Breathe Again

Showtime

2:15 PM. Joy to the world. Why on earth did I agree to this meeting. I all but drag my feet on the way to the theater. I find a seat in the back. Away from everyone. I look at my lap, refusing to make eye contact with anyone. The drama teacher steps onto the stage.

"I am going to talk a lot and quickly. I ask that no one says a word while I am talking and save all questions for after. Kapishe?" Everyone nods silently, eyes on the teacher.

"Alright. To start off, my name is Harmon Philosotilica, I go by the name HP. I am the drama teacher here at Jefferson and have been for 12 years. Do not worry, I am not a mean teacher, and all in all I just want to have fun with this production. For this play, I will need one main female, and then multiple other actors and actresses. This play is very hard to describe, but it is all in all humorous & sad at the same time, yet dramatic in a way. It is about a young girls journey of self discovery. It is a long play, that is why we need to start early. To put it simply, this production will be similar to High School Musical, yes, you guys all know what I am talking about. We have musical number during some parts of the play, but I wouldn't go as far as to call it an actual musical. I will be passing out scripts to everyone here, the parts that I am looking to be auditioned for are listed and the sections you will perform are highlighted. Since this production is so large, it will take away from your other electives and such, allowing me to give you credits for the play if you receive a part. The most credits will be going to the main female role, seeing as she will have to put in the most time and effort out of everybody. Auditions begin next week. I expect everyone auditioning to atleast try and memorize the lines specified, but if not then that is alright, it just lessens your chances of being picked. Alright. I think I hit everything I needed to. Questions?" I swear every hand in the freaking building was raised for a question. I groaned before digging my earbuds out of my bag and slipping them on. I leaned back in my seat and allowed the sweet melody of Billy Joel to invade my senses.

I think I may have drifted off a little, being startled by someone pulling the earbud out of my ear. My eyes fly open and I am startled by the drama teacher standing in front of me, what was his name? Harry Pott- "HP, actually."

My hand flies up and covers my mouth. "Did I say that out loud? I'm sorry". He chuckles before stretching out his arm and handing me a script.

"I don't think "-

"I know what you're going to say" he interjects. "I think you would be perfect for the main role. I hope to see you at auditions. You would make a great Lena." He says before walking away.

Well... Maybe I could atleast audition... See if maybe I'm capable. I unlock my phone before staring at the time. "Crap, oh crap, oh gosh" I missed my bus by five measly minutes. There's no way I can call my aunt, she would never come get the girl who 'killed her brother'. I make my way out of the theater and into the Outside world, which- coincidentally may I add, starts to rain heavily.

********************

It's been one full week and now it was time for auditions. I didn't think I was great, but I had my lines memorized and the least I could do was try. Perhaps I would get a background role and still get some credits. 2:15 was fast approaching and I was getting more nervous by the minute. When the bell rang I all but knocked people off their feet to get the the theater. I walked in and stopped short. There were hundreds of girls, and I wish that was an exaggeration. I tuned into all the chatter. "Did you hear that Lena has to wear a swimsuit in one scene? I just got a new tattoo and that's why I want the part!"

"Lena gets to wear cute clothes! This show will be the topic of the year!"

"The girl who plays Lena basically gets a makeover to help go with the role, you know, since the star has to display the production proudly"

My head was swimming. I don't want to do any of that. I want to stay invisible. But I also would like to graduate high school on time. Addy, you can do this. I believe in you.

"Mom, if you're with me. Give me the power to do this without throwing up on everybody."

I look to my right and see the waiting list. I write my name. Number 218. This is going to be a longgggg wait.

******************

The line was at 217. Meaning I was next. I saw many girls prance out from behind the curtain, happy smiles on their faces. "I'm sure I got it!" They had all said. Well, news flash to them. We can't all get the role.

"Number 218! Adalynn Johnson, backstage please" my heart just about stuttered to a stop. I took a deep breath before putting a smile on my face and walking up the stairs and behind the curtains.