The Deal with Bestfriends

The Auditions

I looked at Brandon straight in the eye and said "You do realize that Javier is the character that does all the lovey dovey and kiss scenes with Beatrice?"

He raised an eyebrow at me. "Yeah and so?"

"And I'm trying out as Beatrice?"

"Yeah and so?" He repeated.

"So, I'll have to do kiss scenes with you! That would be so awkward since you're practically my brother!"

For some reason, I thought I saw a bit of hurt in his eyes when I said 'brother' but it was gone before I could make sure.

Instead he said nonchalantly, "Well, isn't someone getting a little cocky? How are you so sure you'll get the part of Beatrice? And don't worry. I might not even get the part of Javier."

I gaped at him. "W-what? N-no! I'm not saying that I'll get the part..But it's just.. Ugh!" I sighed with resignation. "Never mind. Let's just go to Bianca and tell her what characters we're trying out for."

He shrugged and we both made our way to Bianca.

"Hey, Bianca." I greeted smiling at her.

"Hello, Monica. Hello, Brandon. Who are you guys going to audition for?" She asked pleasantly.

"I'm going to be auditioning for the part of Beatrice." I told her.

"And I'm going for the part of Javier." Brandon said.

"Ah, I see." She nodded her head. "You want to audition together as a couple. I can arrange that."

"Um, no Bianca--" I started to say when Brandon interrupted me.

"Yes, thank you. We'll audition together."

Bianca looked at us suggestively and directed her next question to Brandon. "Don't want anyone else kissing your girl, eh? I understand. You guys make a cute couple."

Couple?! Brandon and I are NOT a couple. I tried explaining this to Bianca, but Brandon interrupted me again.

"Yeah, you know how it is. I get jealous easily." He said while wrapping an arm around my shoulder.

I spluttered. What is he talking about?! Why is he telling her we're a couple? As soon as Bianca left, I asked him this.

"What? I promised your brother that I wouldn't let some random dude get his slimy hands on you. Even if it is just acting."

"We're not even sure if we'll get the part!" I pointed out.

"But by auditioning as a couple, it will be, as she said, cute. And you know what a romantic Bianca is. If we don't get the lead roles, we'll get the minor ones and then I've done my job. Either way, no sleazy guy will kiss you."

I grumbled. Why did my brother and him have to be so overprotective? It's not like anything will happen if I do kiss another dude. I'm already in love with Marcus..

It was then that Bianca came back with our lines.

"Here is a scene from the play you'll act out together. It's the scene where Beatrice is in the hospital from her near death experience and Javier comes in worried sick but happy she survived." She wistfully explained. She handed us the paper and I scanned through it.

Bianca turned to the rest of the class and announced. "Okay, everyone! We're going to start the auditions now! First up are the ones auditioning for Patricia!"

I focused on getting into character while everyone else was auditioning. Okay, breathe in and breathe out.

I am a girl named Beatrice.

I am in love with my bestfriend, Javier. Okay, that's not that hard to visualize considering I am in love with my best friend.

I have nearly died and am currently recovering from both physical pain and emotional pain.

My whole family died in the car crash. I was the only survivor.

"Okay, calling all auditions for Beatrice! You guys are next! Get ready." Bianca announced. "But first, we'll have the couple auditions. Monica and Brandon, come up here!"

Brandon and I walked up the stage. "Okay, go!" Bianca said.

Brandon cleared his throat before starting. "Oh, Bea! Are you alright?"

I laugh a croaky laugh. "I nearly died. Does it look like I'm alright?"

"I was worried sick, damnit! Why the hell are you joking around as if you don't care you almost died?!" Brandon cried out, choking on his held back tears. Wow, he is a good actor.

"Maybe I don't care if I died! I have no one to live for! My whole family died in that car crash! I was the only one who lived! WHY ME?!" I screamed back, tears freely falling down my face.

His eyes softened as he approached me. "Don't you dare say that." He murmured while wiping my tears with his thumb.

"Why?" I croaked out. "It's the truth." I sighed with resignation. "No one else loves me. I should have died with them, Javier! Why was I spared while the rest of them died?!"

He came even closer to me that I could feel his breath on my face.

"That's not true. Don't wish you were dead! I think you were spared for a reason. I love you, Mon--Bea." He faltered at the last part. Was he about to say 'Monica' instead of 'Bea'?

"CUT!" Bianca yelled! "That was great guys! I loved the fake tears and you had great chemistry! I could really feel your emotions! However, Brandon, Javier isn't supposed to confess his love for Bea yet. I mean, hello, her whole family died! He's supposed to comfort her, not make a move on her."

"Sorry, Bianca. I got carried away and it felt.. right at the moment." Brandon apologize while blushing. Wait, blushing?! Brandon and blush don't appear in the same sentences unless doesn't is in between them.

And so he wasn't supposed to say 'I love you' yet? Then why did he? I could have sworn he was about to say 'Monica'. I must be imagining things. Brandon doesn't think of me more than his best friends sister.. or his 'sister from another mister'.

"It's okay, Brandon. You can get carried away with theatre. Sometimes the emotions are just to overwhelming. Especially since you're acting it with your girlfriend." Bianca replied, while winking at me.

I blushed. I wasn't his girlfriend. I tried to point this out to her but she was already calling for the others to audition.

The auditions finished just as the bell rang.

"Okay! I'll post the cast list by tomorrow!" Bianca called out, while the rest of the class left the auditorium.

I shuffled out of the auditorium as well, and headed for my locker. As I gathered my things, I felt a presence behind me. I turned around to face Brandon.

"Hey Brandon, what's up?"

"Nothing.. I just want to say you look pretty today."

I fought off the blush I knew was coming. Okay, that was random. I don't know how to deal with compliments, so I went for the sarcastic response.

"What? So I looked ugly yesterday?"

"N-no! I meant.. You look beautiful everyday. I just.. GAH! Just accept the damn compliment."

"Okay, what is with the compliments? Do you want something? You wouldn't compliment me for no reason." I pointed out.

"Ouch, Monabon. That hurts right here." He said whilst pointing to his heart area. "I just wanted to compliment you. I don't have an ulterior motive. So, uh, yeah. Bye!"

Weird.

I shrugged it off and walked to meet Anna and Marcus. He was probably trying to earn brownie points for a favor he wants to ask.

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Smiley face.