//-------------------------------------------------------//
                         Portal D                          
                    -by Sprinklypinky-                     
//-------------------------------------------------------//
//-------------------------------------------------------//
                     The New Invention                     
//-------------------------------------------------------//
The New Invention
In the pale classroom filled with exactly twenty-eight desks and a dirty white board, my Algebra 2 teacher, Mrs. Hansberry, dressed in black pants with a red jacket too small for her slightly overweight body, handed us back our math test we had taken the previous day. She had black hair and wore a bit of makeup on her dark brown skin. There was an even mixture of smiles and frowns around the room. My test fluttered onto my desk. An A. As expected.
"Nice job Sofia “said Mrs. Hansberry.
I smiled. Behind me, my best friend Adrian received her test along with yet another pamphlet for summer school. The grade on her test was a D.
"You must take more time to study Ms. Lancaster." said Mrs. Hansberry.
"Sorry. I've been super busy with softball."
"You won't be for long. You’re on the verge of failing this class and your extracurricular activities will be put on hold if you don’t get your grade up."
"But my team needs me!" Adrian exclaimed. "They suck without me!"
Two of the girls on the softball team in the room glared at Adrian. She looked over at them and said,
"No offense girls."
"Well then I guess you'll just have to get your grade up now won't you?” Mrs. Hansberry asked with wide eyes and walked away to deliver the next test.
Adrian sighed and put her head in her hands. I turned around to face Adrian.
"Maybe we can text Shannon and see if she can help you..." I said.
Then Adrian interrupted. "It's no use Sofia. I'm a hopeless cause. How is this so easy for you?"
"It's not" I said. "But I kind of have a lot to live up to."
My older brother Lance, who was now in college, was basically good at everything. In high school he had all A's, was extremely popular, and was the captain of the football team. This meant I was expected to be just like him or better. And if I wasn't I'd be a disgrace to the Decathlon name.
"Good grades don't just come from watching you know what all day" I said.
You know what meant My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. Adrian, our other 4 friends, Eric, Lina, Jessline, Shannon, and I had an addiction to this show. Targeted towards little girls supposedly, this fan base consisted of mostly men in their twenties called Bronys. Though many women enjoyed the show as well. My friends and I sort of kept our liking of the show to ourselves in fear of persecution from our fellow peers. But seeing as our friendships were so close we found out one way or another. It started with Adrian and I. We had a sleep over on the last day of summer vacation before entering high school a couple years ago. We were watching videos on YouTube and an episode from season one came up in the suggestions. We both remembered the G3's from when we were kids and thought why not humor ourselves with what they had come up with for the new show. Going in thinking it would be the same old little girl kiddy show we grew up with, well let's just say we were in for a bit of a surprise. We stayed up all night watching almost all of season one. We had no idea in our minds as to why we enjoyed this show targeted towards little girls so much. Especially right before entering high school. With anyone but Adrian I would have been embarrassed to watch this show. But we continued to watch it every weekend in secret. Sooner or later throughout our ninth grade year, our other friend grew knowledgeable of Adrian and my love of the show. And soon after, one by one, they all became fans. Now with season four coming out in two weeks from Saturday, Adrian and I had decided to re-watch all of the episodes from seasons one through three. But Adrian seemed to be letting it take control of her life.
Adrian sighed and looked up.
"Fine, text Shannon. But it will be cutting into precious you know what time."
I rolled my eyes. "I'm sure you'll survive."
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
When Adrian and I arrived at Shannon's in my bright green VW Bug, we were greeted by her mom at the front door of her plain white house with a black roof and blue shutters. Shannon's mom wore a mask like doctors wear and a doctor’s coat. She removed the mask and showed off her bright smile.
"Hi girls." she said in her cheery voice that reminded me of the character Mrs. Cake from My Little Pony.
"I wish I could stay and chat but I'm currently with a patient. Shannon's in the back. Have fun."
Then she closed the blue door that read, "Heesemann Family Practice".  Shannon's parents were dentists. But not just any old dentists. Their office was in their home. Pretty weird if you ask me. But they were nice people and made a good amount of money which allowed them to give their only child Shannon whatever her heart desired. Which mostly meant old car parts or tools only made in Jamaica. Shannon loved to invent things. All failures. But her parents, my friends and I all supported her. Even if half the time you couldn't understand a thing she was talking about. Shannon knew she wanted to be an inventor ever since her first day of middle school when she came up with the idea that we should all have floating back packs to carry around our books for us. Expectantly, Shannon was unable to defy the laws of gravity and her first failed invention was born. But that didn't stop Shannon. I'd lost count of how many times she had attempted to invent something, but she always kept trying and never gave up. What I was scared of was that her determination might one day ruin her sanity. Her ideas were starting to become crazier and crazier. I was afraid to find out what her current project was.
We walk through the back gate towards a small wooden shed that reminded me of the shed Jimmy Neutron made all his inventions in. The inside wasn't much to look at either. In the shed was a lawn mower, some gardening tools and a small welcome mat. I bent down to remove the mat. Underneath was a small trap door only big enough for one body to slip through at a time. I opened the door to reveal  a ladder and two voices I knew too well. One was yelling and one was cowering in fear. I climbed down the ladder and Adrian followed. In the small concrete room was a desk against the opposite wall to the ladder with three computer monitors on it and numerous papers. In a dark corner to the right of me was a contraption I was afraid to ask about. To the left of me was a green old lumpy couch, a mini fridge, a small table, and a big screen TV that presented the science channel mounted on the wall. In the middle of the room stood Shannon and Vanessa.
"I didn't touch your boyfriend Vanessa!" exclaimed Shannon.
She was practically in tears.
"That's not what Selena Talino said you dirty slut!" exclaimed Vanessa. "She said you were all over him in second hour!"
