Hello everyone! Sorry I haven't updated lately. I've been trying to focus most of my energy on school so I can get a good grade on my report card next quarter. But either way please enjoy!

"You got the lead!" Kat said. "That's a good thing!"

We were back in our dorm and she was sitting on her bed while I paced the length of the room. I was trying to think of a way to get out of this. Even if it meant getting kicked out, there was no way I was going to kiss Peter.

"No it is not a good thing!" I cried.

"Just because you have to kiss a guy you don't like?" she asked exasperated. "You worked so hard to get it and now you're just going to quit because of some jerk?"

"Yes," I deadpanned.

"Just because you kiss him, doesn't mean it's real! You're acting!"

"It doesn't matter, I—"

A loud bang came from our door. Someone knocked loudly and angrily.

Kat got up and quickly opened the door. Peter stormed in past her.

"Get out of my room, Peter, I'm thinking," I growled.

"Stop thinking. We need to talk," he growled right back.

"What do you want?"

Kat, feeling the tension in the room, said, "I'm gonna go find Ethan."

She quickly ran out of the room, closing the door behind her.

"It's more what I don't want. I don't want to lead with you in the play. I don't want to pretend to be in love with you because I hate you. And I definitely don't want to kiss you," Peter said angrily.

"Believe me, I feel the same way," I said. "That's why I'm thinking."

He looked confused.

I huffed, "I'm thinking of a way to quit the play. So you can stop whining, I'm already on it."

"Good," he said. "I'd rather kiss anyone in this whole school than you. Even Christina."

"That's nice, now get out," I said and began pacing again.

"Try not to do that too much; you'll get footprints on your floor. Already happened to mine," Peter advised as he left.

I shook my head and closed the door once he was gone.

Now how should I quit? I thought.

Should I just go up to Eric and tell him I didn't want to be the lead. No, he wouldn't let me. I shuddered at the thought of Eric's piercing stare. No pun intended. Maybe I could ask Four. He seemed nice. Or maybe Zeke. He seemed like one of those people who tried to make you comfortable no matter what. Not sure about Lauren though. She seemed pretty tough.

A knock sounded at my door. It was much softer than Peter's had been. I opened the door and saw Christina and Will standing there.

"Good job," Will congratulated. "You get to smooch a maniac."

"Not for long," I said as they came in. "I'm quitting."

"What?" Christina said. "But you got the lead!"

"I know. But I don't want it."

"I know it's pretty horrid to think about but it's not real and it'll be over in five seconds," she said.

"Why are you trying to convince me to do this? You were the one telling me how bad Peter was and how much you hated him," I reminded her.

"Yeah, but this is a play not real life," she said. "On stage, he isn't Peter Hayes. He's Matthew McVance."

"Easy for you to say! You don't have to pretend to be his girlfriend or lover or whatever!"

"Tris, I barely have to do anything," she said. "I got Stage Crew."

"Yeah, Tris," Will said. "You shouldn't be complaining. You'll end up in Divergent for sure now while I'm stuck with lighting."

I sighed, "I know I sound really selfish and bratty right now, but I'd rather be doing makeup or set design."

"I know," Christina said. "But it is what it is. You get what you get and you don't get upset."

"Tell that to Peter," I muttered.

"Screw him," she said, hugging me to her side.

"I'd really rather not."

She rolled her eyes and said, "What did he do?"

"Well he came over here in a fit of anger and basically told me I repulse him," I recounted.

"What?" Will said. "I should kick his ass."

Christina nodded, "You should."

"Don't," I said. "I was exaggerating. He didn't tell me that literally."

Will took that into consideration and said, "I should kick his ass anyways."

I was on my phone in Pansycakes, checking a news update when I heard, "Hey, Bea!"

I looked up and saw Sue smiling down at me.

"How's it going?" she asked and sat down across from me. We were sitting next to the window and watching people walk by.

"Not too good," I said glumly.

"What's wrong?"

"I got the lead for the play."

"Bea! That's awesome!" Sue exclaimed. "Why are you upset about that?"

"The male lead is a guy I despise and I have to kiss him," I huffed. "I don't feel like talking about it. I've already been through this with my friend Christina."

"Why don't you give it a try? Trying never hurt anyone," she suggested. "And it's not like you'll kiss the first time you rehearse."

"I know but—"

"No buts!" Susan interrupted. "Just give it a shot. And if next Friday, you're still totally disgusted by him and don't want to play whatever your character's name is, then quit."

"Her name is Jessica Morrison," I said. "And you're right. I'll tough it out until next week and see how I feel about it then.

"There you go," she smiled and sipped her coffee. Almost as soon, she gasping and pulling it away whispering "Hot!"

So? Like? Love? Hate? Let me know! As always: leave a comment of niceness, criticism, or character request! And while you're at it, check out my new-ish story called It's Kind Of A Long Story. Love you all!