End of the course of action.

May 2. 

The acting course came to an end, and Billy had learned several lessons that would aid his future career as an actor. His performance of the monologue of the nostalgic knight going to an unwanted war had been presented to a relatively large audience. It had been loaded with hours of practice on Billy's part, and he had trained enough to recognize his imperfections.

The elegant blue chairs of the San Jose University theater slowly emptied as the acting event concluded. Only a handful of groups remained, chatting and waiting for something. The red curtain was once again drawn up with two thick black ropes, just as the attendants did after each performance.

The wooden floor would be swept, waxed, and cleaned the following morning.

Billy had worked as hard as he could. With the guidance of his teachers in improvisational acting and dramatic acting courses, he had gathered some tools that would help him in his budding acting career.

He felt nervous as he had just completed the acting course. There was still a void in his heart because he wasn't entirely satisfied with his acting abilities. The work he had done had left a mark deep in his soul, for acting was what he needed to fulfill some of his future projects.

Leaving the studio, the medieval knight costume had been touched up by a costume shop and a seamstress who charged him $100 for making some minor adjustments to the outfit. Billy opened the door to the men's restroom, headed towards the main stage where he had recently performed his role and spotted his thin-waisted teacher, Susan. Her tight-fitting shirt only accentuated her waistline, reaching just above her navel.

She smiled as soon as she saw him and approached with a dancer's graceful stride, her back perfectly straight and a firm step.

-Billy, your performance was truly outstanding. I think you could take on a role in the play we're working on, with a small company, - the teacher said.

-That sounds fantastic, but I'm afraid I can't commit to any engagements, - Billy said, rubbing his neck. Unfortunately, the next few months were crucial for his acting career, with plans like learning to drive, the summer comic season, and the castings he had promised to participate in.

He saw a frown crease on Teacher Susan's face as she glanced towards the wings where the stagehands were still cleaning up the mess left by the acting course and the music club.

-Are you sure, Billy? You could work on the play we're presenting in June, July, and August. It's an interesting opportunity for prospects, and you'll meet people who might offer you other roles. With your skills and appearance, it's almost certain, - Susan said.

-I'm sorry, teacher, but I have a busy few months ahead. I don't think I can commit to three months of theater. However, I can make time to come watch your performances when the time comes, count on that, - Billy replied.

-We'll be performing in three theaters, and all the dates are on the brochures. I regret that you won't be part of the group, - Susan said, walking a short distance with Billy to hand him a flyer for "The Sailor from Maine," a small booklet with some dates and names on the cover.

-It's a shame, - Susan said aloud.

Billy knew he had many tasks to complete this year, and time was running out. The comic book publication was going to be a highlight, along with the release of video games for the year. Most importantly, his work on animation for the movie would be the culmination once he had enough money to hire people for the soundtrack, songs, and dubbing. The editor, could probably find a good one among the folks at Pixar.

-I regret it too. Thank you for the invitation; I won't hesitate to come. Perhaps I'll bring you a gift, teacher. Don't doubt my words. I'm glad you consider me part of the theater production, - Billy said with warmth.

-Good luck, Billy, - Susan said, returning to her usual cheerfulness.

-Goodbye, teacher, - Billy said, bidding farewell to the teacher who had been teaching him important things about how to act.

Billy exited the theater through the main stairs, passing by the audience seats. The large door led him out to the front of the building, where he could see the parking lot. The afternoon shone brightly with the scorching sun above, and the feeling of closeness prompted Billy to shield his eyes from the sun's reflection on his face.

He walked to the parking lot and found Raimon's old Ford, a worn-out vintage model. In the front seat, Raimon was enjoying some hamburgers, with french fries on the passenger seat and a soda between his legs. Fortunately, they had chosen to eat at T-Box Burgers, and Raimon looked quite happy as he ate hamburgers while sharing some papers. He had three hamburgers and two baskets of fries.

-Biliph, - Raimon said with his mouth full of food, gesturing with his free hand for Billy to get in.

-How did your final presentation go? - Raimon asked.

-Everything went well, - Billy replied.

-Anne sends her greetings and hopes you'll behave yourself in the next three days, - Raimon said.

-Dad said something?" Billy inquired.

-Absolutely nothing, but Anne ordered me to come here as soon as possible. They don't need me in the game room, - Raimon chuckled. - Have some; I got you two bacon and pink sauce burgers. -

-Thanks, - Billy said, unwrapping the burger. His stomach had been rumbling for some time, but the evening performance had stolen his attention.

-Did you talk to your professors? - Billy asked.

-Yes, I did. You have an appointment next Thursday with the university's director. It's a somewhat unusual procedure, but we're talking about Billy Carson, - Raimon said.

-What can you tell me about Stanford? Were the years good? - Billy asked.

-I had fabulous years; it was fun. I met like-minded people, made friends I never thought I'd get, had a great time, and was recognized for my intellect. You know, I thought school was boring, and being smart was a ticket to being rejected all my life. But in college, that changed. They started recognizing me as a functional and brilliant person. Even many girls were interested in me. It's just that you have so much talent for creating your comics that I don't think you need to supplement it with a business degree. It's enough that you get good advice, - Raimon said.

-Tell that to my father, - Billy replied, taking a bite of his burger, with the pink sauce dripping down his chin. The juiciness of the burger was delicious.

-Well, I understand what it's like to have a strict father, - Raimon said, making a satisfied sound as he finished a bite of his burger.

The car started with some effort, and the roaring engine of the car made intermittent bursts of noise.

-I understand, but I have to make the necessary moves to get them off my back. Don't you think that after a rejection letter, my father would forget about the university for a while, enough to enroll me next year? - Billy said.

-Yes, that sounds logical. I've already made the necessary calls. My director took it somewhat as a joke that my boss would apply to the university next semester. He's a pretty grumpy man, but he has a weakness for outstanding students. I told him to just take a look at your resume, and he didn't hesitate to call. If there's anything they love more than an intelligent person, it's a successful one, - Raimon said.

Starting the car and pulling out of the parking lot, the afternoon had faded, and the night was more evident in the surroundings.

-That's interesting. I hope to meet the director, just as you told him, - Billy said, pausing.

-Are you all set to go? This time, we're heading to New York, - Billy said.

-Of course, I've got everything ready. The luggage is in the trunk. The flight departs in four hours, and, unfortunately for us, there were only tickets for midnight,- Raimon said.

-Bad luck for us,- Billy remarked.

-It is, although I'd say it's a positive point. Last time, I nearly had a heart attack, and we almost missed the plane,- Raimon said.

-Hahahaha, - Billy laughed.

He reached for the second burger brought by Raimon. The event Mike Richardson had mentioned had given him a feeling of both excitement and anxiety. Meeting all the great comic book writers and some corresponding figures in the industry was a big deal.

-It's not funny, - Raimon said.

-It is. Don't worry too much. We have plenty of time, and the meeting is tomorrow at noon, - Billy said.

-I know that. I have all the notes in my head. I know who will attend the event and who won't. I even brought some comics to get some special signatures for my comic collection, - Raimon said.

-I hope you won't make them sign your collectible Spider-Man slippers, - Billy joked.

-Well, it's not necessary. I have some good comics and posters that are more than enough to get signed, - Raimon replied.

He adjusted the gear lever and drove off.

...