"I swear to you I wasn't! Eric and I are just friends!" cried Shannon.
"Leave her alone Vanessa!" yelled Adrian.
"No one asked you bitch!" Vanessa exclaimed snapping her head towards Adrian.
She had a crazed look on her tanned, makeup plastered face. She had black long wavy hair and wore a scrappy red dress. She always had to make a scene at school with her loud fashion statements.
"Oh hell no!" exclaimed Adrian. "You did not just say that. Cause you’re the only bitch here you dirty whore!!"
Vanessa stomped over to Adrian and grabbed her by her shirt collar.
"You know dam well not to get in my way Adrian. Remember what happened last time" Vanessa said with an almost evil looking smile on her face.
Adrian was never one to back down from a fight, but Vanessa had a much different style of fighting then Adrian. Being as popular as Vanessa was, with one dishonest horrible sentence, she could single handedly make a person’s life miserable. Through all of this I was comforting Shannon on the other side of the room. She wiped her glasses that were covered in tears with her plain blue t-shirt. Adrian gritted her teeth.
"It's not worth it Adrian. Just let it go!" I yelled.
"Not this time Sofie. I won't take this shit anymore!"
Just as Adrian was about to strike, the door opened. A Nike shoe appeared through the opening. Vanessa immediately let go of Adrian and began to twirl her hair like nothing had happened. Adrian, who had been thrown to the floor by Vanessa, sat on the concrete floor and quickly got to her feet. Shannon quickly wiped the tears from her eyes and went over to her computer. I stood there emotionless. The Nike shoe belonged to my good friend, also Vanessa's boyfriend, Eric. Eric was an average height. He had dark brown hair and a scruffy face. He also had the most amazing blue eyes you'd ever see. I loved everything about Eric. But I wouldn't dare tell a soul. Not even Adrian. If word got out that I had a crush on Eric, I'd be dead meat to Vanessa. So my feelings remained a secret. Eric carried with him a plastic grocery bag reading THANK YOU repeatedly on it.
"Oh baby your back!" exclaimed Vanessa who walked over to Eric and greeted him with a kiss and then put her arms around him. "I missed you."
"I missed you too babe" said Eric in his manly voice. "I got the candy you wanted" he said showing her the contents of the bag.
"That's nice dear. But we should really get going if we're going to make that movie." said Vanessa.
"What movie?" he asked.
"I told you we were going to see Love is to Love tonight babe." she complained.
"I don't remember saying..." he started to say and then was interrupted by Vanessa.
"Can we pleeeeeease just go Eric?"
Eric threw her his keys.
"Go wait in the car if you’re so anxious to leave."
Vanessa huffed and climbed up the ladder. Slamming the door shut behind her.
Eric walked over to me, and Shannon and Adrian joined me at my side.
"Sorry I can't stick around guys. I was really looking forward to hanging out with you." Eric said with a sympathetic voice.
He turned to Shannon. "Thanks for letting Vanessa hang with you when I went to the store.”
"Oh it was no problem at all." Shannon said not making eye contact.
Adrian looked as if she was going to explode but kept her mouth shut. Unknowingly, I was looking at Eric's gorgeous blue eyes with a rather dumbstruck look on my face. Eric was about to leave when he turned to me with a bewildered look on his face.
"You okay Sofie?" he asked.
I snapped out of my trance, realizing what I was doing.
"What wait what oh sorry yeah I'm fine." I said as awkwardly as humanly possible.
In my head I kept repeating, stupid stupid stupid.
"Okay then" he said.
A car horn outside hooked that we could only assume was Vanessa.
"I better get going." he said. "I'll talk to you girls later."
Then he walked towards the door, exited and it slammed shut.
"What the fuck was she talking about?" asked Adrian with an angry tone.
She walked over to the mini fridge by the TV and grabbed an orange soda.
"I don't know" said Shannon. "Eric and Vanessa came over after school as usual. Then Vanessa said she wanted some girl time I guess with me and told Eric to go to the store and get Air Heads and Pixie Stix. I don't know why anyone would just want to eat pure sugar. Do you know what that will do to your..."
Shannon was interrupted by Adrian.
"Get on with the story I didn't come here for a science lesson."
"I know." stated Shannon with a smile. "You came here for a math lesson."
Adrian rolled her eyes. "Just get on with it Shannon."
Shannon continued.
"Anyway, when Eric left she just went off on me. I was so relieved you showed up."
"One of these days I'm won't worry about the consequence of her daddy's wrath or her shitty gossip. I'll just beat the shit out of her. When she messes with my friends, she messes with me." Adrian said punching her hand repeatedly.
"She's not worth it Adrian" I said. "I hate her guts too. But we can't stoop to her level. That's just what she wants.”
“This has gone on too long Sofie. Someone's got to do something." said Adrian assertively.
"But if we say anything Eric will probably hate us." said Shannon. "Remember what happened the last time someone snitched to Eric how much of a bitch Vanessa is? She had to switch schools she was teased so relentlessly."
Just then the door opened. Shannon cringed with the thought that Vanessa was back. A black stiletto heal came through the opening. But this heal did not belong to Vanessa.
"Anyone here?" An extremely fake British accent said.
I knew the voice well. It belonged to our friend Jessline. Jessline wore tight white skinny jeans.
Just as the bottom of her shirt came through the opening into view, I heard another familiar voice from above say, "CANNONBALL!"
"Lina no..." Jessline started to say and then the two plopped down on the cushions strategically placed at the bottom of the ladder for that very reason.
