When Noll arrived home, dinner was already on the table, and his family all gathered in the kitchen.
"Oh Noll I heard you joined theatre class," his mother said as he sat down. The boy shot a furious glance at his brother who was trying very hard not to burst out laughing.
"Yes, I did."
"That's wonderful! It's great for you to try different things, I'm glad!" Luella clapped.
Noll turned his attention to his food, finishing his dinner first.
"Thanks for the food, I'm going to my room," he said getting up.
"Won't you stay and tell us about your first day at theatre class?" His mother asked.
"Let him go mother…he has many lines to learn for his next play…" Eugene smiled innocently.
Noll rolled his eyes. He will think of something to get back to his brother.
The next theatre class was on Wednesday. Unlike Monday, Noll wasn't the first to arrive. Instead, he entered the theatre to find Mai, alone, sitting on one of the chairs and reading a book.
He silently made his way to the front, putting his backpack on the same chair he sat on last time, scarring Mai in the process.
"Do you even know how to say hello?" She asked, shutting her book, not before he got a glance at the title.
The Da Vinci Code
At least she has good taste…
Noll didn't answer.
"Why did you join the class," she asked, this time calm and collected.
"Is there a rule somewhere that says I can't?"
"No, no, of course not. I'm just surprised. You don't seem the type."
Noll felt curiosity in her voice. She didn't seem as furious as before.
"People need to try new things to gain knowledge, don't they?" He asked and Mai didn't get to answer as Bou-san entered, alongside the others.
"This is a big day! I prepared the best play for us!" The professor said as the rest of the class sat down. They all buzzed with excitement.
"We're gonna do a reinterpretation of Pride and Prejudice!"
I'm fucked.
The girls were ecstatic.
"I love Pride and Prejudice!" Nao exclaimed happily. "It's my favourite book!"
Even Yasuhara looked happy. Everyone did. Everyone except Noll.
He had read Pride and Prejudice only because his Literature teacher made them do it. He was not fond of romance books. He would rather read some scientific nonfiction or thrillers. And even if Pride and Prejudice was one of the better romance books he had to read during his lifetime, it still didn't sound like a play he wanted to take part in. Yet competitive Noll didn't step down from a challenge even if it meant making a fool of himself.
This will be interesting….
"As usual, we will discuss and vote on what cast I had in mind," Bou-san said, taking the script out of his backpack. "First, for one of our first main characters, Elizabeth Bennet, the lovely, intelligent and quick-witted second daughter of the Bennett family. I think this character best suits Mai."
Mai was surprised, but Noll could see happiness on her face. Everyone seemed to agree on the decision.
"Next, for prideful, but charming Mister Darcy," the professor continued, adding a note of suspense. There were only 5 boys in the class and Noll guessed that Yasu would probably be the one to get the roll, taking into consideration all facts.
I will probably get a minor role, probably Mister Collins or Wilham.
"Mister Darcy will be Oliver."
"Me?!"
"Him?!"
Noll and Mai shouted simultaneously, as Yasu started laughing hysterically.
"Yep, you would make a fantastic Mister Darcy!"
"Him?! Professor,sorry, but I object! Mister Darcy is actually charming and doesn't suck the life out of his classmates or call them names every time he gets the chance! He is not a good Darcy"
"I can't believe I'm agreeing with Mai, but she's right. I am a rookie, I should probably get a small role."
Bou-san smirked.
"And that is exactly what I want to see from our Elizabeth and Darcy. Tell me you don't see the similarities," the professor asked the rest of the class, not paying attention to the two infuriated teenagers.
"I totally agree with you prof, they already got into character," Yasu said, still laughing.
"Me too," Masako said, hiding a small smile under the sleeve of her long blouse.
"What can I say kids, it seems we have our two main characters!"
"How was class today? I heard you got the leading part, I can't believe my brother is such a great actor!" Eugene said that night leaning against the doorframe of Noll's room.
Noll didn't even glance up from his book.
"Look, sorry if it all crossed the line…I thought it would be a fun little prank."
"Your idea of a prank is really not funny. Because of you, I'm now wasting my time memorizing an entire script and try not to mess up an entire play because you found the perfect actor in the whole school to play this part."
He was furious. Fuming.
"Come on, it would be fun! It's Mister Darcy. It's going to be easy for you. Plus, your co-star Mai, is an amazing actress. Unlike you, I've actually seen her act before. Talk with her, she'll help you."
Noll was at his limit. He shut the book and got up from his armchair.
"I will do as I see fit. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have homework to solve," he said, shutting the door directly into Gene's nose.