Chapter Text
Disclaimer: Pixelberry owns Choices. I'm just writing fanfics. Don't sue me.
Alan waited just a bit away from the curb on Skye’s house, clicking his boots on the ground. He felt like he and Skye had a great breakthrough the day before, but he was still nervous. Skye’s parents were, to say the least, several handfuls. The bus to Berry was due in 7 minutes, as he checked his watch.
His fears were annulled as he saw the redhead walk out through the gate, a big smile appearing on her face as she saw him. Skye quickly walked up to Alan and wrapped her arms around him in a hug, which he reciprocated immediately.
“Hey.” She said, her voice soft.
“Hey to you too.” Alan said, planting a kiss on Skye’s forehead, which made her purr into him even more. “How are you?”
“The usual.” Skye loosened up and leaned back to look at him. “Wanting to get away from this… hellscape.”
Alan hummed. “Well good news, the bus is about to arrive.”
“I have another idea…” Skye trailed off.
“Oh? Pray tell, Skye-with-an-E.” Alan smirked.
“What if we went on your bike?” Skye said with a small smile.
“Oh. You sure?” Alan asked. Skye simply nodded, looking down. “Alright, come on.” He quickly said, letting go of her, and taking her hand to lead her down the street.
Alan’s house was only a few minutes walk down the street from Skye’s. As they walked, the school bus passed them by, but Skye showed no signs of hesitation, which made Alan feel good. He didn’t know how the heck this happened- he was holding hands with a girl, leading her to his house so they could ride his bicycle to school.
What?? Alan chuckled internally.
Skye was looking around the street, marking the path Alan led her down to his place. She wanted to remember how to get there, in case she needed. Which she might… Skye blushed at the thought, but controlled it somehow, as Alan’s voice broke her out of her stupor.
“We’re here.” He said, cheerfully.
Skye saw a small but spacious one-storey house, almost a cabin, fenced off with a small yard in between the curb and the house. Alan let go of her hand and undid the gate to let them in. “Let me get my bike.” He said, and jogged ahead to the porch, unlocking the lock on the chains that held his bike to the porch rail.
“This is a nice place.” Skye said.
“I know, right?” Alan chuckled. “It’s small, but that’s all I need.”
“Hey, I feel more at home here than in my big mansion, that should say something.” Skye smirked.
Alan smiled at her as he walked back with his bike rolling beside him. The two walked out to the curb and Alan closed the gate, and got on his bike. “Ready?” he asked.
Skye got on the backseat, and wrapped her arms around his torso tight, pulling herself close. “Ready.”
“Alright.” Alan sounded off, and pedalled away to Berry
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The bus was just coming to a halt in front of the school as Alan rode his bike through the driveway with Skye, skidding to a halt in the parking lot. He let Skye get off as he locked his bike to the wheel ring, then turned to her. “Shall we?” he said, extending a hand.
Skye simply hummed and took his hand, albeit cracking a small smile at Alan’s antics.
The two walked into school, heading to their first class. The rest of the day went by as usual, the two always sitting together, discussing study stuff and keeping each other from being bored.
“So, here’s how you draw a sigil.” Alan said as he began explaining sigils in Wiccan practices, Skye watching with rapt attention, fascinated at something close to real life magic. Suddenly, her peripheral vision detected Ms. Grant coming their way.
“Teacher!” Skye hissed, and Alan quickly changed pages. “Alan, would you mind telling me the values of x in the equation on the board?” Ms. Grant said.
“Um… Ms. Grant, the answer is 1 or -2, but why are there wrong answers written on the board?” Alan asked.
“I changed the equation last second to see if you were paying attention. Evidently, you weren’t. I get that things you can already do easily are boring, but talking decreases everyone else’s focus. Keep that in mind, hmm?” Ms. Grant said with a smirk. “At least be a bit quieter.”
“I will. I apologize Ms. Grant.” Alan said sheepishly. Skye simply chuckled.
