Chapter 67
The morning after the audition, my name is on everyone’s lips, but it’s paired with a new, respectful tone. “Did you see Aria Morales?”
“She was unbelievable.” “She looked dashing while she was playing Viola.
“Morning, Shakespeare. Ready to behold your glory?” Asher smirked handing me a newspaper he had tucked under his arm
“The list isn’t even up yet,” I say, ignoring the papers, though my stomach is now a nest of excited butterflies
“Details, details. It’s a foregone conclusion. I’ve already had Mom book the theater for opening night. We’re renting out the whole place. It’s going to be obnoxious.”
I laugh, shoving him playfully. “You’re ridiculous.”
“I’m supportive. There’s a difference.” He leans closer, his tone shifting. “Seriously though. You okay? After yesterday… the memory thing… you seemed pretty shaken.”
The image of those tired, young girls flashes behind my eyes again. Yes I told them when I got home. “I’m.. processing. It was just so fast. And they looked… so sad.”
He nods, looking serious. “We’ll figure it out, Tiny Bell. One step at a time. And the first step is claiming your
crown.”
We head toward the main office, the crowd already thick around the bulletin board. This time, it doesn’t part for Asher; it seems to be waiting for me. A path clears, and there are smiles, nods, even a few quiet good lucks from the once unfriendly strangers.
And there it is. The callback list.
My eyes zero in on ‘VIOLA‘.
VIOLA: Morales Aria
I scream in happiness as a wave of pure, unadulterated joy washes over me. I did it. I really, truly did it.
Asher lets out a triumphant whoop, clapping me on the back so hard I stumble forward. “Told you! Look at that! My sister, the leading lady!”
My eyes scan down to ‘OLIVIA‘
*OLIVIA: Vanderbilt, Chloe*
A collective, almost imperceptible gasp ripples through the crowd. The humiliation for her is absolute. The queen has been dethroned and given a lesser crown.
I felt a burning gaze and looked back and there she is, staring directly at me with hatred. She hissed, turned and disappeared into the crowd without a word.
apter 67
The joy inside me curdles slightly, mixing with a cold trickle of dread.
achers
“Don’t.” Asher says, his voice low in my ear. “Don’t let her poison this. You earned this. You were better. End of story.”
“I know,” I muttered, but the knot in my stomach still remains.
As we’re walking to the first period, my phone buzzes. Yes, after my audition, mum bought me the latest phone edition.
1 frown at the unknown number
Unknown: Saw the list. Knew you had it in you. Can’t wait to see you bring her to life again. -J
Jamal. Of course but how did he get my new contact?
Another text comes through instantly.
Nolan: Viola. Congrats. You deserve it.*
I smiled and quickly texted back.
Me: Thanks. Still feels surreal.
Nolan: Get used to it.
The first callback rehearsal is after school. The drama room feels different now–smaller and more intense. The only people here are the chosen few, the ones Ms. Theroux believes can handle the roles.
Chloe is already there, of course. She’s sitting perfectly poised, her script open on her lap. She doesn’t look at me when I walk in, which is surprising. Must be because she lost.
Ms. Theroux claps her hands. “Welcome, the brilliant few! Now, the real work begins. We’re going to start with the big scenes. The confrontations, the confessions. I want to see chemistry. I want to see sparks!” Her eyes land on Chloe and me. “Aria, Chloe. You’re up first. Act Three, Scene One. Olivia and Viola, or rather, Cesario, confronting each other.”
My stomach plummets. Of course. The scene where Countess Olivia, desperately in love with the disguised Viola, confronts her, and Viola, in turn, tries to plead Orsino’s case while hiding her own heart.
We take our places on the stage. Chloe’s mask of indifference is back, but her eyes are burning coals.
“Alright, ladies. Action!”
Chloe becomes Olivia in an instant, her voice dripping with a haughty, entitled passion. “Ay me, detested! how am I beguiled!” She started, she’s technically perfect, her every syllable is crisp.
It’s my turn. I take a breath, trying to find Viola’s conflicted soul. “Madam, I come to whet your gentle thoughts…”
“No, no, Arial” Ms. Theroux interrupts, standing up, “You’re playing it too safe. You’re pleading, I need you to fight. She’s cornering you! You’re a woman disguised as a man, trying to hold your ground against a parent, obsessive woman. There should be fear there, yes, but also defiancet She’s the one making your impensae situation even more impossible!”
I nod, my cheeks burning. “Right. Sorry”
We start again. I try to inject more steel into my voice, but Chloe is relentless. She’s not just acting Olivia, she’s channeling all her real–life fury into the role. She moves closer, her voice dropping to a venomous whisper only I can hear on the line, “I have said too much.”
“A little more feeling, Arial” Ms. Theroux calls out, frustrated.
I’m floundering. Chloe’s palpable hatred is throwing me off, breaking my concentration and the memory of those tattered girls feels like a distant dream are not helping. I can’t find Viola.
“Let’s take five!” Ms. Theroux announces, sighing. “Aria, a word please?”
I stumble off the stage, my face hot with humiliation. Chloe sweeps past me with a contemptuous sniff.
“What’s going on, Aria?” Ms. Theroux asks gently when we’re in a corner. “You had such raw, authentic emotion yesterday. Today, it’s like you’re behind a pane of glass.”
“I’m sorry, I just…,” I stammer, close to tears. “It’s hard with her… she’s just so….”
“I know,” Ms. Theroux says, her voice low. “Chloe is using her real anger, and it’s making her performance powerful, but it’s also cruel. You can’t let her get inside your head. You have to find your Viola “despite her Use it. Use your frustration. Use your fear. That’s what Viola would do.”
I nod, wiping my eyes. “I’ll try.”
“Don’t try. Do.” She pats my shoulder. “You’re better than this. I know you are.”
As I walk back toward the stage, feeling defeated, I see Nolan leaning against the doorframe. He must have come straight from practice. His hair is damp with sweat, and he’s still in his gear. He doesn’t say anything. He just looks at me, his gaze steady and sure, and gives me a slow, confident nod.
It’s all I need.
We begin the scene again. This time, when Chloe hisses her lines, I don’t shrink back. I square my shoulders, finding the boyish posture of Cesario. I let my own frustration fuel Viola’s. My voice gains strength, not with fake bravado, but with a desperate, trapped courage.
“I pity you.” I say the line to Olivia, but I’m looking at Chloe. And I mean it.
The shift is electric. Chloe’s eyes widen slightly in surprise. The scene transforms. It’s no longer a one–sided assault; it’s a duel. And for the first time, I’m holding my own.
When we finish, the room is quiet.
Ms. Theroux is beaming. “Now we are cooking! Excellent, Aria! That’s the fire I was looking for! That’s a Viola
B:59 Wed, Jan 7 J
Chapter 67
I can believe in!”
日零雍
1 glance at Nolan. He’s smiling, a real, proud smile, and he gives me a thumbs–up before slipping out the door.
Chloe is staring at me, her earlier hatred now mixed with a grudging, furious respect. Yep baby, the game has changed.
AD
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
