Backstage: Third Time's the Charm

Bianca Blackwell

Bianca Blackwell
Grade 11
Music Program

I was less than enthusiastic about our return to Keaton after the winter break. While other students greeted their friends with shrieks, hugs, and wild exclamations, I was completely and utterly alone. Standing in the corridor and watching other people greet their friends with joy, left me somewhat resentful of Alya's relationship with Miles.

I hadn't seen Alya, Miles, or Jax over the break though I'd seen a post on Kit's Instastory of them on a double date. No one wants to be a third wheel, but it still hurt to be left out because I didn't have a boyfriend.

I spent most of the break managing Scarlett and as much as I loved her, I would rather have been managing my own career than someone else's.

I moved through the throng of students and stopped at my locker to retrieve one of my text books.

"Why so down? Are you gonna cry?" Sarcasm permeated the unknown voice.

"Who are you exactly?" I did a once-over of the tall blonde boy standing in front of me.

He smiled and fingered the camera hanging around his neck. Unlike Miles or Jax, his smile was flirtatious, intimating danger and seduction.

"I think the real question is 'who are you'? I mean you are THE Bianca Blackwell—"

"Let me stop you there." I motioned for him to be silent. "If you want an autograph, maybe later. I'm busy." I closed the door to my locker and slid my backpack onto one arm.

As I turned to walk away he laughed.

"Autograph? Let's be honest, your career is pretty much over. You haven't landed a gig in almost three years."

I bristled and turned back. "Who asked you?"

"Easy there. I just wondered: why music? If you're an actress, why not the theater program?"

I shrugged. Personally, I'd hoped my music career would take off. As much as I loved acting, I loved music more.

"Second question: are you still interested in acting?"

Then question surprised me. I looked at him curiously. "Why?"

"I'm in the film program. I have a project I'm working on with some of my classmates. I'm looking for someone to star in a short film."

I blinked. It would nice to be in the spotlight again. I loved Scarlett, and I found managing a musician relatively easy, but I missed singing and acting.

"You want me to be in your film?"

"Front and center." He smiled again, revealing a row of glimmering teeth. "But if you want to spend all your time managing someone else's career, I understand." He turned to walk away.

"Wait!"

He stopped and looked back.

"I'll do it."

"Awesome. I'll send you the details this weekend."

"Sorry," I said. "But what's your name?"

"Austin Taylor."

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

"You'll never guess what happened." I sat down between Alya and Jax. On the other side of Alya, Miles leaned forward in his seat.

"What happened?" He asked.

"One of the film students asked me to be the star in a short film."

Alya smiled. "That's great, B."

"What's it about?" Jax asked.

"I don't know yet," I admitted. "Austin's sending me the script this weekend."

"Austin?" Alya's smile vanished. "Austin Taylor?"

"Yeah."

"Bianca, he's awful. You can't work with him."

"Don't you remember the music video freshman year?" Jax asked. "He was the original director. He got in a fight with Kit and pushed her."

"And he tried to break up me and Miles," Alya added.

Miles just grunted.

I growled. "Maybe he's changed? He seems like a nice person."

Alya's eyes widened. "You don't like him, do you, B? He's a total player. He dated some girl named Lindsey and when they broke up she found out he didn't even know his name."

"And there was that ballerina too," Jax said. "Cammy, or Carly. Something like that."

"Jax and Alya are right," Miles said. "Bianca, we don't want you to get hurt."

I bit my lip. "That's fine for all of you. Jax toured with DJ Diamondmind. Alya had a role in Da Boheme. And everyone knows Miles is practically the next Shawn Mendes!

"This is my first chance at doing something in a long time. I got fired by my agent last year. I can't pass up an opportunity like this."

Alya's nose twitched. "Do whatever you want, Bianca."

"Don't you dare judge me, Alya Kendrick." I pushed myself out of the chair. "You take people's deepest secrets and write songs about them! Just because you gave your boyfriend a kidney doesn't mean you're better than me."

I instantly regretted what I'd said. Alya recoiled, hurt flashing across her face. Miles stared at the floor.

"I have to go," I said, not yet willing to apologize.

"Ms. Blackwell?" Mr. Parks asked as I brushed past him on the way out. "Class is about to start."

I ignored him. I'd rather have an unexcused absence than spend one more minute with those traitors I'd once called friends.

Y'all ready for more drama? ...things are about to go crazy.