Lina landed on top of Jessline who I could now see was wearing a pink tank top with sequins. Her long dark hair covered her face from the fall. Lina was sporting a pink t-shirt with a picture of the mane six from mlp (My Little Pony) on the front. She also wore yellow leggings and bright blue converse. She had an unusual style. Her medium long dyed red hair still in place. Unlike the rest of us, Lina was open about her love of the show. I gave her credit, as she did get called names and made fun of, she always had a smile on her face. I envy her for how much she doesn't care what others think of her. Her only care was if her friends liked her.  Jessline on the other hand was the most secretive about her liking of the show. Jessline was the only one of us who was reasonably popular. She wouldn't risk her popularity for practically anything. Especially not a show about ponies. She hardly would talk to anyone of us at school. But we knew social status meant a lot to her so we leave her be at school. Lina jumped to her feet off the dis-shuffled Jessline who got to her feet with a huff.
"Must you do that every time Lina?" asked Jessline who looked quite annoyed.
"OF COURSE I HAVE TO!!" exclaimed Lina. "It's no fun otherwise. Why climb when you can jump?!" She asked jumping in the air when she said the word jump.
Jessline groaned and got to her feet.
"Shannon why is everyone here? I thought you were going to help me study?" Adrian asked.
"Don't worry. We'll get to that." Shannon insisted. "I've called you all here to show you my current project!"
"Oh here we go again." Jessline complained.
“But this time it'll actually work!" exclaimed Shannon.
"You say that every time Shannon!" Adrian said.
"I mean it!" Shannon said discouraged.
"I'm sure it will be great Shannon." I said with a smile.
Although I wasn't sure if I believed my own words.
"Thanks Sofia." Shannon said.
She went over to the corner where the strange metal contraption was and pulled a string to turn on a single light bulb. The contraption was the shape of a circle constructed of mostly small metal slates. It also had a three unlit light bulbs on top. It stood on a small metal base.
"I call it, Portal D." she said holding her hands out presenting her project.
"What about portal A, or B, or C?!" asked Lina with wide eyes. Jumping around the room.
"D stands for dimension Lina." Shannon said with her hands on her hips.
Dimension? I thought to myself. Shannon had officially gone crazy.
"I've devised a theorem that says that on this day we will be able to travel to a different dimension." explained Shannon.
"Whoo Whoo Whoo."Adrian said with a very confused face. "So you’re saying we can travel into a different dimension? Like in Equestria girls."
"Precisely. “said Shannon happy to see we had understood her for once.
Adrian broke into laughter. "That's... That's the craziest... Idea I've ever heard!" she said between laughs.
Shannon had learned to ignore Adrian's comments. As they were usually negative.
"So we’re going to be ponies?!"exclaimed Lina. "OMG! This will be so awesome! I call being Pinkie Pie!!! No Colgate!!! No Lyra!!!" She said all at once.
Shannon covered Lina's mouth to shut her up.
"Well if we did to by the slightest chance end up in the pony world, we would be a completely non-excitant ponies who no one would know. Just like as if we were going to a place with humans, we would be ourselves because we wouldn't exist in that world." Shannon explained.
No one had understood a word she had said.
"Um so are you saying the My Little Pony dimension actually exists?" I asked.
"According to my calculations. Yes. The moment anyone, anywhere thinks up the idea of a different world, it becomes a dimension. Even if a little girl thinks up a dimension where everyone is a crayon, it becomes a reality" said Shannon.
Adrian began to laugh harder.
"That's it." she said. "Shannon your one of my best friends but this idea that a crayon world, let alone the pony world exists is absolutely ludicrous. I'm getting out of here."
Adrian started to walk towards the door but Shannon stopped her in her tracks.
"Wait! At least let’s see if it works!" Shannon pleaded.
Adrian rolled her eyes.
"Make it quick. I have some MLP to watch."
Just then the door on the ceiling opened. A short, thin, boy, most likely in eighth or ninth grade jumped down. He wore Dockers and a green polo. He had shinny silver braces on his crocked teeth and wore large, taped in the middle, glasses on his pasty face.
"I'm here my love!" said the boy hold his arms out as if he was expecting someone to run into his embrace.
Then Shannon spoke up. "Simon, first of all don't call me that. Second, for the last time were not dating!" she yelled.
"Now my dear, don't get snappy with me." he said waving his finger at her. "You’re the one who needs my help remember."
Shannon sighed and rolled her eyes. "Fine." she mumbled.
"Who's this nerd and why is he here." asked Adrian arms crossed.
"Hey!" said Simon in his nasally voice.
"He's my extremely creepy neighbor Simon, and he's here because he the only one besides me smart enough to work the machine." Shannon explained.
"Hey!" I scoffed partially hurt that she thought of a puny nerd before me.
"Well don't you want to come?" Shannon asked with a smile.
"Oh yeah." I said feeling stupid.
But at the same time I wondered if it would actually work.
"Ok can we please just get this over with?" Adrian said as she looked at the time on her phone.
"Ok ok. said Shannon. "Simon get the accelerator. I'll take care of the Arithmetic logic unit.
"Anything for you my love." said Simon.
Shannon rolled her eyes.
"There she goes again." said Jessline.
"Hurry hurry HURRY!” exclaimed Lina.
"And that should do it." said Shannon as she pushed down a lever. "Anyone want to do the honors?"
Jessline, Adrian, Lina, and I looked at Shannon in confusion.
But unknowing what she was signing herself up for, Lina let out a reluctant, "ME ME ME!"
"Alright" Shannon said.
Lina hopped over to Shannon.
"Turn it on Lina." said Shannon pointing at a small switch on the back of Portal D.
Lina flipped the switch. Nothing happened.
"Yeah, that's what I though." said Adrian walking towards the ladder.
Shannon frowned.
"Well I guess you can all go home...again."
She began to make her way over to the mini fridge so she could drown her sorrows in pudding cups when suddenly the machine began to sputter. We all turned our heads towards the machine. Smoke began to fill the room. The sputtering noises became louder and the machine was violently shaking. We all stood there in awe. One of Shannon's inventions...was working! Even Shannon watch contently as Portal D came to life. Then, a purple swirl began to form inside the larger circle. It started at a microscopic size, and got bigger and bigger as the seconds passed.
