Every single person in the auditorium is staring at Luke and me. Some people are pointing and laughing at us while the others are looking at us with pity. I spot Nancy at the far corner of the room  she gives me a small smile but even her eyes are filled with pity. I feel a shiver run down my spine. How late are both of us actually? The auditions couldn't have........

Miss Dimple  looks furious at both Luke and me. She gives us both a stiff smile and then takes the mike and walks up to the stage. Oh God! I think Miss Dimple is going to instruct Luke and me to perform right now! I feel a mixture of emotions inside me. That means the auditions is happening and I will get to perform! But but really how am I supposed to perform in front of so many people! I feel the urge to run again, my hands are trembling and sweat is trickling down my neck. My vision is becoming tunnel- like. 

I remember what Miss Honey and mom said and try to calm myself down. I can do it! I have practiced so well, of course I'll be able to do it! I take a deep breath and try to calm down my nerves! Surprisingly it works! This time I actually feel a little confident! I have that small ray of hope that I will be able to do it!

Miss Dimple announces in the mike, "The auditions are over. You all know your roles in the play. We will start practicing from tomorrow."

I feel like the world has turned upside down! One minute before I was preparing myself to sing and now the auditions are over! Am I dreaming? How could the auditions get over? Luke and me did not even get a chance to perform. This just cannot happen! I feel like I am about to cry any second. After all the hard work I put, I didn't even get a a chance to perform! I feel like all my effort had gone down the drain! I look at Luke and he looks as shocked and upset as I am. His smile has been wiped from his face and his sea blue eyes are filled with anger and hurt.

"Ma'am please give us a chance!" requests Luke as soon as everyone has left the auditorium.

"Ma'am please!" I request along with Luke.

"If everyone can be punctual why can't the two of you come on time?" Miss Dimple questions us angrily.

"We both are very sorry ma'am. It will not happen again!" says Luke.

"Please give us the opportunity to perform!" I say.

Miss Dimple looks at Luke and me for a second and says, "Rules are rules. The judges have already made their decision. You both can try again next year." She picks up her bag and walks towards the exit.

Luke quickly goes and blocks the exit.

"Ma'am we are fine with any role in the play as long as we are a part of it!" says Luke.

"Yes ma'am!" I say quickly going and standing next to him.

"Fine!" says Miss Dimple. She looks at Luke, "Their is one male character in the side role. You will not have much to say but you will still be part of the play. Do you want that role?"

"Absolutely ma'am!" says Luke is face brightening with happiness.

"And Elsa all the female characters have been taken. If you want you can take care of the backstage. Do you want to do that?"

Backstage, seriously? I can't help but feel so disappointed. I did not even get one of the side roles! But I guess now I don't have a choice other than to accept it! Something is better than nothing anyways!

"Yes ma'am," I say softly.

"Good! Then you two can come for practice tomorrow." says Miss Dimple leaving the room.

I feel so lost and upset. I can't believe all of this actually happened.

"Elsa are you okay?" asks Luke looking at me with concern.

"Uh.....yes," I say.

"I'm sure Miss Dimple will regret her decision of keeping you backstage and not giving you a lead role!" says Luke giving me on of his charming smiles.

If Luke wouldn't have helped I might have not gotten a chance to practice backstage as well. I give him a small smile, "Thanks for helping!"

"Don't mention it!" says Luke.

"The bus ride was fun," I say softly.

"Yes, it was! You could come with me everyday!" says Luke.

I give a tiny laugh, "Aren't you getting late for your basketball match?"

Luke looks like he had completely forgotten about it, "How could I forget? I better leave! But we'll meet again soon!" he says before running outside.

I sit on one of the seats lost in my own thoughts. It feels like all my energy has evaporated. All these days I was so excited and nervous to perform in the auditions and today suddenly there's nothing that I look forward to. A tiny tear trickles down my cheek. I wipe it trying to control my tears. I know it's only a play, I shouldn't be getting so upset. But for me it wasn't only a play. It was the one opportunity that I had to actually get out of my shell and explore my talent. Somebody comes and sits next to me. I look up, it's Nancy.

" Are you all right?" she says with concern.

"I don't think so," I say sadly.

"Miss Dimple did not allow you to give the auditions, did she?" asks Nancy.

"No......but she did allow me to help backstage." I whisper.

"Being backstage is a lot of fun!" says Nancy trying to cheer me up.

"Maybe.....but it's not the same as being on the stage!" I say.

"Elsa," says Nancy placing her hand on my shoulder, "I know it's not what you wanted. But please look at the bright side of this."

Bright side? What is good about being backstage?

"There's nothing good about this Nancy!" I say.

"Elsa helping backstage is a very unique opportunity. Believe me it's a lot of fun!" says Nancy.

"I practiced so much!" I whine.

"Elsa don't you see it," says Nancy, "Because of this one audition you finally got out your stage fear and realized how talented you are. Whether you get to perform or not isn't even important. You'll get thousand more opportunities much better than this. You found your talent, that's what matters!"

I never thought of it that way! I feel a tiny little better. What Nancy saying isn't wrong and if I look at it that way I should still be happy. I give Nancy a small smile.

"Anyways I'm starving! Let's go eat something!" says Nancy dragging me out the auditorium.

As soon as I step outside a cold breeze hits my face. The clouds are getting darker and darker and I think it will start pouring any minute.  Nancy and me walk towards the cafeteria. A  group of girls walk past us and they all look at me with pity. One of the girls also whispers something to her friends and I'm quite sure I heard my name.

"They have got a new topic to talk about!" I say my voice filled with hurt.

"Just ignore them!" says Nancy giving me a supportive smile. 

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Author's Note:-

Hi everyone! I hope you enjoyed this chapter! If you did please do vote and comment, it makes me really happy! I am really sorry for the late update, I had a very busy week and my exams are approaching.

Let me know what you think in the comment section below! Did you enjoy this chapter? Are you excited to know what will happen next? Is there something unexpected waiting for Elsa? Also do let me know whose your favorite character!

Thank you! Love you all!

Love,

Vanshika.