Red Lipstick

"Break a Leg"

Michelle leaned close to the bathroom mirror and applied her 5th coat of her signature red lipstick. She wanted to look festively fashionable, like an elf in a Christmas movie. Well, more like a sexy elf. While adjusting her reindeer embroidered shirt collar she replayed her lines in her head.

"Oh Santa, how are you going to save Christmas?" Then Santa says: "Don't worry I have a plan Elfina, but I'll need you're help!" "Ofcourse! I've gotta fulfill my elf duty to be a servant to Santa and the children!"

Michelle went into an elaborate daydream about the crowds bursting into applause. She did a bow in front of the mirror and smiled big. She had been taking acting classes to prepare for auditions and was confident as a peacock.

As she turned around she was startled to see Joanna's athletic frame behind her.

"Don't you look awfully Christmassy today? But I've gotta say that lipstick is not your color." Joanna said with a smirk

Michelle felt her hand instinctively ball into a fist, but stopped herself and took a deep breath. Joanna hadn't liked her since middle school.

"Well isn't that a rude thing to say." Michelle stated.

"I'm just being honest." Joanna retorted

"Well maybe you should keep your mean comments to yourself." Michelle said

She felt impressed by her boldness. Normally, she was a complete doormat.

Joanna took a step closer to Michelle and was now inches away from her face. Michelle felt a pang of anxiety rush through her body.

"What are you all dressed up for?" Joanna looked her up and down.

"Play auditions. I'm auditioning for Elfina." Michelle said

"Don't be feel too bad if you don't get the part. It's only your first year in theatre. I'm auditioning for Elfina too. But you know, break a leg." Joanna said

"Thanks." Michelle replied through clenched teeth Michelle took a few steps back and then turned and walked out the bathroom door. Once she reached the hallway she took off running.