When Auriana finally got home on Friday she went straight to her room. She'd hung out with Talia and Iris for a bit longer as they discussed their experiences at the new school.

She was thankful that her homework was done because now she had time to read through the script. The meeting had been lingering in her mind for hours, but was it just because of the script?

Why do you want to talk to me?

Right. That was the question that stayed in her thoughts. Why did she want to talk to Mephisto? She'd only seen him twice, but both times she saw something awfully familar. Before she'd met Talia- and later Iris and Nathaniel- Auriana was shy and quiet. It was miserable sitting and working alone when everyone around her assumed she just enjoyed being by herself. Mephisto seemed stuck in the same boat, and she didn't want to leave him there. Except she was mistaken, as he made it clear that talking to her was uncomfortable. So, as much as she wanted to talk to him again, she wasn't going to overstep her boundaries.

Finally getting back to the script, Auriana opened the booklet and began to read the first pages of Peter and Wendy. She managed to finish within an hour. When she was done, she saw there were still more pages attached to the script.

Huh, what's this?

She looked through the pages and saw a multitude of costume designs for the play. Her eyes lit up as an idea sparked. She ran out of the room and went to her mom's sewing machine. This was gonna be great.

~~

The following week, Mephisto still hadn't found the courage to talk to Auriana during their class. If nothing else, he wanted to apologize for pushing her away the other day. Math was difficult enough for him anyways, and sitting directly behind Auriana only served to distract him by reminding him of his bizarre outburst.

Once again, before he could decide the bell rang and off she went. As Mephisto was putting his stuff in his bag, Mr. Gramorr asked to speak with him.

"I understand the year just began, so your grades right now aren't definitive. However, after having you last year, I'm familiar with your work as a student. You managed to pass that class with a C, but this is a more advanced course. I've graded the pop quizzes from yesterday, and you scored a 12 out of 30."

Mephisto winced; he'd always gotten pretty low marks in math, so really he should be used to hearing this. But everytime he felt like failing all over again.

"As your teacher, it's my responsibility to inform and assist you in whatever I may notice. However, as a student, you need to inform me of whatever is going on in order for me to help you. Is there something specific about the lesson you don't understand?"

All of it? Can I tell him that? None of these graphs and equations meant anything to me. I was just guessing random answers and hoping for the best. What is the lesson even about?

Instead, he avoided the questions altogether, "No sir, I've just been distracted lately."

"That's all?"

"Yes sir."

Gramorr sighed, "Very well, I suppose it's none of my business. I advise you be honest with yourself at least, or you won't get anywhere in this class. You may go now."

With that Mephisto took off to his next class. Mr. Gramorr's words ringing in his ears,

I advise you be honest with yourself at least.

Pssh, what does he know.

~~

At practice that afternoon, Mephisto took a seat in front of the stage. He wasn't going to be audtioning like the other members, but since he needed to wait for Praxina anyway, he may as well watch the performances.

Those audtioning were lined up on the side of the stage and out the door.

When Praxina was done, he got up to go to the water fountain. The line was packed to the door and outside was Auriana reading over her script. The water fountain directly next to her.

She probably hasn't seen me yet. I could still walk back in.

He stepped out into the hallway and made his way towards the fountain until he was directly in front of it- and consequentley right next to Auriana. She glanced up at him, then went back to her script.

He let out a sigh, "I'm sorry, for telling you off the other day. You were just trying to be friendly, and I acted like a jerk for no good reason." Mephisto was facing straight ahead at the wall as he said it, not sure how to face her. Auriana looked up, surprised that he was talking to her.

"If you really wanted me to back off, that's not 'no good reason.' I overstep my boundaries a lot. Talia always has to remind me."

He turned towards Auriana, but kept his eyes at the ground as he spoke. "Well, you were right I could use a friend, that is- if you're still okay with that.

"Really?" Before she could give a real answer, the line had moved up and Ms. Laura called from inside, "Next!"

He gave her a nod, and Auriana walked through the doors.

She looked very at ease and gave a really silly performance. Mephisto found himself chuckling as she crouch-walked around the stage, made faces, and changed her voive to match. It wasn't very good, but there was some other quality that made it really special. When it was over, he noticed Praxina calling him to leave. As the two walked out, he gave a thumbs up. She must've seen because she waved back.

The smile on her face was answer enough.