Listen to Your Heart

Chapter 11

         The first group of us finish our singing auditions and Matt says, "okay we're just gonna have you guys read some lines. Can Lauren, Walker, and Joey go first?"

We all say, "sure," and walk onto the stage.

Matt hands us scripts and says, "Open to page 67. Lauren you'll read for February, Walker you'll read for Commander Up, and Joey you'll read for Bug."

I open my script and glance at my lines. We're doing a scene towards the end of the show where February finds out that Bug is actually a bug, and then Bug dies to save everyone from Pincer.

I look at Joey and say, "why did you lie to me Bug?"

"February, at first I just wanted to help you escape from the hatchery. But I knew I love you the second I laid eyes on you in that mucus sac. And I didn't think I'd ever see you again, so when Pincer here gave me the chance not just to be with you, but to be one of you? I took it. But I didn't think because, uh, cause being a Starship Ranger has been the only thing that I've wanted more than anything in my whole life. So I lied. But I know the truth now everybody. I... I'm not a Starship Ranger. I'm a bug. But we've got a saying on Bug World, huh? 'The needs of the many bugs outweigh the needs of the few bugs,' or the one bug. Never really understood that until now, so..." Joey says while looking at me.

Walker looks at Joey and says, "Bug, you may be a damn bug, but you are the finest Starship Ranger that I have ever seen," he pauses, "it's been an honor, to be your commander, Bug."

"Thanks, Up, it's been a ride," Joey says while looking at Walker like he's a close friend.

Joey must be a good actor because I don't think he likes Walker since I'm going on a date with him. Then Joey looks at me and says, "February, I want you to know that even though I lied about being a bug, I meant everything else. You are the most beautiful, the funniest, and... and the smartest girl I have ever met. Do it now."

"Goodbye Bug," I say.

Then we all look at Matt and he says, "okay, good guys. Umm so Walker and Joey, turn to page 43 and read for the same parts. Lauren you can stay on stage cause you're going to read again in a few minutes."

I say, "okay," and go to stand on the side of the stage.

Joey and Walker start reading some scene between Up and Bug where Commander Up is venting about his 'famous injury.' I stop paying attention. Not because it's boring but because I'm so lost in thought about what to do about Joey. I know Meredith has a plan, but it's just so annoying. I just want nothing to do with Joey.

I'm pulled out of my thoughts when Matt says, "okay Lauren you're going to read Taz's short monologue at the bottom of page 11."

I say, "okay," turn to page 11, and walk to the center of the stage. I start to read the monologue in a Mexican accent. "Up is the toughest son of a bitch I ever met in my life! He eats eagles for breakfast! He sleeps on a bed of fire and when Up cuts an onion, the onion is the one who cries! So you better un-fudge yourself or Up will unscrew your head and drop the wishing pennies down your throat. Now take a walk off my knife!"

I hand Matt the script and he says, "Thanks. Lauren, Joey, and Walker can leave now. If your co-counselor is in the show, tell them to come in a half hour. You guys will find out your parts tomorrow."

"Bye guys," I say and walk back to my bunk.