Our Eyes

Capter Two: Our School

Okay, may I just say that my school, Scofield High, is the worst possible place for one to get education. You walk in and it looks like those teen comedies with all of the stereotypical people. The jocks, bullies, emos, cheerleaders, math geeks, drama nerds (me), valedictorians, et cetera.

It's not a fun place to be. For god's sake, it's already my second year hear and I hate it. It takes strategic skill to navigate your way through the corn stalks, otherwise known as seniors, of Scofield High. The halls are just battlefields, only more narrow and filled with spitballs and wads of crumpled paper. Occasionally you'll see the vice principal, to, but he's rare. He only shows up when someone's in huge trouble, like when there's drugs involved or something. He's the silent administrator. "The man."

Anyway, I make my way to the drama room for rehearsal. I push the door open and there stand my best friends in the entire universe. Cameron, Abby, and John.

I met Abby in third grade. She was shy and quiet. Then we were introduced to theater. She became more outgoing. Our shared love for theater, plus everything we have in common, made us best friends. She's cute, with a built body made for riding horses. That's her number one hobby; she'll ride a horse for an entire 24 hours if she could.

I met Cameron in 6th grade. He came in from another elementary school and we met each other through theater. One day, we had to make costumes, and he brought in this really cool duct-tape lion's head. He's also a musomaniac. If you even get CLOSE to his earphones, he'll snarl and snap like a wolf.

And last, but not least, John. John's, John's short, and smart. he's won this
"make-an-awesome-speech" competition twice in a row, has straight A's, and has the achievement of never getting below a C. I envy his intelligence. He's also had a lead role in The Marvelous Playbill. Shanfaya The Great, for that matter. He was phenomenal.

I notice there are only few kids in the room, so we might not have gotten all characters in for tryouts. I walk up to my friends. They all welcome me warmly. And loudly.
"JENNIFER!!!"
Abby hugs me. "Did you see they're doing more tryouts today?" She exclaimed. "They're trying to fill in the spot for George Gibbs." We squeal with delight. "I hope it's Sam!" Abby gasps. "I know, right?" John rolls his eyes.
"...what?" We say in unison.
He chuckles. "You guys are nuts."
Abby raises an eyebrow. "Yeah, and you're deaf..." She points at John. "And he's an overachiever."
"What's wrong with overachieving?" He protests. "I get good grades!"
"Alright, cool it. Cameron's still deaf though."

I could've heard Cameron's music from the other end of the room. And he had EARPHONES IN. I snap my fingers by his ear. "Caaaameron...?" I glare at him.
Abby tried. "My NaMEs cAMeRoN, aND i caN'T dO a MonOLogUE fROm ShaKspEAR To SavE my AsS."
We laugh.
He still doesn't hear.
Next up, John. He takes a more direct method.
"CAMERON!!!" He jumps and tugs one of his earphones out. Panting, he raises his eyebrows. "What?" He exclaims. "I was listening to The Runaways!"
I chuckle. "Hi, Cameron."
Abby gives Cameron a confused look. "Who the hell is The Runaways?"
He looks insulted. "Have you EVER listened to Cherry Bomb?!" He shoves an earphone into Abby's hand.
"Hello daddy, hello MOM, I like your Ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-CHERRY BOMB!" Abby gives Cameron back the earphone. "Not for me, thanks."
Cameron rolls his eyes. "You don't have TASTE." Abby scoffs. "Ok, Tim McGraw is good taste."
Cameron smirks. "Yeah, and so is XXXtentacion." Abby flips, and they get into a huge argument. I turn to John, who's trying hard not to laugh. "So. George Gibbs. Who do you think's gonna make it?" John thinks for a second. "I'd like to say Sam..." I smile. "...but Shane~" He nods his head to a junior standing on stage left. (Yes, there is a stage in our theater room.) "~might make the cut. He's good."
I shrug. "That's cool."
Mrs. Maraska, our teacher, walks onto stage.
This is the moment you let everything go. Auditions come up, and I get to see who's worthy enough to take the part. Bring on the rumpus, ladies and gents. Mrs. Maraska stops on center stage and looks at the turnout.
"Welcome students. It's round two. Time to see who's the best of the best. On your mark, get set..."

Let's do this.