Elijah and I zombie-walk to the subway. We hardly speak—all the words have been spoken or sung. I’m ready to collapse. My legs are tired, my vocal cords are spent, my body is done. I want a long shower and a warm bed. I wish I had a teleportation device because sometimes taking the subway is such a bummer.

Elijah picks a greasy McDonald’s bag off the ground and throws it in the trash. He’s always trying to make the world better. “What was the deal with Meena?” he asks.

“Her parents are getting divorced,” I say.

He shoots me a look. “Her parents have been divorced.”

“She was hurt we didn’t invite her to Old John’s,” I say, revealing part of the truth.

“Crap,” he says.

We arrive at the subway station. “You coming?” I ask.

“Actually,” Elijah says with a mischievous smile, “I’m going over to Duncan’s place for a little hang.”

I shake my head. “I think you like the drama.”

“Who, me?” Elijah asks, smirking.

10:59 P.M.

After a long and hot shower—washing the day off—I’m headed to my room with two pepperoni slices from the pizzeria on our block. I wanted three, but Rizzo has tight costumes.

Aunt Lil’s studio light is on. I thought she would be with Davina tonight. I peek in, expecting to see her painting, but it’s a sadder scene. She’s hunched over her table, empty wine bottle nearby, reading letters. She doesn’t see me. I duck out to go eat my pizza in bed and think about how to help her.

Fifteen

Fifteen

Tuesday, October 15

4:50 P.M.

Tomorrow is opening night.

At this point, I’m no longer a human, more a walking, talking ball of nervous energy.

This is our last rehearsal, but I could use three more. I’m not confident about entries, exits, props, or blocking. Got to remember my quick changes, choreography, songs, lines . . . It’s endless.

“Are you nervous?” Kelsey whispers. We’re in the wings waiting for the next scene.

“Not at all,” I say, because the Infamous AG wouldn’t be nervous.

“Really?” she asks. “I’m practically about to die from nerves.”

“You’ll be great,” I assure her.

She plays with her earring. “I really admire you, August. You walked into this school and fit right in. I would be a mess, and you just came in here like no problem. That’s cool.”

I look at Kelsey, surprised by her compliment. She’s one of the most popular and talented seniors at this school. “Thank you,” I say, and give her a hug.

“Are you ready, Mr. Greene?” Mr. Daniels asks over the speakers.

“Let’s do this,” I say, heading toward my limelight.