“First time I saw someone get punished for the right answer.” She whispered.
“You and me both.” Alan whispered back. “We’re gonna have to keep our voices down.” Skye chuckled quietly as they got back to their thing.
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“Okay, you got glue in your hair?” Skye laughed.
“I was five, I didn’t know it was glue!” Alan said, chuckling himself. “It was cheap, dilute glue, so it wasn’t as much of a hassle as it could have been, and I legit stayed with green hair for a day.”
The two laughed as they were on their way to their next class.
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“I mean, we both know we love black, so what’s your second favorite color?” Skye asked.
“Hmm… I’d say Red. Deeper the better.” Alan smirked. “And no, I liked red way before I met you. It’s just an added bonus that you have so much red on you.”
Skye blushed, at which Alan’s smirk only grew. “Come on, what’s your second favorite color?”
“I never thought much about it… I guess Magenta?” Skye said.
“Whoa, specific and unusual. I like it.” Alan said.
“Hey, plenty of that in both of us.” Skye said, making the both of them chuckle, their hands never separating, till they came to a halt.
“Comparative Literature, right?” Skye said, sighing.
“Yeah. This is the thing I regret now.” Alan said.
“Hey, we’ll see each other in rehearsal soon.” Skye smiled.
“Yeah. See you soon.” Alan said. Skye smiled at him, and he could swear, his heart rate quadrupled. “You’ll give me a heart attack, smiling like that.” Alan blurted out.
Now it was Skye’s turn to lose it, blushing furiously. Her smile shrunk, but stayed, and she quickly leaned in and kissed Alan on his cheek before walking off.
You need to move your legs now, Alan
Alan stayed frozen for a solid few minutes till the warning bell rang, and then he quickly ran to class.
“I have literally never seen you grinning like that.” Maria said as he entered. Alan hadn’t even realized he was grinning so goofily until Maria pointed it out. He quickly wiped it off, replacing it with a smirk.
“Well, I never thought I’d see you at a Goth clothes store. Guess we’re even.” Alan said.
“Oooh, defensive, are we? So who is she? Is it the girl you were looking for that day at Cryptic Looks?” Maria pried, wiggling her eyebrows.
Alan simply rolled his eyes.
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When the time came for rehearsal, Alan quickly made his way to the theatre. As he got to it, he saw Skye waiting outside for him.
“Hey, Skye-with-an-E.” Alan smirked.
“Hey yourself.” Skye smirked back. “They’re obviously gonna jump on me, I need mental support.”
“At your service, my lady.” Alan bowed.
Skye chuckled. “Shut up.” Before grabbing Alan’s arm and pulling him along.
Oh how adorable she is, Alan found himself thinking, as he pushed the doors open. The lights backstage were flickering with moving shadows, so he figured everyone was there. The two walked on towards them, when voices wafted over to them.
“Man if she doesn’t show up, we’re really gonna be shorthanded.” Trevor said.
“Don’t worry, she’ll be here. Alan isn’t here either, maybe they’re gonna show up together.” Alex said.
“I hope so. They’re supposed to handle the set design, the lighting…” Trevor began as Alan and Skye entered.
“Glad to know we were missed.” Skye said.
“Yeah. Really touching.” Alan said.
“SKYE!!” Alex near screamed.
“You’re here!” Erin yelled out.
“Here we go.” Skye muttered to Alan, who just chuckled.
“Don’t mind me. Just trying to get to my booth.” Alan said, waving a hand.
“Yeah yeah.” Ajay smirked.
“What took you so long?!” Alex yelled again.
“I knew you’d miss us too much to stay away.” Erin said.
“Glad you’re back, Skye!” Rory smiled.
“I was afraid we were going to have to do our first full run in the dark.” Ajay said.
“Okay that’s enough. Techs, may we confer.” Trevor said, pulling Skye away as, together with Alan, they began running through a list of things they needed to do.
