All I've Ever Needed

Chapter 6

October 10, 2013

"I don't think he's showing up. Again."

Spencer didn't deviate from the dressing table as he made his thoughts known. He was trying to get his hair into some sort of an 80's style while failing terribly. His hair looked coarse to Zendaya and her fingers stung of the thought of running them through it. Spencer was only minutes away from snagging the role of Ren.

This was the third rehearsal Val had missed in as many days and Mrs. Hooper had made it clear to the group that if he didn't sow up by the time rehearsal would end, Spencer would get his part. He had been standing in for 3 days now so it only seemed fair. But it didn't feel right. Zendaya had spent the last couple of years dreaming of nothing else than starring against Spencer in some sort of a romantic play. Staring in to his eyes, his hand on her face; his thumb grazing over her cheek. But now that it was happening she didn't feel the electricity she thought she would experience. The electricity that had been in the pit of her stomach every time one of his fingers had accidentally brushed against hers when he was trying to teach her what quadrilaterals was. It felt ... wrong. Like she was cheating. It was ridiculous. Right? She had known Val for three weeks and for at least two of those he had been a royal pain in her ass. And even though he had reverted back to being an ass, even more so than before, she felt loyalty to him. And this new Zendaya was not gonna give up.

"Zendaya. Zendaya. Zendaya!"

Her head snapped up as Mrs. Hooper's voice rang in her ears.

"Yes Mrs. Hooper?"

"I was just about to address the whole group and I'd appreciate it if you would be present for this."

Zendaya gave an awkward smile, knowing that her teacher was not only talking about this particular moment. She hadn't been present much these last few days. Her body might have been doing the steps but her mind had been with a special someone.

"Look, rehearsal has run its course and Val has not shown up. Now, this is the third time in as many days this has happened. The premiere is coming up and we really can't afford this. And that's why Spencer, Spencer come up here, is taking over the role of Ren. And Ben will be taking over for Spencer in the role of Willard. Yes Ben very good. I do hope that this will not affect anyone in any way" Mrs. Hooper glanced at Zendaya who in turn looked at the ground "and although I am saddened that Mr. Chmerkoosky ..."

"It's Chmerkovskiy" Zendaya heard herself without realizing that she was the one talking

"Yes of course. I am saddened that Mr. Chmerkovskiy obviously did not take this seriously enough, I am positive that Spencer will bring his well, certain something, to this part like he has with every other. You're all dismissed. There is no rehearsal tomorrow, since there's no school tomorrow OR Monday. Which means that on Tuesday we have to be twice as good, twice as fast and we have to nail everything! Au revoir my little Genes and Gingers!"

Zendaya couldn't get out of there fast enough. She took two steps, almost flying up the stairs. As she reached for the door she heard a voice calling her name. Spencer.

"Zendaya! Hey, when do you wanna meet up for tutoring? I know things have been crazy because of rehearsals and everything but I have not forgotten my favorite, extremely sucky calculus student"

He flashed his trademark Spencer grin and Zendaya put on her own smile.

"Look Spencer. I've decided to go another way, in terms of tutoring you know."

Spencer's smile faltered a bit and he looked a bit offended.

"You're ... tutor-dumping me?"