Scared to Live
Midterms, the time of the semester where students have to squeeze everything they learned so far into an exam or project. At Lakeshore, a student's performance on a midterm exam determines how well they will do for the rest of the semester. The best part of midterms in the dress code, there is none! Besides the written exam, students have to put on a literature performance for the whole school. Each class performs one scene from a book that the class has read or currently reading. Students are either cast to play a role for the scene or are assigned a backstage role. The performances are showcased during the course of four days, and tickets are sold. To be fair, paying 16 Planet Heart Dollars, which is the same as 1 US Dollar, to see your child in a one-scene performance seems like a waste, but the money goes to charity. Now, like in any play production, the best drama happens behind the scenes.
"Okay, Alicinda, take the reigns. I believe you understand how the scene should look," Mrs. Wesoloski says. "Thank you," Allison said. Allison is the stage manager for her class. The class is doing a scene from a play adapted from the book, The Homeless Bird by Gloria Whelan. "For now, we should have the two leads move to center stage so we can see how they look as we can plan accordingly." "Good idea!" Odd told Allison. Odd is the director. As stated in the last chapter, Ash and Rosé were picked for Raji and Koly. In the book, Koly is a young widow after for young husband dies from illness. Her Sass, the mother in law, treats her poor and left her alone in Vrindavan with money to ease her conscience as Sass was going to her brother's home after her husband has died and her daughter got married. Koly has met a rickshaw driver, and they two develop a friendship and ended up being engaged by the end of the book. Ash walks on stage and gulps. "Ashton, you'll be fine!" Odd shouts. Ash looks around. "Remember, our grade depends on it!" Dawn shouts. "Dawn, you are not helping!" Allison said. "It is true!" Rosé runs on stage and grabs Ash's hands. "No, Rosé! Koly wouldn't touch Raji!" Odd shouts. In the play, Koly and Raji's relationship is more in dept. So, the class performs the ending where Koly leaves with Raji to his farm to start their lives together. "Why not? Koly has found someone who cares about her!" Rosé screams. "No! She is modest and is still surprised that Raji would marry her because she is a widow, so don't touch him!" Odd said. "Let's ask the teacher!" Rosé shouts. "I agree with Omar. Don't touch him!" Mrs. Wesoloski said. Rosé rolls her eyes. Dawn is the understudy and the costume manager. "Rosé needs some class," Dawn said. "I know!" Allison said. On the other side of the stage is Sangharsh, who is the assistant stage manager. He is excited to work closely with Allison, even though he has to work with the whole class. "Maybe the leads can stand more to the right so that the spotlight will aim at the left,' Allison said. Rosé moves closer to Ash and fixes her shirt so that Ash can see her cleavage. Ash looks at Allison, who is talking to Odd but glances at him to blow a kiss. Ash blushes. Rosé turns around and notices it, and growls. "Should we start our lines?" Rosé shouts. "Fine!" Odd said. Dexter, who is also in the class, walks by. "I'll be at my post working on the lighting for the scene. Maybe our director will be able to direct and not let the actors take over!" Odd growls. "I definitely know how Ulrich feels about William!" Dawn grows concerned and kisses him. "Perk up, Mr. Director!" Dawn said. As Ash and Rosé say their lines, Rosé gushes over Ash. However, Ash appears to be looking at Rosé but is looking at Allison, who is kneeling so Ash can seem to focus on "Koly." Sangharsh smiles at Allison and imagines the two of them on stage instead.
