25 Wishes

Chapter 9

"I've posted the results on the board," our drama teacher, Mrs. Heilman, announced, causing almost everyone to stand up, "you can check them on your way out after class is over." Some people groaned while I just laughed. I was laying down on the stage facing the bright lights that hit the stage. Most people can't look at the lights at all, but I've always been able to look directly at them without going blind. A shadow fell over me blocking the view of the light. A familiar face sneered down at me.

"I've never understood how you do that," he said, shaking his head. He sat down beside me.

"Hey Will," I replied. He smiled at me.

"Hey," he said.

"What brings you here?" I asked him.

"Am I not allowed to talk to one of my friends without having to want something?" He asked back, chuckling.

   "Who said I was your friend?" I asked him. He grabbed his chest dramatically, like he had been stabbed, and fell to the floor.

   "Get REKT," Meagan said as she slowly walked past us. Will didn't appear to hear her.

"I've just been hurt, why oh, why do you do this to me, Natalie?" He asked me. I started laughing. I stood up and offered him a hand. He grabbed it and I helped him stand up.

   "Seriously though, what brings you here?" I asked him again, and he sighed.

   "Well, you see, Karla's birthday is coming up, and I was hoping you would have an idea of what I should get her," he said, adding a sideway glance to make it seem that he was embarrassed asking for my help. I shook my head.

   "How about," I answered, putting my finger on my chin, "you don't get her anything." His eyes widened.

   "What?" He exclaimed, looking at me like I told him I killed someone.

   I sighed, crossed my arms, and said "She's not a nice person," I thought about what she said to me in the cafeteria, Will was conveniently absent that day, "in my opinion she doesn't deserve a birthday present from you."

   "If you actually get to know her, you'd see she isn't as bad as you think she is," he replied.

   "She's an vile human being!"

   "Why do you say that?"

   "Because she-" I paused. I wanted to tell him that she was cheating on him, so badly it hurt. He wouldn't believe me.

   "Hey guys, what's up?" Drew said, coming to my rescue. I smiled at him showing up, so I could avoid Will's question.

   "Oh hey Drew," Will said. Drew looked at me.

   "Hey Natalie," he said, smiling at me.

   "Heyy," I replied, smiling back. Just then, the bell rang. Everyone rushed to the board at the edge of the stage. I heard squeals and groans. I walked over to the board and started reading.

Into the Woods
Casting Results

1. Rapunzel-Meagan Daniels
2. Jack-Drew Byrnes
3. Cinderella-Natalie Meadows
..........

My eyes widened. I got Cinderella. I got the lead. I squealed with delight. I felt someone come up behind me and put their hands on my shoulders. I spun around and saw Drew grinning at me.

"Congrats," he said.

"You too," I replied. Bell. Lunch time. Friends.