"It's working!" exclaimed Lina.
For some reason, the underground room was windy. My hair kept blowing in my face. The room was so filled with smoke we could hardly see the lights from the portal. Lina began to walk towards the portal. She reached out to touch the hypnotic swirl. But just as her hand was about to make contact, it stopped. The portal had stopped making noises. It stopped lighting up. The purple swirl had disappeared. The smoke was starting to clear. The room was silent. Absolutely silent. We all turn to Shannon who looked the most disappointed I had ever seen her. Her mouth was open a bit. A single tear ran down her face.
“Do not worry my dear.” said Simon. Simon will make it all better.
He began to walk over to Shannon when Adrian stepped in front of him.
“Get the fuck away from her.” she yelled.
“Who’s gonna make me?” he replied.
“I am you dochbag!.” Adrian yelled pushing his frail body to the floor.
Simon struggled to get up and then ran as fast as his skinny legs could carry him up the ladder and out the door.
“Yeah, you better run you creepy asshole.” Adrian yelled after him.
As quickly as it came the disappointment left her face, turning into anger. She removed her lab coat she had had since middle school and threw it to the ground.
"I AM DONE!" she exclaimed.
We all gasped. Shannon had failed many a times on her inventions. But never had she thrown a tantrum like this. She would usually be upset, but always get right back to inventing the next day. She walked over to the mini fridge, grabbed a four pack of pudding cups and collapsed on the green, beat up couch. She grabbed her "pudding spoon" from the table next to her, opened a cup and forcefully thrust the spoon into the pudding cup and then into her mouth.
“Whoo, sorry I didn’t realize you actually liked the little creep.” said Adrian.
“I don’t!” Shannon said louder than her usual soft voice.
We all walked over to Shannon who lay on the couch. I lifted up her legs, sat down, and replaced her legs on my lap. Adrian squeezed in behind Shannon's head and Shannon set her head on Adrian's lap. Jessline stood behind the couch and Lina jumped on top of Shannon's stomach. We all groaned. Lina just smiled.
"So then what do you mean you’re done?" I asked looking over at Shannon.
"And after you've gotten so far." Jessline continued.
"Like this one actually almost worked." Adrian said.
I looked at her and rolled my eyes.
"You can't give up just like that Shannon. You've worked so hard to get where you are." I explained.
"I don't care anymore. Everything I've ever done is a failure." Shannon said.
She had begun to cry again.
"What about meeting us?" asked Jessline. "The friends that have stuck by your side through your trails and your triumphs?"
Shannon wiped away her tears and smiled a bit. "Yeah, I guess you’re right. But I'm still done with inventing. It's become...a lost cause I think..."
"But what about the cool swirly thing?" asked Lina.
"I don't know what that was. And I don't intend to find out.”
"Awwwwww" Lina said very disappointed.
"Sorry Lina. But I'm tired of this strange, invisible force screwing with me. My persistence has run out."
"I think you should keep trying." said Jessline.
"I think she finally come to her scenes." said Adrian to no particular person.
I tried to reach over and hit Adrian but Jessline did it for me.
"Ow!" exclaimed Adrian.
No one paid any attention to her. I put my hand on Shannon's knee.
"Shannon, were here for you no matter what you choose." I said with a friendly smile.
Lina and Jessline nodded their heads in agreement. Adrian crossed her arms and huffed which was her way of saying that she agreed too. Shannon smiled.
"Thanks guys. I don't know if I'll quit forever. I think I just need a nice long break."
"That's fine by us dear." Jessline said.
We all smiled except for Adrian who just looked bored.
"Well if were done here, I'll be going." she said as she got off the couch and headed towards the ladder.
We all stood up.
"But what about your math lesson?" asked Shannon.
Adrian was half way up the ladder.
"Forget it. When am I gonna use math anyway?" she said and finish climbing up the ladder.
"Um, like every single day?!" Shannon yelled up the ladder.
"I better get going too." I said. "I have some homework I need to finish.
"And I need to make a quick stop at the mall." said Jessline.
"And I have to finish planning my super dupperific party for Bear!" exclaimed Lina.
Bear was Lina's pet turtle. She calls him bear because turtles of his type don't have teeth. But he does. At least that's what she says. We all climbed up the ladder and went our separate ways. Leaving Shannon in solitary with the dead remains of Portal D. Or at least that's what we thought...
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                 Much to be Thought About                  
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Much to be Thought About
When I got outside Adrian was sitting in my car on her phone. Music blared through in the car loud enough to hear through its steal walls. I felt my pockets for my keys. Adrian had stolen them...again. The first thing I did when I got into the car was turn down the music.
"Hey!" exclaimed Adrian. "You killed the jams!"
"You can ruin your ears when you get home." I replied. Adrian rolled her eyes. The keys were in the ignition running on battery. I started the engine, backed out of Shannon's drive way, and drove in the direction of Adrian's house.
"So since Shannon wasn't much help today, can you help me study after school tomorrow?" asked Adrian.
"You know I suck at tutoring you. Our learning styles are very different," I said. "And I can't anyway. I have something I have to do after school tomorrow."
"What is it?" She asked.
"I just...have to help my mom..."
"Cool story bro; now tell me the real one."
"That is the real story," I pushed.
"Oh come on Sofie. I've been your best friend since kindergarten. I know when you’re lying." She was right. I was lying. But what would she think if she knew the truth? "Tell me what's really going on Sofie. You can trust me." I swallowed the lump of fear in my throat. Although to didn't really know why I was scared. Adrian's my best friend and I could tell her anything...right?
"Ok, ok you got me," I admitted.
"Yes I knew it!" Adrian exclaimed pumping her fist in the air. I rolled my eyes keeping them on the road at the same time.
