Serena walked into the theater. It was beautiful. There was a huge red and silk curtain, the seats were soft, and the balconies were decorated by purple with satin sheets hanging over the sides. Serena’s breath caught. Serena loved the Theater. Auditions were held 3 months before and she had got the part of Juliet. She loved the play she had starred in. Romeo and Juliet, it was the most romantic and dramatic story in the world. Now she was going to play the lead. Well, one of them any ways. It was her dream come true. She already memorized Juliet’s lines, every single one of them up to her movement. The Director was nearly knocked off his chair when she read the lines perfectly without a script.
~Flashback~
Serena walked into the theater. She had been in there so many times before she knew every inch of it. She walked to the person sitting at a table covered by a white table - cloth. She signed her name on a piece of paper and walked to the stage to wait in line. The line was long. Slowly her confidence started to shred. She was standing behind a girl with red curly hair. The girl was wearing globes of makeup and a tight short dress.
“I just know I’m getting the part. I mean why wouldn’t I? I’m gorgeous, have a great body and am so popular. Nobody else is even close to standing a chance.”
She turned and looked at Serena from head to toe. A disgusted look crossed her “fake” features.
“Why are you here? To play the part of the nurse?”
All her little “groupies” started to giggle. The girl let out a laugh and continued to gossip to her friends. Tears welled up in Serena’s eyes, but she kept the wail inside. She wanted the part sooooooo much. She just stood in line and listened to the girls gossip.
“I heard that this MAJORLY handsome guy is trying out for Romeo. Oooh. I can’t wait to meet him!”
Serena smiled.
* Wait ‘till mom finds out I got the part. Well, if and when I get the part. Oh I hope I do. (sigh) I love this play. It is sooo romantic. *
After an hour it was finally time for Serena to try out. She walked on stage and looked at the director who was sitting in the audience. She heard some giggles and turned her head. The girl that laughed at her was standing by the side of the stage leaning on it. She nervously started to begin. The director stopped her right in the middle of the first word.
“Excuse me, but don’t you need a script?”
“Oh, no. I already have it memorized.”
The director looked at his clip - board and wrote something down. He was clearly impressed. He looked at Serena.
“Please Begin Miss.”
Serena walked to the middle of the stage.
“JULIET: Ay me! Romeo, O Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo? Deny thy father and refuse thy name; Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, And I'll no longer be a Capulet. 'Tis but thy name that is my enemy; Thou art thyself, though not a Montague. What's Montague? it is nor hand, nor foot, Nor arm, nor face, nor any other part Belonging to a man. O, be some other name! What's in a name? that which we call a rose By any other word would smell as sweet; So Romeo would, were he not Romeo call'd, Retain that dear perfection which he owes Without that title. O Romeo, doff thy name, And for that name which is no part of thee Take all myself.”
She walked around the stage. Emphasizing the words as she spoke. Putting in passion, and looking as though she was truly in love. The Director was astounded. When she was through he stood up and applauded. He hopped over five rows and ran to Serena. He shook her hand vigorously.
“That, that, was Beautiful! Never have I seen such passion or movement! We’ve found our Juliet!”
Serena smiled a shy smile at her appraisal.
“Rehearsal starts Friday at 8:00.”
Serena cringed at the thought of waking up early. She smiled at the Director and took her leave. When she got out of the Theater she leaned against the wall and smile to the sky. She didn’t realize she was being watched. She was knocked out of her thoughts by the sound of a voice.
“You may think you are hot stuff because you got the role. Just watch out you don’t get cocky.”
The girl gave her a dirty look then walked away. Serena stared blankly at her retreating form. She looked around for any one who saw what occurred, but shrugged her shoulders and started to walk. She was in a great mood and wanted to tell Andrew all about it. If Darien were there she would gloat right in front of him. She walked down the side - walk bouncing like a little Bunny. She came to the Crown Game Center and walked happily in. A big grin spread across her face. She scanned the Arcade for Darien and found him sitting at the counter talking to Andrew. She casually walked over to them and quietly took a seat next to Darien.
“Hi Serena! What will it be?”
Andrew flashed her a smile.
“A hot fudge Sundae!”
“Yeah like you need it Meatball Head.”
Darien said with a smirk. Serena glared at him.
“I’m celebrating.”
Andrew looked confused.
“Celebrating what Serena?”
“Probably got more than a 50% on a test.”
Serena glared at Darien even harder but turned her attention to Andrew.
“Actually…. Have you heard of the production of Romeo and Juliet?”
“Yeah. It’s playing at the Theater down the street.”
“Well, IgotthepartofJuliet.”
Andrew and Darien looked at Serena. Andrew was the first to recover from the shock.
“That’s great Serena! I’m so proud of you!”
Darien just looked at her eyes wide, mouth gaping open. He was starting to scare Serena.
“Uh Darien?”
Serena waved her arms in front of his face. He blinked then looked back at his coffee. He smiled.
“Good job Serena. I’m sure you would make a great Juliet.”
He got off his stool and walked out of the arcade. Serena stared after him. Andrew looked like Darien grew a tail; four heads, and claws. Serena did something she would never forget. She got off her stool and ran after Darien. He was on his way to the park. She jogged behind him and finally caught up when he reached the park. She had jogged slowly so she wouldn’t have a klutz attack. She did not want him to laugh at her. She ran in front of him and put her hands on his chest to stop him. He looked at her confused as she tried to catch her breath.
“Hold it mister! Where do you think you are going!”
Darien looked at her like she was crazy.
“Well, Meatball Head if you must know I was going to the park.”
“Don’t call me Meatball Head! I just want to know why you said that to me?”
“I was trying to be nice. Is that a crime?”
“No you just scared me out of my wits.”
Darien let out a chuckle.
“Don’t even say it Darien.”
“Well, I’m just happy for you that’s all.”
He moved past her and continued down the path. Serena ran in front of him again.
“But, why?”
Darien looked at her. Her earnest eyes seeking an answer.
* Should I tell her? Will she believe me? Or will she laugh at my heart? *
Darien moved past her again and kept walking. Serena stood in her place looking at the ground.
* I can’t believe what I think I just saw. *
She ran after Darien and yelled his name. He let out an annoyed sigh and turned around. Serena was running towards him. Before she reached him she tripped and fell into his arms. Darien lost his balance and they both tumbled down the hill entwined in each other’s arms. When they reached the bottom Darien was on top of Serena. Serena looked at Darien who face was so close to hers. Darien made no move to get off her his body was supported by his arms. Serena sighed heavily.
