𝐇𝐈𝐃𝐄| 𝐉.𝐁.

31: Running over lines

"Right this way, follow me." Ms. Jenn says as she continues to flash her light down a path behind the curtain.

"I forgot we don't have heat in here." I say, shivering a bit.

"Ah! Smell that smell, the theater." Ms. Jenn grimaces and a few people groan.

"Smells like someone died." I hear Red mutter and I nudge him.

"Mold, it's a sign of life. Everyone, watch your step, and let me know if you haven't had a tetanus shot recently, okay?" Ms. Jenn adds and Taylor shoots me a puzzling look.

"Have you seen my flashlight?" Kourtney whispers.

"No. Here, take mine." I say and she nods as I hand it to her.

She sends me a thankful smile and we follow Ms. Jenn onto the stage.

"This fire could've been a lot worse. So, no complaining." Carlos announces and everyone slowly nods.

"Thanks." I grimace at Carlos as I rub his shoulder.

"I'll get the lights." Someone says and we immediately meet the bright lightbulbs.

||

"Okay! Let's have some real talk." Ms. Jenn announces as she claps her hands.

Everyone stops their chatter and coincidentally, Josh and I stand up, next to each other in a line.

"Welcome to teach rehearsal. I don't know if you've noticed, but most of the tech in this particular theater appears to be hand cranked." She says.

"My Uncle built this place years ago, can't blame him. They didn't even have technology back then." I shrug.

"Natalie, now is your time to be the hero." Ms. Jenn says and everyone looks around for the girl.

"Her glands are swollen." Seb says and Ms. Jenn's face drops.

"Great, I'm down a stage manager, my Kelsi is MIA-"

"Gina's okay. She's a fighter and she'll be back for the opening night." Josh says and Ms. Jenn nods.

"Did she text you?" Red asks him.

"No. You?" He asks and Red shakes his head.

Then out of nowhere, something falls from the ceiling, making a loud noise as it hits the stage.

"Ah!" Everyone shouts, even me.

Out of instinct, I hide behind Josh's tall frame.

"Okay, totally normal. Just a head's up from now on." Ms. Jenn says and I slowly walk back over to my spot next to Josh.

"Jesus." I mutter, putting a hand over my heart.

"Alrighty. Big Red, do you know how to hang a light?" Ms. Jenn asks him.

"I know how to...hang out?" He answers back and I let out a laugh and so does everyone else.

"Cool." Ms. Jenn cheeses and I put a hand over my mouth, trying to contain the rest of my laughter.

"Gosh, Red." I hear Josh mutter, chuckling to himself.

"Carlos, let's set marks to light Status Quo." Ms. Jenn says.

"On it." Carlos nods, walking off.

"Troy and Gabriella, find somewhere quiet and run the rooftop scene. It's been a while and I need you opening night by dinnertime, okay?" Ms. Jenn says to Josh and I.