Stardust // Reggie Mantle (3)

Chapter Thirty-Three

🎶 We were so tiny, happy and shiny, playing tag and getting chased 🎶

When Caia heard music and Kevin's voice pouring out of the principal's office Monday morning, she internally groaned. She was excited for the musical, sure. After all, she had been cast as Martha Dunstock, a major step up from being the choreographer last year. However, it was eight o'clock in the morning and Caia was not in the mood.

🎶 Then we got bigger, that was the trigger, like the huns invading Rome. 🎶

Caia watched from her locker as Kevin exited the principal's office, Hermione Lodge, Principal Weatherbee, and Evelyn Evernever following. He lead them down the hallway before stopping and turning towards the others.

🎶 Welcome to my school, this ain't no high school, this is the Thunderdome. 🎶

Caia pushed herself off her locker, finally joining the song and peer pressured urge to sing. She walked forward, finding a spot next to Kevin and patting his arm before singing.

🎶 Hold you breath and count the days, we're graduating soon. College will be paradise if I'm not dead by June. 🎶

Caia made eyes contact with all the adults watching on the last line. It was lyrics to song, true. But it was also the truth of Riverdale. Who knew who would make it to June?

🎶 But I know, I know, life can be beautiful. I pray, I pray for a better way. 🎶

The students behind Caia began to do some weird dance moves. She recoiled from them, as they scared her just a little bit. Who had choreographed that? Caia also noted that Hermione looked less than impressed at the spectacle unfolding in the hallway in front of her.

🎶 If we changed back then, we could change again. We can be beautiful. 🎶

Kevin stepped forward. Caia follwed, pausing as she patted Kevin on the shoulder twice before adding her own words to Kevin's statement.

🎶 Just not today. 🎶

In front of her, some jock rushed past. He slammed the books out of a nerd' s arms. "Dweeb," he spat.

Caia sighed. She took over for Kevin, further explaining to the other adults.

🎶 Things will get better soon as my letter comes from Harvard, Duke, or Brown. Wake from my coma, take my diploma then I can blow this town. 🎶

Caia turned on her heel and began leading everyone towards a classroom.

🎶 Dream of Ivy covered walls and smoky French cafes. Fight the urge to strike a match and set this dump ablaze! 🎶

Caia swung the door the a classrrom, leading everyone inside. "Look, listen, you guys don't know what your kids are thinking, what they're dealing with." From behind her, Kevin took the next lyrics.

🎶 Why... 🎶

Caia glanced over the dozens of kids in the classroom.

🎶 Why do they hate me? 🎶

She followed Kevin towards the back of the room, noting Josie putting her head in her hand.

🎶 Why don't I fight back? 🎶

Caia noticed Reggie sitting across the asile from Josie.

🎶 Why do I act like such a creep? 🎶

Archie sat behind Reggie and sighed in exasperation as he sat up in his chair.

🎶 Why won't she date me? 🎶