[25] Utterly Ridiculous (Part 2)

(Malory)

“We have made too much progress in rehearsals for you two to be fooling around and not executing these scenes with proper actions,” Mrs Cole argues. “Now, Lloyd and Davidson,” she says, “please start over and let’s see some action. I want movement. I want to see tension… height… depth… levels on stage. Let’s see the relationship between the characters. Let’s see the bond forming before our eyes. Come on, it’s getting late,” she checks the silver-banded watch on her hand.

I don’t want to do it.

I don’t want Kyle Davidson even touching me.

Listening to Mrs Cole argue gives me anxiety. I can feel my chest tightening. I squint for a long time. I don’t even want to look at Kyle.

“Let’s just do it,” he says, defeated. “We do have to do it, Malory.” He raises a hand and takes one step closer to me and I tense up.

“Don’t touch me,” I tell him. “I will hurt you.”