But Reid took on the role of Moritz, knowing we don’t have an understudy. He said he’d do it. He made a commitment to the show, a commitment to act and deliver a performance, to be more than my codirector. He has been delivering. Rehearsals have been on the upswing. Reid nails every scene. Reid listens to my notes. But why, if he was totally prepared to screw this show, our show, over?

It makes sense now. His hesitation before agreeing to play Moritz. The evasiveness every time I tried to talk about the Albany Institute. I asked him, explicitly, when the in-person auditions would be. He said, I don’t know. Why would he say that unless he knew that if he had an audition, it would conflict with Melted? He knew! He knew and he didn’t care. He didn’t—

My phone buzzes.

Reid Callahan

and break! any mail today?

3:22 PM

I ignore it because my thoughts are spiraling.

And they land on this: Reid never cared if Melted happened. He used my play as a muse to create great music, amazing music for his Albany audition. I helped him get here. He acted like he cared about something other than clarinet, but he was just… using me and Melted. But… I’m stuck on the band piece, the music stakes, my dad. Does all of that mean nothing to Reid? So long as he sets himself up for musical success?

I think of Reid and Madeline, not caring that he ruined our friendship in the process. Dad telling Reid there’s always next year, even though that would mean unseating me. All these buried memories resurface and—

I am so stupid.

And now—what about Melted? The show is in three weeks! Tickets are on sale! It’s too late to do anything except let Reid ruin us.

Tears spring to my eyes and shit, I hate how much this hurts.

I hate that I’ve given him the ability to hurt me.

I rip the letter in half.

Rip the halves in half.

Stuff the quarters of Reid’s future back into its envelope. Then rip the envelope in half for good measure. I run upstairs to my room, taking the pieces of Reid’s future and burying them at the bottom of my desk drawer, where Reid will never find them.

Only then do I text him back.

nope

2:27 PM

I have worked too hard on this musical.

The entire future of the arts at LHS depends on this musical.

Reid would bail on Melted for this audition. I know he would. It’s a spot at one of the most prestigious summer programs. His conservatory application with Albany on his resume would be a lock. It’d be a no-brainer.