The moment that Tina Kennard entered the brightly lit stage, she felt the enigmatic energy that coursed through the empty space, the tremendous pressure that released from her stomach as she floated gracefully to center stage. She smiled reassuringly, remembering the final sentence of her and Bettes conversation last night. A new nickname, one that would stick forever. As Bettes special nickname for her. If anyone else tried to use it, shed surely tell them otherwise.

Hello Tina, Mrs. Galla said from her front row seat. Tina smiled warmly and handed her monologue to Ms. Galla, watching as the thin woman scrawled a few notes on her clipboard. Wow, youve chosen an amazing monologue. One of my favorites, start whenever you feel ready.


Tina smiled brightly, making a mental note to thank Bette for the recommendation later. She began instantly, not hesitating for a moment. She put every ounce of her body and soul into reading that monologue, as if her whole future depended on getting a role in this performance. She ran through the lines, and even when she was finished, she still held the form of her character.

Ms. Galla smiled at her, Well done, very well done. Well keep in touch, alright?

Tina smiled happily, nodding her head as she jumped off the front of the stage. Thank you so much.

It was really no problem, have a great day. And please send in anyone who might be waiting outside for their audition. She turned to her notes, glasses falling towards the edge of her nose. Tina moved through the dark aisles, pushing out into the hallway where she met the familiar dark skinned face of Karli, Bettes friend who she had the pleasure of meeting yesterday.

Hey, I didnt know you were into theater? Karli said simply, smiling as she made her way towards the entrance. I hope you did good on your tryouts!

Yeah, maybe well be working together. Good luck! Tina said, turning back to Karli, Hey do you know where Bette is by any chance?

Courtyard, as always. Karli smiled. See you around! She disappeared into the dark room, leaving Tina to spend the rest of her lunch alone with Bette. It didnt dawn on her until she was down the hall from the courtyard that Drew might be out there with Bette. Maybe the two of them were enjoying each others company, cuddling, kissing. Things that might leave Tina with a twinge of jealousy.

It wouldnt hurt to check, thought Tina as she pushed open the heavy door. The sunlight hit her square in the face, eyes squinting beneath the harsh sun rays. Once her amber coated orbs adjusted to the light, she began the search for Bette. She spotted her almost immediately at a table in the far corner. Tina smiled and took a minute to admire what she had just decided was her favorite of Bettes outfits.

Bette had dressed simply this morning in a pair of torn, frayed jeans. They accented the curves along her hips, showing a bit of trim, mocha skin along the abdomen before a form fitting black t-shirt clung to her chest. It had almost taken Tinas breath away, until Bette spotted her and waved. She quickly composed herself and stepped over to the table, a grin playing itself on her lips.

Good day. Tina said, laughing as she spoke with an English accent. May I join you?

But of course, mlady. Bette stood, pulling out the chair for Tina. How was the audition? She asked, finding her chair.

It went well, or so Ms. Galla thought so. Tina laughed, digging through her bag to find the lunch she had packed for herself. So how has your day been? I missed you this morning in study hall, but those ***** left me alone. Thanks to your little act yesterday.

The caramel skinned girl laughed lightly, They know whats good for them.

The two sat in an uncomfortable silence for a few moments, the only sound between them was the soft clicking of Tinas teeth as they chewed through her turkey sandwich. Tina looked up from her lunch, meeting Bettes eyes for a moment before the mocha beauty turned, clearly embarrassed that she had been caught staring.

So how have your set designs been coming along? Tina asked, wiping the corners of her mouth. She looked curiously towards Bette who withdrew a notebook from the inside of her backpack. She flipped through the thick pages, smiling as she discovered the one that mattered.

This is what I have so far, Nimble fingers pushed the notebook towards the blonde. Tina gasped upon seeing the phenomenal design before her. It came to life, jumped off the page. It was alive.

Bette this is the most amazing thing Ive ever seen. Tina said breathlessly, eyes blinking several times to confirm the image before her. I cant wait to see the 3D version.

It probably wont look as good, its hard to put drawings into models which become the real thing. It takes a ***** of a lot of work. Bette nodded, thinking to the sleepless nights that sat ahead of her. It wasnt as if she got much sleep anyway, but this just gave her something to do in the wee hours of the morning.

Well if I had artistic talent, Id offer to help you out. But I dont. Ill provide company while you work. Tina smiled, Food, music, dance… I could sing, but your ears might shatter.

Bette shook her head,I doubt that.

Offer is on the table, take it or leave it. Tina persisted, crossing her arms over her chest as she tilted her head.

Bette wanted to accept the offer without hesitation, but she could only imagine what nights alone with Tina would do to her. The girl was adorable, Bette decided. With her head tilted and her arms crossed, she looked so much older, so much more in charge. The caramel toned girl enjoyed that.

Well? I think youve had enough time to think about it.

Bette stuck out her tongue, Alright, you can hang with me and keep me company.

Tinas heart was doing double time in her chest, she would be spending her lonely nights with Bette Porter rather than at home, sleeping or reading the night away. Awesome, when does set work start?

As soon as they finalize the roles. Which should be by the end of the day today or early tomorrow. So keep checking the wall outside the auditorium, because Im sure your name will be on there. Bette smiled and resisted the urge to reach across the table to take Tinas hands in her own. Instead, she sat in silence and stared at the beautifully manicured fingers that belonged to the blonde before her.

Well, if my name is on there, its all thanks to you. Tina blushed, slowly and hesitantly placing her hands on top of Bettes. She felt the familiar shock radiate from her fingertips and palms up through her arms and into her chest, where the shock brought her heart to beat in hyper speed. It definitely wasnt normal to feel like this. Thanks for everything, honestly. I dont think I say it enough.

Hey Tina, you and your friend having a nice little moment over there? Shouted a familiar voice from across the courtyard.

*****, Tina muttered, throwing her hands under the table as she winced, feeling the hand upon her shoulder. Its thin boney fingers digging into the soft flesh of her shoulder.

Thats right Tina, Im here and there is nothing that Ms. Porter over there can do about it. Shane said simply, raising her fist back above her head.

Tina did exactly what she did last time, she closed her eyes and waited.

TBC…Soon.