Also my parents had nothing to worry about, since all I was really into was the singing turtle this particular production of Cinderella had added for a bit of levity. I didn’t like the Cinderella songs and I thought the prince was rude and not a good dancer.

But still. I loved the theater. I begged to go back the next day I loved it so much.

I memorized the turtle song and sang it during breakfast for a month.

Theater is magic and bright lights and people being big and bold and entertaining.

Truly what’s not to love?

“What kind of plays does Greenville High usually do?” I asked with entirely faux chill.

“Mostly we do Our Town,” Berry said, flipping through her textbook.

“Our Town’s not so bad.”

“It’s like ancient history and everyone in the town has seen it like a million times.” Berry sighed. “But yeah, it’s okay.”

“It has a lot of parts,” I said.

“I guess. Mr. Davidson took over like two years ago, and I know he’s kind of dying to mix it up. But you know, Greenville. There was a rumor he was going to do Grease a few years ago and the soccer moms lost their minds. And then Lynde stepped in and they did Sound of Music instead.”

“Davidson wants to do Grea se?!”

I was freaking out.

“All right.” Mr. Davidson pivoted and gave his vest of the day, which was a navy-blue corduroy number, a sharp tug. “Let’s get this poetry started.”

Only I laughed.

On my way out of class, I very very casually paused to take a closer look at the audition list. There were four names on the list already, at the very top, Gilly Henderson and Sarah Pye, with Tanner’s and John’s names written in the same pen and handwriting underneath.

Beside me, Berry peeked at the list, unsurprised. “Yeah. It used to be Mark Spencer, who’s Tanner’s cousin, and his girlfriend, Katie, were the leads every year, but they graduated last year. They were the town actors. And they were both Forevers.”

I turned and started speed-walking away from the tempting list. Berry followed.

“So it’s a question of who’s gonna take up the torch?” I asked.

“I’m guessing Sarah’s thinking she’s getting Katie’s spot. Like, all her social media profile photos are headshots she got at the mall.”

“Huh.”

“Unless.” Berry stopped and grabbed my arm, suddenly glowing. “Would you sign up?”

A few feet behind us, Gilly and Sarah stood in the doorway to English class. Noticing me. Looking at me.

But possibly, I thought, because of the power of the white shirt, they turned and walked away.

School. Play.