Everybody has their "thing". For some it's writing, others it's sports. But me, well I always wanted to be a lawyer, so doing extra curricular activities never made sense to me. Until my junior year rolled around, and pretty much flipped my world upside down. I know what you're thinking, this is just another boring teenage story. But I promise this is far from that.
(Emily's POV)
I was walking to class, same hallway as all the days before. I see the same people, walking to the same classes everyday. Nothing changes. No one breaks out into song, no one starts a fight. Everyone just walks straight past me. It's like I'm not even there. But I don't mind. Besides, being invisible is better than everyone judging you. I'm almost to class, but right on schedule is Abby, head mean girl for the past 5 years, who stops me outside my class.
"Well, well, well. What do we have here?".
She turns her body slightly towards her loyal followers Emma and Cassie. They're oblivious to what is ever going on, but they nod as if they know what she's saying.
"Abby, if you're gonna say something rude, can you just get on with it so I'm not late?"
I half heartedly mumble as to not draw attention. I stare at the clock. 3 minutes. I should just push her out of the way. No. I couldn't. I wouldn't. I should. But I can't. She sighs and looks at me with pity in her face.
"Poor Emily, just a nobody who wants to go to class and be a good girl. Well tough," she spat at my feet, "Because I'm not done. This is far from over nerd".
I glare as her posse of stupidity strides off, Emma and Cassie laughing obnoxiously. It's never over Abby, I sigh as I head into class and take my seat in the very back, just as the bell rings.
I get home around 3:30, and I let myself in. I call out to my mom, even though I know she's asleep. I go into the kitchen and spin around to put down my bag, but am startled by my older brother.
"Watch where you're going, Emily" he scoffs and heads for the door.
"Where are you going?" I ask but he has already slammed the door before I can finish.
I sigh, but I'm used to it. Dad's never home, brother hates me, and mom is always passed out somewhere. Only one person in this world who actually likes me. My best friend since pre-k, Leah Garter. Leah is one of the most popular people at our school, aside from Abby and her "friends". I've known Leah longer than everyone else, so no one really bothers me when I talk to her except Abby. Abby is sooo jealous of our friendship, because in our freshman year, Abby threw a huge party and invited everybody except, ya know, me. But Leah told her no, and hung out with me all night. Abby was LIVID, but couldn't do anything about it. Leah is also the only person to ever believe in me, and truly support me. She even pushed me to audition for our school musical last year, Beauty and the Beast. But last minute I chickened out, and Abby got, you guessed it, Belle. Leah thinks I'm like some goddess, but I disagree. I have what I like to call 4th degree stage fright, basically the worst kind. I can't even stand on stage without panicking, but I manage when I have to for tech. Leah told the theater teacher, Mrs. Julia to put me in tech, so she did. It's actually really fun, other than having to deal with Abby. But I manage. Somehow.
It's the next week, the week before they tell us what the musical is. I'm terrified, because Leah really wants me to audition, and it's down to two of my favorite musicals. But I could never audition for a lead, Abby would literally kill me. Anyway, I'm on my way to Volleyball rehearsals with Leah, and we are arguing about me auditioning.
"Come on Emily! You have to audition! This is your last chance to upstage Abby before we go to college!".
"Leah, I really want to, ok? I just physically can't. I get too scared".
"Scared of what? Embarassing yourself infront of everyone in this school?".
I freeze on the spot. I slowly spin around to see the one and thankfully only, Abby. I scramble to explain what we were talking about before she says something else, but I'm at a loss for words. Luckily, Leah interupts me.
"Listen up, Abby. Emily is much more talented than you'll ever be, and she's gonna audition for the lead and you won't get the part."
Oh no. Oh god. Leah!?!? Why!! Now I have to audition if I want to have some kind of reputation. Oh god... what am I gonna do?
Abby gives me a side look, a look that says, "this isn't over". I sigh and turn around to glare at Leah, but Abby interupts it.
"Well then, it's settled. I'll see you at the auditions for whatever musical it is. And may the best performer win".
She smirks and pivots around to sashay out like a queen. She rules this school without even trying.
Leah looks at me and smiles, but she can tell I'm mad.
"Come on, we've got to get you ready".
I roll my eyes as she grabs my hand and runs down the hall.
It's now May 1st, two weeks from auditions for the fall musical; Heathers. I know, pretty graphic, but since I'll be a senior when we do it, I can audition, even though I won't. But technically, I have to, if I want to be known as anything more than a nobody. Leah has been working hard to prepare me, but honestly, I'm terrified. This is all too much. Maybe I should just not audition. Or should I?