After class, Ash walks over to talk to Allison when Rosé stops him. "You know, I need the grade for my GPA, so maybe we can spend time after school to practice?" "Maybe? I have studying to do for my other midterms, and I have to make a speech at the Knight's Coltillan in a few weeks." "Maybe I can help you with that?" "No. It's okay! I'll let you know about the extra practice." Ash leaves and makes a beeline to Allison and kisses her. Rosé's blood boils, and she leaves. Sangharsh walks by her, and the two exchange looks. "Is it wrong that I imagine you as I was reciting my line?" Ash asks. "No. Whatever helps you get by," Allison said. Sangharsh interrupts. "Alicinda, all of the stage managers and assistant stage managers need to meet up after school for a meeting." "About what?" Alicinda asks. "The props. Now that we got the bonus, we have better props." "Okay, how long?" "An hour, hour and a half tops." "Okay. We can hang out after school and talk about stuff." "Okay, Allison," Ash said as he kisses her on the cheek. Sangharsh bites his lip. After school, the stage manager meeting was only twenty minutes, so Allison and Sangharsh talk about the props for their class's play for time. Meanwhile, Ash and Rosé practice their lines. Rosé places her hands on her heart, and she speaks to Ash. She moves her fingers to lure Ash's eyes there. Ash gulps and hops for something to interrupt them. On cue, Pikachu appears. "Buddy! What are you doing here?" "Pika-Pika!" "I see; you want to hand out with Allison and Raichu!" Rosé growls and calls out her Talonflame. "Talonflame!" "Why don't you take Pikachu flying for a few minutes?" Rosé asks. Pikachu agrees, and the two take off. Rosé tries again, but Ash stops her. "Koly is not so bold. She is gentle and would not speak like that." "Come on. She has found a guy who respects her. She is full of life now." "True, but I think we should speak with the director." "Or, we can figure this out tomorrow. I have a pool party, and I told my father I would study until eight. We can study at the party until eight." Ash thinks about it until Pikachu and Talonflane come back, along with Allison, Raichu, and Sangharsh arriving. "Sure!" Ash said. Rosé smiles. Alicinda wouldn't go to a pool party. That would be a royal no-no. "Hey, how was practice?" Sangharsh asks. "Fine. Are you ready?" Ash asks Allison. "Always!" Allison answered. They leave. Sangharsh sighs. "She sensed that her boyfriend was in trouble! Of course!" Ash talks to Allison as they are leaving. "Do you want to go to a pool party with me?" "A pool party? I don't know!" "I was invited, and I want to go with you. Please?" Allison blushes. "Okay! Only if you do this." Allison whispers something, and Ash blushes. "What a mind you have!" Allison blushes.
The next day, Aelita and Jeremy are sitting backstage waiting for their class's turn to practice. Their class performs, The Color Purple by Alice Walker, in which Celia is reunited with her children. Backstage is full of mirrors, nightclub couches, and bright lights. "I really hope this midterm is fast and painless. , is stressed about this, and she is doing the bare minimum," Aelita said. "I think her job is on the line," Jeremy said. "What do you mean?" "I mean, I heard that she was only hired because she is related to the mayor." "That makes sense. She keeps bringing up the mayor," Aelita said. "Anyway, our class's scene is the scene the showcases all of Celia's progress with her pain and struggle and her finally seeing the light," Jeremy said. "I know. I cried when she finally meets her children," Aelita said. "I wouldn't wish that on a decent person. Celia went through a journey and came out on top, and I hope we can showcase that in our one scene." "I think with you, Aelita, working the tech, we can do the book justice." "Or you working on the music." "No. I think it will be on you." "No, you." After the back and forth, Jeremy kisses Aelita. "No, the music will hold the scene together." "No fair!" Aelita says while blushing. Aelita kisses Jeremy, and he blushes. "Now, you wanna play!" Jeremy said. The pair makes out until Hiroshima walks in. "Whoa! I hope you have your condoms ready!" Aelita and Jeremy stop abruptly and hide their red faces. "Hiroshima!" Aelita said. "What. I am only reminding you of something that you both have been doing," Hiroshima said. "What do you mean?" Jeremy asks. "You know. Safe sex!" "Hiroshima, we're not-" Aelita starts. "Oh, wait, you two are not-" Hiroshima blushes. "I assume because most of the others except for Brock and Cressila are-I'm sorry!" Now, there is silence. Then Allison comes in to save the day. "Aelita! Jeremy! Brock was calling you!" "He was?" Jeremy asks. "Yep. Our sessions are switch, so your class is practicing now." "Okay, let's go!" Aelita says as she and Jeremy leave in a huff. "What was that about?" Allison asks. "I think I am the reason. I said something weird," Hiroshima said. "That's okay! Also, here is your dress for your class's scene." "Thank you!" Hiroshima said. Hiroshima, Yumi, Cressila, and Ulrich are in the same class as Daah and other students. Their class is doing Othello, and the scene when Desdemona defends her husband with her dying breath and Othello's world crumbles around him when he finds out he has been set up. Hiroshima undresses as Allison leaves to help another stage manager. Hiroshima holds the dress up and looks in the mirror, and smiles. At the same time, Gary walks in and blushes. "Oh, fuck!" Hiroshima covers herself and blushes. "Sorry!" Gary said. "I was looking for my sister!" "She left to help another stage manager!" Hiroshima said. "Sorry!" Gary says again while blushes. His heart races as he stares at Hiroshima. Hiroshima blushes again. "You said that you were looking for your sister?" "Right! She is helping another stage manager!" "Right!" "Who was it? Was it Sofia Breasttin-I mean Bestin?" "Yeah. It was!" Gary quickly turns around and leaves. "What the fuck did I say, Breasttin?" Gary asks himself. Hiroshima sits on the couch. "I dreamt about this, but it was a lot sexier!" A few minutes later, Allison is in the other backstage room where Ash surprises her. "Hey!" Allison said. "Are we alone?" Ash asks. "What are you thinking?" Before Allison can get an answer, Ash kisses Allison. "Nobody is around," Ash said. "But, we're at school!" Allison said. "Making out won't hurt us." "Do you need a history lesson?" Ash kisses Allison, and the two quickly take off their shirts. Ash smiles when he sees Allison's pink floral lace bra. "Is this new?" "Yes!" Allison says while smiling. "Lucky me!" Ash said as he passionately kisses her. A person crashes into something. "Who was that?" Allison asks. "No one!" Ash said. The pair kiss some more. Then Ash sees someone with black hair, but he thinks it is a mirror, but he is not sure.