“So the subroutines are up and running. I just need a final plan of the set to really cement it up.” Alan said.
“I'm almost done with that, don’t worry.” Skye said.
“I'm handling all the ambience equipment just fine.” Trevor spoke. “Let’s get to work.”
“I suppose we can start now, Ajay?” Mr. Olson asked from his seat.
“Right. That show’s over, and ours is just beginning.” Ajay said, excitedly. “Get into your costumes and take your places for the first scene, please!”
The techs got seated in their booth as everyone slowly poured out of the dressing room in their costumes, led by Sydney.
Alan could see Alex and Rory gushing over each other’s costumes, while Clint and Natalie were all but drooling staring at Rory. Danielle was helping with Erin’s crown.
“Fancy outfits.” Alan said to Skye, who hummed, looking at him with a smirk.
“We look so professional!” Alex said, all giddy.
“Yeah, yeah, you all look real cool. Now be quiet so we can start.” Ajay said quickly, before getting into his seat. “Top of the show, whenever you’re ready.” He said, with a smile.
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“The witch is indeed powerful.” Alex spoke.
“Please, Prince. If something is not done about the witch, we are doomed.” Clint said.
“Doomed!” Natalie added.
“Can you do that line again, Natalie? A little less shrill…” Ajay directed.
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“You will rue the day you crossed me, King!” Danielle hissed.
“Knights, seize her!” Erin commanded.
“Look out!” Alex yelled.
“I'm gonna trigger the green smoke and creepy sound effects right there so Danielle can exit.” Skye said.
“Sounds good.” Alan said.
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“I know it’s just a title, but since I did save your life, would you mind giving me my knighthood back?” Rory spoke. “It’s… kind of a personal thing.”
“It would be an honor. Kneel before this rock.” Alex said, appearing adequately regal.
“Skye, can we up the moody lighting on Alex?” Ajay asked.
“I'll add another blue filter.” Skye said. Alan chuckled.
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“I can hardly believe I'm saying this, but…” Ajay spoke, a smile appearing on his face, “Great job, everyone! That was our best rehearsal yet!” he clapped along a couple times.
“Really?” Alex asked.
“Huzzah!” Rory celebrated, joined by Erin.
“Yes, bravo, everyone.” Mr. Olson spoke from his seat.
“And Aiden sent me a sample of the composition he’s working on for the show.” Ajay said. “Don’t let one good rehearsal get to your head though. Keep up the momentum.”
Everyone started clapping. Alan and Skye stood back, watching everyone celebrate. Alan looked at Skye, who looked back and shrugged, before both of them headed back to the tech booth to get their things back.
“Hey Alan, can I get your opinion on something?” Skye asked.
“Sure, what is it?” Alan replied, walking to Skye.
“I’ve been finalizing my sketches for the set and I'm not sure which one to present to Ajay.” Skye said.
“What are our options?” Alan asked, as Skye was already getting her notebook out.
“I came up with one that’s pretty extra, in my opinion, but I don’t know if it’s any good. Take a look?” Skye said as Alan was already skimming through her sketches.
“Skye, this looks amazing!” Alan said, looking at Skye’s extravagant sketch of the set.
“Really?” Skye asked.
“Yep. Listen, this is a play. Being dramatic and being extravagant is part of the job. This’ll really enhance the show.” Alan said.
“Okay. If you think so…” Skye nervously trailed off.
“Believe in yourself a little more, Skye-with-an-E” Alan said, grabbing her hand and pulling her away. “Come on. We’re talking to Ajay right now.”
“Whoa,” Skye yelped as Alan pulled her along, which turned into a chuckle. “Okay.”
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A few minutes later, everyone was leaving. Alan and Skye walked out, hand in hand, as they left the school building.
“Let’s get to your bike.” Skye said, looking down.
“Yep.” Alan said, leading Skye to the parking lot where his bike was, still locked to the wheel ring.
