ADAM

It was Superstar
When we did our first show together
He has energy
Positivity
and a fierce intensity to his dance
There is power
Conviction
He doesn't half ass anything
Anything
We became friends
Did several shows together
Village called with an offer for Billy Elliot
With a condition
"You're going to have to room with someone."
I wasn't keen on that
"It's Adam."
"I'm in."
We became closer
I have so much respect for him
He gives his all
One day in Superstar he split his head open giving his all
Years later
We're sitting in this apartment we share next to the theatre
Having a post Billy drink
When he chuckles and says,
"I might have told you this before but I saw you perform in Vancouver."
"Wait what?"
"Yeah, 1997? Les Mis."
This was a long time ago
A lifetime ago
"Yeah," he says, "I was young and my family made the trip up to BC to see the show.
I remember being upset when I saw your head-shot in the program."
"Why?" I ask laughing
"You were too young!"
I can't quote him exactly on the rest of his story
But the show moved him
I do remember him saying,
"That's when I decided I want to do that! I want to do theatre."
What an honor
If, in any way I contributed to this guy taking the stage
This person devoted to telling a story
Then I think
Well done
Just don't arm wrestle with him at 1am
That won't end as well

STICK SHIFT

It was one of the steeper hills in Lynnwood, WA

quiet

The Russ girls from high-school lived there

Dad decided it was time for me to learn to drive a stick

He pulled over in the middle of the hill

The steepest part

Yanked on the parking brake

Got out of the car

Indicated that I was to get into the drivers' seat

He climbs in the passenger side of the 78 Honda Accord

Nods his head

I'm probably 15 and a half

It's exciting though

I know how to work a clutch
With my hands

Had a dirt bike for a couple years

Hadn't changed gears with my feet though

Heart starts beating

Nerves are there

Pretty sure it was right in front of the Russ girls' home

I imagined they were peeking out the windows

Watching

Put my right foot down on the brake
Press and release the handbrake

Slide the left to the clutch
Shift into first

Switch right to accelerating
relax the clutch
and we're moving 

Press back on the clutch

Shift down to 2
accelerate
and

Up the hill we Go!
After that
I kinda hoped the Russ girls were watching