Chapter 6 #3
Besides, Eleanor does notice me. Not that I’m reading anything into that.
She’s cool and pretty sound. She seemed genuinely friendly and pleased for me after my audition just now.
But Tori always has to go and make something of the whole shitshow with her – which is entirely my own fault seeing as I was the one who mentioned Ellie’s name last time.
Obviously, I wasn’t talking about her on the night of the New Year Ball.
And obviously she isn’t the person I want to kiss. Tori knows that. Doesn’t she?
I jump as Mr Acevedo speaks again. ‘Juliet’s Nurse will be played by . . .’ He pauses for a moment here because he’s a sadist. Then he looks up from his notebook. ‘. . . Grace Whitmore.’
Grace squeals quietly and actually hops up and down with excitement.
I have to smile. She deserves it. If it weren’t for Eleanor, I’m pretty sure she’d have been Juliet.
But we’ve got next year’s play to look forward to, when our form will get to shine in the main roles.
This year, the stage belongs to the upper sixth.
To Grace’s joy, Mr Acevedo announces Gideon as Benvolio.
Louis Thompson in the upper sixth is Mercutio, causing some obvious confusion.
In my mind, it had long been settled that he and Eleanor would be the leads.
Mr Acevedo seems to see things differently though.
It’s all up to him. And this means that only the two protagonists are yet to be cast. The realization hits me unexpectedly hard.
Damn. I might only have auditioned for Tori’s sake, but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed being on stage earlier.
I’d never have expected to get such an adrenaline rush as when you’re standing up there, knowing everyone’s listening to you.
That it has an effect on them if I drop all my inhibitions and turn myself inside-out.
And that it does something to me too. Because it did.
Hey-ho. Maybe at least Mr Acevedo will let me be one of the servants or some other walk-on role. And I’ll try again next year.
‘So, we come to the two main roles,’ says Mr Acevedo.
There’s a solemn note in his voice. ‘I can’t exactly say that this was a difficult decision.
So let’s make it quick and painless.’ Eleanor clenches her fists tightly, but God knows whose name will be called if it isn’t hers.
‘Our Juliet will be played by Eleanor Attenborough. Congratulations, Eleanor. You gave me goosebumps.’
The relief escapes Eleanor in a little scream of joy.
Two seconds later, she’s got herself back under control and is smiling her unapproachable Juliet-smile.
I’m smiling too, and the others clap. She’ll rock this, no question.
‘And now, there’s only one role remaining,’ Mr Acevedo declares. ‘Romeo Montague: Charles Sinclair.’
I’m all set to clap again, when I realize that everyone’s eyes are suddenly fixed on me. And then Mr Acevedo’s words make it to my brain.
Hold on . . .
HOLD ON.
I can pretty much feel every scrap of colour draining from my face.
I misheard. I misheard, didn’t I?
‘Yes, Charles, really you,’ says Mr Acevedo, which must mean that the shock is written on my face.
‘Your audition was compelling. You were genuine and you’ve got an incredible stage presence.
And I’m sick of all these neat and tidy Romeos.
Your interpretation was interesting. You’ve got personality.
It’ll be great. We’ll let your hair grow a little for a more rakish touch.
I’ll clear that with your mother.’ He sounds genuinely thrilled, but I’m not sure if he knows what he’s letting himself in for.
I’ve got no idea how to act. I can’t do a thing.
Not a thing. Seriously. Shit, I wanted to play a bloody tree or something, to be close to Tori, not the fucking lead role. Romeo? Me? This has to be a joke . . .
Mr Acevedo is now reassuring the people left over and casting them as servants, townspeople and musicians. I still can’t move. I don’t go over to him until he’s explained when the rehearsals start, dismissed us and packed his notebook into his leather satchel.
‘Sir, I . . .’ My voice is hoarse. He lifts his head. ‘I don’t know if I can do this. Play Romeo, I mean . . . I’ve got no experience at all.’
Mr Acevedo waves this away. ‘Nonsense. You have talent and we’ll winkle the rest out of you by the time of the performance, you’ll see.’
‘I’m in the scriptwriting club,’ I manage to say.
‘Yes, that’s true.’ He eyes me, head on one side.
‘Your fellow scribes won’t like this, but you’re one of us now.
I’m sure they can find someone to stand in for you.
They must see that we need the best for this play.
And that includes you, make no bones about it.
Eleanor and you, you’ll make a breathtaking couple.
’ He claps his hands. ‘And now it’s time to celebrate a little.
Not many actors get the chance to play a great role like Romeo. ’
Yeah, I get that. It’s pretty much the biggest role I can imagine. And nothing that a total beginner like me should be attempting. Shakespeare would be turning in his grave if he got wind of this.
‘Sinclair!’ Eleanor hugs me. ‘Congrats, this is going to be so cool.’
Help, she’s genuinely pleased. She doesn’t look at all fazed that it’s me playing Romeo and not Louis in her form. Or Terry, who got stuck with Tybalt.
‘Thanks,’ I mumble. ‘Congratulations to you too.’
She smiles. ‘We’ve got this, OK? Don’t worry about the fact that you haven’t acted before.’
I force a confident smile. To my surprise, Louis gives me a friendly clap on the shoulder. ‘Well done, mate.’ He sounds unexpectedly cheerful.
‘Sorry,’ I say, on instinct. Louis might hang around with Valentine Ward sometimes, but he’s actually all right. I can respect him. Unlike Valentine. ‘I thought you’d be Romeo. I didn’t want—’
‘Hey, relax,’ he says cheerily. ‘To be honest, so did I, but Mr Acevedo’s the boss. There’s some kind of chemistry between you and El, no denying it. And Mercutio’s a cooler role, to be fair.’
I make an effort to smile, but the corners of my mouth are aching.
‘And we get to fight a duel! Awesome, huh?’
I nod, but not very enthusiastically. Louis is in the fencing club. And so’s Terry, thinking about it. I have to fight him too, don’t I? Fuck, I’ve forgotten half this stupid play already. All I know is that it doesn’t turn out too well for me. How ironic.
I congratulate Grace and Gideon, who are looking really happy and excited. I honestly wish I felt that way too. But all I feel is panic. Which tips slowly over into defiance as I look over the rows of seats straight into Tori’s incredulous face as she shakes her head, turns and leaves.