“I mean, it’s big.” He tells me. I’m not sure if he’s trying to be reassuring, but he most definitely is not.
Trent is a good person, and a good friend. He looks at me the way that I used to look at Lars. He’s probably the only person on this planet who sees something in me that I don’t see in myself. Beauty and adoration. I wish I could give him more than just my friendship, but old wounds have to heal before I can offer anyone a piece of my heart.
“Willa.” I hear my name called from behind us. It’s an unfamiliar voice. I turn my head and see Lars’ stepsister Madison jogging toward me. “I saw what happened. Are you ok, sweetie?” she says in a tone that one might use to talk to a toddler.
“I’m ok. Thank you for asking.” This girl gives me bad vibes.
“Oh, good. I was worried about you. Here,” she grabs my books from my hands. “Let me carry those for you.” She turns her attention to Trent. “You can go now. I’ve got her.” Her tone is demeaning and harsh.
“We..I..we’re going to the same class. We always walk together.” He tells her as he stutters over his words, making it apparent that he’s highly intimidated by the girl.
Madison shoots a thumb at Trent and chuckles. “Is this guy your friend?”
I stop walking. Getting defensive, I huff. “Yes. Is that a problem?”
The aggression in my tone must have thrown her for a loop. All of my classmates would be surprised to learn that I am, in fact, growing a backbone thanks to their sly remarks and threats, as well as the fact that they’ve seen me entirely naked on video and admitting that I finger myself from time to time. Holding up a hand, she raises her brows. “No problem at all. Just making sure he wasn’t bothering you.”
Since when does Madison Bishop give a damn about me? And why is she treating me like a child?
Hooking an arm around mine like we’re old friends, she gives me a pull. “Well, come on. We’ll be late.”
I try to stop her movements, but she keeps on walking, taking me with her. “Don’t you have to get to class?”
“Mmhmm. I switched classes. Now let’s go. I have an audition for the role of Belle in three minutes.”
Pausing my steps, I look at her for confirmation that I heard her correctly. “You’re auditioning for the part of Belle?”
Excitement leaks from her pores. “I am!” she beams. “I have no doubt the part is mine. Three years of singing lessons and a member of drama club since middle school, how could I not?” She giggles.
Something churns inside my stomach. Like lava spilling out and rushing through every inch of my body. “You’re auditioning for the role of Belle?” My voice cracks and I realize that I sound like a sad child.
“Of course, I am.” She laughs again. It’s high pitched and rings loudly in my ears. “With my experience, I belong in the spotlight.” She stops, turns to me, and raises her brows with a fake pity that makes me nauseous. “Wait, is that the role you wanted? I’m so sorry.”
“No. Of course not.” I lie. “I don’t have much experience other than church choir and—”
“Good. Because sweetie, you’re far too shy for center stage.” Pulling me again, we continue to walk while her hold on my arm burns through the fabric of my knitted sweater. “You’d be an amazing Enchantress.”
Enchantress? The Enchantress has a silent role.
I didn’t even know Madison was joining the drama class. She’s the second one to drop in mid-semester. Lars being the other.
It’s probably better this way. I didn’t even want the stupid part. Ok, I did. Even though I have no intention of being here after Christmas break or for the musical, I wanted to prove to myself that I could get it. Sort of a holy grail and ‘watch me do this’ before I fled town. I wanted it so badly, but there is no way I can compete with Madison. She’s boisterous and outgoing. Beautiful and well-liked. I’m just...me.
We walk backstage and I force a smile on my face. Lars is already kicked back in the recliner while minions dance around him trying to do his job with the sound. As soon as his eyes land on us, he springs up from his comfortable position. “Madison, what are you doing here?” he spits out. Leaving me to assume he wasn’t aware of his sister’s schedule change.
“Told the guidance counselor that I wanted to pursue my dream of acting and she got me right in. You can thank your dad and his generous donation to the drama club.”
“I’ll be sure to do that.” His eyes dance back and forth from me to Madison, who still has her arm clutched around mine. Pointing a finger between us, he asks, “What’s this? When did you two become friends.”
Remaining silent, I let Madison talk because, honestly, I have no idea what her sudden interest in me is.
“It’s recent, but I think it’s the start of a beautiful friendship.” She smirks, forcing me to smile back at Lars.
I don’t have many friends, and personally, I don’t want any. Even if I did, Madison Bishop would not be anywhere near my list of people who I want in my life. Sure, she’s popular, but she’s also condescending and I get the feeling that she knew exactly what she was doing by stealing this part. I’m not the fool that most people take me for. My silence shouldn’t be misconstrued as stupidity. I choose my battles wisely and a stupid high school play is the least of my concerns.
Although, a friendship with Madison could benefit me. I have a hunch that these two don’t get along. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to have her on my side.
“We are soooo glad to have you joining us, Madison.” Mrs. Rhys beams with eagerness as she places both hands on Madison’s shoulders. “I’ve heard so many great things about your performance at your last school. Meet me out front and we’ll get started with the opening chorus for your audition.”
I’ve heard so many good things about your performance at your last school. I mock Mrs. Rhys in my head in disgust. I might as well just join the stage crew because I’m toast. And I don’t mean the role as a toaster. I doubt I’d even get that.
Madison leaves with Mrs. Rhys and Lars comes up beside me. My heart swells when I see the pity in his eyes. He knows what’s going on and now he’s going to pretend that he feels sorry for me. When I go to speak, I hold up a hand. “Just leave it alone. I didn’t want the part anyways.” Tears well in my eyes and I turn away quickly before he can see them. It’s ridiculous, why am I so emotional over this? It’s a play. This is high school. It’s not important. I’ve fought off monsters and had my body stolen by thieves, but I’m sulking over the loss of a role.
I pull open the door and rush out into the empty hall. My eyes are dead set on the girls bathroom as I hurry to it. Pushing open the door, I let it close behind me before locking myself in the back stall. I don’t even pay attention to the fact that it’s filthy as my back slides down the wall. Swallowing down the lump in my throat, I begin to cry.
I hate this school. I hate this town. I hate everyone.
And they all hate me, too.
It’s us against the world, sweet baby. They can take my dignity, steal my part, and hold my body hostage, but they will never take you away from me. Ever. I’ll die first.