The Cliché Quartet

Chapter Three: Chrissy

I left the infirmary in about half an hour, then went to catch up on classes.

As I reached my locker to grab my chemistry stuff, I heard weird noises coming from the broom closet. I didn't really mind it at first, but then, I picked up another sound.

Someone was groaning.

I tensed immediately, was that person being beaten up? But I eliminated that possibility immediately, for I didn't hear anyone pleading for mercy or help.

Nevertheless, it wouldn't hurt to check it out, right?

I flung the door of the broom closet open, and my mouth dropped open at the sight. Jacqui and Amanda were inside. Kissing.

Instinct overcame me, and I yelled, "What the HELL are you two doing?"

The two broke apart, red in the face.

"I asked you two a question!" I bellowed, shaking in outrage. "What. Are. You. Doing?"

Jacqui raised a hand. "Look, Chris, calm down. It's not what it looks like. I can explain."

"It's exactly what it looks like!" I screamed. "Jac, I thought you loved me!"

"I do!" he protested.

"And yet you're kissing Amanda? You're cheating on me with my best friend? I thought you - both of you - were better than this!

Amanda finally spoke up. "Chrissy, I'm sorry."

"Sorry doesn't cut it!" I screamed. "What's going on?"

Jacqui sighed. "Look, Chris, we're trying out for the main characters in the school play. There's a kissing scene, and it's just downright embarrassing. We didn't want to start rumours, but we didn't want to screw up in front of everyone, so we practiced in private. I'm sorry if I made you feel I was cheating on you, but I never would."

He looked and sounded so sincere, I believed him. "I'm sorry for yelling at you," I said. "But no more secrets? Please?"

"Promise," they both chanted.

"What's this school play, anyway?" I asked, trying to change the topic.

"Dunno, we just saw the huge poster on the bulletin board, and decided to join. Tryouts are tomorrow, are you interested?" Amanda replied

"Definitely," I answered. "When's the performance?"

"Parents' day. It's going to be amazing!" Jacqui said.

__________

"Mr. Donati?" I called.

"Chrissy! Are you trying out for the play? I know just the perfect part for you!" Mr. Donati was standing with a redheaded boy around my height.

"Yes, I am," I answered.

"Well, Chrissy, you're confident, and I'm sure you can dance and sing. Why don't you try out for the role of Amber Bradshaw?"

"The main character? You see, sir, my best friend really wants the role really badly, and I'm not going to try out against her."

Mr. Donati scratched his head. "Wait…you're a Soprano, right?"

"No, sir, I'm an Alto."

"Great!" he clapped his hands together. "Why don't you try out for Aila Fortenberry?"

"Will I have a lot of lines?"

"Yes, but also a lot of action scenes. You'll be playing a powerful character, an anti-hero."

Sounds intriguing. "Can you tell me a bit about her personality?"

"Well, she's stealthy, proud, and sarcastic, but she's also a hardcore fighter. I think you'll enjoy playing her," said Mr. Donati.

"I'm in!"

Mr. Donati passed me a sheet of paper with five lines. "Read these lines at the tryouts. Best of luck."

__________

There was a huge notice on the bulletin board days later.

It read:

So…neither Jacqui or Amanda got the roles they wanted. I guess it was pretty predictable for Marylynna to get the role, however, she gets everything she wants.

My eyes scroll to the bottom of the list, and I finally find Amanda's name. She's playing Storm Agent No. 19, and has no lines at all. She only fights in the epic final battle.

Jacqui is playing Storm Agent No. 34. He's the same, except for the fact that he pushes Ashleigh, or Rachel, over in the final battle.

And…oh my god! I actually got the role!

Whooping and cheering, I head to the next class, full of euphoric energy.