The Hudson Boys

Chapter fifteen

Our rehearsals for Into The Woods have started to get more and more intense. Slowly, but surely, we're all starting to know our lines a little more. We're definitely all a lot closer now too which makes this easier. It's nice to have friends throughout this process.

That's one of my favorite parts about theater. You get to know so many people and develop relationships with them outside of the character you're playing.

Vince has been driving me to rehearsals every day for the past few weeks. I feel a little guilty about this, but he tells me its fine because he also has volleyball practice near my rehearsals.

It's been fun getting to know Vince. Out of all of the boys, I would say I'm closest to him just because we've spent the most time together.

I'm pretty close with Mark too, but we haven't spent much time together the past couple of days. His crew schedule and my acting schedule haven't lined up so I really only see him at dinner.

As for the twins, David and Dylan, I occasionally see them running around here or there with mischievous smirks on their faces.

Parker still wants nothing to do with me and I have no idea why.

I try to rack my brain for answers as to why he hates me so much. I try to think back to our childhood and the summers we used to spend together, but I really can't remember anything.

In fact, I can't remember most, if not all of my childhood. The earliest memory I can think of is first grade.

Rubbing my head that is now pounding, I make my way out of my room and head downstairs; deciding that going on a run might help my head.

Lacing up my shoes, I stretch a little and then head out for my run.

I used to hate running when I was little. I felt like I couldn't breathe and I hated that I wasn't as strong as everyone else. After many embarrassing gym classes, I decided that I was going to get stronger. I would run every day after school, sometimes for hours, so I could get my strength up.

I tried out for the cross-country team during my freshman year of high school. I've been running on cross-country teams ever since.

I don't know how long I run for, but my aching calves tell me that it's been awhile. Slowing down as I enter the front gates of the Hudson's house, I start to walk towards the backyard.

I'm not sure why exactly, but I don't want to go inside yet. My head just feels so free being outside right now and I feel like if I were to go inside it might explode.

Sighing, I rest my arms on the railings of their large porch in their backyard.

This summer hasn't been what I expected it to be. I was so shocked and surprised when my parents came in my to tell me I was coming here. Mostly, I was angry.

I was so mad that I had to leave my home and come here. Why couldn't I have gone with my parents to see my sister? It's been so long since I've seen her. It would have been nice.

But most importantly, I would have been with my family.

Don't get me wrong, the Hudsons are nice, for the most part. Claire is a sweetheart who has taken me in. Steve, while he isn't around much, is still very nice and genuinely wants to know about my day. My own father doesn't even care that much.

Vince and Peyton have become my closest friends here. We usually hang out after our practices and rehearsals and it's really nice to just spend time with them and get to know them. Sometimes Eric joins us and always keeps us laughing.

Mark and Jason are so kind and I'm pretty sure they like spending time with me.

I really don't know David and Dylan that well, but I don't think they hate me. At least, I hope they don't. I definitely don't want to be on their bad side knowing some of the pranks they've pulled.