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A/N: Here’s a picrew a reader made of Miss Alberta. Pretty accurate, don’t you think?
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‘Absolutely not.’
Samuel and Miss Alberta were trailing after Jayden after he had stormed off the stage. Miss Alberta was trying to convince him to accept, refusing to take no for an answer.
‘But why?’ she wailed. ‘You’d be so perfect. The way you embodied the character, the emotions that played across your face. It’s as if Juliet was written for you. You were born to play her.’
Jayden stopped and turned to face her with a disbelieving look. ‘In case you haven’t noticed, I’m a boy.’
‘So? Back then females were always played by men because women weren’t allowed on stage. We can just say we want to go all authentic and stay true to the original play.’
‘No.’ Jayden swung around and continued walking.
‘Please!’
‘Not happening.’
Miss Alberta’s steps faltered as she watched Jayden disappear around the corner. Samuel placed a hand on her shoulder comfortingly as a crestfallen look fell over her features.
‘Don’t worry, I’ll talk to him.’
Miss Alberta nodded dejectedly as he left to catch up with Jayden. He caught sight of him just as he rounded the fountains.
‘Hey, wait up,’ he called as he jogged up to him. ‘Why the hurry?’
Jayden slowed down as Samuel fell into step beside him. ‘You are not also going to try and convince me to take the part, are you?’
Samuel shrugged. ‘Depends. Do you need convincing?’
Jayden rolled his eyes as they stepped aside for a group of students who were making their way to the Banquet Hall for dinner.
‘Let me ask,’ Samuel tried as they continued walking. ‘Why would it be such a horrible idea for you to play Juliet?’
‘Not interested.’
‘I mean the way I see it, it would be a win-win. We were just talking about how we hardly spend time together. This would be a perfect way to solve that. We’ll be spending a lot of time at rehearsals, doing something together while having enormous fun into the bargain.’
‘Of course, you would see it as fun.’
Dusk had already fallen by the time they stepped on the winding road leading up the hill to the dormitories. The lampposts soon lit up, casting a ghostly blue glow on the path.
‘I know it’s not what either of us imagined but it’s still a chance to spend a lot of time together,’ Samuel said as they neared the house buildings. ‘At least, promise me you’ll think about it.’
Jayden hesitated before sighing in defeat. He gave Samuel a short nod that caused him to beam brightly in satisfaction.
‘That’s great. See you later then, goodnight.’ He waved at Jayden before making his way to his dorm.
Jayden stared at him until he disappeared inside before making his own way to his dormitory. It had been a long day.
He noticed the stares and whispers the minute he walked into the school building the next morning. Some were trying to be subtle about it while others were openly staring and pointing.
He ignored them and made his way to his locker but Noel grew uncomfortable and asked nervously. ‘Jayden, why are people staring at us?’
Jayden shrugged and turned to press his finger against the sensor, causing his locker to beep and swing open. He picked a few books from it and placed them into his bag, turning as he zipped it close to see Samuel walk down the hallway hand-in-hand with Pearl.
He rolled his eyes at them and turned to slam his locker shut with a bit more force than was necessary. When he turned back around he was confronted with a smiling-faced Samuel.
He frowned at him. ‘What?’
‘I heard the news. I’m so glad you changed your mind.’
‘What are you talking about?’
‘What news?’ Noel asked at the same time.
Samuel frowned in puzzlement. ‘You haven’t heard? It’s all over the school.’
Jayden was growing frustrated. ‘What the hell are yo-‘
‘Erm, Jayden,’ Noel interrupted nervously. ‘I think I know what he’s talking about.’ He raised his arm and pointed to a poster hanging on the wall nearby. ‘Look.’
Jayden frowned and stepped closer to the brightly coloured poster. A picture of a girl swooning in the arms of a boy dominated the paper and in bright gold letters above were the words, ‘Romeo and Juliet: A Valentine’s Day Play.’ His eyes roved down to the bottom where cast was listed and directly below Samuel’s name was…
‘Jayden Mills as Juliet,’ Noel read out slowly.
A tick began to form on Jayden’s jaw as his gaze sharpened. Samuel stood behind them with confusion written all over his features.
‘They are all over the school. I’m surprised you didn’t see it. When I read it I thought you had finally changed your mind and- wait where are you going?’
Jayden had ripped the poster from the wall and was storming off down the hallway. Samuel and Noel cast wary looks at each other before chasing after him.
He ignored their calls as he moved through the students who jumped out of his way, none eager to be on the receiving end of his deadly glare. He climbed the stairs to the next floor and walked up to a closed door.
Miss Alberta was in her office when her door flew open, causing the two students with her to jump in shock. She looked up in surprise to see a fuming Jayden who marched up to her desk and slammed the poster down.
‘A word.’
She took one look at Jayden’s face and quickly ushered the two panicked students out. Noel and Samuel arrived at the door just before she shut it and made their way into her office.
She shut the door quickly after they entered and turned sheepishly to face the three students.
