𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐝 𝐎𝐟 𝐌𝐞, 𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐲?

𝟓

Ariana's POV : "Ariana O'Connell please come to the main office, Ariana O'Connell to the main office please, thank you." The principal so loudly broadcast her announcement through the loudspeaker. The entire class erupted in a chorus of "oooohhhhh" sounds, implying that I was in trouble, which made my stomach churn in a wave of anxiety. I retrieved my backpack from the floor beside me, packed my belongings, and headed to the main office.

Upon entering the main office, I notice a few students from my advisory class who likely got into trouble, along with my music teacher, Ms. Davis. "Ms. Davis?" I call for her attention. She glances my way, flashing me a pearly white grin. "Ms. Grande, our star girl. Let's go, you're late for rehearsal, dear." Rehearsal?

"I'm not in the show, Ms. D." I reply with a tone of confusion, causing her to mirror my perplexed expression. "..Yes you are, hon. Your mother signed the papers not too long ago." She did? WAIT- "THAT MEANS I GOT THE PART?" "I believe so, my dear. Now, let's get a move on seeing as it's your first day of rehearsal and you're already late." I.. I can't believe it. I don't have words. I can't wait to meet my cast mates. I could practically feel the adrenaline pumping through my veins, I was so excited.

We arrived at the auditorium, where I noticed a group of kids who had auditioned only weeks prior now standing together on the stage, engaged in conversation. "Go ahead and meet everyone, dear. I still need to organize everyone's scripts and other details." Ms. Davis chuckled, leaving me at the front of the stage. Nervously, I walked onto the stage and attempted to introduce myself to some of the others. All of the sudden, I felt a gentle tap on my right shoulder. I turned around and met eyes with a girl. A pretty girl. A beautiful girl.. She had these ash blue eyes, and dark brown hair accompanied by the most amazing clear skin. "Hi, I'm Elizabeth but you can just call me Liz," She held her hand out for me to shake. I of course jumped at the opportunity to socialize, taking her hand in mine and holding it for a little longer than needed. Her hands are so soft, and warm.. "I'm playing Lucy in the play." She introduced her character with a confident smile. "I-I'm Ariana." I cleared my throat. "But you can just call me Ari," I returned a polite smile. "I'm playing Charlotte."

 Before Liz could speak again, Ms. Davis began to call our attention. "Alright everyone, I hope you've all met one another by now, if not you can do so tomorrow, but right now we have rehearsing to do so lets get started, yes?" Ms. D shouted enthusiastically. She handed us our scripts, and oh my god was it heavy. "This thing weighs a ton, Jesus." Liz chuckled. "It-It's even heavier than the most heavy thing on the planet times like.. twelve." I added. I guess it's supposed to be that large for an hour and a half playwright but holy moly, man. "Alright! We only have a month and a half to rehearse before we actually go on Broadway so let's make this count you guys!"

~

Rehearsal was held after school hours as well.. Who knew. I hope mom remembers to pick me up. I know the schedule is a little different today.. It's been a hot few minutes but if she read the papers all the way through.. She'll know. She's usually late anyways. I'll wait it out. It isn't safe for me to walk home so late at night. I sat. I sat there on the stair case waiting for her for what felt like a lifetime in the cold of the night. "Hey, Ariana right?" I hear the unfamiliar voice of a boy speak from behind me. I turned my head around and saw him. A boy with short wavy brown hair and blue eyes. "Yes?" I reply. I think I saw him in rehearsal or something. "Hey, I wanted to talk to you in rehearsal but Liz was sort of hogging you." He chuckled as he took a seat next to me.

"I'm Graham, I play Evan in the play." He smiles, holding his hand out for me. I shake his hand and introduce myself as well. We made small talk for a little while. I despise small talk, though I'll admit he was actually really kindhearted. It didn't take much talking for me to know it. I could just feel it. I could also feel how cold it was beginning to get. Eventually Graham had to leave, and so I stayed. Mom still hasn't showed up yet..

"BOO!" I hear someone shout from behind me, scaring me half to death.