Page 101 of A Game as Old as Time

“What do you think, Hailey?” Ms. Summers’ voice brought her attention back to the paper they had been studying. The distractions appeared to have been tuned out by her teacher.

Right.

She glanced down at the final design they had been given.

“I think…” Hailey glanced up at the man she had met at the drive-in. “I think it is just magical, Mr. Chen.”

He grinned widely.

“Please, Hailey, call me ‘Todd.’” She laughed as he fired up his drill.

“Well, Todd, you are doing a fantastic job, and I cannot wait to see how it all comes out.”

He nodded and laughed, beginning to whistle as he returned to work.

It is quiet today.

Ms. Summers’ page flipping was the only noise accompanying Mr. Chen’s drilling. Hailey took a few seconds to scan the auditorium. She found Emilio and Andy sitting in silence, their eyes locked on one of the props in the corner that they were supposed to be helping move. Peyton and the cheerleaders were all sitting in a corner on their phones, not saying a word.

That is a first.

The tense, soft tone of the auditorium was a vast difference from the normal jubilant laughter. The practices leading up to this one had been a constant commotion of singing and dancing.

“Ms. Summers.” Her teacher was still muttering to herself, talking over her notes. “Ms. Summers!”

“Sorry, Hailey. Do you need something?”

Hailey started walking slowly across the stage, Ms. Summers now following closely behind.

“Does the room feel different today?”

She came to an abrupt stop when she saw Gunner. He was sitting on the ground, staring blankly ahead as Juliana tried to speak with him.

I hate seeing him like this.

“Yeah,” Ms. Summers whispered. She moved in close. “I guess everyone is just a little distracted with the big game coming up.”

Maybe.

Mr. Chen yelled from the ladder, and Ms. Summers jumped into motion. She patted Hailey on the shoulder and ran back to him for support.

Something is different.

Hailey started to pace around the stage. Even Tyquan, who had lately been working tirelessly with Brad to catch up on their lines, seemed anxious.

“Hey, JT.” She was comfortable enough with the young wide receiver to start with him. “I really don’t know why you all listen to that guy. I think he just likes to hear himself talk.”

She tried to smile and sat down on the floor next to him.

It is very quiet.

He chuckled but did not smile. As she folded her dress over her knees, she noticed him shy away slightly.

From the beginning, JT had been one of her favorites to work with. He was sweet and had been trying hard to perfect his character. She lovedthe little nuances that he had added, and he was even becoming more vocal during practices. Today, though, he seemed detached and extremely anxious.

“Everything OK, JT?”

The only noise in the room came from Mr. Chen’s drill.

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