Shakespeariance: Chapter 1

I ran home to learn French as quickly as I could manage. Sister Meacham was willing to let me come over and teach me the art.

The next day, we had a cast meeting. I was on time, and very scared. I was a sophomore. I was on the Shakespeare Team. If I did one thing wrong, I would be shamed for life... or so it seemed. We went around the room introducing ourselves and who we would be portraying. I caught a glimpse of my scene partner, but still did not know who he was.

We proceeded to explain some of the obvious rules of Shakespeare. (i.e. No huggy body, kiss face. YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!) I could only look down to hide what I knew would be my inevitable fate.

The cast meeting ended and I went out to meet Shay. That was her first class that day, so I came with her into the Drama room. Mr. Shelley was by the door talking to a strapping young male citizen of Pleasant Grove High School.

"Hi, Mr. Shelley," I say as I walk past the male wearing the blue hoodie.
"Talia! Do you know Nick? Nick Varney?" Mr. Shelley says.
"Oh... no, but I do now. Hi, Nick..." I say, timidly.
"Hello," Nick says, then he left the room.

The next morning, I'm in the drama room sitting in a chair, desperatly trying to look busy. Nick comes in the room along with Kylie and Isaac. Mr. Shelley tells us what things are important to remember, then has Nick and me stay with him and Talisha while Kylie and Isaac go with the other two coaches.

We run through the script and I feel my heart drop. He was saying the lines with such conviction and honesty. How could I possibly measure up to that? My French was continuously being corrected-there was no way I could be good enough.

Soon Kylie comes in and we all drink hot chocolate except Nick.

The next day I was late to ensemble rehearsal because my ride forgot me. It never happened again, I assure you. The rest of the rehearsals went the same. We ran through them, perfecting things, adding things, changing things. I was still disappointed with myself. I was just not good enough. I didn't feel the emotion that Katharine should be. I wasn't falling in love. I wasn't angry. I was just a person on a sheet a paper with ink on it. That night, I fell to my knees longer than I ever had in my entire life.