The casting sheet for Grease will be posted on the corkboard in the basement “before the end of school today.” That timeline is too vague for my nerves, which are wrecked from anticipation. Everyone is in the same boat—you can feel it in the air, see it on people’s faces, and it’s the only topic of conversation in the halls. There’s no need to wait by the corkboard; someone will post a picture and it will be widely shared instantly.

Last night was torture. I had a pile of homework but couldn’t concentrate on anything but Grease. Instead of writing a paper on World War II, I texted Elijah—who isn’t worried at all—paced around my room replaying the audition in my head, texted more, looked at everyone’s posts, then texted some more. I would hear gossip from Anna via Elijah. And I didn’t hear anything from Yazmin. Bad sign.

I haven’t paid attention at all today, but improv class is a welcome distraction. We’re learning how to incorporate audience participation. Our teacher, Ms. Jackson, is the funniest person in the building. She worked at Upright Citizens Brigade and even tried out for Saturday Night Live.

There’s a group onstage doing a scene when my pocket vibrates. There’s only one reason I’m getting a text now. The casting sheet is up. I wiggle the phone out of my pocket, hands shaking, and keep it under my desk. I feel sick to my stomach. The class laughs, I have no idea at what, but I fake laugh with them so it seems like I’m listening. It’s a text from Elijah. I scan the picture of the casting sheet and see:

RIZZO: August Greene.

There’s my name. I’m in Grease. I’m Rizzo. I want to jump out of my desk and run around the room. My head feels like it’s about to pop off. Instead, I drop my phone—the thud thud thud getting the attention of the entire class. Ms. Jackson clears her throat in a way that means put that phone away. When everyone turns back to the stage, I pick up my phone and hold it between my legs for the rest of the skit. We clap and the bell rings.

“That’s it, gang,” Ms. Jackson says. “I think there’s something on the Theater Announcements wall you might want to check out.”

Everyone gets up and heads out, some already checking their phones. I stay in my seat and read the names. Elijah as Danny, Kelsey Whitton as Sandy, Jamaal Jones as Kenickie, me as Rizzo. Yazmin in the ensemble. I feel bad, but I need to do what’s best for me.