Chapter 82: Don’t bother

"Ruby..."

"Shut up and let them work."

I shut up.

The makeup artist was gentle, a senior named Mira with steady hands and a quiet voice. She dabbed foundation on my cheeks, brushed powder across my nose, lined my eyes with something that made them look twice as big. Someone else worked on my hair, pinning it up in soft waves, weaving small white flowers through the curls.

I watched myself transform in the mirror.

The girl staring back at me wasn't the girl who'd found Tyler bleeding on the floor. Wasn't the girl who'd been called Calli-whore in the hallways. Wasn't the girl whose boyfriend was pretending to date someone else.

She was someone else entirely. I almost didn't recognize myself. I looked better than I'd looked in days. I didn't even know my eyes were so pretty. Or my hair could look so pretty in soft waves. Or that the shade of lipstick I was wearing would ever fit me that well.

"Beautiful," Mira said, stepping back to admire her work.

I touched my face, hardly recognizing my own reflection.

"Now the dress," Ruby said.

\---

The costume was beautiful.

A pale blue gown, floor-length, with delicate lace at the sleeves and a train that swept behind me like water. Ruby helped me step into it, her fingers quick and practiced on the buttons.

"Breathe," she said.

"I'm trying."

"You're going to be amazing."

"What if I forget my lines?"

"You won't."

"What if I fall?"

"Then you fall. And you get back up. And you keep going." She turned me to face the mirror. "Look at yourself, Calliope. You're gorgeous!!"

I looked.

God the dress was so pretty. I don't think I ever wanted to take it off. I felt beautiful and it didn't look awkward or bulgy in awkward places. It also complemented my skin really well.

"Is that me?" I whispered.

Ruby put her hand on my shoulder. "That's always been you. You just couldn't see it before."

\-————————-

The lights dimmed.

The audience went quiet.

I stood in the wings, my heart pounding, my palms sweating, my lines a blur in my head. Mrs. Patterson gave me a nod. Kieran stood across the stage, his face hidden in shadow.

Places, someone whispered.

I walked onto the stage.

The lights were blinding. I couldn't see the audience, just shapes, shadows, the vast darkness of the auditorium. My voice shook on the first line, too soft, uncertain.

Then I saw him.

In the back row, against the wall, a figure in a hoodie. His face was hidden, but I knew the shape of him, the broad shoulders, the way he sat perfectly still, the way his hands rested on his knees.

Romeo.

He'd come.

I took a breath.

And I began to act.

\---

Something shifted inside me.

The fear melted away. The nerves dissolved and I became Emily. I was saying goodbye. I was trying to make George understand that life was precious, that every minute mattered, that love was the only thing worth holding onto.

Kieran spoke his lines, and I answered mine. He looked at me, really looked, for the first time in days, and something passed between us. Not forgiveness, not yet. But understanding.

We were two people telling a story.

And the story was beautiful.

When the final scene ended, when Emily entered the train without saying goodbye and  George knelt alone on the stage, the auditorium was silent.

Then the applause began.

It swelled like a wave, crashing over the stage, filling the darkness. People were standing. Cheering. Whistling. The rest of the cast filed out onto the stage. Every one of us.

Kieran took my hand. We bowed together.

I searched the back row for Romeo.

He was gone.

\---

The cast celebrated afterward.

Mrs. Patterson brought cookies and sparkling cider. Someone's parents had ordered pizza. Ruby was dancing with the lighting tech, laughing, her face flushed with joy.

I stood in the corner, still in my pretty costume, watching. I wondered if I could take it home.

"Calliope."

Kieran appeared beside me. His nose was still bandaged, the bruise fading to yellow-green. He wasn't smiling.

"Good show," he said.

"Thanks. You too."

A pause.

"I meant what I said," he told me. "About after the play."

"I know."

"It's not because I hate you."

"Then why?"

He looked at me.

"Because I'd rather not be caught in the middle of whatever is going on between you and him."  He turned and walked away.

I stood in the corner, alone, and watched him go.

\---

Ruby found me by the door.

"I'm leaving with the crew," she said, pulling on her jacket. "Stephanie is dropping us off. We'll make a quick stop at Archie's for karaoke. What do you say?"

"I think I'm going to stay a little longer."

Her eyes narrowed. "Calliope..."

"Just a few more minutes. I promise."

She studied my face, and I could see the thoughts flickering behind her eyes, suspicion, concern, the beginnings of hurt.

"Okay," she said finally. "But we were supposed to go out after the play. But it's fine. Just text me when you get home."

"I will."

She walked toward the exit, then stopped. Turned back.

"You're not going to text me, are you?"

"Ruby..."

"Forget it." Her voice was sharp. "You know what? Forget it. I'm tired of being your second choice. I'm tired of being the friend you only remember when Romeo isn't around."

"That's not..."

"I saw him, Calliope. In the back row. I saw the way you looked at him. I know he's waiting for you outside. I saw him in the parking lot." Her eyes were bright, wet. "I've been here for you through all of it. The rumors. The nickname. The nights you cried yourself to sleep. And you're still choosing him."

"Ruby...."

"Don't bother calling me."