Flightless Bird

Chapter 25

"Hey Adam, what's up?" I asked, trying to sound as casual as possible. I think I was failing because he just gave a weird look before he answered.

"Not much, I'm just freaking about the play. I'm auditioning for Mr. Darcy, and I think I'm having a panic attack!" Thank God.

"It's okay Adam," I said comfortingly, relieved that he didn't seem to know yet. I could still pretend for a little while we would keep on being friends like this.

"You'll be fine."

"Really?" he asked me, "I just feel like I'm gonna throw up all over the stage. Oh god, I don't think I've ever been so nervous in my life," he told me, looking worriedly behind me where I knew the clock was. I put a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"Adam, trust me. You'll be great!"

He grinned, pulling me into an hug that stretched us both across the desk between us.

"Thanks Kerri, and I'm sure you'll be awesome too!" he called as he released me.

"C'mon, let's get to English," he said as he took my arm and we started walking back to the main building. I had already screwed up enough, I knew it would be just my luck to run into Jacob or Charlie while walking in arm in arm with Adam, so I made up an excuse to run off before anyone could see us together.

"Actually, I'll see you there. I left my books in my room, so I just need to run and get them, okay? Thanks Adam."

I made it to English as the last few people were filing in, finding a seat in the back by myself as I avoided eye contact with Lexi, Jayson, Jacob and Adam. By now I guessed he would know, especially if he had gotten here on time and had time to talk to Jacob or Jayson. And since they were all good friends, I guessed he would have. And so I rushed to my lonely seat with my head down, praying that someone would stop Jayson if he started shouting profanities at me, and that Charlie had listened to me and wouldn't seek out Jacob, if he hadn't already.

The lesson switched from passing by painfully slowly, with another accusatory glance shot my way what seemed like every time I looked up, to flashing by so fast I felt like I was walking through a dream. The bad news was both left me with a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. And that just got worse when I realised that when this lesson ended, I had an audition, and I still didn't know my lines. A minute went by, in which I couldn't seem to escape the glare from Jayson that I honestly thought was being projected on the board, until there was a flash, and the bell was ringing. It was like at the start of a wrestling match, and I was the underdog. Except here, I wasn't anyone's favourite, and now I had to walk into the ring. I knew I was going to get beatent to a pulp, but I had to walk out and act like I knew what I was doing. The first performance was for the benefit of those that now hated me, and the matinee was to embarass myself in front of the whole Drama department. At least I knew I could act, as I managed to get out of class with my chin up and my eyes staring straight ahead, pretending I wasn't half as ashamed of myself as I should have been. I was nearly out of there when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I half expected to turn around into a punch in the face from Jayson, but instead found the kind eyes of Adam.

"Hey, can we talk?" he asked softly, aware of all his friends staring daggers at his back. I nodded, not trusting myself to speak when i could see Jacob. Adam led me out of the room and into a quiet area of the corridor before he asked.

"Is it true? About you and Charlie?"

"What do you want me to tell you?"

"Just the truth."

"Yes. It's true."

"I see."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be, you can't help it. Kerri, I'm not going to tell you that it's all okay, because I know Jacob. And Jayson, although I think he's actually more pissed that Lexi's on your side in this."

"She is?" I asked incredulously.

"Of course, you're her best friend! As soon as Jayson told me she was right there sticking up for you, and I'm with her."

"You are? Really? But I thought everyone hated me! Aren't you mad I hurt your friend?" I asked, amazed that someone would still support me after what I had done.

"You're my friend too, Kerri. Actually, I sort of feel like I'm closer to you than I am to Jacob, which is weird. But I know I'm on your side. Always." I think I nearly started crying as I replied, gushing,

"Thank you Adam! So much!"

Then I jumped on him again, and we both started laughing.

"God Kerri, seriously stop hugging me!"

"Okay, but that means we have to get to the auditions," I told him with a sly smile.

"Okay, hug me, please!" he cried with a grin as I began to pull him towards the Drama studio.