Chapter 55: School Play

I think anyone who knows me well, knows that I'm no actress (nor would I ever want to be); I'm a writer.

Even then, I don't like sharing my talent. Why do you think I sign my work anonymously? Even though that doesn't stop 'Mr. Special' from reading my work aloud in class. Freak!

Well, if you really want something in life, you have to be willing to make a few sacrifices. In my case here, it was acting.

Sitting in class one morning, Simmons decided the best way to make himself look good, would be by using us to perform the 'special' play Romeo and Juliet.

I sat there daydreaming, wondering if Arnold would ever feel the type of passion for me (let alone any) that Romeo felt for Juliet.

Knowing it wasn't going to be happening any time soon, I felt no need to go against my interests, and try out for an activity I had no interest for.

That is, until I had a beneficial reason…

"I just heard Arnold's going to play Romeo!"

"Not a bad choice. If Juliet HAS to kiss a boy, it could be worse."

As I sat privately in the bathroom, listening to the girls go on about their callbacks, I started having second thoughts about this whole 'acting' thing.

What better way to express my love without Arnold than it was actual love I felt for him?

"I'm here for the call backs of Juliet!"

"Well Helga I appreciate the sudden interest, so I'm awarding you the position of fourth understudy."

"So what you're saying is, if they all back out, then I'm Juliet?"

My commitment to be with Arnold didn't make me hesitate to take care of those clowns one by one.

First was Princess. Granted I don't know how to sew, but that just made it all the more perfect in this case.

"There is no way I'm wearing that pathetic excuse for a frock in front of people!"

Needless to say, that took care of her.

Sheena was the easiest sap. She heard Simmons say in class that where was plenty of action in the play, but she auditioned for it?

Then all I had to do was remind her of it

"And then she takes this big, sharp, rusty dagger, holds it high above her head, and… blah! Oh it's great, real bloody violent stuff."

Pheebs was my next victim. As much as I appreciate her friendship, I couldn't let this opportunity with Arnold pass me by.

"What if you were suddenly attacked with an acute fear of stage fright, and your glasses fall off, and…"

After Simmons having to disappointedly announce the next day that it was once again going to be a new Juliet role, I thought 'Little Ms. Perfect' would be a piece of cake.

Unfortunately, every idea I had previously had to get rid of the other competitors just gave her a reason to outsmart me. What is she looking to do when she grows up; become a lawyer? Criminy!

The only way she was willing to give up the part was if I had an actual reason to play Juliet. Like she has nothing better to do than but into my business.

"It isn't by any chance because you like Arnold is it? Because if you wanted to kiss him or something, I sure could understand that. I guess I'd think it was just ever so sweet."

"Strictly hypothetically speaking, if I told you I liked Arnold, would you swear never to tell a soul about it? And would you also understand if you spilled the beans to anyone, that I would strangle you with my bare hands?!"

Well, it wasn't easy to get the words out, but my mission was accomplished! All that was left to do was learn my lines for the entire play in one night…

"Lady, by yonder blessed moon I vow. Oh brother!"

Obviously, Bob wasn't thrilled about helping me, but he deserves a few points. Not only for being willing to help me all night with that, but for actually showing up to the play.

Since when is Miriam sober and he willing to show sensitivity?

Well, it didn't matter how it happened. All that mattered to me is that is was happening.

When that final scene came (the first time I EVER kissed Arnold), I couldn't let him go. Yet, I didn't care what anyone thought of me for doing it. Hey, it was a play. Blame the character, not me.

When will my next kiss with him be? Only time will tell.