Page 4 of Isabella and the Slipper

He figured he could look her up in the yearbook so he’d know who he was talking to. As he waited for her answer, he climbed out of his car and grabbed his backpack. Walking into the house, he checked the screen, but no more texts had come through.

Huh.

His mother met him in the kitchen, her dark hair set up in electric curlers. “Excellent. You’re home. I can tell you the good news.”

He inwardly groaned, but didn’t let it reach his throat. “What?”

“You have an audition tonight. Quick. Go shower and change. This is a good one.”

His mouth dropped. She knew he had plans. Why would she do that?

“Mom, there’s a game tonight!” He knew he sounded whiny, but he couldn’t help it.

She narrowed her eyes at him and folded her arms. “Then aren’t you glad you’re not on the team? This is why we decided you shouldn’t try out. It’s your career we’re talking about. Not some unimportant football game.”

His heart sank. It wasn’thiscareer. He didn’t want it. “It’s important to me. It’s the first game of the season.”

She got that look on her face, the one that said he’d better do what she wanted or he’d be in trouble. “It’s one audition. They are making special arrangements for you to come in tonight. Don’t sass me about it. You can go to the game after.”

He let his shoulders fall. There was no point in arguing with her. His father would have his head if he talked back to her. “Okay.”

“Go get ready. The script’s on your bed. Memorize your lines before we leave.”

He nodded and ran up the stairs. His phone beeped, and he swiped to read it.

Your mom texted. Sorry, I was walking and didn’t see it right away. She said something about an audition.

He answered her back.

Yeah, I know, I just talked to her. I’m going to miss the game.

Getting an audition is good though.

He snorted.

If only I wanted to be an actor.

He hit “Send”—then instantly regretted it.

Why did he say that?

He didn’t talk about that with his friends. They all thought he was cool because he’d had a few roles in the movies. There was a pause, and then another text came.

Why do you do it then?

That was a complicated answer.

Parents.

Oh. Sorry. That stinks. I know how that is.

Who was this girl? He was curious enough to poke around on her phone. He opened her contacts, but they were empty. Didn’t she have any friends in her phone? She hadn’t even put her name in. Just her number showed at the top of the screen. Weird.

He tossed her phone on his bed and stripped down to his boxers. He turned on the shower to let the water get warm and grabbed a towel out of the closet. A half hour later he was dressed and picked up the script. When he saw what role he was trying out for, he confronted his mother.

“Mom, this is a major part.” He flipped through the pages and pages of text. “This isn’t something I can do during school.”

She smiled. “We’ll get you a tutor. Then you wouldn’t have to go to school every day. Honey, this is the role we’ve been waiting for. You’re ready for it.” Her eyes shone, and she flipped her curly hair behind her shoulder. “Come on, you can memorize in the car.”

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