Chapter 4: The First Read-Through
967 Words
I stared at my script like it might spontaneously combust in my hands.
The words blurred together, my pulse pounding as I sat in the middle of the theater rehearsal room, surrounded by students who actually belonged here.
People who knew what they were doing.
People who weren’t being mocked by their co-star before the first read-through even started.
I risked a glance across the room.
Cole Kingston sat two seats away, leaning back in his chair, arms crossed, jaw tight, looking like he’d rather be anywhere but here.
Because of me.
I tried to shake off the memory of last night, the way his voice had dripped with disgust when he realized I was his leading lady.
_"I agreed to this play under the impression that the female lead was going to be…"_
He never finished that sentence. But I didn’t need him to.
I got the message loud and clear.
And now, I had to sit here and pretend it didn’t matter.
I shifted in my seat, my fingers twisting around the edge of my script as the theater director, Professor Langley, clapped his hands.
"Alright, everyone! Welcome to the first read-through of Romeo & Juliet!" His voice was full of energy, his excitement almost overwhelming. "Let’s get started, shall we?"
I forced myself to focus.
Professor Langley started by having everyone go around and introduce themselves, but I barely heard the names, my heart hammering too loudly in my chest.
Then, it was time to start reading.
And of course, it wasn’t long before it was my turn.
I swallowed, gripping the script tighter as I read my first Juliet line, my voice stiff, my hands clammy.
I sounded awful.
I wasn’t an actress. I had never been an actress. I had taken this class to help decorate, make props, not... perform.
This whole thing was supposed to be a joke, remember? I wasn’t meant to actually be here. I thought Candice was was being nice, supportive, not setting her ex up....
A quiet snort came from my left.
I didn’t have to look to know who it was.
Cole.
Laughing at me.
Heat rushed to my face, but I kept reading, trying to ignore the burning humiliation in my chest.
Then, finally, it was his turn.
And when he spoke?
The entire room changed.
"With love’s light wings did I o'erperch these walls;
For stony limits cannot hold love out,
And what love can do that dares love attempt;
Therefore thy kinsmen are no let to me."
I stared.
Everyone stared.
I could see the other girls swooning.
Cole Kingston was good.
Like, really good.
His voice was strong, smooth, confident. He didn’t stumble over the words, didn’t hesitate like I had. He spoke like he actually belonged on a stage.
Like he wasn’t even trying.
I swallowed. Of course, he’s perfect at this. He was the golden boy. The one who won at everything. The one people wanted to watch.
Unlike me.
When the scene ended, Professor Langley clapped his hands together, beaming. "Great energy! This is what I like to see! But let’s work on the chemistry a little more, alright?"
I stiffened. The chemistry.
I already knew what was coming.
"We need more connection between our leads!" Langley continued. "Remember, this is a love story! You two are supposed to be absolutely taken with each other!"
Cole snorted under his breath.
It stung like a slap.
Langley didn’t seem to notice. "Let’s run through that last scene again, but this time, I want more—" He waved his hands in the air, searching for the word. "More passion, more intensity! We need to feel the connection"
Oh, God.
I could barely look at Cole, and I was supposed to pretend to be in love with him?
I could already feel his irritation radiating off him.
He didn’t want this.
Didn’t want this.
He didn't want to be around me.
I clenched my fists. Fine.
If he didn’t want me here, I’d prove him wrong.
I straightened my shoulders and lifted my chin.
I might not be a real actress. I might not be good at this.
But I wasn’t going to let him sit there and act like I didn’t deserve to be here.
So, when the scene started again, I forced myself to meet his gaze head-on.
I refused to flinch.
Refused to look away.
And when I spoke?
I put bit of what I had into it.
"Thou know’st the mask of night is on my face,
Else would a maiden blush bepaint my cheek
For that which thou hast heard me speak to-night
Fain would I dwell on form, fain, fain deny
What I have spoke; but farewell compliment!
Dost thou love me?"
The second the words left my mouth, I felt it.
The shift.
Cole’s jaw tightened.
His hazel eyes flickered—like he hadn’t expected that.
Like I had actually surprised him.
For the first time all rehearsal, he actually looked at me.
Not through me.
Not around me.
At me.
And he didn’t look happy about it.
When the scene ended, Professor Langley beamed. "Much better!"
Cole stood up so fast his chair scraped against the floor.
"I need a break," he muttered, running a hand through his hair before storming offstage.
I exhaled shakily, the adrenaline wearing off, leaving me dizzy and breathless.
Summer walked by, smirking. "Well, well," she mused. "Guess you got under his skin, huh? Candice is going to LOVE hearing about this."
I didn’t know whether to be proud or terrified.
Because one thing was very, very clear.
Cole Kingston hated this. He was hating every last moment he had to spent with me.
And that meant he wasn’t done making my life hell. I just knew it.
- Writer
