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Chapter 65
My cheeks flush at his words. “I… I don’t know about that,” I stammer, feeling my composure crumbling.
“I do,” Jamal says simply. He taps the closed sketchbook and shifted more closer to me. “You’re…” I could feel the hairs on my back stand up as he gently brushed his hands against my cheeks.
The intensity is overwhelming. I need to retreat, to put my professional hat back on. I weakly gesture to the recorder. “I should… I should probably get going. Transcribe this.”
A flicker of understanding crosses his face, and he quickly pulls back his chair, giving me space to breathe.
“Thanks for the words”
“Right.” He stands and walks me to the door. “Send me a draft when you are through with it. And don’t forget about the proper photo shoot. I’m thinking of high–contrast black and white.”
“I won’t forget,” I promise, stepping out into the hallway, the door clicking shut behind me, I lean against the wall for a second, my heart still pounding heavily. What is wrong with me?he said I’m fascinating, does that means he likes me? Do I feel this way because I might like him?
“How was it?”
I jolt, my head snapping up to see Nolan, leaning against the wall directly opposite Jamal’s studio, just as he was yesterday at the newspaper room. This is beyond coincidence. A slow burn of anger ignites in my chest.
“Are you following me?” I blurted out
“It’s a public hallway.” He pouted and folded his arms.
“I know it’s a public hallway but I think you’re following me. Anyway, It was great,” I replied.
“Let’s go” he smiled, taking my hands in his.
It’s finally the morning of the drama auditions and I feel so nervous, even though I have always practiced. I pick at my breakfast, my knee bouncing under the table.
“Are you nervous, darling?” Helen asks, sipping her cup of espresso.
“A little,” I admit, which is an understatement of what I’m currently feeling.
“Good,” Robert says from behind his newspaper. “Nerves mean you care. Channel it.
Asher, for once, isn’t teasing me. He slides a glass of orange juice toward me. “Just remember, you’re a Morales. You walk in there like you own the stage. Because, well technically, our family donations probably paid for it.”
I manage a weak smile. “That’s not helping.”
1200
“Sure it is. It’s a fact. Use it.”
When I got to school, Maya finds me at my locker, her eyes wide with excitement. “You’re really doing it! I saw the sign–up sheet. You’re going for Viola? That’s bold. I like it.”
“And I’m going to throw up,” I mutter, clutching my script like a lifeline.
“Don’t you dare,” a familiar voice says behind me. I look back to see Nolan leaning against a desk, a lazy smile on his face. He’s flanked by Kai and Mason. “We’re here for moral support. Mason said to me but his gaze was locked on Maya who spared him no glance.
Kai grins and clap, looking excited. “It’s the main event. Don’t puke and ruin it.”
“Thanks for the pressure,” I say, as they walk away.
We walked into the drama room to find seat but it was already packed. It seems like half the freshman and sophomore classes have turned out, either to audition or to watch the spectacle. I can see Chloe as she’s wearing a delicate, vintage–style dress and looks utterly composed. She glared at me as soon as she saw me staring at her.
Ms. Theroux claps her hands. “Alright, artists! Settle in! We’ll go in alphabetical order by last name. First up- Carmine, Bella!”
The auditions begin. I felt more nervous as I watched the performances. Some are surprisingly good performances, some are painfully awkward ones, and a lot of people who clearly just want to be in a play with their friends. Maya goes up and nails Maria’s sly, mischievous lines, getting a genuine laugh from Ms. Theroux and an applause from the audience.
“Vanderbilt, Chloe! Reading for Viola.” Ms. Theroux spat, marking something on her clipboard.
Chloe walks to the center of the stage, takes a deep, visible breath, and begins Viola’s speech to Orsino about her “sister’s” love. Her voice sounds clear and pretty, her diction perfect. She hits every emotional mark with technical precision. I must confess, It’s… flawless. And completely amazing. She finishes with a graceful curtsy, and her friends erupt in applause.
Ms. Theroux smiled gently. “Very clean, Chloe. Thank you.”
Chloe smiles triumphantly and shoots a condescending stare at my direction as she returns to her seat.
My heart clenched in fear, my mouth going dry as a little voice whispers in my head. ‘She was perfect. How can I possibly follow that?‘
The names continue. Miller, Jason. Nickson, Liam. Then…
“Morales, Aria! Reading for Viola.”
A hush falls over the room. Every single head turns to look at me and I feel my legs turn to water, unable to stand up. Maya gently pulled me up,
“You’ve got this.” She spat, giving me a little smile. From the back of the room, I could hear a distinct, low whistle–that’s definitely Kai–followed by a sharp “shush” that sounds like Asher.
8:58 Wed, Jan
Chapter 65
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Nolan catches my eye and nod gently, shrugging his shoulders in what seems like a “Go show them what you’ve got.
I take a shaky breath, my script crumpled in my sweaty hand and walk to the center of the stage, the lights warm on my skin.
I look at Ms. Theroux and bowed a little. “I’ll be doing Viola’s ‘I am not what I am‘ speech, and… and the following confession.”
Ms. Theroux nods, intrigued. “Go ahead when you’re ready.”
I close my eyes for a second, blocking everything out.
I opened my eyes, and sighed.
“I am not what I am.” I begin, my voice is quiet but steady enough to be heard through the silent hall.
I move into the confession, my expressions changing. “My father had a daughter who loved a man, as it might be, perhaps, were I a woman, I should be with your lordship…”
Thanks for joining me and Avery and this journey
^~^
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.
