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"So how long have you been dating?" Shelby Cook ran up to me as the bell rang, a pen and notepad poised in her hand. I roll my eyes as I gather my things. "We are not dating, Shelby." I reply. I had gotten at least 10 people questioning our relationship, and the last thing I need was the editor the school newspaper spilling our rumors of a love life that didn't exist.
Shelby's dark eyes narrow and her mouth forms a pout. "You didn't need to snap" She stuffs her pen and paper into her bag. Before I could say "I'm sorry" she had already gone for the door. I sighed. After 3 class periods, I was already exhausted and back into my irritated mood I had fought off earlier in the morning. But now was my lunch period and I was ready to chill for a bit. I make my way through the crowded halls to my locker and toss my books inside, slamming the door harder than I probably should have.
"Stressed?" Maggie threw her arm around my shoulder, a smirk gracing her face. "You heard?" I raise my eyebrows. She nods, leaning her head against mine as I groan. She squeezes my shoulder. "It'll all blow over, I promise. Let's go grab some lunch" I offer a weak smile as she steers me in the direction of the cafeteria.
We are able to find empty picnic table beneath the shade of a huge tree. Mostly all the outside tables were full since it was such a gorgeous day out. We set down our lunch and dig in, not speaking for several moments. Maggie watches me, concern written on her face. "You okay?" I nod, waving a plastic fork in the air as I spoke. "It'll blow over, just like you said, right?" She leans closer to me, her small hand gripping mine. "I know you better than that. You're not okay. Spill" Her eyes challenge me to lie again, brush things off, but I know better than to keep things from my best friend since preschool.
I sigh, no longer able to hold in my swirling emotions "Why the heck did he kiss me? I mean, it wasn't a major kiss, but he still did it! In front of everyone. If he really, truly was interested in me, he could just tell me. He wouldn't have to be all over me all the time. Calling me 'babe' and pretending he was the greatest thing to walk the earth. Just because he has money doesn't mean he can act like that towards me. Sure, he's good looking, but that isn't all I want in a man" I rest my head on my fist, sighing once more.
Across the table, I see Maggie with a smile on her face, nodding. "What?" I ask, clearly perplexed. "That's what I thought" She replies. " I knew you had more to say. Kirsten, this is what I'm here for, someone to vent to in a girls time of need." She gives my hand another squeeze. "And I don't know where I'd be without you." I grin. She thinks for a second, tapping her chin. "Oh I don't know, probably crying in a bathroom somewhere, wishing your life was over" She smirks. We both giggle, finishing our lunch in peace.
I had finally made it to the end of my day, just one more period to go. Choir! The best class in the entire world. I sat in the room, my earbuds in, preparing myself for one final period. I hadn't gotten anyone come up to me in the second part of my day, thank heaven. I don't know how much more I could take. Rolando Villazon's rendition of "O Sole Mio" started, his warm tenor relaxing away the pressures of the day. Finally, my mood was starting to become better.
Mrs. Admick played a few chords on her piano, announcing the start of class. I power down my iPod, stuffing it in my purse. We all stand, singing through warm ups. I breath deeply, feeling my diaphragm expand, and then giving support to the notes. Singing was a therapeutic time for me. I relax into the simple scales, smiling to myself. "This is the best part of my day". Suddenly the door bursts open, bring everyone's attention to a very tall, slim, red-headed girl and a taller guy beside her, the same red hair spiked with gel. Charlotte and Ian Paul. "Good mood gone" I think, my heart dropping. Charlotte waltzes in, her brother Ian at her heels. "Sorry we're laaaaaate" She says, her annoying twangy voice sets my teeth on edge. Her designer pumps click on the floor as she makes her way to her seat. Paul tosses a tardy sheet at Mrs. Amick before takes his seat as well.
Charlotte and Ian Paul moved here from Tennessee at the start of high school. Ever since, the brother and sister duo have been the stars of every concert, musical, and competition our school has done. And they don't have the greatest of voices, but they aren't bad. I just get sick of hearing them all the time. No one ever dares to try and make things fair, because Charlotte goes into a rage of epic proportions. And trust me, you don't wanna see that! Ian is pretty much her slave, carrying her books, doing her homework and even writing her term papers. Her father owns an oil plant, so they pretty much have more money than you can imagine.
"Well class" Mrs. Amick continues "I've decided on our spring musical. It will be The Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloydd Webber." Everyone groans, but it takes every ounce of my power not to jump out of my chair, scream, cry, or do all three. A few tears welled up, "Phantom will grace our stage" I couldn't imagine how amazing that would be. I wiped at my eyes, whispering "Good mood back". For some reason, my eyes find Charlotte. I am determined to not let the prized role of Christine be ruined by her gaudy soprano. Christine was a fragile role and I refused to see it be spoiled. "Auditions are in two weeks. Prepare 16 bars of music." Mrs. Amick's voice breaks my thoughts. I sighed. Phantom was coming to Clearwater.
For those of you who have not heard of him Rolando Villazon is an AMAZING operatic tenor. Check him out! And review, review, review! Thanks so much for all the support!