The Dream Machine

Twenty-Four

LIZZIE

Today is the day. First Day audition results are being posted this morning. I will get the lead, I tell myself constantly. As if it's a mantra, I will get the lead. I want it so bad, because it gets me closer to my childhood dream of having my name where everyone can see it.

Sandler nailed his audition. He really made me feel better. I hate all those wannabe gossipers who just stand right in front of you. They talk behind your back when you can hear them! Last time I checked, I wasn't a cardboard cutout of Elizabeth Gallagher, I am the real thing! Lloyd can suck it if he thinks he can get to me like that again. 

I walk into the school's front entrance, my heartbeat growing faster. The results will be posted in the library, my usual before-school location. My hands clutch the doorframe as I walk into the room filled with the scent of dusty pages and bookshelves.

A paper is hanging from the projector screen in the center of the room. Is it the results? I walk closer and realize that they are. I swallow my pride and start reading. I only read for Aaron and Lizzie, I don't care for anyone else.

                                 FIRST DATE AUDITION RESULTS

    AARON.....................................................................HUNTER CONNORS

              Aaron Understudy..........................................................Sandler Jacobson

    LIZZIE.......................................................................ELIZABETH GALLAGHER

              Lizzie Understudy..........................................................Jennifer Arenburg

I MADE IT! I actually got the lead! Casey is mine! My name will be in lights! Or, at least at the front of the program! I'm also extremely happy for Sandler for winning the understudy of the lead role. I don't mind sharing the spotlight with Hunter though. He's a self-loving jerk-jock, but hey, he's easy on the eyes.

I need to tell Lloyd...wait, I'm not with Lloyd anymore. I don't even think we're on speakking terms. Definitely not from the other day. No matter, I will tell Sandler!

I greeted him at his locker with a huge smirk, "And what's got you in such a good mood?" he asked me, my smile being contagious. 

"Oh, I just found out that I got the lead role in First Date!" I yelled. 

"Oh my gosh! That's amazing!" we hugged each other awkwardly. It felt weird. Warm and inviting. Releasing the hug, Sandler said, "Did you see what I got? Do I get to be the Aaron to your Casey?" 

I felt bad for delivering the somewhat bad news, "Well, if the real Aaron gets sick, you'll get to!"

His excitement deflated a little, "I'm the understudy?" 

"Yeah," I breathed, "I'm sorry." 

"What? No, that's great! I didn't think I'd get the lead role anyway. It's totally fine," he tried desparately to regain the expression he had earlier. He failed. 

"In that case, we should run lines together," I continued. 

Sandler's happiness returned in an instant, "I like that idea. Nothing's better than hanging out with my favorite girl!" he exclaimed, sticking his hand out for a high-five. I hesitated awkwardly, but then gave his hand a hit, "Yeah!"

LLOYD

I didn't get an official part in the school musical. However, I did get a part as a stage hand, so that's exciting, I guess. Ugh, I hate watching Sandler and Lizzie walk down the hallway together. Now that I know that me and her won't get back together, I must know. When are they gonna get together? Is Sandler too afraid to tell her how he actually feels? 

He must be. If he had even an ounce of courage, he would've at least asked her out to the movies already. I mean, come on. Just kiss already! It's not like I want them to get together. It's just that it's so obvious that they love each other! Their life has turned into a cliche rom-com. 

I have to admit what I did to Lizzie during auditions was harsh, but she broke my heart! She had to feel what I did, because I really did love her. It wasn't just a competition between me and Sandler. I genuinely loved her, but she didn't believe in eight grade romances. My mind can comprehend that, yet why did she make that scene in the hallway? She could've just FaceTimed me. It would've lessened the pain. Yet, here I stand. Heartbroken and broken in general.

Keep your head up, Lloyd.