#jaime rogers

[danceoftheday]

Performed by: George Chakiris, Carole D’Andrea, Rudy Del Campo, Jose De Vega, Suzie Kaye, Nobuko Miyamoto, Rita Moreno, Nick Navarro, Jay Norman, Jaime Rogers, Larry Roquemore, Andre Tayir, Robert E. Thompson, Gina Trikonis, Gus Trikonis, Eddie Verso, and Yvonne Wilder

Number: “America”

Choreographer: Jerome Robbins

Style: Broadway

From: West Side Story (1961)

[bouvardiia]

“So where did you find this place?”

“Well a couple years ago I dated Zach, and he brought me here on a date.”

“You dated Zach?”

“Not one of my finest moments.”

“So what happened between you two?”

[bouvardiia]

“My history with my parents isn’t the greatest either.”

“Really? Why not?”

“My mother was an alcoholic, and she hated children. So just imagine what would happen. Eventually, my mom waited for my dad to leave for work, and then she took me to an adoption center and ran, or at least that was what I was told. My mother apparently got sent to prison for drinking and driving, and child abuse. I haven’t seen her since.”

“Carmon! Are you okay?”

“Yeah. I never did get adopted but that’s alright. It made me the person I am today. I mean the people at the adoption center practically raised me and I will always be thankful for that. I also met so many wonderful friends there, including Sabrina.”

[bouvardiia]

“Shall we go inside then?” Jaime asked.

“Of course.” They both walked inside Chez Llama, the fanciest restaurant in town. Jaime soaked in the interior and found the whole place to be magical. Soon they found a table in the corner and sat down.

[bouvardiia]

After about ten more minutes of questions and stories, Jaime decided it was time to move on and get some actual food ordered. “What do you say?”

“I’m so down.”

“Good because I’m starving.” They each took their menus and began to flip through them. “What do you recommend?”

“I’ve only been here once and it was years ago… I don’t actually know what’s good. Hmm…” Carmon looked intensely at the menu trying to find out what would be the best option. Jaime couldn’t help but stare at her. She seemed so confused, it almost made her laugh.

[bouvardiia]

“Well, you sure did top my story.”

“I wasn’t trying to top any story.”

“I know, I’m just messing with you.”

“How about we move on from the depressing topics.”

“One hundred percent okay with that.”

They began to speak of only light-hearted things, not wanting to make the conversation depressing. They figured a date shouldn’t be like that, especially a first date. But now they knew that they could somewhat relate to each other, which only brought them closer together.

[bouvardiia]

Eventually, she went home and decided to call Jaime. “Hello? Hi, this is Carmon. We met at the bar.”

“Of course I know who you are Carmon, what’s up?”

“Do you want to go on a dinner date with me?”

“Oh! Yes of course!”

“That’s great! Be sure to wear something formal, this place is pretty fancy.”

“Okay! I’ll text you my address, pick me up at eight.”

[bouvardiia]

Carmon listed many things about her children and Jaime could tell that she loved them dearly. “So have your kids met Zach yet?”

“No, and I won’t let them.”

“Carmon! You need to let them know their father, even though he’s a terrible man. I know him too, he has tried to hit on me a few times at local clubs.”

“I’ve told them everything that happened, no lying, no exaggerating the truth. Actually, even if I did let them, after what I had told them, they said they don’t want to meet him. Maybe one day they might, but for now…”

“Well, at least you told them. Have you shown them pictures?”

“I try to, just to show them who to avoid on the streets, but they don’t care to even see him.”

“Huh. Well, that’s a very responsible thing that you tried to do. I admire you.”