Risk It All

emily

Of course, Martin isn't here for our practice scene. I knew he wasn't taking this seriously when he began entering late every single time the club started. Technically, he doesn't have to be here since this is just the drama club hanging out after school attempting to perfect our crafts, making new friends, and learning more as actors and humans.

Because he told me, I know that Martin needs one little push for his college applications; joining a club or two was that push. For some reason, he thought drama was the club to go. I still don't know why he didn't just choose something else. Surely there was another club that didn't require his undivided attention, like the international club. All they do is talk about different places around huge cities and then visit them. Honestly, they don't have much going with them, according to my best friend Layla who also needed to join a club to look good for Occidental. I mean, it's not like we're getting graded for our scenes, but it would be nice to perform something that didn't turn into a one-man, I mean woman, show, which has happened three times prior right now.

I'm standing on the small stage our drama class has while the rest of the members of the club talk amongst themselves on stage or in the audience. We're not starting just yet but soon we are, and that's what's making me fiddle with my fingers as I stand center stage, not talking to anyone.

The scene we're doing is written by a junior, MaryBeth, in the club who wants to be a screenplay writer. She's really good, and her strong point is romance of any kind. Fantasy, sci-fi, horror, contemporary, rom-com, thriller, time-period. Anything she's given, she can insert some type of feel-good romance. Also, she incorporates some of the cutest meet-cutes ever, which is why I love having the opportunity to act out any scenes from her when she's comfortable enough to have one performed.

The classroom door opens. I catch my breath, hoping to the heavens it's Martin, but it's not. Instead, it's Cade, my best friend. He runs a hand through his hair as he adjusts his baseball bag on his shoulder. He waves to me and gives me an apologetic smile. I'm not mad that he's late; he has a reason. Cade just got out of baseball practice and he still made it here on time before Martin. If Martin decides to shows up.

Cade finds a seat in the center of the room. He releases a breath as he looks around until his eyes land on something, or somebody I should say. I follow his gaze. There in the front row is Allison Kate with her long blond hair that looks too good to be real. She's been cast in every single play and musical we've produced, and almost every single one has made her a lead. I know Cade and her have been secretly talking, so she spots him and twirls her fake hair around her finger before turning away from him. Finally, Cade turns back to me. The smile that was meant for Allison disappears and he looks concerned.

"Where's Martin?" He mouths.

I shrug, letting the annoyance of Cade and Allison dissipate from my body. Martin should be the boy I'm annoyed at. He's not even here for our performance. I'm not about to be embarrassed again in front of 1/100 of our school. Especially in front of my crush who comes every time even though he's not in the club, just to watch me. At least that's what I tell myself. And to top it off, he's sitting center row. Arguably, that's the best seat in the house. You can see practically everything in perfect view.

MaryBeth rushes up to me. "We're starting in a couple minutes. Did Martin text you anything about him showing up?"

Not only is this embarrassing for me every time Martin pulls this crap, but it's bad for MaryBeth as well. Martin not showing up to perform her scene is disrespectful. At least to me it is. He knows what he got himself into, and him not showing up without a valid reason is insulting. Martin doesn't take anything seriously, and that's what annoys me more than knowing I'm partnered with him for the rest of the club this year. I really wish we could add on to these club recommendations, because even though Martin signed up for this club, he doesn't put in the effort to be apart of it and I'd like to let his colleges know the truth.