Later that night, Rosé's pool party is in full swing. Rosé's father is the Prime Minister of Crystalopolis, which implies that Rosé thinks she can do whatever she wants-think again. Ash texts Rosé to let her know that she is at the front door, she dashes to the door only to be disappointed. "Hey, Rosé," says. "Hello, Rosé," Allison says. Rosé frowns when she sees Ash with his girlfriend. "Hello, Ashton! Alicinda," Rosé said. "Where do we go?" Ash asks. "What do you mean?" Rosé asks. "You only ask me to come so we can squeeze in some practice for the midterm." "Oh, yeah. We can go to the sundeck. There is a spotlight there. Alicinda can go to the main pool; Daksha is there." Rosé grabs Ash and head for the sundeck. Dawn arrives to greet Allison. "Do you see that?" Dawn asks. "Of course. It was an itsy bitsy teenie weenie yellow polka dot bikini. That the bitch wore for the first time today!" Allison said. "She is trying to make a move on Ash." "She is, but she won't make any progress!" At the lower pool, Hiroshima fantasizes about Gary. She imagines that Gary walked up to her and dragged his pointer finger down her shirt. Then she imagines Gary placing his finger on her lip. "Hiroshima!" Dawn calls out. "Dawn!" Hiroshima snaps out of it. "What are you thinking about?" Dawn asks. "Nothing," Hiroshima answers. "No way. I was calling you for three minutes. Who are you thinking about?" "No one." "Try again!" "Fine! It was a guy. No more information." "Who?" " No one. Can we change the subject matter?" "No. You were drooling." Hiroshima blushes. "I knew it," Yumi said. "You were so distracted!" "No, I wasn't!" Hiroshima said. "The guy must be hot as fuck!" Dawn said. At the same time, Gary grabs a soda pop and thinks about Hiroshima. He recalls seeing her half-naked backstage at school and shakes his head. "Gary! Stop it! Stop dreaming about her!" Meanwhile, Allison finds Aelita sitting by the hot tub. "Hey, what are you thinking about?" "Something Hiroshima said to Jeremy and me earlier." "She told me something. What happened?" Aelita fills Allison in. "Wow!" Allison said. "I know! It was weird, but the thing is, Jeremy and I have been talking about it," Aelita said. "There is no rush." "I know. We wanted to this summer, but we all know what were the many reasons why." "I see. So trust is the issue?" "No. For me, it's changing the dynamic between us. Sex will change us, and I'm scared." "As I said, there is no rush!" Then Jeremy arrives and kisses Aelita. "Hi, Jeremy!" Allison said. "Hey. Where is your other half?" Jeremy asks. "With Rosé. She only asked her to come so she can 'work' him." "Classy! Not!" Jeremy said. "I know. Like this whole party is staged. Look who she invited!" "I know. She invited all of the First and Second Class Knights she likes. She invited Odd and Dexter becasue they are President and Vice President. Ulrich and Gary were invited because they are the Co-Captains on the Football team. Dawn and Yumi are here as their dates. Hiroshima is here becasue is the Astronomy Club. The only person who was not invited was you becasue Rosé doesn't want you here, but if she rejects you, Ash will leave," Aelita said. "What about you two?" Allison asks. "We crashed!" Jeremy said. "And she didn't care!" "I see. Well, Ash won't fall for her shit!" Allison said. On the sundeck, Ash and Rosé practice together, and Rosé moves closer to Ash. She looks Ash in the eye and presses her breast against Ash's chest. Ash closes his eyes and hears Allison shouting Marco. "Marco!" "Polo!" Sajin shouts. "Are they playing Marco Polo?" Ash shouts. "Yeah. Do you want to play?" Cressila asks. "Yes. Thank you!" Rosé gets upset. "Hey!" "Well, you didn't focus anyway!" Ash answers back. He heads for the main pool. Rosé growls. At the pool, Allison is "Marco," and she is trying to tag