The Drama With My Drama Teacher

Space Between

Space Between

I finally make it into school the next day. Mostly I keep myself to myself, I don't see Mark, but I briefly see Joe and Ben and try my best to speak to them.

I don't go anywhere near the science rooms. I also make sure I don't go anywhere on my own. I stick to large crowds and keep my head down.

It goes alright, and I only have a half day so I'm back home before I know it. With the help of some coffee, I power through my work and soon I'm caught up, or as much as I can be.

For a few hours, I debate whether or not to go to Mamma Mia rehearsals. I haven't spoken to Xander, so I'm not even sure if the part is still mine. Finn never mentioned it, although why would he with everything else going on.

About an hour before rehearsals, I decide that I'm not going. There's no point turning up to have everyone whispering about me and to only be told that the part isn't mine.

Then about half an hour before rehearsals, I realise that I'm being ridiculous. I committed to the part of Sophie, no one could play it better than me and I need to get myself in gear.

Throwing some clothes on, I take Daddy's car and drive myself to rehearsals, knowing that he won't mind and that it's quicker than a taxi.

I turn up with a couple of minutes to spare, and find myself loitering outside the doors of the rehearsal space.

My confidence from earlier has completely disappeared. The thought of walking in and finding everyone staring at me is terrifying. Knowing they'll all be wondering where I've been and why I'm back.

It makes me feel like the faded bruises on my lips will come back, more visible than ever.

Maybe the new girl playing Sophie will be looking at me and thinking what a better job she's doing of the part than me.

"Hey stranger" A voice says behind me and I spin around in shock. I find Saffy smiling at me, her hair still a fiery red and in her costume, but I assume she's just trying on because there are various safety pins all over her. Her blue dungarees are only fastened by one strap and her white shirt looks perfectly ruffled.

I wonder if they have a costume for me, or for my understudy.

"Hi" I say in a small voice, and Saffy narrows her eyes at me.

"Where's all the sass gone?" She asks me, and I bite my lip nervously.

"The same place I imagine my part has gone: to my understudy" I respond, an awkward look on my face. I'm waiting for Saffy to break the news to me. I'm waiting for her to tell me to just go home because I'm not welcome here anymore.

"What understudy?" Saffy responds with a laugh "Xander tried to put this other girl in but she wasn't a patch on you so I insisted that we keep you"

"What?" I ask, my voice full of shock "I still have my part?"

"Of course you do. I absolutely refused to take to the stage without you" Saffy informs me, and I can feel a smile breaking out onto my face. "Besides, I felt if you were going to miss rehearsals there would be an excellent reason"

"There was" I say, but add quickly "But it wasn't excellent"

"No... I imagine not. But regardless, you're back now, and there's lots of dancing to do. Josh has missed you. And I think that young director of yours has too" Saffy tells me with a cheeky wink. She loops her arm through mine and leads me into the rehearsal before I even have time to protest.