Chapter 2-1
270 Words
Chapter 2
“Shay, may I see you for a minute?” asked Mr. Higgins.
Mr. Higgins taught the speech class Shay had taken during his senior year. He also taught drama and was the director for school plays.
Shay stopped in front of the man’s desk as the class filed out at the end of period.
Mr. Higgins smiled at him. “I want to commend you on your interpretive reading today—first class job. Well done.”
Shay nodded. “Thanks.”
“In fact it was so good that I’d like you to try out for our winter production. I hear you’re a fine athlete, I think you’d make a fine actor as well.”
“Gee, I don’t know. I’ve never been in a play or anything.”
“There’s always a first time. Please think about it. Tryouts are next week in The Little Theater after school.”
Shay shrugged. “Okay. I’ll think about it.”
Shay left the classroom, fully intending not to try out.
* * * *
“What did Higgins want you for after class?” one of Shay’s jock buddies asked at lunch.
“He thinks I oughta try out for the next school play.”
His buddies guffawed.
“You in a play?”
“And the Oscar goes to…Shay Rogers.”
There was more laughter.
“Well I think it’s a great idea,” said Lilly Franklin as she and her gaggle of girls sat down at the long table. “You really did a marvelous job on that reading today.”
Shay smiled at her.
“I’m going to try out. Wouldn’t it be fun to do it together?” Lilly went on.
“Oh-oh! Romeo and Juliette,” another of Shay’s friends said in a mocking tone.
“Buzz off, Bozo,” said one of Lilly’s friends, a girl that could have played linebacker for the Bears. “Lotsa pro athletes became big movie stars. And lots of stars were into sports when they were in school.”
“So, Shay, will you think about it?” Lilly asked, batting her eyes.
“Yeah, sure, okay,” Shay said.
- Writer