"Ok I'll tell you but you have to Pinkie Promise not to tell anyone." Adrian held out her pinkie finger. "You know what I mean," I said, glancing at her finger. She sighed and then did the movements to the Pinkie Promise. I took a deep breath, let it out, and said, "Ok…I'm trying out for the musical tomorrow."
"That's not so bad...I mean, like do you think that you're cut out for something like this?" She asked.
"Well I'm not expecting a huge part but I thought; why not try for the chores."
"Do you even sing?" She questioned.
"Yes…just not usually in front of people..."
"You know that doing a musical will require you to sing in front of people right?"
"Yeah, I know, I thought it was high time I start."
"Ok fine. Sing for me."
I bit my lip. Adrian was so judgmental. But I guess I did need someone's honest opinion. "What should I sing?"
"I don't know; maybe your audition."
The musical this year was called Guys and Dolls. The audition song for the girls was If I Were a Bell. "Um ok…I still have a bit of practicing to do, if I...."
"Just get on with it Sophie." I swallowed the lump I'm my throat and began to sing.
“All I can say is if I were a bell, I'd be ringing
From the moment we kissed tonight
That's the way I've just got to behave
Boy, if I were a lamp I'd light
And if I were a banner I'd wave
Ask me how do I feel
Little me with my quiet upbringing
Well sir all I can say is if I were a gate
I'd be swinging
And if I were a watch I'd start popping my springs
Or, if I were a bell I'd go ding dong ding dong ding.”
Adrian stared at me with a blank expression for a while. I knew I wasn't cut out for this whole singing on stage thing. Then Adrian piped, "Wow Sofia, I didn't expect that from you."
"I know I should have never even tried."
"No, that was really good!" Adrian exclaimed.
"Wait what?"
"Yeah! Like, I expected you'd be good but not that good. Sofia, you might really have a chance at a lead!"
"No, not with Vanessa trying out," I glumly said.
Vanessa's Aunt Tiffany directed the plays every year. Which meant Vanessa would always get the lead. "There's no way I'm getting the lead. Besides, I don't even want a lead. I mean sure, it would be nice but I'm only doing this to make my college application look better."
"Of course you are... come on Sofie. You’re so much better than any of those wanna be's. It's not fair that just because the director and Vanessa are related, Vanessa gets the best parts."
"The world isn't fair Adrian. I understand your frustration, but just try not to let it get under your skin." I replied.
Adrian groaned.
We kept driving in silence until I turned right into Oak Acres, the beat up old neighborhood Adrian called home. The houses were built in the early 1950s and most were vacant. I turn left into Brush Street and the third house on the right was Adrian's; a beaten, broken driveway lead up to the place Adrian called home. Shutters hung from the house just a storm away from completely falling off of the house. A basketball hoop with no net stuck sadly out of the dead ground the paint was chipping and the shrubs were overgrown. Although at Shannon's, not a cloud was in the sky, at Adrian's house the sky always seemed to be overcast with dark clouds. Adrian opened the door to my car and got out, backpack in hand.
"Well I hope you at least get a line or two." Adrian said with a smile.
"Doubtful," I said with a sigh. Adrian smiled and slammed the car door shut, for she knew I was right.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
The drive home was uneventful as usual. I grabbed my bag from the back seat of my car. My house was practically a castle.
It had well-kept shrubbery in front of the white, two story exterior. On the left side was our driveway that was connected to a pathway, which lead up to the glass plated door. A blue convertible mustang was parked in the street next to our house. I had completely forgotten! Lance was coming home for Thanksgiving a couple days early.
I practically ran to my front door. I was in a frenzy scrambling to get to the key that unlocked the front door on my crowded keychain. Just my luck; I didn't have to! My parents dressed in fancy attire, were rushing out of the house.
"Oh hello darling," my mother said in a sophisticated tone as she always did. She didn't make eye contact as she was packing her purse with last minute necessities for the evening. She wore a darker green snake print dress that was knee length and the top was a tank top style with a matching shall. She wore a clunky brownish greenish necklace to go with her dress as well. "Your father and I are off to the PLCH award ceremony. We’re hoping to be home by 11:30 tonight. Ta ta." Without even a glance from my mother she was already in the passenger’s seat of my dad’s black Buick. I stepped into the doorway to see my dad, who rushed past me with hardly even a glance nor a hello.
This didn't bother me.
My parents were busy, important people. Always off to some important event. Once I went a full four days without seeing them and our only form of communication were texts or notes on the kitchen table which were hardly legible due to their lack of time to even write a proper note.
I walked into the marble tile floored foyer and took off my backpack, shoes, and coat. The white walls glowed with the dim light of the setting sun coming in from the windows above the door. The large crystal chandelier lit up above me. I looked to the light switch to see who had done it. It was our temporary replacement maid Tina. She sported a red bandana over her black short hair and wore a short sleeve red shirt and sweat pants. She must have been almost 50. Our full time maid Mary was on maternity leave. I wished she was here. She's been the maid since I was about eight. It seemed like I could trust her with anything. And I really needed an adult figure to talk to about all the drama at school.
"Oh, good evening ma'am." Tina spoke with a Spanish accent. "Can I do anything for you?"
"No thanks Tina. And I told you, just call me Sofia," I said with a fake smile, as this was the third time I'd had to tell her this in the past 24 hours.
"Oh yes," Tina spoke. "Are you sure you don't need anything. I could prepare you dinner or perhaps paint your toenails?"
"No Tina that won't be necessary."
"Ok, I continue with my cleaning then. Good evening ma'am."
