the name of the game - e.j caswell

05

Annalise Wright - Transfer Senior

"I couldn't be happier with this. I mean I'm Kelsi! I'm really Keslsi!" 

Annalise Wright stood backstage, feeling a mix of excitement and disbelief. As a transfer senior, she had only recently joined the school, yet here she was, fully immersed in the chaotic yet exhilarating world of the school play. She could hardly believe it. She was about to play Kelsi in High School Musical, and not just as a background character, but in a role that was a perfect fit for her. The moment Kourtney handed her the small messenger cap, similar to the one that Kelsi wore in the movie, Annalise's heart skipped a beat. She wasn't just pretending to be Kelsi anymore—she was Kelsi. The role that she had admired for so long was now hers, and it felt like everything was falling into place. The cap settled perfectly on her head, its slight slouch matching her own personal style.

"Oh my gosh, this is really happening," Annalise whispered to herself as she looked at her reflection in the mirror, adjusting the cap and smoothing down her red curls. Her reflection looked back at her, someone who had found a place to truly belong. Kourtney, noticing her excitement, grinned widely. "I found it while I was thrifting," she explained, her voice full of pride. Kourtney's enthusiasm was contagious, and Annalise couldn't help but giggle as she straightened the cap, a rush of happiness flooding her chest. It wasn't just about the costume—it was about how the whole experience felt like it had been waiting for her. As one of the costume designers passed by, running a tape measure down her leg, Annalise caught a glimpse of the backstage activity. The buzz of anticipation was palpable, but she felt utterly in the moment, like she belonged.

"Sorry!" the designer quickly apologized, clearly flustered as she juggled the busy preparations. Annalise smiled warmly, brushing off the slight interruption. Nothing, absolutely nothing, could ruin her mood right now. She was about to live a dream, and that was enough to drown out any distractions. Across the room, she spotted Nini, who was practically glowing with excitement. Her new friend was standing in front of a rack of clothes, grinning from ear to ear. "And how are you doing, Ms. Gabriella?" Annalise called out, her voice teasing yet full of affection. Nini turned to face her, her bright eyes sparkling. She was absolutely radiant, basking in the joy of finally landing the lead role. "Amazing, absolutely amazing," Nini said with a laugh, the words tumbling out in a rush. "I mean, for the first time ever, I'm actually playing the lead!" The excitement in Nini's voice was infectious, and Annalise couldn't help but share in her friend's joy.

But as much as Nini was thrilled, Annalise couldn't help but notice the slight hesitation in her friend's demeanor as she glanced over at the cast list pinned to the wall. Nini's expression softened as her eyes lingered on the names, and for a moment, Annalise sensed that something was bothering her. It was clear that the idea of performing alongside her ex-boyfriend, Ricky, still had a lingering effect. Annalise tilted her head, studying Nini with a knowing look. "And how are we feeling about our leading man?" she asked, her voice light and teasing, but also searching for an answer. Nini immediately shook her head, her smile unwavering, but there was a subtle shift in her posture. Annalise couldn't help but admire Nini's resolve. She knew how difficult it could be to share such an intimate experience with someone who had once meant so much to you. Nini, however, wasn't going to let Ricky's unresolved feelings or the tension between them steal the spotlight from her. She was determined to savor every moment of being Gabriella. For Nini, this role was more than just a part—it was a victory. It was proof to herself that she could thrive, regardless of what had come before. Annalise, too, understood that kind of determination. 

"No one can ruin this for me. Not even Ricky," Nini declared, her voice firm with determination. She was trying to protect herself from any negative feelings that might arise from the complicated dynamics with Ricky. After all, it wasn't just about the show—it was about her reclaiming her space, her confidence, and her joy in the spotlight.