Torch Red: Color Me Torn with Bonus Content Read Free Page B

embarrassed.
    “We’ve got some videos of the Hollywood version that can be checked out,” says Mr. Roberts as the audition scripts are passed around.
    And suddenly we’re breaking up into groups (dancers, singers, actors, and whatnot), and Mr. Roberts announces that those trying out for speaking parts have about forty minutes to rehearse some lines before tryouts officially begin.
    He explains who the main characters are, and I decide to try for the part of Laurey Williams (the girl’s romantic lead). To my dismay, Shawna decides to try out for the same role. But I don’t let her know as we practice our lines together—we’re supposed to do a romantic scene with the lead guy, whose name is Curly. And suddenly it’s time to try out.
    I feel about as nervous as usual until I realize that we’re not only doing lines, but that we’re also expected to sing! And while I’m not the worst singer in the world, I’m not exactly good. I mean I can carry a tune, and I like to sing in the shower or along with a good CD when no one’s around, but to stand there on the stage and actually sing in front of all these kids! That’s a little over the top. And tomake matters worse, Miss Lynnwood expects us to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner”!
    I cringe as I hear Casey miss a note, and I figure that she’s not going to be too much competition now. But suddenly it’s my turn and I feel like I’m going to pass out.
    “Break a leg,” says Shawna with a wink.
    So, suddenly I find myself on the stage, and playing opposite me (as Curly) is Todd Barker. Well, at least that makes me feel more comfortable, since Todd’s a good friend, and I must admit that I do my lines pretty well, and I even manage to pull off a pretty good Oklahoma accent (or so I hope). And then it’s time to sing.
Well,
I tell myself,
you can do this, Zoë. Just give it your best shot.
So I step up to the piano, where Miss Lynnwood is accompanying, and do my best. And it’s really not so totally horrible and a couple of kids even clap.
    “My voice could probably use some work,” I say apologetically to Miss Lynnwood.
    “That was pretty good,” she assures me with a smile, and I feel a little bit hopeful.
    Then Todd sings and I can’t believe how good his voice is, not to mention he exudes confidence. I can’t wait to tell Emily what a great job he did today. I feel certain he’ll get the guy’s lead.
    Several other girls audition for Laurey’s role, and Becca Carter from choir does a great job singing, but she doesn’t really seem to have much spark when it comes to the lines. And then it’s Shawna’s turn and I feel nervous for her. I mean what must it feel like to not only be the new girl, but to also try out for a play—one where singing is involved? I hope she doesn’t embarrass herself.
    Then to my total amazement, she not only does the lines perfectly
and
believably, but she has a fantastic singing voice. Thewhole auditorium gets really quiet while she’s onstage, and then everyone claps when she’s finished.
    “Well, well,” says Mr. Roberts as he walks up to her with a big smile. “That was a pretty good performance, especially considering this is your first day at Hamilton High.”
    Everyone is congratulating her as if she already has the part, and I am feeling a mixture of things. Like kind of jealous, since I know she just aced me out of the part of Laurey, but I’m also glad for her because she looks truly happy for the first time today.
    The tryouts seem to go on and on, and I sit in the back of the auditorium and probably look like I’m sulking. I guess I just feel confused, like where do I fit in now that Shawna has stolen the show? Then Mr. Roberts announces that auditions will have to continue tomorrow. I slip out a side door, trying to avoid Shawna and dialing my mom on my cell phone as I go. Mostly I just want to get out of here. Maybe I won’t come back to auditions tomorrow. And if Shawna asks why I blew off her