I was already walking towards the kitchen when I caught what Tina had called me. I went to turn around to correct her, but she had already disappeared into the next room. It's not that I was mad at her. It was probably something that just came naturally. As you can probably tell, my family is pretty well off. It may sound selfish, but I despise it. I had to beg my dad to let me go to public school so I could stay with my friends. Otherwise I would have been sent to St. Helens School for Girls. I always have to go by the rules and act like "Little Miss Perfect." At school, at home, and in public; because it's expected from a girl of my status. What wouldn't I do to be someone else for a day?
The kitchen smelled of beef stir fry and rice. To the left was the stove. Moving along to the right was the black counters with the sink and the dishwasher. To the far right of that was a small table. On the opposite side of the room were cabinets, an oven, the fridge, and a small table that held the microwave in the corner. The walls were painted blue and splattered with grease stains and the floors were hard wood. Two pots sat on the stove; though no flame was burning. I grabbed a plate from the cabinet and piled it with rice and stir fry. I walked over to the microwave and set it for three minutes. Tina still hadn't gotten to the dishes so while waiting for my food to heat I began to unload clean plates and silverware into their proper drawers and cabinets. As my food was in the last seconds of its cycle in the microwave, Tina rushed into the room. "No miss no it's fine, I do it. You go eat." Tina shooed me towards the microwave.
I let the fact she just called me "miss" roll off my shoulders. I think I might have messed up her system or something. Then a voice from the other room shouted. "Tina, is that you? Can I get another root beer in here?" I had completely forgotten Lance was here between the entire bustle from my parents and Tina.
"Yes Master Lance, of course." With haste, Tina rushed to the fridge to get his soda. I rushed over as well. Tina closed the black fridge door.
"I'll take it too him." I said with a real smile this time. With hesitation Tina set the soda in my palm then went back to her chores.
In the yellow painted dining room Lance was sitting at the head of the long dark brown table. The chandelier above reflected the remaining sun that shined through the window. I'd always hated this room. The yellow walls reminded me of a baby's room and we usually didn't eat in here. Not unless relatives were over which made for awkward conversations with Aunt Greta about how school was going and how old I was now. I walked over to Lance who was probably on his third helping of stir fry. He glanced up from his meal. When he saw me he got up to greet me. "Sopfffie!" He exclaimed excitedly, his mouth full. He was about a foot taller than me so he swept me off my feet when he hugged me, swaying me back and forth. He swallowed his food and I handed him the root beer.
"It might be a bit shaken." I said with a smile.
He chuckled. "No prob, Soph. Care to join me?" He gestured toward an empty chair next to him.
"Sure, let me go grab my food." I practically skipped into the kitchen without realizing it. I was so happy to see my brother. I went back to the dining room where Lance stood behind the chair I was soon to sit in. I sat down and like a gentleman, he pushed my chair in. I don't know if it was just him being a good brother or all the years of "training" our parents had given us from when we had to go to fancy events with them. Either way, it was a nice gesture.
I took a forkful of rice and slowly chewed and swallowed, all the time looking at Lance.
"What's on your mind sis?" He finally piped. My eyes widened as I realized I had been staring.
"Sorry," I said. "I guess I'm just happy you’re here. I'm also worried about Adrian and Shannon and school and..."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa…one topic at a time Sophie. Why don't you start with telling me what's up with Adrian and Shannon?" I relayed today's events to him. I told him about the test Adrian did bad on and Shannon's portal disaster.
"Wait, Shannon's trying to make a portal to travel to different dimensions? Last time I was here she was just trying to make her own car. This is quite a jump from that don't you think?"
"Exactly!" I said frustrated. "I'm afraid she's gonna burn herself out you know?"
"Yeah, I get it. I guess just try to be supportive. But don't let her bury herself in a project so much that she losses track of everything else in her life. Just kind of keep her on track."
"Yeah I guess. I just would hate to see her loose her passion for it."
"I don't think that'll happen Sophie. She's loved this kinda thing all the time you've known her. Just keep her safe from herself if she needs it. Now what's this about school?" I told him about the musical and about Vanessa and her aunt. "Sophie that's great that you’re trying out! I was hoping that you'd put that talent to good use."
"Wait but I've never sung for you…" I said, raising an eye brow.
"The bathroom walls aren't sound proof Sophie."
"Dammit!" I exclaimed with an annoyed tone.
Lance laughed. "Don't be ashamed. You have a beautiful voice and if that director can't see that then she's not worth your time."
"Don't tell me you actually believe that shit."
"You’re right, I don't. I was just trying to give you advice an adult might give. The truth is the director is an idiot if she doesn't see your talent and all you can do is try not to worry about it too much. Don't let her get under your skin because people like that will always try and all we can do is rebel and be the bigger person. And if that doesn't work, beat the shit out of them and don't get caught."
"Wait you got in a fight before?"
"Yeah in high school. Multiple. Don't tell mom and dad but I only fought the ones who were asking for it. They were repeat offenders. Most of the fights went down in the locker room when the coach wasn't there. And if they snitched about it, who do you think they're gonna believe?  A repeat offender or the captain of the football team and all A student?"
"Lance I don't believe you. And, 1, I don't really have that leverage. And 2, I'm a girl and I need to be a role model for Adrian and if she sees me beating up people left and right she'll think it's ok."
"What are you, her mother?"
"Yeah, sort of actually. Her mom’s not around much so I need to be."
"I guess I might not be the best person to talk about this with then." I sighed.
We finished our dinner in silence. I picked up my empty plate and stood up. "I have some homework to do and I wanna practice a bit more for the audition. Thanks for trying to help."
"No problem sis. When you finish maybe we can watch a movie together?"
"Sure I’d like that." I walked to the kitchen and snuck my plate into the already running dishwasher. I didn't want Tina to get mad again. I grabbed my bag and headed up to my purple room.
