Curtain Call

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

       The days there aren't any play rehearsals felt like the slowest days ever. There's no longer anything to look forward to after school ends, so I just have to settle with trying to make it through the day. I never would have guessed that I would ever find rehearsals so exciting. I guess that's what getting a spot in the play does.

       Though my parents don't exactly know I've gotten a part quite yet. I don't know why I've been reluctant to tell them. I don't think it's because I'm playing a role written for a girl. My parents didn't seem to bat an eye when they found out Alan's playing Frenchy. After all, they're pretty supportive when it comes to gender identity and gender expression. 

       Maybe they reason I haven't told them is because I'm still struggling with my own identity. Sure, I'm acting in a play but it's a play about self-identity. It's hitting close to home.

       My siblings are confused why I haven't told my parents yet, but they've learned not to question my motives at times. And I don't like being pressured into anything.

       I know I'm going to have to tell them eventually since they're obviously going to come to the play, like the do for every performance, but part of me wants to be a stubborn little piece of crap and not tell them at all. Surprise them when they see me on stage as Sandy.

       Probably not the best idea since one of my siblings will probably end up slipping eventually.

       After school, I'm putting my stuff in my locker, I suddenly jump when someone scares me with a, "Boo."

       "Oh, geez," I say, turning around to see Jerome. "Don't scare me like that."

       "Come on, I barely scared you," Jerome says. "I didn't even say it loudly."

       "Yes, but I startle easily," I say. "You could have whispered something and still scared me."

       "I'll keep that in mind."

       "Keep that in mind so you don't scare me or keep that in mind so you can scare me again?"

       "It's a surprise."

       "Well, that's not nice."

       Jerome smiles at me. It's a friendly smile, but I'm still unable to tell if he really is planning on scaring me in the future or not. "So, got any plans?"

       "Not really," I say. "I just have homework so I was going to do that. Probably not until later because I'm too drained from school right now."

       "Makes sense," Jerome says. "That's what I would do if I ever did my homework."

       I furrow my eyebrows. "Why don't you do your homework?"

       Jerome shrugs. "Dunno. Don't feel like it at times. Anyway, I just wanted to know if you wanna run lines with me. Ms. Salazar likes us being off-book as soon as possible and it's always easier to have someone to run lines with so..."

       Memorizing my lines is something I definitely need to work on. I don't have the best memory, so this is going to be something I need to do twice as hard. Having someone with me will definitely help, too.

       "Yeah, sure," I say. 

       "Great," Jerome says. "Any place you want to go?"

       I think for a moment, one place coming to my mind almost immediately. Realistically, one of the best places will be at one of our houses. Less distractions than staying at the school or going out somewhere. The only issue is that if we go to my house, I'll most likely have to tell my parents I'm Sandy in the play.