Page 16 of Don't Love the Boy Next Door
I’m not so sure. This is so messed up.
“Eric, cover Katie’s eyes. Come on, kids you should know this inside out by now.”
Eric nods unsurely, sliding toward me. It’s like he’s moving in slow-mo, taking hours to get to me, when it really only takes seconds.
He looks into my eyes before clearing his throat and slowly bringing his hands to my head. They get caught in my hair, tugging on the strands, before he clears his throat again and finds my eyes.
Miss Diaz claps. “This awkwardness! I love it. Play off this, guys. It’s wonderful.”
Does she have any idea how mortified I feel right now?
Eric’s breathing is heavy as he stands behind me. His hands are warm, but I just want him to take them off me. And I can feel how much he doesn’t want to touch me right now. It’s like he’s so disappointed in me for what happened. I need to get out of here.
“Okay, kids,” Miss Diaz says. “Let’s start.”
Eric says his lines, but he’s as stiff as a robot. Our director has to tell him to try again three times before he gets it right.
We’re very awkward and weird, and Miss Diaz loves it, especially my parts. She says she’s never seen anyone portray Belle this way and is obsessed now.
When it’s time for me to read the book to him, I can hardly get the words out.
“Katie, look at Eric. This is a special moment between Beast and Belle.”
I can’t look at him. Can’t face him.
What’swrongwith me?
Eric’s doing well now, performing exceptionally, while I’m messing up so many times I can see the concern on Miss Diaz’s face. But she doesn’t give up on me, reassuring me that it’s okay to have off days.
But this isn’t just an off day. I’m too messed up in the head to give this role my all. Harper shouldn’t have quit.
“Everyone take five,” Miss Diaz says. “Katie, a word please.”
Eric’s eyes flash to mine as I follow the director to the side of the room, where we sit down on the seats. “What’s up?”
What am I supposed to tell her? That I can’t face my partner? “I guess it’s a bad day.”
She studies me for a few seconds. “I’ve directed you in many musicals, but I’ve never seen you like this.”
I press my lips together and stare down at the floor.
“Do you have a problem with your co-star?”
My head springs up. “N-no,” I croak. Then I clear my throat. “No, of course not. Eric’s great. One of the best actors I’ve worked with. He has that special something, you know? And he has such an amazing voice and—” I force my lips shut before I continue rambling like an idiot.
That seems to relax her a little, though her eyebrows are still pinched with concern. “Is there something going on outside the musical? Maybe something at home.”
“What?”
A sympathetic expression conquers her face as she rests her hand on my arm. “I know things haven’t been easy for you the last couple of months. I’m so sorry about your mom, Katie. Iknow how tough it is to lose a parent. I lost my dad when I was about your age.”
My cheeks flame. Miss Diaz is diving way too deep. I hardly talk about my mom with my best friend, how am I supposed to feel comfortable discussing her with my teacher?
“Everything is fine,” I say, maybe a little too harshly than I intend. I soften my voice. “I’m just…a little stressed, I guess. With school and the musical. It’s a little overwhelming. Taking on the role of Belle so late in the game makes me feel really nervous. But I’m okay. Definitely have no issues with any cast member or crew.”
She keeps her gaze on me for a bit, like she’s trying to figure out if I’m just being a teenager and withholding the truth from a prying adult, or if I’m sincere.
In the end, she rubs my shoulder and stands, giving me a pleasant smile. “Okay. But I’d like you to know you can talk to me if you need to.”