“Hey there, sis.” Skye froze as Alan rolled his eyes, turning his head to see Brian and a few others approaching them.
“What do you say we go home together today, Sis?” his smile was almost poisonous.
“No, thank you.” Skye said, as monotonously as she could. Alan had unlocked his bike and called to Skye, “Ready.”
“Ready.” Skye said back, cracking a small, grateful smile at Alan and quickly going to get on.
“Sis,” Brian said, almost hissed as he grabbed Skye’s arm, “you’re being rude to your brother who just asked you to go home together.”
That was it. Alan immediately dashed to stand beside Skye and grabbed and twisted Brian’s little finger in such a way that he instantly let go.
“Ow ow, you little-” Brian tried.
“Picking on a girl, much less your own sister, Mr. Bigshot quarterback?” Alan said, coldly. “How manly of you.”
“Listen kid, you don’t wanna mess with me. Walk away while I talk to my sister.” Brian said, now standing in front of Alan.
“Oh, Mr. Crandall.” Alan quickly looked behind Brian, faking surprise and respect.
“Huh?” Brian turned around in shock, expecting to see his father.
Making the most of this chance, Alan and Skye quickly got on the bike, and Alan sped off.
Skye wrapped her arms tightly around Alan, burying her face in his back, feeling the wind hit her ears as it flittered her hair back. She felt Alan swinging left and right from pedalling. She chose to focus on those things instead of focusing on what had just happened. Why did her family have to try and ruin everything?
A little while later, Alan came to a halt. “Skye?” Alan called to the girl behind him.
“Are we at my house?” Skye asked, not wanting to lift her head just yet.
“No. We’re at mine.” Alan answered.
Skye looked up, seeing the cabin she’d seen Alan take her to. Alan gestured for her to get off, and so they dismounted from his bike. Alan casually went to lock it back up on the porch.
“What are we doing here?” Skye asked.
“I'm locking up my bike. Then we’re going inside and I'm getting you some pizza.” Alan simply said.
“What? No, you don’t have to-” Skye tried.
“Skye.” Alan interrupted. “Has that worked on me yet?” Skye merely looked down once, before looking back up. “I don’t care what your family tries to do to me. Never will. For now, you need a pick-me-up, and I'm happy to provide. Now, as much as I love hearing you speak, shut up and come inside.” Alan said in one go, with a smile that was nothing but warm and caring. Skye almost teared up. Almost.
She sighed heavily, clearly emotional, then nodded, with a small smile. “That speech in itself wasn’t a bad pick-me-up.”
“Well damn, I should do this for a living then.” Alan chuckled, opening the door for her. “Come in, Milady.”
“Dork.” Skye smirked, before entering. It was a cosy place, with everything one could need, laid very space-efficiently. “This is a nice place.”
“Thanks. Took a week to setup.” Alan said. “Have a seat and I'll get us our pizza.” Alan walked into the kitchen as Skye went to the couch, sitting down tentatively. She noticed chimes and incense sticks nearly everywhere, along with symbols drawn on the walls. She could see his computer right beside his bed, with a few bells and whistles extra from most others she’d seen before.
“Hope you don’t mind yesterday’s pizza heated up.” Alan said, bringing a plate with pizza over to the table in front of the couch.
“I don’t.” Skye said. Alan sat right beside Skye, taking a slice of pizza. Skye took one for herself.
“Cheers.” Alan said, before taking a bite.
“This is good.” Skye said, chewing her own morsel. “You make this?”
“Yeah. Lot of days.” Alan shrugged.
“This puts a lot of pizza chains to shame in my opinion.” Skye said, scarfing down her slice in a second.
“Okay, dang. Adding pizza cook to my list of backup jobs.” Alan laughed.
“You better, you’d be good at it. And I’d be a regular.” Skye said.
“If you want, I have some cola in the fridge.” Alan said.
Skye suddenly began to look sombre, pausing eating. “You’re always taking care of me.” Skye said, her eyes flitting down. “Thank you.”
