Game of Love

Chapter Three - Auditions

Emily's POV

James climbed up onstage and prepared to start the auditions. "First, I just want to thank all of you for trying out today," James said. "Without actors, a play is just words on paper. And honestly, that's all I thought this play would ever be. Because of you, I'll see my work brought to life for the first time ever. I can't even begin to thank everyone enough for that."

"Hey, the paycheck's not a bad place to start! Cha-ching!" Logan exclaimed.

"You're... not getting paid for this. You know that, right?"

"Wait, what?"

"Uh, let's move on, shall we? Let the auditions begin! We'll be starting with... Emily!"

Becca smirked at me as I climbed up onto the stage. "Try not to blow it, Emily..." Becca said. "When I beat you out for this part, I want it to be because I'm a star. Not because you screwed up."

"Uh, shut your stupid mouth!" I exclaimed. Becca opened her mouth to retort, but I balled up my fists and yelled from the stage. "Shuuuuuut upppp!"

"Looks like I got under your skin. Try not to let it ruin your audition..."

"Uh, I was just showing that I can project when I need to! Did everyone hear me in the back?"

"Unfortunately," Tyler said.

"Well... good to know, I guess. Can we move on?" James asked.

I took one last look at the script, trying to memorize the lines.

Lady Darling: Oh, cruel irony... the morning sun itself rejoices at my misery! To think it would shine such on this gloomiest of occasions... my wedding to the vile Lord Rathbone!

"Okay, Emily. Here goes nothing..." I said.

I cleared my throat nervously, the script shaking in my hand. "Don't worry, Emily. You've got this," James said. "Just breathe, and... go."

I took a deep breath, steadying my nerves, and started my monologue. "Oh, cruel irony. The morning sun itself rejoices at... my misery! To think it would shine such on this gloomist of occasions... my wedding! To the vile... Lord Rathbone! So... how'd I do?"

"Excellent work overall, Emily. I'm impressed."

I leapt down off the stage and joined the rest of my friends in the seats. "Emily, you were so good!" Kaitlyn exclaimed.

"I was moved nearly to tears... and not just because I'm jealous of your acting chops!" Zack exclaimed.

"Thanks, guys. I can't wait to see your auditions!" I exclaimed. As Becca walked past me on her way to the stage, she stepped on my foot. "Seriously?"

"Oops," Becca said.

"Why are you being so nasty to me? Aren't you tired of this yet? What did I ever do to you, anyway?"

"Like you don't know."

Becca tossed her hair and continued toward the stage, leaving me bewildered. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"No idea," Kaitlyn said.

"She's probably just pissed cause you're reading for the same part. Are you worried?" Zack asked.

"Honestly, I am worried," I said. "For all I know, Becca could be the best actor at this school."

"Well, I guess we're about to find out..." Kaitlyn said.

Becca got up onstage and held her script close by her side. "I'll also be reading for Lady Elizabeth, from her scene in the woods with William," Becca said.