someone. "Allison hates this game when she is 'Marco,'" Brock said. "I know, but at least she is not getting mad," Ulrich said. Rosé tries to get close to Ash as a way not to get tagged. Ash moves away from her, and Allison hears the water moving. "Tag!" Allison shouts as she tags Rosé. "I don't want to play." "Come on," Dexter said. "We all were 'Marco.'" "It's her party!" Sangharsh said. "Thank you. We should play Twister!" Many party-goers refused. "Do you want to play, Ashton?" Rosé asks. "Not really," Ash said. "I will!" Odd said. Dawn looked at him. "Excuse me?" "Come on! I won the last time!" "Using deadly force!" Ulrich says while laughing. "I'll play then," Ash said. Rosé smiles while Allison shakes her head. "I'll spin the spinner!" Rosé rolls her eyes. As the game progresses, Allison sits on the bench next to Sangharsh. "Why are you not playing?" Allison asks. "With all due respect, I add a lot of tacos," Sangharsh says while laughing. Allison laughs as well, and she holds her chest. Sangharsh bites his lip as he watches Allison's breast jiggle. "Okay, let me spin. It said right hand on yellow." "Okay, where is yellow?" Rosé asks. She sees yellow, but she will have to move her hand under Ash, which she does but not before she accidentally brushes his crotch with her hand. Ash blushes but becomes uncomfortable and falls back. "You're out!" Sangharsh shouts. "Looks like our mighty leader couldn't handle the heat!" Allison gets up and leaves, and Ash follows her. "What the fuck was that?" Odd asks. "What? I had to move to yellow!" Rosé shouts. Odd rolls his eyes.
Allison grabs her bag to leave when Ash stops her. "Allison, are you okay?" "No!" Allison shouts. "I'm sorry that Rosé touched me there. She has been flirting with me." "I know, Ash! I know that she has been a disrespectful, trifling, motherfucking bitch!" "I get it, but don't let her see you get mad!" "Are you telling her that you don't like what she is doing?" "No. I am ignoring her and trying not to ruffle her feathers." "What! You need to tell her to back the fuck off. She needs to hear you so she can get the message!" "I think she knows that I don't want her, like her, or is happy at what she is doing!" "And she is using the fact that you won't tell her anything to make me look like a crazy, jealous girlfriend!" "Allison, we have two more days until our midterm performance. We can work around her!" "So, you are not going to put the bitch in her place?" "Allison-" Before Ash can finish, Allison walks away. "I'm walking you home!" "No!" Ash grabs her. "Yes. I am not letting you leave alone!" Ash demands. Allison complies. When they get to the palace, Gary pushes Ash out the way. "You better not hurt my sister." "But-" Ash starts. "I heard what happened. Don't hurt my sister. Don't get your head in the clouds, and don't be a rockstar!" Gary shouts. Ash walks away. Hiroshima yawns. "I'm going to bed." "Sounds like a plan. I'll think of you in the shower!" Gary said. Hiroshima stops and looks at him. "I mean, I'll sing in the shower. I tend to do that!" Gary blushes and runs down the hall. Hiroshima blushes and smiles. At his home, Ash sits on the bed and thinks about the party. He thinks about what he said about not confronting Rosé. "We fell apart, right from the start!" Ash throws his pillow in anger and wakes up Pikachu. "Pika!" "Sorry! I should call Allison." When he does, she does not answer. "Shit!" Ash lays on his bed and hears his phone-Allison sent him a text message. Hey, sorry about the missed call. I was in the shower. I love you, good night (with a kissing face emoji). Ash smiles and replies. No worries. I love you too. Remember to dream about me (with a heart emoji). Ash smiles but worries about tomorrow. Allison lays on her bed and cries; she doesn't know how to deal with girls like Rosé-LA Girls.