Spring Knight: Young Adult Romance Novella (A Seasons of Change Standalone) Read Free Page A

today, right? Most people have been preparing for weeks.”
    His throat bobbed as he swallowed, his eyes downcast for once. He actually seemed uncomfortable. “Just tell me what I have to do.”
    “Fine. You have to prove you can dance, sing, and act. You should have a monologue memorised and the rest is given to you at the audition.”
    “Sounds easy enough.”
    Kayleigh arched an eyebrow. “Do you have a monologue?”
    “Do I look like the type of person who carries monologues with me?”
    His words were like a stab to the heart, the sharp pain of embarrassment twisting deeper as she realised she was the opposite of what he’d said. Regardless of her embarrassment, she reached down into her bag to pull out a sheet of paper. “Here, you have around,” she glanced at the clock, “an hour to memorise that and be able to act it out. We’re doing a dark version of Rapunzel this year.”
    His eyes scanned over the words quickly before he looked up. “Okay, that’s doable.”
    Kayleigh highly doubted he would be word perfect in the hour, considering some of the drama students took days to memorise lines. However, she didn’t say anything.
    “Well, I should get back. Adam will use it against me if I’m out too long.”
    Aiden nodded. “I’ll follow in a minute. Just one question first: why the hell are you throwing yourself off the top of a tower?”
    “Rehearsing for the show. I’m the female lead, and it’s part of the performance.” Kayleigh shrugged like it was no big deal, but Aiden still looked perplexed. “And it’s fun.” She didn’t know where those words or the twinkle in her eye came from and it shocked Aiden.
    “But you fainted.”
    “Not from the jump. That was from the attention.”
    His face tilted to the side, appearing even more confused, but thankfully he let it drop when Kayleigh started to shuffle on the spot.
    “I’d better go. Good luck with that.”
    She had already turned and began walking off as he called behind her, “Thanks, Kayleigh. You’re amazing.”
    “You’re going to need more than luck,” she muttered to herself as she headed back towards the Performing Arts Centre.

CHAPTER FOUR
     
“All better?” Adam came up behind her, his body too close for comfort as he pressed against her back while she deposited her bag on the floor. He was so close she could feel his breath on her ear.
    “Fine ... I was fine to begin with.” She hated how he caused her to trip over her words.
    “Good, where’s Aiden?”
    Kayleigh shrugged, brushing him off and heading over to the main group from her class. As usual, though, Adam didn’t approve. “Kayleigh! Jump again, this time without fainting or you’re out of the show.”
    Rolling her eyes at the group, she turned to climb the platform. Adam hated that he couldn’t throw her out that second, although she doubted he would stop trying. One way or another, he wanted to try and intimidate her out of the election. Kayleigh may have been more reserved than her classmates, but she wasn’t scared easily.
    When she got to the top this time, she felt steadier. Knowing what to expect, she approached the edge to see the guys waiting to catch her. “Nobody hug or comfort me after, okay? That’s what made me faint last time. You’ve all done it now so should know how it feels.”
    Heads nodded below her and she was just about to turn around when the door slammed and Aiden walked in like he owned the room. He looked up and smiled at Kayleigh, shaking his head for an unknown reason as she turned around and balanced on her toes.
    “Ready!” she called, and the guys beneath her began the countdown. When they hit zero there was no hesitation. Kayleigh was out to prove something, so fell back instantly.
    Time kept its normal speed this time, and within seconds she was nestled in the guys’ arms and they were tipping her to place her on the floor. Just like she’d asked, no one said anything and she sent Adam an I-told-you-so glare as