Chapter 4
1035 Words
Maya’s heart was still thudding in her chest when the heavy auditorium doors creaked open. She and Jace had barely just finished speaking, the air still thick with the tension and sincerity of his promise, when Sienna's shrill voice cut through the silence like shattered glass.
"Are you serious right now?!"
Maya flinched as Sienna stormed down the aisle, her heels echoing like thunderclaps in the empty space. Her glare could've set the stage on fire.
Jace stepped forward, subtly shielding Maya with his body. "Back off, Sienna."
"Don’t tell me to back off!" she snapped, pointing a trembling finger at Maya. "You think this is cute? Is this what this is about now? Playing victim until someone comes to rescue you? Pathetic."
Maya swallowed hard, words trapped in her throat.
Sienna’s eyes narrowed. "You stole my role. You’re ruining everything. This whole thing was a joke until you decided to take it seriously. Well, here’s what’s going to happen. You have one week to step down. One week, or I make your life even more miserable than it already is."
Jace turned to her, his voice suddenly cold. "Try anything, and you’ll regret it. This isn’t high school drama, Sienna. Grow up."
With that, he walked out without looking back, leaving Maya staring at the polished floor and Sienna fuming.
Sienna took a step closer and leaned in. "Tick tock, Juliet."
She turned on her heel and exited dramatically, the doors slamming shut behind her.
Maya stood frozen, her palms clammy, legs shaking. A few moments later, Jade appeared from the side stage, holding a water bottle and giving her a cautious look.
"You okay?" she asked.
Maya blinked, then shook her head. "I can’t do this. I can’t—I’m done."
Jade raised an eyebrow. "Because of Sienna?"
Maya nodded furiously. "This was never supposed to be serious. It was just a prank—her prank! I don’t want to be in the middle of this. She won’t stop until she gets her way."
Jade walked up to her and tilted her head. "Do you really want to quit? Or are you just scared?"
Maya bit her lip.
"Because Jace said he wouldn’t do the play without you," Jade added, quietly. "You quitting means he quits too. And if that happens, Sienna wins."
Maya looked down, guilt rising in her throat.
---
Later that day, the full cast gathered for rehearsal. The stage buzzed with movement and chattering, but one figure was noticeably absent.
Jace.
Maya tried to keep her focus, stumbling over her lines and feeling every pair of eyes on her. The whispering didn’t help. Nor did Sienna’s smug, too-sweet smiles every time she messed up.
When rehearsal ended, Maya gathered her script and hurried offstage, eager to vanish. But Jade caught up with her.
"Want to run lines later? I could come to your place," she offered.
Maya shook her head. "I haven’t told my parents yet. They’ll make a big deal out of it. Cameras, snacks, my aunt on speakerphone... trust me, it’s chaos."
Jade laughed. "Fair."
"We could go to my place," Faith offered, appearing behind them and slinging an arm casually around Maya’s shoulders. "It’s quiet. My parents are out of town."
Jade raised an eyebrow. "You sure?"
Faith smirked. "Come on. You’ll love it."
---
Maya wasn’t surprised when they arrived at Faith’s house, but Jade’s mouth practically hit the floor. The gates alone were high-tech, sleek, and motion-detecting. The driveway stretched like a private runway, leading to a large, modern mansion with floor-to-ceiling windows and a serene fountain burbling in the front.
"Are you kidding me?" Jade muttered. "I thought you said your place was quiet. This is... luxury spa quiet."
Faith shrugged. "We don’t flaunt it."
Maya grinned. "Welcome to the club."
Jade turned to Maya, eyebrows raised. "Wait—you too?"
Maya chuckled. "Let’s just say I have an espresso machine in my room I never use."
Inside, the house smelled like citrus and fresh linen. They went up to Faith’s cozy media room with bean bags, a home projector, and thick soundproof walls.
Jade clapped her hands. "Alright, Juliet. Time to become a star."
---
The next few hours were filled with acting warm-ups, vocal exercises, and plenty of giggling. Maya stood in front of the mirror, holding her script like a lifeline.
"Repeat after me: 'Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?' with feeling," Jade directed.
Maya took a deep breath, exaggerated her posture, and delivered the line.
"Ro-me-oh, Ro-me-oh, where the heck are you Ro-me-oh?"
Faith snorted from the couch.
Jade burst out laughing. "You sound like a confused GPS. Again, but this time like you miss him. Not like you’re calling for a lost dog."
Maya rolled her eyes, grinning. "Fine. I’ll try."
She repeated the line, this time softer, more vulnerable.
Jade nodded. "Better. Now let’s work on your projection. Pretend the guy you’re talking to is standing on the other side of a football field."
By the end of their makeshift rehearsal, Maya felt a surprising flutter of pride. She was still awkward, but Jade was patient, and Faith’s commentary kept the mood light.
---
That evening, with the sun dipping behind the treetops and shadows lengthening, the three girls decided to go for a walk around the estate.
"We need a break. My brain is melting," Maya announced.
"Agreed," Jade said, stretching her arms above her head.
Faith handed them popsicles from the fridge. "Let’s go find cute neighbors. Maybe someone with a boat."
Maya laughed. "We’re totally just exploring. Not stalking for boyfriends."
"Sure, Juliet. Keep telling yourself that," Faith teased.
They strolled along the tree-lined sidewalks, voices soft with shared jokes and the occasional cackle. The air was cool, sweet with hibiscus and evening dew.
But then Jade suddenly stopped.
"Is that... who I think it is?"
Maya followed her gaze.
A figure stood near the far end of the block, leaning casually against a sleek black motorcycle.
Even in the dim light, the unmistakable outline of his leather jacket and messy hair gave him away.
Jace.
Maya’s stomach flipped.
Faith narrowed her eyes. "What’s he doing here?"
The girls exchanged glances.
- Writer
