage." As she read the line, the curtain opened to reveal the scene change.
"Admiral Columbus, we are ready to begin the voyage." Hen spoke the words without an ounce of fear.
"As we stand on the Santa Maria and provision the Pinta and Nina, I wonder if the crown believes in our quest. How much treasure can we bring back? Or do they expect us to fail?"
"Our normal crews would not sign on," said one of the boys playing the captain of the Pinta. "They fear the unknown, especially the stories of monsters of the deep."
"We raided the prisons to find enough bodies to man the ships," said the other boy. "As captain of the Nina, I fear ourselves as much as the voyage."
"Have no fear," said Troy. "I promised the king I shall return with the little girl filled with riches."
"Then we sail on the tide," said Hen. "Into the great unknown."
April made a hand motion and the background sailors began milling around on the set. The set pieces for the other two ships emerged from the sides as the dock slid away. Dot narrated the story as the three ships ventured out to the Canary Islands, the boundary of the known world.
Once provisioned, the captains met again. "We are about to sail west," said Troy. "We should be to the lands of Marco Polo in only a few weeks. Until then we put our faith in the higher power and in the skills of our navigator. Onward."
Dot picked up the story, describing the unrelenting sun. As she did the sailors began to strip from their shirts. This left many in the background cast topless as they performed their duties. I silently praised the teen girls who volunteered for this play. What had they gotten themselves into?
"Admiral Columbus," said Hen. "We are running low on fresh water."
"Cut back rations. We shall find land soon."
That dialog repeated three times until the captains were called together again.
"I have heard grumblings within the crew," said Troy.
"Some want to turn back," said Hen. "They fear the dying of thirst outweighs any riches you promise."
"Tell the crew any seaman who stands their watches until we strike land shall receive twice the promised share. And the first to spy land shall receive riches beyond belief."
As the narration picked up, the captains returned to their ships. Morale improved, for a week until thirst consumed the crews. Despair followed as did the dreaded word: mutiny.
And then a shout from the crow's nest of the Pinta. "I see land," yelled Donny. This brought a general cheer from the crews on all three ships.
"Bring that man to me," Troy ordered. "Better yet, bring him when we reach land."
The curtain came down, allowing the ships to return to their off-stage positions as the island set wheeled out along with the landing boat. The captains joined Troy along with Donny and three now-clothed sailors. Lilah led her natives over by us to wait for their cues.
Dot finished her lines as the curtain went up. Troy jumped from the beached boat onto the sand. "I claim this land in the name of the Crown of Castile. I name it San Salvador because it saved our lives." With that, he planted a flag into the sand.
Hen motioned for the sailors to fan out to search out a source for fresh water. Instead, they brought back three natives and threw them at the feet of Troy. "Who are you, naked savage?" he asked.
Before they answer, Lilah stepped onto the set. She strode out wearing only her necklace and the breechcloth. In her first draft, she hadn't even worn that. Her statuesque body brought gasps from the audience. "Stop. Do not harm my people."
"What are these strange sounds that come from her mouth?" asked Hen.
"Obviously an uncivilized heathen," said Troy. "I had heard of these Indians, but did not expect them unclothed." He walked around the proud Lilah, examining her body. The glistening necklace caught his eye, and he ripped it from her neck. "Where is the gold?"
"I do not know what you want," she said as she tried to grab the necklace back.
"What do we do?" asked Hen.
"There is only one way to deal with heathens." Troy pushed Lilah to the side of the boat closest the audience and made her bend forward. He flipped the cloth up, exposing her bare backside. Then he dropped his pants and mounted the girl from the back. "You, from the crow's nest. Would you trade your reward for first spying the land for one glorious moment with a heathen native?"
Donny moved forward. "Yes," he screamed.
"Then pick a girl and join me. We do this until they give us their riches."
With the rape scene playing out, the curtain came down. Dot narrated the weeks that followed as the natives suffered at the hands of the explorers. On stage the sets reverted to their original positions. Emma and Cassie returned to their thrones to await the return of Columbus.
As the curtain went up, Troy led a dozen native girls around the stage, passing by nobles of the court until they arrived by the royals. "I bring you the fruits of my voyage."
"What, slaves?" asked Emma. "No gold or silver or even spices?"
"These are just a few from one place. And this is what they wore." He held up the necklace. "There are treasure troves for the taking. They possess no weapons and have no gods. I claimed the land in your name. They shall make this the richest kingdom in history. I offer these heathens to the king so he can teach the ways of the land."
Emma rose from the throne and approached the first girl, Lilah. "You have restored my faith in you. You have earned your reward." She then kissed Lilah as the curtain dropped.
Dot returned to the narration. "Columbus completed three more voyages, yet never made it to the lands of Marco Polo. While he brought civilization to the natives, he also brought disease, greed, and slavery. The ripples of the voyages still can be felt today."
With that, the spotlight focused on the center of the curtain. The cast members emerged in groups to rounds of applause from the audience. The topless sailors and almost naked natives got standing ovations from the fathers in the crowd. Lilah and Donny joined them. As they bowed, they unhooked their breechcloths and pants, letting them drop to the floor.
The rest of the principals followed, with all three captains opening their shirts. Emma led Cassie by the arm and bowed. Troy came out last, to a rousing ovation. As they took a final group bow, Emma and Troy grabbed the back of Cassie's gown. With one swift tug, the breakaway stitches Andrea put in broke, allowing the gown to split. Cassie stood there, stark naked without an ounce of modesty.
I took the microphone from Dot. "You have just witnessed the Columbus Day Pageant. When the spotlight goes out, you will become unable to describe what you saw, other than it was the best play ever. When you go home tonight, you will express your love to your children. And remember that nudity is an acceptable state of dress."
The cast scurried behind the curtain. When the last native came through the slit, the spotlight went out.
The great room at the mansion rarely had a party. Tonight it was for the principal cast members. We brought out sparkling apple cider and something stronger for the adults. Everyone was excited from the exhilarating play.
"Was I the only one who wasn't naked?" asked Emma. "I could never get that damn tunic unbuttoned."
"It's not too late," said Hen.
"Okay." Emma pulled her tee shirt over her head.
"Pants too," said Donny. "If I had to lose mine…"
Emma rolled her eyes as she unbuttoned, or at least tried to, her shorts. After a few moments, and turning down Donny's offer to help, they unhooked. Sliding them down, she showed off her freshly-shaved pussy.
"I did not expect that with the gown," said Cassie as she looked at Andrea. "But it made me feel so free."
Troy sat hand in hand with Lilah. "I don't ask girls out on a second date," he said. "Often."
"Love 'em and leave 'em. I know. I just need to feel you in me one more time." She kissed him full on the lips. It lasted long enough for me to answer the knock at the door.
"Everything is locked up for the night," announced the newly-arrived Wylder. He looked around before saying, "Did I miss something?"
Cassie went over to him. "I'm so fucking horny from tonight and want you inside of me."
The teacher looked at me. "Better do it before I drop the spell. Once in a lifetime opportunity." With that he followed his student up the stairs.
Seconds later Lilah pulled Troy by the belt as they headed to the second floor. Andrea took the hand of the naked Emma as the procession continued.
"I don't feel like going upstairs," Dot said to Donny. "But, if you're careful with my ankle, you can do me on the couch."
That left three of us, Hen, April, and me. With the two girls holding hands, I thought I was left out. But my little niece gestured at me. "Come on, slow poke. This Hen is ready to have a chick, and I need a rooster."
As I reached the stairs, I wondered, if I stay around April, how many children will I father? Probably it will always be let's get another one on the way.
