What If... All the Rumors Were True by Liz Ruckdeschel Page B

human role, Helena or Hermia, mostly because Devon had declared his intention to play Lysander or Demetrius. These two couples switched partners during the play, so if Haley and Devon both got parts, the odds were pretty high that they would be canoodling onstage. Method acting or no Method acting, playing love scenes opposite Devon was definitely something Haley could manage. If all worked out, of course.
    â€œIt’s just a silly school play,” Devon said to Irene as they neared the auditorium. “How competitive could it be?” Then he opened the door, and the four friends gasped at what they saw. The auditorium was full of aspiring actors and actresses, studying their scripts and running lines in preparation for their staged reads in front of the drama coach. Each major character’s name was written on a separate poster at the front of the auditorium, and behind the names, lines of potential cast members snaked through the aisles. There were hordes of people there to try out for Helena and Lysander and Oberon and Puck, of course, but the line for Titania stretched all the way to the door. On the other hand, only a handful of kids had signed up to attempt the role of Bottom.
    â€œGood grief,” Irene said, her face even paler than usual. “Look at all those wannabe fairy queens.”
    Haley, too, had forgotten about the Hillsdale effect. Basically, in order to do anything at all ambitious at such a large public school, you first had to compete with a mob of supertalented, super-qualified, cutthroat kids. There was even heavy competition for slacking off, ever since Annie Armstrong and Dave Metzger had made lazy ennui fashionable among the type-A set.
    â€œBut you’re the only one dressed for the part,” Shaun said reassuringly to Irene. “Old Lyons can’t resist the Mistress with the Method.”
    â€œMaybe Shaun has a point,” Haley said. “You’re committed, and your costume proves it.”
    Still, the threatened look in Irene’s eyes did not escape any of them. Irene looked down at her satin gown and stifled a shriek. “Are you crazy? I look like an idiot!”
    â€œCome on, Titania,” Shaun said, trying to coax her into the role. “Normally, I wouldn’t think that’s such a good look, but from the ass’s eye view it’s wicked awesome.”
    â€œThe ass’s eye view!” Irene said. “Who cares about that?”
    â€œThat’s exactly what Titania would say! If she talked all normally and not Shakespearean-like,” Shaun offered.
    â€œEverybody’s nervous, Irene,” Devon said. “Don’t worry. You’ll be great.”
    But Haley was afraid Irene had a first-class case of stage fright. Irene’s hands were shaking, her eyes were huge, and they kept darting around the room. She seemed on the verge of a major freak-out.
    â€œI—I can’t do it,” Irene stammered. “I’ll make an ass out of myself.”
    â€œThat’s the whole point,” Shaun said. “At least in my case.”
    â€œShaun, shut up,” Haley said.
    Irene heaved her green army-surplus backpack over her shoulder and said, “I’ll see you guys later.” Then she hurried out of the room.
    Shaun, Devon and Haley frowned at each other.
    â€œWow,” said Devon. “She’s really tripping.”
    â€œI’ll make sure she’s okay,” Haley said, and chased Irene to the girls’ bathroom. Irene had already run into a stall and pulled the satin gown over her head. Now she was diving back into her comfy ripped white tee.
    â€œAre you all right, Irene?” Haley asked.
    â€œI am now,” Irene said with a sigh. “I’m sorry, but it’s just too much in there. Did you see who was in line for Titania? Coco De Clerq, about a dozen seniors and that new Spanish chick, Mia Delgado, who I’ve heard is in, like, three television commercials this