Curtain Call

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

       School assemblies always bore me. Not because the assemblies themselves are boring. I mean, sometimes they are but school in general just bore me. Which is weird because I do enjoy learning. I think it's just the teenage experience to find school boring whether or not they enjoy the classes.

       The art room and the theatre are the two rooms I can be in without feeling bored. Art room specifically because I love art and theatre because I love theatre. I've never gotten a part in any plays at this school, though. Not because I auditioned and just never got a part. I just like doing the backstage stuff. Props, set, costumes. Sure, it would be fun to be part of the cast but I don't know. I never really had the guts to audition.

       Rejection is a scary thing, and part of auditioning is the possibility of getting rejected.

       Another thing that's boosting my boredom for the assembly is that they're talking about when tryouts will be for certain sport teams. Sports aren't my thing. Running and kicking and jumping. Too much work for me.

       Soon, it's the drama teacher's turn to talk about what she has planned for the theatre company this year. My boredom finally disappears as I make sure to listen to what Ms. Salazar says. "For the fall play, we will be putting on Grease," she says. 

       There are some murmurs from the students, discussing with their friends whether or not they're excited for it. My sister, Orchid, squeals quietly from her spot beside me. She has always wanted to be part of a production of Grease.

       "Wait," my brother, Alan, says quietly. "What's Grease about? Like... food grease? Fryer grease? Is it a fast food play?'

       Alan, bless his soul, can be a bit clueless at times. More than clueless, actually. He means well. He just doesn't know how to use his brain. 

       "Alan, you know what Grease is," my older brother, Ryder, says. "You know, Danny, Sandy, Rizzo, Frenchy."

       "Oh, right," Alan says. "Why is it called Grease if there isn't any food involved?"

       "I'll explain it later," Ryder says, patting Alan's back.

       "I'll go over what I have planned for the play more after school at the first theatre meeting," Ms. Salazar continues. "If you're interested in auditioning or being part of the production crew, please make it to the first meeting. We'll be talking about some changes I want to make, the audition process, and all that so make sure you're there."

       As soon as Ms. Salazar finishes talking about the theatre production, I go back to feeling bored. This time, though, my mind begins to wander and think about the play. This one would be fun to be a part of but, again, I have a fear of rejection and there's no way I would be able to handle not getting a part.

       I'll just stick to sets and props, which I do love doing. This will definitely be a fun set to design.

       The assembly soon ends so we have to head to our second period class. Orchid, Alan, and I have that class together, which I'm not sure is a good thing or not. I mean, it's a good thing for me because I would much rather have someone I know in my classes in case we have to do partner or group work. It's just not so much a good thing for the teachers who constantly complain about having to teach the Prince triplets again and again.

       I don't know what they're complaining about. I, personally, am too anxious to start any trouble for my teachers. Can't say the same for Orchid or Alan. 

       After hours and hours, school finally ends so I head to the theatre with my siblings. The meetings and rehearsals never start until three on the dot, so we have a few more minutes until Ms. Salazar will begin the meeting.