‘I know this looks bad but Samuel told me he would talk to you and I was hoping he would change your mind. In the meantime, I asked for a poster to be made. Just one I promise,’ she added hurriedly after seeing Jayden’s gaze narrow. ‘I just wanted to see how it would look on paper but the guys at the printing room must have misread my order and printed out tonnes. Before, I could rectify the mistake one of my assistants had them put up all over the school.’
Jayden’s glare did not let up. ‘Take them down. I’m not playing Juliet.’
Miss Alberta rubbed her neck as she grinned awkwardly. ‘I would but there’s just one problem.’
Jayden’s eyes narrowed into slits. ‘What?’
‘We’re sold out.’
Samuel blinked in surprise. ‘Really? That’s awesome!’
‘It is, isn’t it?’ Miss Alberta grew animated as the excitement took hold of her. ‘We were worried because no one seemed interested in the play. We thought we would have to cancel but suddenly when news got out that Jayden was playing Juliet, the tickets sold out faster than a Taylor Swift contest. Everyone is coming!’
Noel was confused. ‘But why?’
Miss Alberta shrugged. ‘I guess they are intrigued about the prospect of Jayden playing Juliet. I mean, aren’t you? It’s almost unbelievable, knowing who Jayden is.’
‘It is, cause it’s not happening.’
Miss Alberta turned to him in a panic. ‘No, you cannot pull out now. Don’t you understand? You are our star! You’re the only one who can save this play. You, my dear, have a golden opportunity before you. You have the chance to introduce these kids to the theatre. To make them appreciate the performing arts.’
Jayden rolled his eyes. ‘Don’t you understand? I. Don’t. Care. I couldn’t give two fucks if those brats learn to appreciate the finer arts or not.’
‘But… but…,’ Miss Alberta stammered as she tried to come to terms with it. ‘That would mean recalls and we would have to refund all those tickets.’
‘Not my problem.’
Miss Alberta turned to watch horrified as Jayden made his way to the door. ‘You’re really pulling out?’
Jayden paused, his hand on the handle. ‘I was never in.’
Miss Alberta collapsed on her couch as the door slammed shut after him. Samuel’s face was grim as he followed after Jayden. Noel, however, stayed behind to look after Miss Alberta who seemed to have fallen into a daze.
‘Jayden, Jayden wait,’ Samuel called out as he followed Jayden down the stairs.
Jayden turned around impatiently at the middle of the stairway. ‘What?’
‘You didn’t have to be so mean. She didn’t deserve that.’
Jayden huffed. ‘You are talking as if I care.’
‘You should care. She is a great person and all she has ever shown you- all she has ever shown us was kindness.’
‘I don’t trust kindness and I don’t trust her. You can trust a horrible person to always be horrible but you don’t know when a kind person will take off their mask and show you who they really are.’
Samuel shook his head. ‘That’s not what this is about. So tell me, what’s this really about? Is it your father?’
Jayden’s eyes blazed. ‘Don’t bring my father into this! This has nothing to do with him.’
‘Then stop acting like a child!’
None of them had noticed when they had begun to raise their voices but it had suddenly turned to a shouting match on the staircase.
‘I’m the one acting like a child? I’m not the one who can’t seem to go ten seconds without touching my girlfriend like some needy bitch.’
Samuel’s expression grew confused. ‘How did Pearl get into this? What has this got to do with her?’
‘Oh you’re right. This has nothing to do with her but it has everything to do with how you can’t just LEAVE ME ALONE!’
Samuel reeled back as if he was slapped.
‘I’m so sick of you. Since we met, you have always been around me, suffocating me with your constant presence. Stifling me with your cheery personality. You are just as bad as the rest. You hide behind a mask of the perfect person, the always happy, smiling one as if that would be enough to hide the fact that you are as dark and fucked up as the rest of us!’
Hurt flashed across Samuel’s eyes but Jayden didn’t let up.
‘I’ve been trying to get rid of you for so long but you’re like a tick. Please for once in your blasted life just leave me alone!’
Jayden paused when he saw the kicked look on Samuel’s face. ‘Wait, no. I didn’t mean-‘
‘You know what, fine. I’m sorry I have been suffocating you so badly. I’m not going to bother you anymore, do what you want. I’m done caring.’
‘Samuel, wait I-‘
‘Goodbye.’
His tone held a note of finality as he swung on his heels and walked up the stairs, disappearing from sight without a second look and leaving Jayden with a feeling of remorse and self-loathing.
‘Dammit!’ Jayden cursed loudly as he kicked the railings with all the anger and force he could muster.
He placed his head in his hands as he sat on the bottom stair, a heavy weight descending on his chest. ‘What have I done?’
He drew his knees to his chest and placed his head in between them as he replayed the last few moments, cursing himself loudly in his head.
‘Well, this is quite a sight. When the builders assured me that the stairs were good enough to sit on, I didn’t think they meant it quite literally.’
Jayden looked up to see the figure of the headmistress descending the staircase.
There was a knowing look in her eyes as she glanced at him over her half-moon spectacles, taking in his dishevelled appearance. ‘Let me guess, you had a fight with someone close to you.’
Jayden frowned at her. ‘How did you-‘
‘I would like to say this is my first time seeing a student on the stairs like this but that would be a horrendous lie.’
