The next day, Angelina and Ashton woke up feeling refreshed and ready to start a new week. They had both had a good sleep on the bus, and they were looking forward to getting back to their normal lives.
Angelina went to school that day feeling on top of the world. She couldn’t wait to find out if she got the lead in the school play. She knew it would be a lot of work, but she was determined to do her best.
All day long, the students were all abuzz about the upcoming school play. They were all talking about who they thought would get the lead roles, and who they would like to see in the play.
Some of the students were confident that they would get the lead roles. They had been practicing their lines for weeks, and they were sure that they would give the best performances.
Other students were more hesitant. They didn’t think they were good enough to get the lead roles, but they still wanted to be in the play. They were hoping that they would get a supporting role, or even just a walk-on part.
No matter what role they wanted, the students were all excited about the upcoming play. They knew that it would be a lot of hard work, but they were determined to make it a success.
The lunch break was over, and the students all headed for their last two classes. Angelina and Ashton were in the same class, and they sat on opposite ends of the room, as far away from each other as possible. They tried to focus on the lesson, but their minds were occupied with the play. They both wanted to get the lead, not only for the prize and the glory, but also to prove themselves to their rival.
After what seemed like hours, the final bell rang, signaling the end of the last class of the day. The teacher announced that the casting was posted on the bulletin board outside the office. The students rushed out of the classroom, eager to see who was cast. Angelina and Ashton were among them, pushing their way through the crowd.
They reached the bulletin board and scanned the list of names. Right on top of the list, Angie saw her name, typed out in the Times New Roman font the school always used. She let out a feminine scream of joy and excitement.
The students all turned to look at her. She was standing there, her face beaming with joy and excitement.
“I can’t believe it!” she said. “I got the lead in the school play!”
The other students all started to congratulate her. They were all happy for her, and they knew that she would be great in the role.
“I’m so excited!” Angie said. “I’ve been practicing my lines for weeks, and I can’t wait to start rehearsing.”
The other students all nodded in agreement. They were all excited to see Angie in the lead role. They knew that she would be amazing.
Angie’s friends, Lana and Lisa, came up to her and gave her a hug. “We’re so proud of you, Angie!” Lana said.
“We knew you could do it!” Lisa added.
Angie smiled. “Thanks, guys,” she said. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”
The three friends stood there for a moment, just enjoying each other’s company. They were all so happy for Angie, and they knew that this was just the beginning of her success.
“So, you’re playing Gia, the Physics nerd, huh? Wow!” came a fourth voice, breaking the silence.
The three girls turned around to see Ashton standing behind them with a cocky grin, and his hands to his hips. “Hi, I’m Scott, the stupid kid who hates Physics.” he introduced himself. Scott was the name of the character he found out he was playing.
He introduced his character with a cheerful grin, but the three girls only giggled and exchanged knowing looks. Lana cleared her throat and spoke up. “So, who are Layla and Phillip in this scene?”
He blinked, confused. “I… have no idea. We’ll have to check the cast list.”
The chatter died down, when they heard an announcement on the PA, given by the Vice Principal herself: “Students, please evacuate from the notice board within the next five minutes. Or you will get detention for a month!” she bellowed into the mic.
The students all groaned and muttered under their breaths. They knew that the Vice Principal was serious, and they didn’t want to get detention. They quickly gathered their belongings and left the notice board.
Angie, Lana, and Lisa were among the last ones to leave. They were still excited about Angie’s casting, and they wanted to celebrate.
“Hey, Angie, do you want to go to the mall with us?” Lana asked.
“Yeah, sure,” Angie said.
She was in a good mood, and she wanted to have some fun with her friends.
“Great,” Lisa said. “Let’s go then.”
The three girls walked out of the school building, chatting and laughing.
They didn’t notice Ashton, who was standing near his sister’s car, watching them.
He realized that he wanted to get to know Angelina better, and maybe ask her out. Maybe be more than rivals, or even… more than friends?
But he didn’t know how to approach her. He was afraid that she would reject him, or worse, laugh at him.
He was also afraid of what his friends would say. They would tease him mercilessly if they found out that he liked Angie.
He sighed and got into the car. He decided to forget about her for now, and focus on the play.
“Hey, bro. How was school?” his sister asked.
“I got the lead in the play!” Ash announced. “I can’t believe it, Katie, I actually got it!”
Kaitlynn smiled at him, and said, “Congrats! I know you’re good at acting. You really deserve it.”
He blushed slightly. “Aw, sis. That’s sweet. Thanks,”
“By the way, I was picking Jayden and Leo up from school a few days back, while you were out on your trip. I overheard them talking about love letters. Maybe they’re ‘fessing to their crushes?”
“Leo? Angelina’s brother Leo?”
“Who else?” Katie shrugged.
“I guess. Those two are weird kids, always up to something or the other.” he said.
“They remind me of you when you were little. Oh, and speaking of which, do you wanna come with me to drop Jay off at Leo’s house?”
Ashton remembered what he had to endure the last time vividly, down to the title of each book on the coffee table and the font it was designed in. “No way in hell am I going back there.”
|•|•|•|
“Please, Ash? Come along with me and Katie?” Jayden pleaded with his elder brother. “It’ll be fun!”
“I’m sorry, bro. I’ve got a lot of homework to do.”
“What homework? Playing video games?”
“Nope.” he shook his head. “Reading,”
Jay rolled his eyes. “That stupid web comic, right?”
Ashton was at a loss for words. He had no other reasons not to come anymore.
“Ash, go with your siblings!” came a fourth voice from the kitchen.
He couldn’t help but clench his fists and groan, “But mom–”
“That’s an order!”
Ashton’s hands were tied. An order was an order. “Fine, I’ll come with you guys.”
Jay squealed with excitement as he was fixing the Velcro of his shoes. “Come on, you nincompoops! We have to get there on time!” he yelled.
His siblings ignored him and picked up the car keys. It seemed to them that Jayden was excited. Too excited. For reasons they would never know. For reasons they wouldn’t dare ask.
To be continued…
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