“Hey, taking care of you makes me happy.” Alan smiled warmly.
Skye smiled sadly. “I… I must look so weak.”
“Skye, nothing about you is weak.” Alan said, taking a bite. “You could probably kick most people’s asses to Sunday, and you’re very difficult to hurt. But this is your own family, and they’re torturing you. And you, being a good person, can’t torture them back. There’s nothing weak about that.” He bumped shoulders with her lightly. “Rather, to take that pain and still not let it corrupt you… that’s strength beyond any average person. You’re still so kind hearted and warm, trying to help people all around you. You’re the strongest person I know.” Skye smiled at that, before leaning into him and resting her head on his shoulder.
“You always know what to say.” Skye said. “Smartass.”
“Hey!” Alan said bashfully, albeit with a playful smile.
“You… are one cheesy, dorky, nerdy lunatic.” Skye chuckled. “And I'm grateful for you.” She finished sincerely.
“Thank you, I'll be here all week.” Alan smirked.
“Better be here more than that.” Skye smirked back.
“Good thing I have no plans to move, then.” He said, looking right into her eyes. Those deep, blue eyes that he kept getting lost in. He felt magnetized to them… to her.
Dang it, what has she done to me? He thought to himself. No surge of brilliance greeted him. It was all blank. Uncharted waters of his mind, his emotions.
Feeling bold, he planted a kiss on Skye’s lips. They were warm, soft, as always, and he could taste the cherry of her lipstick. He rested a hand on her cheek, and she did the same to him, and as they sat there on the couch, he felt like he was flying.
Skye had never felt this way before. About anything, let alone anyone. Most people in her life were white noise to her. Even her own family. But this guy… he drew out her emotions from the shell that blocked almost everyone else. It was maddening, and even if she didn’t admit it to anyone, including herself, she’d already decided that she wouldn’t have it any other way.
They separated, looking at each other like nothing else existed in the world.
Suddenly, Skye’s phone rang with a notification, making her jump. “Sorry.” She said, quickly giving whatever had bothered her a see through. “My parents. I have another stupid family gathering to be at. At least they bothered to remind me this time.”
Alan rubbed his thumb over her knuckles resting on her lap. His other hand was still on her cheek. “Time for me to worry my head off.” He sighed. “I wish I could go with you.
“I wish I could take you.” Skye said, leaning forward and resting her forehead against his. “But I have to go. Don’t worry too much.”
“That’s asking a lot.” Alan chuckled.
Skye chuckled back, before getting up. “I'll see you tomorrow.” Alan got up to follow her, but Skye stopped him. “No, not this time. They’ll have the car out and be waiting outside already. Brian probably isn’t home yet, or I’d get a call. You can’t even turn the curb, please.”
“But-” Alan tried.
“No. Just this once.” Skye said. “I'll see you tomorrow, and you can wring any tension I gather today out of me.” She smiled.
“Okay.” Alan sighed. “See you tomorrow.” He quickly gave her a kiss on her forehead, and she purred, ever so adorably. “Have I ever told you-”
“Shut up.” Skye quickly said, nearly squealing. “Bye.”
“Bye, Skye. With-an-E.” Alan replied, making Skye roll her eyes as she walked off, and Alan closed the door behind her. Heaving a sigh, he went sat down at his computer, booting it up.
Time to game my anxiety away.
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The next day, Alan walked over to Skye’s house, and sure enough, Skye was standing there, cracking her monotone for a small smile the moment she spotted him. His relief was visible on his face, as Skye asked him, “Were you that worried?”
“Is it that obvious? Don’t answer.” Alan said, before hugging her, Skye returning the gesture. “What happened?”
“The usual. Oh and I had to apologize for last Friday, but it’s all okay.” Skye said.
“All okay?” Alan asked, eyebrows raised.
“As much as usual, or better since I met you, but you get the idea.” Skye shrugged.
