The Leading Lady

Chapter Four

Chapter Four

     “Out of my way,” Katie’s voice penetrated Sheradin’s reverie before she is shoved to the side. She watched Katie scan the list, only to have her bravado façade drop at the sight of what she’d received. “What the fuck?” she screeched, outraged.

     Katie quickly turned her attention to Sheradin, Lacey, and Amy; her face contorted into someone who is incredibly angry about the outcome. “Which one of you bitches bribed Mr. Watson?”

     “Nobody.” Said Lacey, her voice quivering.

     “Liar!” Katie blurted. “Because Mr. Watson would never cast me in a supporting role.” She emphasized the last words, almost like it’s a dirty word to her. “Now, I’m going to ask again, who did this to me?”

     Sheradin swallowed, unsure of what she should say or if she should even bother to speak. Even Lacey and Amy looked conflicted as Katie continued to glare at the three girls with pure loathing. She looked like she’s about to rip their throats out, right here, right now.

     Instead, they remained silent.

     “They didn’t do it, Katie.”

     A shiver went through Sheradin’s body as she heard Cameron’s voice from behind her. And when she turned around, there he stood, his eyes meeting hers before turning to Katie. Right next to him is Bea, glaring at Katie with what could be a deadly look.

     Confusion set into Sheradin, unsure of what to make of Cameron and Bea standing side by side, warding off her enemy.

     “All right.” Katie said, relaxing her stiff posture. “I’m going to take your word Cameron, since you’re the new leading man on the block.” She smiled at him, which made Sheradin’s stomach twist. But once she saw Bea’s detrimental glare, Katie focused back on the three girls she was angry with. “But let me just say, that this injustice will not go unnoticed.” she added before walking away.

     With a sigh, Sheradin turned her attention to Cameron. “Thanks.” She mumbled.

     “Don’t mention it.” he shrugged.

     “I never thought I’d say this, but thanks Bea.” Amy mumbled reluctantly, refusing to meet her gaze.

     “Like Cam said, don’t mention it.” Bea muttered before walking past them, only to briefly glance at the cast list, and walk away.

     “Congrats Cameron,” Lacey said, breaking the silence that had formed moments after Bea had left.

     Cameron smiled sheepishly, embarrassed by the simple compliment. “Thanks.”

     Sheradin wanted to chime in, congratulate him on gaining the male lead, but the sound of the one-minute bell rang. “See you in Spanish.” She called, but Cameron was already gone.

     Before leaving, Sheradin quickly scanned the list in time to see that she’s also given a supporting role. It’s not as important as Katie’s, but she appears in about four or five scenes and chimes in on the big numbers. She also saw that Lacey’s part is more or less the same as Sheradin’s.

     At least she managed to get decent a part.

***

     She didn’t know what to really think of the outcome. As the day went by, Sheradin couldn’t help but try and decipher Mr. Watson’s reason for casting her aside by giving the lead to a sophomore. Even when it came time for lunch, and after taking a seat with Lacey and Amy, they’re just as baffled as she is.