When We Were Wildflowers

Chapter 15 - Drama

The week passes in a blur and the moments I spend with Poppy are the only ones in focus: bike rides to and from school, civics class and our shared lunch period. I haven't had the heart to explain to her why I can't meet after school or make plans for the weekend. It's bad enough our eighth grade class is still chattering about the infamous bus video. Poppy and I receive plenty of stares and whispered comments as we walk the hallways and gather in the lunch line. Confessing that my mother forbid me from seeing her outside of school would crush Poppy's spirit, so I have hatched the perfect plan.

"What do you think about auditioning for the fall play?" I casually ask between bites of Salisbury steak that tastes like cardboard as we sit side by side in the cafeteria.

"Romeo and Juliet?" Poppy raises her head from the tattered novel in her hands. "I love Shakespeare, but I don't know if I've really got what it takes to be an actress. I mean, reading poetry aloud in your room is one thing, but reciting sonnets on stage in front of hundreds of people is another."

"Come on," I urge with the 'pretty please' smile which always wins over my parents. "It would be fun. Think about it. We'd be together everyday after school, there would be costumes and sets and all that good stuff. Plus, I'd get a chance to meet some new people and get involved."

"Being involved is overrated." Poppy dips a french fry in a puddle of ketchup. "And since when do you like being the center of attention?"

She's got me. The thought of being on stage is terrifying, but I'm no good at sports, and neither is Poppy. When I passed a poster in the hallway announcing drama auditions on Monday, I knew we had to try out. If Poppy and I are cast in the play or help out backstage, we will be together for a couple of hours each afternoon on school days and maybe even on the weekends for the next two to three months. That will give me plenty time to change Mom's mind.

I'm not giving up on Poppy.

I clear my throat and give Poppy my most convincing argument. "I want to work on my confidence. Maybe I can get a small speaking role with a few lines and challenge myself. Don't you think that would help me, like, balance my throat chakra or something?" I giggle.

Poppy does too. "Throat chakra?" She closes her eyes and pretends to mediate with her forefinger and thumb pressed together like a yoga guru releasing a deep "OMMMMM."

Just then Spence passes behind Poppy and waves at me. "S'up, Violet."

"Howdy, Spence." I don't know why, but I wave like a nervous contestant in a beauty pageant. As soon as Spence is gone, I cringe in embarrassment. "Why am I so freaking awkward around boys?"

"Okay, that's it." Poppy nods emphatically and smacks her hands on the table like she's come up with an amazing idea. "We're doing this play. You need to work on being confident under pressure. Spending time on stage will give you the experience to think on your feet and trust yourself. Let's have a sleepover tonight and watch the 'Romeo and Juliet' movie to get prepared."

I want to rejoice but instead my stomach sinks to the floor. "Uh, great idea, but I'm busy. Friday night dinner with Alicia and her mom, remember?"

"Oh yeah, I can't believe your mom is making you do that. What is she thinking? Like you guys are just going to hit it off and be friends or something?" Poppy scoffs and tosses her wavy, black hair over her shoulder and gives me that charming gap-toothed grin. "You already have the perfect best friend."

"Yes, I do." If only Mom could see that too.

* * *

The week passes quickly, culminating with the first high school football game of the season, which Dad and Teddy are attending together. Mom and I are staying home to clean up and host dinner for Alicia and her real estate agent mother, so of course, Mom is putting her best foot forward.