Alan sighed. “Alright.” He turned, looking at the road, before quickly speaking again. “I'm sorry I worry so much. If it’s annoying-”
Skye shushed him just as quickly. “You’re not annoying. I understand what anxiety means. It’s okay, I promise.”
Alan nodded, just as the bus stopped in front of them. They got on, went to there usual seat, and went about their day. Listening to music, of course.
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Classes went by as usual, and soon, they were sitting in the cafeteria, with the rest of the theatre group.
“I’m just saying, if you could only pick one, would you rather watch Wicked with the original cast, or Hamilton?” Erin asked.
“An impossible question.” Rory spoke bashfully.
“Like, how dare you?” Natalie added.
“Come on, Alex, which one?” Erin continued.
“I'll never throw away my shot to see Hamilton.” Alex said.
“We do not deserve Lin-Manuel Miranda.” Clint said.
“We really don’t.” Alex agreed.
Suddenly, there’s a commotion across the cafeteria. Alan turned and saw Amber get up on a table and wave to get people’s attention.
“What now?” Skye muttered to Alan, to which he simply shrugged and looked on to find out.
“Hi! Yes, over here! I have something very important that I want to say.” Amber’s high pitched voice rang out.
“Uhh, those frequencies.” Alan shivered, getting a chuckle out of Skye.
Amber plugged her phone into a huge speaker, and music started blasting from them, eliciting another groan from Skye and Alan.
“I want everyone to know how much I love my new boyfriend, Lorenzo!” Amber spoke. “But why tell you when I can just show you!” the cafeteria doors burst open as a couple of men wheeled in a giant ice sculpture depicting Amber and Lorenzo.
“Holy crap!” Alex said, nearly yelling. “Oh my Gosh, what is with this girl and ice sculptures?” the entire theatre group laughed at that. “Seriously, why does she like them so much? And how does she get them made so fast?”
“Three words.” Ajay said. “Rich. People. Nonsense.”
People were starting to gather around Amber’s table to look at the sculpture. Lorenzo looked confused at first, then pleased.
“Wow, babe! I look, like, really good in ice form. My biceps look super swole.” Lorenzo said, before breaking into a smile. “I guess I love you too!”
“Awwww!” Amber’s sugary, shrill voice sounded off again, and she launched herself off the table and into Lorenzo's arms, and they shared a kiss.
Alan facepalmed. The obnoxiousness was getting out of hand, when suddenly, he received a nudge from Skye beside him. “Hey, I'm right there with you.” She chuckled.
Alan shook his head, smiling, until he saw Alex. He was looking at his sister, Annie, sitting right by the sculpture. From her face, she was crestfallen, and after a moment, she got up and slipped out the cafeteria doors.
“Wasn’t your twin dating Amber just the other week?” Ajay asked Alex.
“Should you go see if Annie’s okay?” Natalie asked.
“What do I even say?” Alex returned, deflated.
“I thought you did a good job of comforting her after they broke up at the dance.” Erin said cheerfully.
“She did seem a little better…” Alex trailed off.
“Besides, even if you don’t know what to say, just the presence of someone who cares can do a lot.” Alan added.
“I was there too after the dance. Let’s get the band back together!” Erin said.
“Thanks, Erin. You’re always so good at advice…” Alex spoke. “And I'm not exactly a love guru.”
“I got you. I think Annie went out to the courtyard. Let’s go find her!” Erin said, pushing Alex to get going, as the two went to find Annie.
“Well, I’d say Annie’s in good hands.” Alan shrugged. Skye nodded at that.
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Friday, everything was going as usual. Alan and Skye had taken the bus to Berry. Done with their classes, it was again time for rehearsal.
Just as the group was about to rehearse their second scene, the theater doors opened, Ben entering the theatre with a cast, but the crutches were gone. “Am I interrupting?”
“No!” Ajay replied. “I mean, you are literally interrupting, but don’t it's fine. What brings you here?”
