Alex and Marnie approached a large building with a small sign that simply said “Orlando Academy for Junior Performing Arts.”  They walked inside to find kids standing around, reading scripts. “Looks like everyone is in audition mode,” Alex smiled.  He led Marnie to a group of kids in the corner.  “Hey guys!” Alex waved. “Hey Alex!  All ready?” asked a girl with long black hair. “Think so,” Alex smiled.  “Guys, this is Marnie.  Marnie this is Rosemarie,” she pointed to the girl with the black hair, “Deana, and Anthony.” “Nice to meet you Marnie,” Rosemarie smiled at Marnie. “So, you think you got this down?” Anthony asked. “Hope so,” Alex sighed.  “Marnie’s been helping me out with the lines.” “Do you act Marnie?” asked Deana. “Uh, no, but I know Shakespeare by heart.” Marnie smiled. “I figured that Marnie could check things out here, maybe do some side work,” Alex smiled. “Well, any friend of Alex is a friend of ours,” Anthony winked. Marnie breathed a sigh of relief.  For the first time, she felt comfortable around people.  She felt like she belonged. A man walked inside.  “OK, for everyone auditioning for Romeo, will you please follow me?” “This is it,” Alex sighed.  They walked to the stage, where they had a seat.  The man went on the stage and took out a clipboard.  “OK, first up, Alex McLean.” “Break a leg,” Marnie smiled. Alex went up on stage and took his script out.  He took a deep breath.  “Um, OK.” “Whenever you ready Alex,” the man took a seat. Alex looked as if he froze.  Marnie looked at him worriedly.  She remembered something and went into her bag.  “Psst!” Marnie whispered. Alex looked down at her.  Marnie held up a picture of Cindy Crawford she found in a magazine and winked. Alex smiled and began his speech.  When he finished, people clapped around him.  Deana, Rosemarie, Anthony, and Marnie stood up and clapped.  “Very nice Alex,” the man said.  “OK, next…” The auditions continued, and the man stood up.  “OK, the cast list is here and I’ll read it aloud and give you the rehearsal schedule.  For Benvolio…” The man continued his list, reading the parts one by one.  “For Juliet, the part will be played by Deana Bolsario!” The group gave her a hug as she went up on stage.  “And for Romeo, the part goes to Alex McLean!” Marnie and Alex jumped up as Marnie gave him a hug.  He went up on stage and shook the man’s hand.  “OK, you know the schedule.  Thank you all for coming.  The rest will be ensemble parts.  Later everyone." Alex jumped off the stage and ran to Marnie.  “Thank you so much for helping me out.” “It was all you.  I don’t need to be thanked.” “Yes you do!  If it wasn’t for you, I would’ve looked like a real jerk up there.” “Congrats Alex,” the man came up to them.  “You were wonderful.” “Thanks John,” Alex shook his hand.  “Oh, John, this is Marnie.  Marnie, this is John Hetherington, the director of the Academy.” “Nice to meet you Marnie,” John shook her hand.  “Alex told me you were his coach for the audition.” “No, it was just helping him go through his lines,” Marnie shook her head. “I was telling Marnie about the Academy, John.  Thought she could do some good here,” Alex added. “Do you act?” John asked Marnie. “No, I’m too shy.” “Well, I could use an assistant stage manager for Romeo and Juliet.  And the way you helped Alex, more people could use the help too.  Think you’d be interested?” “Um, yeah, I would be interested,” Marnie smiled. “Great!  Here’s the schedule.  I’ll see you both next week for rehearsals.” John left the two of them. “Wow,” Marnie sighed as Alex gave her a hug. Part IV Contents Part II