Free Riven by Jerry B. Jenkins Page A

know.”
    “We’re already selling tickets six weeks before we open, and we’re going to be sold out. I’m talking with the principal about doubling our performances over two weekends.”
    “No kidding? Cool.”
    “Well, it won’t be cool if my Birdie disqualifies himself. You think I don’t know that you didn’t quit football? that your grades were as bad as your athletic ability? Don’t say anything; just listen. I’ve known you a few days, and I recognize unusual talent when I see it. But if you’re not careful, you’re going to screw up a wonderful opportunity. You have the potential to make something of yourself. Already I see you mouthing other characters’ lines, like you’re memorizing the entire musical.”
    “I’m trying.”
    “Do you know how rare that is?”
    Brady shook his head. “Seems important to me. Makes everything easier.”
    “Well, of course it does, but not even many pros have the energy and the interest to do that—though they should. I see you really giving yourself to this, and I’m convinced this could be the best production we’ve ever had here.”
    “Wow.”
    “Wow nothing. You had better swear to me you won’t become academically ineligible. I mean, Alex can play Birdie in a pinch, but I don’t know if anyone else can play Albert. You let me down, this goes from something really special to one big mess.”
    “I hear you.”
    “Do you?”
    “Yeah, I do. I’ll get after my grades.”
    “It won’t be easy with rehearsal every night. And you have a job?”
    “Just an hour every night.”
    “Just an hour. When will you study?”
    “Study hall.”
    “That never works.”
    “It’ll have to.”
    “Yes, it will. Now are you promising me?”
    “I’ll do my best.”
    Nabertowitz leaned back and stared at the ceiling. “You’re not overwhelming me with confidence.”
    “What do you want to hear?”
    “I want to hear that you recognize what an incredible opportunity this is, that it means as much to you as it does to me. You think I do high school drama because I wouldn’t rather be on Broadway? Like most everyone, I had to finally admit my limitations. Now nothing thrills me more than to discover talent and get kids on their way to at least a fun avocation.”
    The teacher shook his head and leaned toward Brady, whispering, “I’ll deny I ever said this, but you’re better than my star pupil. Alex is going places, and he’ll have some fun. But he’s limited by his frame, his voice. His type is a dime a dozen. But a big Travolta type like you? The sky’s the limit, Brady. And don’t be tempted to think then that education isn’t important. You and I both know that if you drop out of school, you’ll never really pursue this. I don’t expect you to be a scholar, but please, please, for me but mostly for you, do what you have to to stay eligible.”
    Brady didn’t know what to say. He just nodded.
    “And I need a favor,” Mr. Nabertowitz said. “Alex’s parents are coming this afternoon to ‘talk,’ and I want them to meet you. I frankly think that if they can put a face to the name, it’ll be harder for them to demonize you, know what I mean?”
    “Not really, but I’ll meet them, sure.”
    “Be on your best behavior. Watch your temper. Maybe you could even say something nice about Alex.”
    “Like what? The kid’s an—”
    “Come, come. Surely you can tell he’s got talent. You don’t have to say anything about his personality or character. You want to be an actor? Muster something.”
    “Whatever. Doesn’t it kill him that Mommy and Daddy are coming to fight for him?”
    “Oh, it’s not being represented that way at all. They’re just coming to watch rehearsal. They want to talk to me after, of course, and only an imbecile would wonder why, but let’s play along.”
    “They can’t talk you into him replacing me, can they?”
    “Oh, heavens no! Don’t worry about that.”
    Oldenburg
    Thomas took a call from Grace and worried