“Well, as you can see, no crutches!” Ben said cheerfully. “So I figured I’d hobble over and see how the play was coming along.”
“How’s the walking boot treating you?” Erin asked Ben.
“I'm so glad that Maria doesn’t have to carry all my stuff anymore.” Ben said. “Oh, speaking of! You guys should sign my cast!” he suddenly excitedly spoke. “Then I'll have a souvenir after you all get famous.”
“I have some markers in my bag!” Erin quickly followed up, fetching the markers. The theatre group lined up to sign Ben’s cast.
Skye kept it simple with a ‘Get Well Soon' while Alan drew a rune, one for healing, and wrote ‘Alan' alongside it.
“Awesome. I'm like a walking play bill now!” Ben said once everyone was done.
“We really should get back to rehearsal.” Ajay said. “Ben, you’re welcome to stay if you’d like.” He offered Ben.
“Cool. Just pretend I'm not here.” Ben said, quietly going to sit in the audience seats.
Alan and Skye went and took their places in the tech booth with Trevor, exchanging a warm smile with each other as they got to work.
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At the end of the rehearsal, Ben smiled from the seat and clapped exaggeratedly. Alex tool a mock bow, when suddenly, a cell phone rand, and Rory took it out of her bag to answer. “Hello?” as soon as she got a reply, Rory’s face fell. “Oh, um, yeah… I'll be right there.” She hung up and went to whisper something in Ajay's ear. Ajay nodded and motioned for Rory to go.
Alan noticed the puzzled look on Alex’s face as he watched Rory quickly leave, with no explanation. And Ajay knew why she had to go, and agreed.
“Another good rehearsal today, amazingly.” Ajay’s voice captured Alan’s attention once more. “But I still have a few notes, so everyone take a seat…” Ajay trailed off as everyone took a seat in the audience chairs. “Actually, why don’t I let our outside observer tell everyone what he thought. Ben?”
“I'm so impressed!” Ben said excitedly. “The play is going to be amazing!”
“You really think so?” Danielle asked.
“Totally!” Ben continued. “Rory is awesome. Duh. Danielle, your witch is so witchy.” Alan watched Danielle’s face flash with… something, before morphing into a smile. “And, uh… Alan and Skye, right?” Ben asked. The two of them nodded. “All the lights and sound effects really added to it. Of course, Ajay makes it all come together.” Ajay beamed at that. “My only disappointment is that I couldn’t be in it…” Ben’s face fell for a second, before resuming, “But Alex you’re killing it!”
“Wow, thanks!” Alex said, surprised but proud.
“Who would have thought a wheeled box would have caused so much trouble. It all worked out in the end though.” Ben said.
“Wait, what wheeled box?” Trevor suddenly asked.
“The theatre cube that was used for the auditions.” Alex said.
“But that doesn’t make any sense…” Trevor trailed off.
“What? It was the only one I found.” Alex said.
“Did you look backstage?” Trevor asked.
“Yes, and then in the prop room.” Alex answered.
Got a bad feeling about this, Alan thought.
“I know I put the right cube with everything else.” Trevor now spoke frantically. “I made sure it was all positive.”
“Are you absolutely positive?” Alex asked.
“One hundred percent. Skye even helped me.” Trevor said.
“That’s right!” Skye said, as if she recalled.
“I mean it was right there, you couldn’t have missed it if you tried.” Trevor said.
“Unless…” Danielle quickly cut in.
A bunch of eyes turned suspiciously towards Alex.
Oh no, Alan thought to himself.
“You don’t thin-” Alex tried to speak but was cut off.
“What, that you did it on purpose?” Danielle quickly spoke again, in a very inciting tone.
“Alex is a freshman! How could he know where the cubes are or which one was the right one?” Erin said. “It was obviously a mistake.”
“I don’t know… It’s starting to seem more and more like sabotage.” Trevor said, looking angry.
“Sabotage?” Alex asked, an incredulous and fearful look on him.