𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝 || 𝐑. 𝐁𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐧

𝒪𝓅𝑒𝓇𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃: 𝐵𝑒𝓈𝓉 𝐹𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓃𝒹

If you thought we were done listing things about Dylan Caley, you were wrong. Very wrong. Here are a few more things to know.

First off, Dylan is a middle child. She's thirteen minutes older than Jordan and four years younger than their older brother, Kieran. This is one of numerous reasons why Dylan is way more competitive than is necessary for anyone.

Next, her family is extremely important to her. She loves her mom, even if she's incredibly scary sometimes. She loves her dad, even if he's 500 miles away in Colorado. She loves Jordan, even if he's the bane of her existence about 77% of the time. She loves Kieran, even if he's only her half-brother -- and even if he's the absolute weirdest person she knows.

Third, her friends are just as important to her as her family. Specifically, her best friends. There's not much she won't do for EJ Caswell, Jenna Park, and Sayan Burman. The lengths she'll go to are almost...crazy. Most people would think so, anyway.

Now, considering the title of the story, that last one is especially important. But you probably already knew that. It's the reason she's doing all this. The reason she's standing in the new drama teacher's office is because she's on a mission.

Operation: Best Friend is about to be set into motion.

"I'm sorry, sweetie," The new drama teacher, Miss Jenn, shook her head in genuine remorse. "But all the roles have been cast. Auditions are over, and -- "

Dylan pushed her hands into her back pockets. "Oh, no -- that's actually not why I'm here. I'm not much of an actor, so it's not that I want a role in the musical." A smile toyed at her lips as she shrugged. "My name's Dylan Caley, and I'm here to make you a...request of sorts."

"Oh?" The teacher blinked.

She nodded. "See, I'm really interested in becoming a Broadway director when I grow up. But there aren't too many opportunities to get experience with that sort of thing, you know?"

Miss Jenn was already nodding. "I completely understand. Schools these days are sorely lacking in that area. All the focus and funding revolves around helping students gain experience with boring scientific careers -- but there's no consideration for those looking to pursue a job in the arts!"

"Exactly." Dylan sighed. "Which is why I was...hoping that you might consider making me your assistant director for the musical? I could help you out with whatever you need, and in turn, you could help me learn to put on a real show..."

"Oh, sweetie..." Miss Jenn smiled. "That is a wonderful idea. Absolutely wonderful -- how could I possibly say no to taking on a passionate young student as my apprentice?" She stood up to offer a hand for Dylan to shake. "Our read-through is Friday after school. I'll get a name card for you."

"Oh, my god -- thank you so much. I-I swear, you won't regret this." Dylan smiled at her. "Looking forward to working with you, Miss Jenn."

One more thing about Dylan; she's something of a schemer. She could have you eating out of her hand and you wouldn't even know it. And right now, Miss Jenn was doing just that.