~ first day back ~
First day of senior year and final year of being in this hellhole. Samuel woke up today… excited? Which was rare for him, but it could have been that it was the last year he had to live under his parents’ roof and with his all-star sister, Charlotte. Next year he would be miles and miles away. He had gotten accepted to his dream college, Juilliard, and money was no worry for his family. Although it was fucked up (not for Sam though), his parents had agreed to pay for his college as long as he was far away. Obviously Samuel couldn’t deny that offer, but without them knowing, his college was already covered. He had tons of scholarships from the academy, so their money was just extra.
He fixed his hair one last time before running downstairs. His family had already had breakfast, so he ate alone. At least he thought he was alone until he heard the familiar high-pitched voice of his sister.
“So I was thinking… since I am probably going to be chosen as the lead this year for whatever musical you choose, maybe you could go for another character that does not involve you being the lead. I mean, you know how weird it will be if we have to act out being in love. Gross.” Charlotte made the disgusted face and sound to match.
It was too early for this shit.
Charlotte had joined the theater club over the summer. Not for an official play, but through casual gatherings the theater kids hosted to keep close. And of course, like always, everyone loved her. Samuel hated that she decided to take over the one thing that had always been his, but he had to admit he was glad they finally had something in common.
With a piece of toast still in his mouth, Samuel froze as Charlotte slid into the chair beside him. He looked at her as if she had just said his dog Milo had died, the toast falling from his mouth to the plate.
“Charlie… absolutely not. I have always been the male lead in any of our school plays. Except for that one time Jamie beat me in the winter play sophomore year, but that was because I had a really bad cold. But no. You promised you wouldn’t overstep on my one thing.” His tone was sharp.
“But—you already got accepted to Juilliard. This will really help my college resume—”
“Isn’t cheerleading enough? Or you being class president? No, Charlie. This is not up for discussion. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go.” Samuel cut her off before she could say another word.
As the day dragged on, Samuel couldn’t shake the conversation from that morning. How could she? Was her perfect life not enough? By the time he reached the doors of the theater room, he’d managed to convince himself he could focus on rehearsal and leave Charlotte out of his head.
Except there she was.
Charlotte stood right in the middle of the room, surrounded by theater kids who were already hanging on her every word. She was laughing, animated, soaking in the attention like she’d been part of the club for years instead of just a summer. Samuel’s stomach twisted, and he let out a humorless laugh under his breath. Of course. Why wouldn’t she be here?
Jaw tight, he shoved his way further into the room, refusing to give her the satisfaction of a second glance. And then his eyes landed on the one person he wanted to see even less, Jamie. Perfect. If he couldn’t snap at Charlotte, Jamie would do.
He stepped in front of his longtime “rival,” a smirk tugging at his mouth.
“So you don’t give up, huh? I thought you would’ve quit this by now. I guess you just love to lose.”
@Littlefeets Jamie