#7: Peanut Butter Disaster

I am a disaster when it comes to food allergies. I am prone to having a minor allergic reaction at least once every day. However, I have learned to completely avoid peanuts and the thick, disgusting butter that comes from it. I wouldn't say my reaction is that bad, but I do stop breathing for a little while.

There was one instance in which I felt I had no other option but to eat the creamy poison.

I've done theater all my life, completely aware that one should bring a snack to rehearsals because they can get long and boring very quickly. The morning of one of the dress rehearsals I rushed into the car and the thought of even a cracker had slipped my mind. My mom continues to drive and stops at a red light suddenly asking, "Did you eat anything? It's going to be a long day." I shrugged my shoulders, "I'll be fine! I'm not that hungry anyway." That was a blatant lie. I couldn't even remember the last time I had a full meal; rehearsals had taken up all my time and worn me out completely.

We arrived at the theater and we hopped out of the car and grabbed our belongings. We walked through the lobby saying "Hi" to the familiar faces we had encountered over the long three months. I went back to the dressing room as my mother went to the auditorium and began the dress rehearsal (she was the Director). She continued to fix the scenes for hours and it was finally time to start the dress rehearsal.

"20 minutes," said one of the crew managers.

"Thank you, 20!" The cast replied.

I was wandering around stage with my friend, Zoe waiting for the dress rehearsal to begin but she was just as hungry as I was. She walked into the snack room and grabbed a sandwich. I searched the table, but all I could find was peanut butter and honey sandwiches; all the cold cuts were gone. I just stared at them. I was starving and I needed something so I wouldn't pass out on stage. In an impulse, I grabbed the sandwich and took a bite. I knew I would regret it but in that moment I didn't care if I couldn't breathe for a few minutes and might have to go to the hospital. I'd be fine! I told myself. It was disgusting; not only was I allergic to peanut butter but I found it disgusting.

It was glueing my teeth together and I was so embarrassed. Not sure if this is a good thing now that I think about it, but no one knew I was allergic so I felt a little better. Then, the crew manager yelled "Places!"

I dropped the sandwich in the trash and ran on stage. I had a line but it was short so I figured I could get through it and then just run off stage and grab a bottle of water. The curtains opened and the scene began. A minute passed and the main character comes up to me and cues me and I croak out "Shalom!" It was so embarrassing. The woman gave me a strange look, knowing something was wrong, but kept going with the scene. My voice was scratchy and it hurt so much, but I just smiled and waited for the curtain to close. When it did, I ran off and since then, I have never purposely eaten peanut butter again.