Free The Ghost in Me by Shaunda Kennedy Wenger Page B

that off is very important in keeping the audience engaged throughout the show. I dare say, Brittley has a fair bit of work cut out for herself. I've already talked to her about it, and she's willing to take on such a challenge. That is why we need you to play the part of Nelle."
    "We?"
    "We." Mr. Diggs gives a curt nod. "Me. The club. The school. The theater...." He pauses. "I didn't want to tell anyone this, but the theater has been struggling financially for some time. If things don't turn around soon, this may be the beginning of the end for Ardenport Community Theater. Part of ACT's partnering with us has been done with all good intentions and hopes of bringing in new patrons. Young patrons and their families. And by all means, as I see now, new talent.
    "You, Myri, are new talent. Exciting talent.
    "And new, exciting talent always brings new life to a theater." He rubs his hands together. "So, not only is Wolford Academy depending on you, Ardenport Community Theater is depending on you. Everyone in the play will be depending on you. As will I be depending on you to elevate the entire performance."
    Diggs's eyes grow distant, his hands pause in the air. "Let's just say I couldn't have asked for more in an audition. Because if what I saw a few days ago indicates what you can do with a first-time experience on the stage, then Watch out!" He snaps his fingers. "I know there are only better things to come."

 
    Chapter 21
     
    Better things have not come.
    In drama, we spent the morning acting like animals. Literally. To teach us how to deal with embarrassing situations when we find ourselves feeling like idiots--like those never-ending moments when we're acting in front of hundreds of people....
    I couldn't even howl in front of twenty-nine.
    Because that was my assignment. To howl like a hyena.
    And then, when I asked to be excused to the bathroom? I was told to stay in character.
    Uh, yeah. Like I was going to lift my leg, so I could pee like a wild dog.
    And now at lunch, Cass is wagging her finger over her milk at me, saying, "You know, Myri, you say, 'I can't do this,' a lot. But you know what? Based on what I saw last Friday, I hate to tell you, but you can. I think Diggs made the right choice. You were good. Especially when you thought what you did wouldn't matter. Maybe you need to stop worrying so much."
    I look at Roz, but even though she knows what really happened in that audition, she says, "Cass is right, Myri. I mean, look how well it worked out. For one thing, you'll get a passing grade."
    "Oh, great, and for another thing?"
    She takes a bite of cinnamon roll, talks around her food as she chews. "Well, Duey isn't paired with Brittley, so he's safe."
    Safe? My mouth drops.
    A snort erupts from the end of the table, where Brittley is examining her red-tipped fingernails. "Actually, Roz, I couldn't agree more, which is really quite surprising, all things considered."
    Twirling her hands down, Brittley parks them on the studded, black belt at her hips and presses her chest forward through a white buttoned shirt. "Yes, Duey is safe . Because after he's done rolling his eyes at every pathetic thing Myri says and does , as she tries to act out her role of a goat--." Brittley pauses to sneer, then raises her voice to a sickly lilt.
    "You did read the play, didn't you, Myri? For the entire play, until the very last scene, you're dressed as a goat. Because the witch--hah, me! --has a fabulous touch." She tosses her head, brushes her hand on her shoulder. "So, with everything you'll be bungling during your performance, combined with that lovely costume you'll have to wear, Duey will have no where else to look, but at me. And for a witch, I won't be looking all that bad."
    She fixes a cold gaze on Roz. "So, I agree. From one girl to another, you're right. He's safe with Myri."
    Cass drops her fork and stands to meet Brittley at eye level. "Oh, I'd say he's safe . But the facts in your fantasy are a bit off. Because after