My double bed was the focal point of the room and had pink sheets on it. My desk sat in the corner under the window. Next to it was my dresser. On the opposite wall was my bookshelf piled high with books I had read twice at least. I needed to get some new ones. On a shelf next to it bolted to the wall was what Adrian called "The Pony Shrine," where I displayed the figurines from the show that I owned. I had the mane six three inch figures, two vinyl figures (derpy and doctor hooves), and two comic books. I wasn't an avid collector but it was nice to have a couple of pony related things.
I sat at my desk and pulled out Algebra 2 homework. After completing only a couple problems I found myself looking out the window. I was so worried about everything. My friends, school, the musical, Lance, my parents, and Mary with her pregnancy. Some more than others, but I just couldn't seem to focus.
After forcing myself to finish algebra, I laid down on my bed and just cried. I had no idea what caused me to break down like this; probably hormones, but I could usually keep those in check. But I just let myself cry. I cried myself to sleep. I still was wearing my clothes and hadn't done anything to prepare for bed, let alone the next day. But I figured I'd deal with that in the morning and went to sleep.

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                       The Audition                        
//-------------------------------------------------------//
The Audition
I woke up the next morning to the buzzing of my phone. I slowly got up and stumbled to find it in my sheets.
Adrian had sent me multiple texts that read, 'I'm ready' and, 'where are you', along with many other text that said things along those lines.
What did she mean by that? I didn't have to pick her up until later. My alarm hasn't gone off yet.
I directed my eyes up to the top of my phone. It read 7:30...7:30?!
I only had fifteen minutes until school started! I must had forgotten to set my alarm after what had happened last night. Just then my phone buzzed again. Adrian had texted saying she got a ride with Shannon because I was taking to long. At least I didn't have to worry about picking Adrian up.
I quickly changed into a purple hoodie and black swear pants.  I grabbed my hairbrush and quickly brushed my hair into a ponytail. I didn't plan on attempting makeup this late in the game but then I looked in the mirror. I had streaks of mascara running down my cheeks from crying the last night. I quickly took a makeup remover sheet to my face and wiped it clean. I was about to run out the door when I remembered, MY AUDITION IS TODAY!
I ran back upstairs and grabbed my sheet music for the audition and my makeup bag so I could do my makeup at school before the audition. I ran back down the stairs and into the kitchen to grab my purse and backpack.
"Woah, didn't school start Soph?" I heard Lance say from the couch in the living room. "In five minutes it does!" I said. "See you after school!"
"Bye Sophie," Lance yelled after me. "Oh, and good luck on your audition!" I didn't have time to respond. I got in my car and faster than I ever cared to drive in reverse, drove out of my driveway and then drove down our street. I turned left onto Kit street and just my luck I got suck behind some old person going 30 miles per hour when the speed limit was 45. Something told me that today was not my day.
After two more right turns and a left turn, I finally arrived at school. School had been going on for two minutes now. This was my first tardy of high school; isn't that just great?
I parked in my designated parking spot next to Shannon's car which was somewhat far away from my first class. I knew my algebra teacher wasn't going to give me a free-be on my tardy. Then I remembered, MY ALGEBRA HOMEWORK!
I had left it sitting on my desk at home. Why didn't I put it away last night? I felt so stupid. Now I was late, and missing an assignment.
I walked up to the door where I usually enter the school. I pulled on the handle. What a surprise? It was locked. Then I remembered that the doors lock after the bell rings. Now I would have to walk all the way around the school to the front entrance and explain to the hall monitor why I was late.
"Hey Sophie wait!" I heard from behind me. I turned around to see Adrian at the door holding it open. She was hiding in an oversized hoodie. I ran up to the door. "Shield your face," Adrian instructed.
"Why?" I asked.
"There are cameras inside and I'll get in trouble for letting you in."
I put my hood over my head and stealthily walked inside. We walked past the cameras and into the stairwell where we removed our hoods.
"I think you'll be fine. We have that really cool sub today," Adrian said.
"Oh, thank Celestia!" I said. My day had just gotten a little bit better, but there was still much room for flaw.
The day flew by and in no time, it was time for the audition.
Adrian had come to cheer me on. In the purple dimly light lobby of the auditorium, I did breathing exercises and warm ups. Then I ran through the song one more time in front of Adrian.
"Don't worry about it Sophie, you'll definitely get in!" She said with optimism. I grinned with excitement and fear in my face.
From the other side of the auditorium doors, we could hear the distinct voice of Vanessa yelling about something. We walked into the the white walled auditorium the stage filled the room and the red curtains matches the 1,000 seats. There were too many lights to count and all sorts of people who I had never even expected to be trying out. However, there was one person I was certain was trying out. That of course was...Vanessa.
I noticed that she seemed to be upset about something, as she was yelling into her phone. As we got closer we could sort of eavesdrop. "No Auntie you have to be here...I don't care about your stupid hip...but I'll never get the part with this old lune directing...YOU OWE ME $1,000 INSTEAD OF $500 FOR MY HALF BIRTHDAY, THIS YEAR!!!" Vanessa violently hung up her phone and went over to her click, for moral support.
"What do you think she meant by all that?" I asked. Adrian was about to answer when a loud voice interrupted her. A woman with snow white hair with colorful funky glasses had taken center stage. She also wore a very colorful long sundress and red flip flops. She sort of reminded me of an older Mrs. Frizzle, from the magic school bus and Mrs. Darbus, from High School Musical all at the same time.
"Listen up everyone, I'm Miss Dodd, your director. We're gonna make this as fast and painless as possible. There will be no callback because I can usually tell who's best for the part in the audition alone. Everyone will go up in groups of eight, say their name, sing, then say a few lines. After that our choreographer, Mrs. Landis will teach everyone a short dance and from there I will pick the cast and post the list on the cork board outside the choir room. Is that clear?" She spoke quickly and had a very serious tone, which surprised me from her attire. However, you never know who you're dealing with when it comes to people in this business.