Jayden placed his head back in his knees. ‘I don’t want to talk about it.’
‘Good. I don’t want to hear it. I was on my way to the gardens, but it would seem we could both use a breath of fresh air.’
Jayden hesitated. He didn’t want to be around anyone right now but on the other hand, he needed a distraction otherwise he might just go mad. A breath of fresh air didn’t sound so bad either.
He nodded and stood just as the bell went off for second period. He cast a glance at the headmistress as she led him out of the building and into the bright sunlight.
‘Shouldn’t you be punishing me for skipping class?’
A twinkle came into her eye. ‘I should be doing a lot of things but I find myself feeling quite unbothered at the moment. How about I give you a pass on this one?’
Jayden nodded gratefully. ‘Thank you.’
It was a beautiful day and the air smelt wonderful as they walked through the rows of rhododendrons, azaleas and chrysanthemums. A bee buzzed lazily in the air and birds twittered cheerfully as they passed underneath the oak tree.
‘So,’ Francesca began absently. ‘The play seems promising.’
Jayden closed his eyes and counted to ten. ‘You’ve heard.’
‘Well, it is my school so it goes without saying.’ An amused smile played across her lips. ‘I have to admit I was a bit surprised when I found out. The idea of you in a play is ludicrous and becomes even more so when you’re the one playing the female lead.’
She hummed thoughtfully. ‘I suppose that accounts for the sudden popularity and attention the play has received.’
‘Yes, the tickets sold out. I heard.’
The headmistress chuckled at that. ‘Oh, that is just the tip of the iceberg. The board of governors called, they are making an appearance at the play. I’ve received numerous requests from several media houses for permission to cover the event live and I have it on good authority that most of the Noble 52 are going to be in attendance. We’ve had to move the play from the theatre to the grand auditorium.’
Jayden groaned loudly and passed his hand over his face. ‘You’ve got to be kidding me.’
The headmistress cleared her throat. ‘This might probably be the best time to mention that your mother is also attending. She would be flying in from Monaco the night before the play.’
‘Oh God.’
Jayden fell onto a bench beside the large sparkling fountain in the middle of the garden. He placed his head in his hands as he wondered when the entire situation had gotten away from him.
The headmistress took a seat beside him. ‘I take it you are not pleased with the current turn of events.’
‘Not in the least,’ Jayden muttered into his hands.
Francesca studied him closely over her glasses. ‘You know, the strange thing about emotions is that if they are not expressed properly, they come out in much uglier ways causing us to lash out at even people who we care for the most.’
A memory of Samuel’s kicked look and the pure hurt that flashed across his eyes filled his vision. He turned sideways to look up into the wise old eyes of the headmistress.
‘How did you- you know what, it doesn’t even matter. I fucked up.’
‘Don’t be too hard on yourself. The people we love are the ones we tend to hurt the most.’
‘I suppose you know a way I can take back what I said?’
The headmistress hummed. ‘Of course not. The words we say can never be unsaid but,’ and here she turned to smile at him. ‘Luckily for us, actions speak louder than words.’
Jayden sat up. ‘You mean show him I’m sorry? But how?’
‘That I’m afraid is up to you.’
Jayden nodded slowly. ‘I think I have an idea. I have to go.’
Francesca smiled as he stood up. He turned to her with gratitude all over his face. ‘Thank you. For this. I needed that.’
‘Don’t thank me, I’m just a tottering old woman who can’t seem to mind her own business. Nevertheless, you are very welcome. I’m glad this old woman could at least be of some use.’
Jayden shook his head and left with a wave, leaving Francesca Fontaine to her thoughts as she sat underneath the shade of the tree beside the trickling fountain.
Miss Alberta was still in her office when Jayden entered. She was surrounded by a crowd of girls who fanned her as she lay dejectedly on the office sofa.
‘It was going to be my big moment,’ she moaned. ‘The lights, the cameras, the applause. I would finally be discovered and would no longer have to be stuck teaching you lot- no offense I love you all very much.’
Jayden cleared his throat and she looked up. ‘Oh, right. Don’t worry, I heard what you said and I’m going to announce that you’re not playing Juliet.’
‘Actually, that’s not why I’m here. You don’t need to make any announcements. I’ve changed my mind.’
Miss Alberta sat up in surprise. ‘You are… you are serious? You’re going to…’
‘Yes,’ Jayden sighed heavily. ‘I will play Juliet.’
‘YES!’
Miss Alberta shot to her feet and her eyes grew bright as her energy returned.
‘Stacey, cancel all recalls. Jessica, my clipboard. Ruth run down to the printing room and get me hundred more posters.’
The girls sprang into action as they rushed to follow her orders.
‘Quickly, people! This is not a drill! Spread the word, the show is back on!’
AUTHOR’S NOTE: I’m a terrible Captain, I sunk our ship🥲. I deserve to be drawn and quartered😔. Who will take over the wheel and become the Captain of Sayden?
Anyway, do you think Jayden would get Samuel to forgive him? And what’s up with Francesca Fontaine?
Find out in the next chapter, ‘Opening Night’.
😉
As usual, please don’t forget to vote if you enjoyed the chapter 😊.
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