Page 34 of The Perfect Hit

At the end of rehearsal, I was cleaning up a few things by the drama instructor and whispered, “Why don’t you want me to defend her?”

She gave me a small smile and clasped her hands in front of her. “Mr. Buttars, how often do you step in and defend her?”

I frowned, wondering what that had to do with anything. I was her best friend and the guy who liked her. What was wrong with helping?

I shrugged. “Not very often. She does pretty well by herself.”

Her smile grew only in millimeters, and she said, “She does well when she’s comfortable. But theater isn’t that way forever. I know how much she wants to go on and study about theater and music. I’m hoping to help her see what she needs to do to get there.”

I paused, my mouth open to say something, but my mind went completely blank. “How can you tell all that?” I grinned, surprised at the depth of analysis I hadn’t even considered. Then again, this world was out of my element, and I still had a lot to learn.

Shaking her head, she laughed. “I’m just a teacher who’s been around the block a few times. Hazel is a special girl, and I know how much she means to you. Just let her fight her own battles for a while, all right?”

It took a few seconds of thought, but I finally nodded. “I’ll do my best.”

“Now, you best be getting home. You probably have homework or something to take care of. Wouldn’t want you missing your next game.” She winked at me, and I wondered if she knew something I didn’t.

With a nod, I walked over to Hazel, and we headed home.

What a strange situation, but if it was going to help Hazel, I had to at least try to back off and let her stand up for herself.

22

Hazel

“Hazel! Hazel!” I could hear Winnie’s voice calling to me through the door to the bathroom. I’d come home right after rehearsal and gone right into a bubble bath, needing a few moments of peace and quiet after the constant barrage of questions and opinions at rehearsal.

And I might have had a hard time getting the idea of Marcy grinning at Colt out of my mind. They’d been laughing by the end of the rehearsal about something I didn’t understand, and as much as I tried not to care what was going on with others, I didn’t want to lose my best friend just because he was trying to take an interest in what I liked.

It had been hard to keep talking on the way home, mostly because of that situation and the one with Scott and Ellie. What was their deal? I’d never seen them act like that for Mrs. Sanderson. Even though I was outgoing when it came to drama and theater, confrontation was something I stayed far away from.

“What?” I called out, hoping my sister would just leave me alone for a few more minutes. My fingers were pruney and the water was near freezing, but I wasn’t up for moving just yet.

“Mom has something for you.”

Dragging myself out of the water, I towel-dried and got dressed in some fluffy pajamas and a comfy t-shirt. Once downstairs, I walked over to see a package on the table. The address said Buffalo, but I couldn’t remember whose address it was listed in the top right corner.

A moment of panic hit me as I hoped it wasn't some bad joke from Seth.

I pulled on the tab on the back of the envelope, opening it to see the contents inside. There were streamers, confetti poppers, and a party hat. I smiled at all of it and saw the paper near the bottom of the envelope. Once I opened it, I relaxed fully, seeing it was from a friend.

Hey girl!

I just wanted to send some celebratory materials for your play. You’re doing awesome and congrats.

We all miss you here. Hope you’re having fun and good luck with the production!

Lina

“Oh, did Winnie tell you about the package?” my mom asked, walking into the kitchen.

I nodded and handed her the note. “Lina sent this.”

My mom quickly read the note and then glanced inside the envelope. “That’s a fun idea. Just make sure when you’re popping those that you don’t do it inside my house.”

I rolled my eyes. “Yes, Mom. I think I’ll save them for performance week.”

“How did she know about it?”

---