The WRA Draft

Chapter Sixteen: The Insist

(one week later)

"Olivia." I heard Eliza's voice from behind the door of my room.

"Um, can you give me just one second, please? Thank you." I put Mrs. Fay on hold. I set my phone down and walked to the door, but not before grabbing a tissue. I opened the door to reveal my sister, Joel, Tommy, Kasey, Denver, and Mr. Wires. I sniffled. "What."

"Wow," Mr. Wires raised an eyebrow. "You were right. She is grouchy."

"What is it?" I asked. "I'm in the middle of something."

"What is more critical than—"

"My education," I cut Joel off. "I'm talking to Mrs. Fay and Mr. Kelsall about the script."

"Can it wait?" Eliza proposed hopefully. "This is really important."

I sighed and looked at the group of boys behind my sister. I needed some more girlfriends.

"One second." I shut the door and returned to my call. "I'm back."

"Anyways," Mrs. Fay continued. "page one forty-five; I think maybe if Gloria is a bit more forceful with Sebastian when he tries to convince her to quit these secret meetings, it would add to the tension to their relationship."

"Exactly," Mr. Kelsall agreed. "She needs to prove that she's not the same girl she started as in the beginning of the play."

I scribbled down notes on the script. "Got it. Anything else?"

"When Gloria sees Alice Paul, make herself appear a little less shocked but a little more excited to finally get to help," Mrs. Fay adds.

"Got it." I wrote more notes. Someone knocked at the door. I sighed. "I'm sorry, I've got to go. I'll see you tomorrow?"

"It's alright," the two said in unison.

"We'll hopefully see you tomorrow," Mr. Kelsall said kindly.

"Thank you guys for helping me, even if I wasn't there today. It means a lot."

"You're welcome. It's our pleasure," Mrs. Fay answered. "Feel better!"

"I'll try. Bye." I hung up and walked back to the door, but not before cleaning up the stray tissues on the floor and bed. I tried to make my room look better than it did earlier today. I sprayed an odorless disinfectant spray around my room before opening the door, allowing the six people to enter my room. It's amazing how many people have been in here. I have to admit, it's strange to have your band director in your room when you're sick. "What is it?"

"You've been busy," Joel commented gesturing to the script.

"I know." I sighed and picked up my papers that were sprawled out across my desk.

"Why don't you smile?" Denver asked.

"I'm sick, tired, and busy."

"She's more than busy," Kasey said. He pointed to the bookshelf where I stored my other scripts. "She's booked!" I couldn't help but chuckle. I've always had a knack for puns. "I did it!" Kasey cheered.

"Take a seat anywhere," I offered. Mr. Wires looked around the room, not liking his choices.

"Here." I moved my laptop from the chair. "Take the spinny chair."

"Thanks." Mr. Wires smiled as he sat down.

I sat on my bed with my legs crossed and sniffled. "So, what's so important that you had to interrupt my terrible day?"

"You look terrible," Eliza began.

"Wow, thanks."

"What Eliza means," Mr. Wires stepped in. "is that you've been so busy with school, nationals, and the Challenge lately. And Eliza told us about your, uh, disagreement. You're stressed. You need to step away from this whole thing for just a little bit."