When she asked for the first eight who wanted to go up, Vanessa practically sprinted to the stage, pushing a few people out of the way.
I wasn't very eager to get up there.
Sheets of lines were passed out and some held audition music in their hands. They all said their names and a few sang and stepped back. When it was Vanessa's turn, she walked proudly forward to center stage even though they were instructed to only step a few steps forward.
"This is Vanessa Rodriguez correct?" Miss Dodd said without looking up from her note sheet.
"Um yeah," Vanessa said in a sarcastic and disrespectful tone.
"And, who are you trying out for?"
"Sarah Brown, so like, the main role," She said twirling her long hair with her finger. "Sing," said Miss Dodd.
She started to sing the assigned audition music for Sarah's part. The same part I was trying out for, but knew I wasn't going to get.
She sang with such a strong and lovely voice, although she was a bit nasally. After she sang she said a few lines of Sarah's part. It was a conversation she had with a man and future lover Sky Masterson. Miss Dodd said Sky's part. Vanessa said every line very dramatically. She was a good actress but from what I could tell, Sarah was very timid in this scene and wasn't as outgoing as Vanessa portrayed her.
When Vanessa was done she took a bow which was sort of uncalled for. After the rest of the group had auditioned, the whole group sat down. Then another eight went up. After that another. Then another, and again another. It was coming to the end of auditions at this point.
"Sophie don't you think you should go up," Adrian said sort of concerned.
"I will after this group. I keep second guessing myself. I'll never be as good as some of the people. Maybe I should have learned the chorus part. Maybe I should of..." Adrian cut me off.
"Stop talking. You'll do great. Your ten times better then Vanessa."
"You know that's not true. Your just saying that."
"No I'm not. Sofia your so great and you can do this. Believe in yourself. That's what you always tell me to do on tests."
"Okay, okay. Thanks Adrian."
"Any time."
We leaned into a hug. Just then, Miss Dodd called the next group onto the stage. I took a deep breath, let it out and got up.
"Break a leg Sophia," Adrian said smiling. I walked on the stage and stood in a line with the other girls and guy. I was about fifth in line. We all said our names. The first girls went. One of them was really good, like almost Vanessa good. However, no one I had heard were as good as Vanessa. When it was my turn, I stepped forward, I held my music, and lines in my hand tightly. I was shaking in fear. I looked to Adrian. She gave me a thumbs up and I looked toward Miss Dodd.
"And who will you be trying out for?"
"Um...Sarah Brown," I said very timidly.
"Ha!" I heard a voice call out from the audience. It was Vanessa snickering in the crowd. Her remark made me feel even more afraid, but I kept hearing Adrian's voice in my head telling me to believe in myself.
"Sing," Miss Dodd said. I began to sing. I sang better than I ever had before. I sang my part loud and proud. I couldn't believe I was singing this well. I had Miss Dodd's attention the whole time. When I finished, even though we were told not to to save time, people clapped for me. After that I said my lines.
The scene was about Sky trying to ask Sarah out. Sarah's character is very proper and was the head of a group called The Save a Soul Mission which tried to convince people who gambled and drank to stop and follow God. So being asked out by Sky, a very popular gambler, obviously would have been unsettling. So I made her character sound like she was uncomfortable. When I was finished, the last few people sang and said lines.
Miss Dodd called for last chance auditions, but no one called out. Then she called everyone up on stage for the dancing.
Mrs. Landis was a young woman in what I believed to be her early thirties. She was blonde and wore a tight fitting pink t-shirt and black leggings which accentuated her hourglass figure. She was very pretty and fit which would be expected for a choreographer. "Ok everyone. I hope everyone wore appropriate footwear."
I looked over at Vanessa. Without surprise she was wearing high heal red stilettos, which she refused to take off in fear of her feet getting dirty. I was wearing wore out purple converse. I guess they would do.
Mrs. Landis taught us a short, semi-hard routine. We preformed it twice for Miss Dodd. Once with me in front and once with me towards the back so she could get a good look at everyone. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Vanessa trip up a couple times in her heals but contained her composure. After that, we were dismissed.
I could hear Vanessa complaining about sweating a bit from dancing as I was leaving with Adrian.
"I knew you could do it Sophie!" Adrian exclaimed.
"I couldn't have been better than Vanessa," I said starting my car and buckling up. "Hell yeah, you were better than Vanessa! You were so much better at singing, dancing, and acting."
"If you say so Adrian." I started to drive. The rest of the car ride was spent talking about the new season of My Little Pony and sports. Adrian was doing most of the talking. I was too busy thinking about the audition. I couldn't have been that good...could I have been? I was also thinking about Shannon. I was worried about her. She hadn't been at school today. I would have gone to see her but it was almost 6:00 and I had to get home to do my homework, which I had a lot of. I thought I'd text he later.
I was only half listening to Adrian rant when we pulled up at her house.
"Thanks for supporting me Adrian," I said as she got out of the car.
"Anytime," said Adrian smiling back and closing the car door.
I finally arrived at my house and once inside, I tried my best to avoid running into Tina or Lance. My attempt luckily was a success.
I sat at my desk doing algebra homework, but my mind was still on other things.
At 8:30 I finally finished all of my homework and made sure to put my assignment from yesterday and today in my folder. After that, I got into pajamas and picked out my clothes for the next day after which I brushed my teeth and my hair. Finally, I laid down in my wonderfully comfortable bed which had been made by Tina.
I grabbed my phone and turned on the soundtrack to the Broadway version of Beauty and the Beast. By the time the  song Be Our Guest had come on, I was finally out. I had a dream about not getting into the musical and Vanessa was relentlessly teasing me about it. I woke up with wet eyes. It was about 3:30 a.m. My phone was playing the song If I Can't Love Her. I must have accidentally put the playlist on repeat. I turned the music off and fell back asleep, now feeling even more anxious then before.