Neighbors

N I N E

The week had passed in an instant and it was Friday before I knew it. Auditions for the musical were after school and I was bursting with excitement. I'm not sure if I was more ecstatic to audition or just to see the look on Gabrielle's face when she saw me there.

All day, Bryce kept asking me if I was sure I wanted to go through with this and to his dismay, I answered yes every time.

When the dismissal bell rang, I met up with Bryce and the two of us headed down to the auditorium. Bryce wanted to come and support me even though he didn't completely approve of what I was doing.

I sat next to him behind everyone else who was auditioning. The director, Mrs. Raylen, came out and informed us of how auditions were going to go. She then looked at the sign up sheet and called up the first person to audition, who just so happened to be Gabrielle Jonesburg.

Giddily, she skipped up the stairs to the stage and stood on the 'X'. When Mrs. Raylen gave her the okay, Gabrielle started singing.

"Look at this stuff, isn't it neat? Wouldn't you think my collections complete?" Of course she chose the most basic song of the whole show. I had to admit she was pretty good and that kind of made me nervous.

Once she finished, Mrs. Raylen thanked her and she returned to her seat.

Audition after audition, students went up and sang their song choices. Most people sang Part Of Your World, Under The Sea, or Kiss The Girl. So many people did that Bryce started counting how many people sang each song.

Before I knew it, it was my turn and Mrs. Raylen called my name. I made my way to the stage and stood on the 'X'. I caught sight of Gabrielle, who looked utterly infuriated.

Mrs. Raylen gave me a thumbs up letting me know I could start. I took a deep breath and began my song.

"If only you could know the things I long to say. If only I could tell you what I wish I could convey. It's in my every glance. My heart's an open book. You'd see it all at once if only you would look."

I noticed Gabrielle slump in her seat and fold her arms across her chest. She rolled her eyes scoffed, only to be shushed by Mrs. Raylen who was intrigued by my performance.

"If only you could glimpse the feeling that I feel. If only you would notice what I'm dying to reveal. The dreams I can't declare, the needs I can't deny. You'd understand them all if only you would try.

All my secrets, you would learn them. All my longings you'd return them. Then the silence would be broken. Not a word would need be spoken."

Mrs. Raylen stopped me the second I finished that verse. "That was beautiful. You have a magnificent voice!" she beamed at me, clapping.

"Thank you," I smiled and blushed.

"No thank you." She sat back down and called up the next person.

I walked down the stairs and felt Gabrielle's gaze following me. I shot her a fake smile before going back to my seat.

"You fucking smashed it!" Bryce whispered. "Garrett said you killed it, too." I looked at him quizzically. He handed me his phone and showed me that he had sent a video of my audition to Garrett.

"Well tell him I said thank you."

Several more students auditioned and it was time for the last person to go.

"Beckett Murphy!" Mrs. Raylen called out. Bryce and I instantly turned to each other in awe. We weren't the only ones shocked. Gabrielle had bolted upright in her seat, glancing around for her boy toy.