Liane and I have known each other for almost 11 years. We were instantly drawn to each other - us creative types. We met in Mrs. Burr's art/drama class. I was the new kid, she was the established high school celebrity. Knew everyone, everyone loved her. She welcomed me quickly, and before we knew it, it was giggling in the halls, putting on Oscar-worthy performances on the drama room stage and audtioning for every role that could have been offered.
The event that solidified our friendship, and took it to that next level was the school production of Romeo & Juliet. Initially I had auditioned to do a singing role - having approximately 4 solos during the performance, as well as runner backstage. I was heartbroken when after accepting the roles and practicing for weeks, I was told that the show had gone from a 2 hour production, to a 2.5 hour, and that was too long. My solos were cut. I had, however, still retained my status as a runner and backstage hand.
I think I need to backtrack here a bit too - the weeks leading up to the production, Liane and I, along with a handful of other artist and school creative types lived this production, and that included set design and creation. It was during that time, leaning over the plywood, applying fresh coats of paint, that I knew that this was a girl that would be in my life forever.
Okay, back to the production. While my solos had gone away, I had remained on as an alternate in the event someone fell ill. I attended all of the rehersals with her and my classmates. Our bond grew. The final hours of class before the first manitee production brought interesting news - obne of the castmembers had taken ill. And the night before opening night - I was stepping in for 4 different roles.
Panic didnt quite cover it.
But there was Liane, stepping up to the plate. She offered to run lines with me. And we did. All night. I went on the next morning. I know for sure if it hadn't been for her help, I would have never been able to get out that opening line:
Gregory, oh my word, we'll not carry coals.
The production was just the beginning of our amazing friendship. It lasted through everything - heartbreak (and subsequent chick flick and cookie dough consumption), tragedy, the highest highs and the lowest lows. An amazing and beautiful miracle and start of her family, right down to today, where she is taking the next step to making her life complete.
It always has been an honor to have Liane in my life. Someone I love so much, that to call her anything less than my sister simply wouldn't do. And it fills my heart to see her find her soul's counterpart in Neil, another person who has always been a rock for anyone who knew him.
I am so proud to be here for this moment, the moment in which our Juliet has married her Romeo.
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