Helping Heart

Chapter 4: The Audition

Today was the day of auditions for the school musical, Annie. After watching the movie with his new siblings, Derek Hart decided to write his name on the sign-up sheet outside the music room. He decided to audition for the role of Daddy Warbucks because he is shown that underneath his gruff exterior beats the heart of a kind and caring man who'll do anything for Annie. 

"What part are you trying out for Dawn?" said Derek.

"Lily St. Regis because she sings in my vocal range which is soprano and she's also a blonde just like me." said Dawn.

Their parents knew about the auditions and were ok with Dawn and Derek coming home a little late.

Auditions were at five o' clock so Derek and Dawn had three hours to get their homework done, grab a snack and practice their songs for the auditions.

Time flew by and the bell rang at two thirty. The students were at their lockers getting their backpacks and their other personal belongings. 

John walked back home without his twin sister and brother.

"Break a leg at auditions guys!" said John giving them a hug.

"Thanks bro" said Derek.

Christy was also staying after school to try out for the school swim team, but if she gets a spot on the team it meant that she wouldn't be able to spend much time with her friends.

Derek and Dawn were doing their homework in the library. Luckily their classes gave them one sheet of homework so that way it won't affect their auditions.

"I'm all done. How's the English homework going?" said Derek putting his homework in his folder.

"It's good, but the multiple choice questions are very hard." said Dawn scratching her head.

"Maybe you should take a break and have a little snack" said Derek handing her a bag of graham crackers and a bottle of water.

"You're right Derek, I need to take a break " said Dawn opening her water bottle.

Derek took out his cellphone in his back pocket and checked the time. The clock on his phone said two forty five. 

"Dawn, I'm gonna take a walk and practice my song I'll be back before auditions start" said Derek putting his cellphone back in his pocket.

"Ok Derek I'll see you at the auditions" said Dawn giving her brother a hug goodbye.

Derek walked down the hallways and bumped into Christy.

"How did it go at tryouts?" said Derek.

"I didn't get in" said Christy holding back her tears.

"I'm sorry to hear that, cheer up there's always next year" said Derek hugging her.

"Thanks Derek you're a great friend" said Christy drying her tear.

"I have a couple of hours before Dawn and I have to go to our auditions. Would you like to take a walk with me " said Derek.

"I'd love to" said Christy with a smile on her face.

"Great let's go in the front of the school and talk on the benches" said Derek.

The two friends walked outside and sat on the benches.

"You nervous about the auditions?" asked Christy.

"A little bit, but I'm remembering that it's ok to be nervous and it's  also important to memorize so you don't stutter" said Derek.

"Actually I was wondering if you would like to stay and watch me do my audition" said Derek looking down the ground.

"I would be honored to as long as it's ok with my mom" said Christy while she pulled out her cellphone.

Christy texted her mom if it was ok to watch Dawn and Derek audition for the play.

Moments later, Mrs. Walker texted back saying "Ok sweetie, I'll be at the grocery store text me when you're home".

After talking it was finally time for the auditions. Derek and Christy went back inside and went to the music room and waited for the drama teacher, Mr. Baxter to show up.

Dawn was in there and she already saved a seat for her brother.

Derek sat next to her while Christy sat behind him.

Mr. Baxter came in the room and welcomed the people auditioning.

He saw Christy and didn't see her name on his sign-up sheet and said she can watch the auditions as long as she didn't disturb anyone.

The auditions were in alphabetical order which bought Derek more time to rehearse in his mind.

"Dawn Hart" called Mr. Baxter 

Dawn went in the music room and gaved her sheet music to the pianist.

"Hi, I'm Dawn Hart and I'll be auditioning for the role of Lily St Regis."

The pianist started to play the song.

 Dawn chose the villain song "Easy Street"

After she sang her song, Mr. Baxter was impressed with Dawn's voice.

"Derek Hart" called Mr. Baxter 

Then it was Derek's turn his heart was beating like a drum in a rock and roll band.

But he took a quick glance at Christy and his fear melted away.

"Hi, I'm Derek Hart and I'll be auditioning for the role of Oliver Daddy Warbucks".

Derek gave his sheet music to the pianist.

Derek chose Annie's signature song "Tomorrow "

After he sang his song, Mr. Baxter was also impressed with Derek's voice.

After auditions Mr. Baxter said "You all did a amazing job and the cast list will be posted tomorrow outside the auditorium.

The three friends walked home together.

Mrs. Walker hugged her daughter.

"How did it go did you get on the team?"

"No I didn't but Derek cheered me up"

"I'm sorry about that honey, but I'm glad you have such a nice friend like Derek looking out for you" said Mrs. Walker.

"Same here" said Christy.

Christy went upstairs and wrote in her diary about not making the cut for the swim team, how Derek killed it at auditions and how he cheered her up in the hallway.

Mr and Mrs Hart got dinner on the table and asked Dawn and Derek how the auditions went.

"Mr. Baxter is posting the cast list outside the auditorium tomorrow" said Dawn drinking her water.

Soon it was bedtime and Derek was hoping that he gets the part of Daddy Warbucks.

Then he fell into a deep sleep.