I Miss You Too

Ch. 1: Carmen

I trudge down the bustling hallway, blinking furiously as I keep my head down.

I stop at my locker and inhale deeply. Trying to process my current situation leaves me reeling.

When I moved to Sunset to spend my senior year at a new school, I hadn't prepared for my life to turn upside down.

"Cruz!"

I brush off my thoughts and glance over my shoulder at the sound of the familiar voice, meeting a pair of bright blue eyes.

The sight of Tate calms my racing mind. His resemblance to his cousin, Willow, a mutual friend, still manages to catch me off guard.

Tate smiles breezily as he reaches my side. "How's your first day at Sunset going?"

"Oh, its been great," I mumble as I close the door to my locker.

Facing Tate, I add, "Except for the fact that ten minutes ago I learned I'm at risk of not graduating on time."

Tate's jaw drops. His blue eyes widen with shock. "Are you serious?"

"Dead," I grumble.

I clutch textbooks to my chest as we wander down the hallway. "Apparently, there was an issue with my transcript. One of the credits my last school offered isn't recognized in this district."

"So, what happened?" Tate asks. "Did you fix the issue? You're going to graduate on time, right?"

I exhale a long sigh as I shrug. Loose curls blow around my face.

"I should be able to. I spent the morning rearranging my schedule with a guidance counselor. I guess I'm just overwhelmed."

Tate's expression turns puzzled. "It's so late in the year to adjust your schedule. Where'd they fit you in? Were there even any class openings left?"

"Drama," I say. My tone lacks enthusiasm.

Tate purses his lips. His eyes meet mine. "Is that a bad thing?"

I shrug. "I took drama freshman year and didn't mind it. The class was actually pretty fun, but I never stuck with it."

"Well, now could be a chance to have fun with it again," Tate suggests. "If you have to take the class, might as well. Right?"

I consider this, racking my brain for an answer.

I'd been less than thrilled to forsake my free period for drama class, but maybe Tate has a point.

After all, it's senior year. I have to take this class to earn a credit, or else my future is at stake. I might as well make the experience enjoyable.

The guidance counselor mentioned the theater students will be working on Sunset's upcoming production. Taking advantage of having to join the class by participating could be a good start.

I bubble with newfound excitement as I turn to Tate. "Maybe I should audition for the play!"

Tate grins. "Why not? It's our last year of high school. Last chance to go big or go home."

"You know, my mom is this huge Broadway geek. She always wanted to star on a stage. I bet she'd be so proud to watch me in a performance."

"Do you think you'll audition for a speaking role?" Tate asks.

"You did say go big or go home," I say with a smile. "Maybe I'll aim for the lead."

"Hold your horses, Cruz," Tate jokes. "The lead? Doesn't that make you nervous?"