Moose Grove, New Hampshire

Cassandra's POV

My eyes were glued to the clock, every tick per second, keeping me distracted from Mrs. McDermott's discussion about the upcoming Christmas play on December 21st. On cue, my stomach grumbled, alerting me that it was time to eat.

"Ahem!" Mrs. McDermott cleared her throats. "Would it trouble you to pay attention to what I'm saying, Miss Barnes?"

"Sorry, my mind drifted to another world," I replied. It sounded more like a joke, than an excuse. I know, cause the rest of the students are laughing at me.

"I won't repeat myself again," warned Mrs. McDermott. "I simply stated that you guys will rehearse for the Christmas play coming up. It's very important that you don't screw this up. I want this to be the best darn play!"

"What's my role in this?" I asked.

"You are gonna play the role of Susan Thompson," said Mrs. McDermott. "Your husband is off at war in another country, and you hope he will come home for the holiday."

"Sounds simple enough, I guess," I said, not enthused by the idea.

"Are there any questions?" Mrs. McDermott asked. No one answered.

The bell rang, and it was now time for lunch. I raced out of the classroom, and down the stairs to the cafeteria, almost tripping into the process, due to an untied shoelace on my purple Converse low tops.

I was now in the lunch line. Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, with gravy, and a brownie was on the menu. The smell of the food invaded my nostrils, making my mouth water. I got my tray, along with a carton of chocolate milk, and sat down next to my buddy, Bradley.

"Hey, dude!" I said, digging into my meatloaf.

"Hey, Sandra!" Bradley said, eating his meatloaf.

"Do you have any plans for Christmas?" I asked, drinking my chocolate milk.

"I'm planning on going to Michigan to see my cousin," said Bradley. "What about you?"

"Just staying home, I replied. "My aunt from Rhode Island is coming up though. She and I hardly get along."

"Seeing that it will be Christmas, you two shouldn't have no excuse not to get along," said Bradley, eating his mashed potatoes. "I'm sure you two will patch things up."

"I hope so too," I sighed, drinking more of my milk to wash my food down. "In the meantime, I have to get ready to rehearse for this Christmas play that Mrs. McDermott is directing. Rehearsals start next Tuesday. I'm not that hyped about it. Performing in front of a huge crowd, only to screw up? It leaves a knot in my stomach, just thinking about it."

"I feel the love, Sandra," said Bradley. "But, I'm sure you will do well. That's what rehearsing is for."

"Yeah," I nodded. I finished my lunch, and took my tray to the cleaning window. The bell rang, and lunchtime was now over. I exited the cafeteria and proceeded towards Study Hall.

What would my mother and sister say, that I was gonna be a part of a school play?

A/N Hey, guys! What did you think of this first chapter? What do you think of Cassandra? Mrs. McDermott, and Bradley? How do you think Cassandra feels about this Christmas play? Sorry if it was a boring chapter, but I tried my best. Don't be a silent reader. Please show some love and support by voting, leaving feedback, and sharing this story with others! Thanks guys! Love you all!! ❤️✨❤️✨