We reset. The mouse army shuffles into formation, tails bouncing. The royal guards line up opposite them, gripping their prop spears like it's a real war instead of a Monday afternoon.
"Okay!" Callahan claps once. "And—action!"
Music fills the hall again, loud and triumphant. I raise my sword and step into the light, trading mock blows with Marcus as Adam spins to my side. The floorboards thud beneath our feet. Someone's shoe squeaks. My braid whips against my neck as I duck and swing.
From the seats, Katie mutters, "She's totally gonna nail him in the face one of these days."
Lucy snorts. "And Callahan's gonna call it 'method acting.'"
I'm too focused to laugh. My arms ache, my breath's uneven, but this time—finally—my swing lands clean.
"Yes!" Professor Callahan claps once, loud enough to make everyone flinch. "That's it! Hold that pose, Clara! Chin up! Don't look like you're regretting your life choices mid-fight."
"I'm trying," I pant, sword still raised. "But the regret'smethod actingat this point."
The room bursts into laughter. Even Callahan cracks a smile before jotting something on her clipboard. "Good. Keep that energy. From the top!"
Groans echo across the stage, but we still shuffle back to our starting marks.
Four weeks in, we're sore, tired, and one muscle pull away from collapse—but we're also finally getting it right.
Half an hour later, Professor Callahan finally shows mercy and calls a ten-minute break.
The second she says it, everyone drops like dominoes—scripts flying, swords clattering, and a few of the mouse soldiers staying sprawled out like they've actually died in battle.
I plop down on the edge of the stage, rubbing my sore calves and shoulders. My muscles feel like overcooked noodles. Two hours down, one more to go before we're free—then Acting Theory,thendance rehearsal with Betsy and Keith.
Just thinking about it makes me want to flop onto the floor and dissolve into stage dust.
Still, at least Adam and I are actually nailing the choreography lately. Betsy and Keith are seriously miracle workers—they somehow make even the impossible steps feel doable.
Katie plops down beside me, swinging her legs over the stage edge. "Okay, but speaking of rehearsing, can we switch topics to something way more fun?"
Lucy and Tammie perk up instantly.
Katie grins wickedly. "So, Care... have you and Zach done it yet?"
My head snaps toward her. "Done what it?"
"Oh, come on, Care. Don't pretend like you don't know what I'm talking about." Katie giggles, tossing me a look that's pure mischief.
Lucy leans in, and Tammie slides closer too, eyes glimmering with curiosity.
"Yeah, Care," Tammie says, barely containing her laugh. "You two have been acting all lovey-dovey lately. Have you gone topoundtownyet?"
"Shhh!" I hiss, pressing a finger to my lips and glancing around the hall. "Keep it down, you psychos!"
Adam, sitting a few feet away, raises a brow suspiciously. "What are you guys whispering about?"
"Nothing!" all four of us say in unison.
He narrows his eyes, then shrugs and goes back to scrolling his phone.
The moment he's out of earshot, Lucy bursts into silent laughter. "Your face right now—oh my God, priceless."
Katie wiggles her eyebrows. "So? Have you or haven't you?"
I roll my eyes. "No! We haven't. And for the record, not every relationship is about—"
