Cut the Lights by Karen Krossing Page A

Mica?” I fall in step with him. “Do you like frozen yogurt? Now that the weather’s warmer, I have this craving for pistachio yogurt at Menchie’s, and...well...do you want to come?”
    He nods. “I like that place.”
    â€œGreat. Are you busy now?” I remember how he used to try to get Sonata to go for coffee with him after rehearsal.
    â€œUh, no.” He kicks a stone along the path.
    It’s a five-minute walk in the opposite direction from Bean Me Up. We talk about his character on the way over—how oblivious Martin Wright is when Sylvia throws a slipper at him.
    â€œHe can be thick-skinned,” Mica says.
    â€œNothing like you.” I smile.
    When we arrive, the shop is crowded with loud preteen girls who seem to fluster him. The bright décor is almost gaudy, and the girl behind the counter is overly cheerful.
    We each grab a waffle bowl. I go for a nonfat pistachio yogurt with hot fudge, while Mica gets Red Velvet Royale with jelly beans, marshmallows and anything else he can pile on it. Then we escape to the patio overlooking the tree-lined side street.
    Mica hunches over his bowl and digs in. I put my feet up on a nearby chair and take a bite of waffle mixed with yogurt, which tastes fabulous, as usual. I wonder how I can help Mica get over Sonata, or at least be able to tolerate her presence. Twister warm-ups are a start. Still, it’s obvious that he’s hurting.
    â€œIn the play, Sylvia’s too hard on Martin.” I keep my tone casual, even though I’m thinking about how Sonata’s been too hard on Mica. “He’s not perfect, but everyone deserves respect.”
    â€œYeah.” He takes a huge bite of yogurt.
    â€œHe doesn’t talk about his feelings, but I think she really upsets him.”
    He looks sideways at me, still chewing. “It’s a comedy, Briar.”
    â€œIt has a serious side too.” I twirl my spoon in my yogurt.
    â€œI guess.”
    â€œSylvia’s giving up on a good guy,” I say.
    Mica swipes his hair out of his eyes. “Who are we talking about here? Sylvia or Sonata?”
    â€œWhat do you mean?” I widen my eyes and pretend not to get it.
    Mica shakes his head. “You’re so subtle.”
    â€œI’m just saying that Martin has a lot to offer. Maybe he needs to find a different girl. One who suits him better.” I stuff my mouth full of yogurt.
    Mica stares into the distance. “Maybe you’re right.”

    The main-floor drama room. Wednesday after school. One week to opening .
    I arrive at rehearsal with a box of costumes and props. Sonata, Clayton and George are already there. Mica follows me in. When he tries to help carry my load, I brush him off.
    â€œI’ve got a surprise!” My voice rises. I’m so much happier rehearsing away from Lorna and the others.
    â€œI hope you’re not putting me in an ape suit.” Mica smirks.
    â€œHow’d you guess?” I say. After our frozen yogurt, he’s more relaxed with me, although he still avoids Sonata when he can.
    â€œI don’t like surprises,” Sonata says.
    â€œIt’s not really for you.” I won’t let her ruin my good mood. “It’s for Clayton.”
    â€œMe?” Clayton squirms.
    â€œI promised I’d rework your character, and I did.” I rifle through the clothes. “Can you moonwalk?”
    â€œWhat? Why?”
    â€œI’ve heard you’re in hip-hop club, so I know you can move.” I glance up at him. “But moonwalking?”
    Clayton gives me a quizzical look. Then he jumps onto the stage and moonwalks across it.
    George hoots. Even Sonata applauds.
    I pick up his costume, piece by piece, and pass it to him. A black faux-leather suit with a pink shirt and bow tie, and a single white rhinestone glove—all from the Whitlock costume room. “Looks like you earned these.”
    â€œWhat’s going on?”