Act 1
Scene 1
The door to the classroom flew open, and in ran their teacher, making flowery hand movements. "Romeo, Romeo, where fore art thou Romeo?"
A boy sitting in the back of the room put his book down for no more than a second, then put it back up again hurriedly, turning red.
Nobody knew it, but the man standing in the front of the classroom was his father. It was noticeable, but not incredibly; they both had the same long brown hair and their facial structures were similar. The only thing different was that his father had the last name of Loire while he was Leonhart.
Squall Leonhart was the exact opposite of his father, Laguna Loire, personality wise. Laguna was clumsy, shy with women, and completely loveable. Squall was cold, reclusive, and difficult to talk to. He didn't even know why he had taken drama this year. Nine months with his father, performing in front of people? He doubted he would be able to make it that long. It was only the second month and he was already sick of the class.
Another thing Squall knew was that he had no self-esteem whatsoever. His father, a once famous independent actor who was still being asked for autographs by girls, outshone him in everything without even trying.
Despite his unfriendly exterior, Squall attracted friends like a dead animal attracts flies. Since he attended an all boy's school, Squall was lacking in friends of the opposite gender, but had managed to get his entire drama class to like him. Well, that is, all of them but one.
Seifer Almasy was blonde, blue-eyed, and obnoxious. Squall and him had gotten into a fight while training with sabres their sophomore year, and now had identical, if running in opposite directions, scars running across their faces.
They had hated each other ever since then, and were involved in confrontations at least once a week, despite the chiding from their teachers.
Squall glanced over at Seifer, who sneered at him angrily. Laguna saw this and sighed. "Seifer, Squall, stop giving each other death glares and pay attention to me."
Seifer looked at Laguna innocently. "Sir?"
"You're all aware of who William Shakespeare is, right?"
There was scattered nodding, and Laguna smiled. "Well, did you know that around the time Shakespeare was writing his plays, it was illegal for women to appear on stage?"
"No."
"Well, it was. Thus, men played the roles of women. Since we're in a primarily male institution, our only major grade for this year will be pulling off an original version of Romeo and Juliet. Actually, it will count as three major grades. The students who have the highest grades from each of my two periods will be co-stars as Romeo and Juliet. Your role will be decided on your grade and, of course, your disposition. I will tell you your roles tomorrow.
"I'm not going to lie to you. There are three lip-locks in this play, and Romeo and Juliet are teenagers. Hell, Juliet's just turning fourteen. There's also a scene when they're in bed together. So, I want you to be prepared for anything and everything." He locked eyes with Squall, who quickly turned away.
Laguna grinned. "And, for those of you who will be receiving female roles, you will be in full drag during this production."
A few boys in the class groaned. "Damn..."
"If you don't want to do this, then get out of the class. All of our time and energy will be focused on this activity."
The bell rang soon after that, and there was the immediate shuffling of papers and backpacks.
Squall left the room, staring at his feet as he went. He was almost to his next class when a hand clamped down on his shoulder.
He turned around and looked up. Irvine Kinneas, the man standing behind him, was tall, handsome, and wore a cowboy hat. He was grinning down at Squall, his eyes glinting cheerfully. "So, man, what do you think about the whole Romeo and Juliet thing?"
"I think it's stupid. Now stop touching me and go to class."
Irvine, who was used to this kind of treatment from Squall, merely kept talking. "You know, it doesn't seem like that bad of an idea. At least, if I don't get girl's part."
"You're too tall to play a chick. Now go away."
"So we'll be practicing with people from Loire's other period? I've never met any of them."
"Shut up, Irvine. I have, it's nothing spectacular."
"No, I won't shut up."
Squall sighed and went into the classroom. He didn't hate Irvine, but the man could get incredibly annoying with his persistent attitude. Irvine followed him, and when Squall sat down in his desk, Irvine hopped up onto it. "So, what part do you want?"
"Don't know. Don't care."
"What's wrong with you?"
"I don't like you."
"Hmm. I think you do."
"I don't care what you think."
Irvine got off the desk and frowned at Squall. "You're so cold, Squall."
He walked over to his desk and began talking to the boy across the aisle. Squall watched him and sighed wearily. Yet another friend fended off by his stand-offish attitude. He made himself sick.
