Convent in Chaos

Rehersal

The days after the audition, I wasn't allowed to leave the house. except for school and church. My father thought that "that little trip" had influenced me too much. I didn't understand why. I did everything I was supposed to do. I kept to the rules.

"Daddy thinks you're too cheerful," Noah teased. "It's only because Peter said that cheerfulness can also be a gift from God. Otherwise, you'd be sent to the convent!" he shouted and ran off.

Too cheerful? I tried my best to stay calm. Adeline came up to me. "Soophiaaa," she said. That's how she always said my name. "Can I play on the Stag too?" she asked.
"Stage, Lientje," I corrected her. The Lord was strict. even slips of the tongue could serve as penance. "And no, I don't think so," I said, kneeling beside her.
"Why not?" she asked.
"Because I only get to do it once," I said.
"Can't you go back?" she asked. I shook my head. "I don't think I have a part," I said softly, a little sad.

"Do you mind that?" Lientje asked.
I nodded. "A little. I thought it was fun."
"But girls aren't supposed to enjoy anything from God, right?" she asked.
I smiled. "You're probably right," I sighed.
"Does daddy have to buy another indulgence because you liked something?"
I shrugged. "I don't know," I said.

"PETER!!!" my sister screamed and ran to our oldest brother.
A minute later, she returned. "Peter says you didn't do anything wrong," she said.
"That's nice, Lien," I replied. I walked away and looked out the window, resigning myself to my fate.

In the distance I saw people walking. They, too, could live this life. I saw Joyce far off. She looked thrilled, bouncing up and down, hugging someone I couldn't quite see. I turned around and looked into the house. For a moment, I thought of Lucas and his striking eyes. He'd probably be allowed to act. he was so talented. I looked back out the window again. Joyce was walking toward our house with a man beside her. He had a long oval face and short spiky hair, his broad shoulders towering over Joyce. He wore a black coat and a colorful scarf. His brown eyes shone warmly.

They stopped in front of our house. I stepped away from the window to help with lunch, but before I reached the kitchen, the doorbell rang. I heard Noah open it.
"Oh hey, Joyce!" Noah called. "Is that your grandpa?"
The man was clearly with her.

"No! He's younger than my dad," Joyce laughed.
"Then why are you here?" Noah asked, curious—something my father thought was dangerous.
"I'd like to speak with your sister and your parents," said the man.
"Which one? I have two sisters—Sophia, the big one, and Adelienie, the small one."
I turned around. The man nodded. "That's right. I mean Sophia," he said. Behind him, Joyce gave me a thumbs-up.

Noah let the man in.
"PHIAA! DAAAAD! MOMMYY! THERE'S A MAN HERE!" he shouted.
I had to wait until Father called me before I could go in. He came into the room with Mother, looking rather grumpy.

"Sophia, Noah—how many times must I tell you? You'll make me go broke one of these days. Now go upstairs and pray for forgiveness," he said, shoving Noah aside.
"Sophia, come here," he commanded. I obeyed.

"Good afternoon. I'm sorry to come unannounced," said the man, offering his hand.
"And you are?" Father asked, without taking it.
"My name is Teddy crease," he said—instantly grabbing my attention. This was the director.
"What brings you here?" Father asked.

"I've come to offer Sophia a part in my play. My colleagues and I were very impressed by her talent," he said. I suppressed my excitement. A role! Probably just something tiny like 'passerby number five,' but still a role.

"I'd rather not," Father said sharply.
"Johan, you promised," Mother reminded him. "And breaking a promise is a sin in the eyes of the Lord," she added. Father sighed. "Fine then. What would she be playing?"
"I'd like to give her the role of Sarah also known as Saar, or Saartje."
My mouth fell open in shock. That was the lead female role.