Malory and Kyle must participate in the annual April Fest production as the leading co-stars. If they can cooperate by the end of the production, their long records of uncivilized behaviour towards each other will be forgotten. 
Malory and Kyle attempt to cooperate, grabbing the opportunity to make a positive impact on their own future. In the process, they become entangled in the chaos of the other’s personal life. Malory learns of Kyle’s disturbing reality, and Kyle learns of Malory’s scarring past. Can these two brilliant but messy teens learn to rely on each other in the face of their silent battles?

Between The Lines

 I couldn’t face them. Not today. Usually things would be bad –but they were never this bad. I didn’t have a choice but to stay away. 


 I gather my weak limbs and stumble out of the hot shower, drying my hair with my towel and my feet on the bathroom mat. The entire bathroom smells like citrus. I walk into my room and limp towards the drawers. It’s no matter; I would be able to walk just fine tomorrow, I’m sure. I slip into boxers, a pair of sweatpants, and a sweater. I drag myself over to the bedside table and grab my phone, checking my notifications. 


Roomie: Dude so why didn’t you come? 


Roomie: Mrs Cole and Mrs Bev made Olivia and I the understudies for you and Malory! 


 I think my heart just dropped six feet under for a second. 


Me: DON’T BE SHITTING ME RIGHT NOW, RON 


Me: oh sweeeeeeeet, sweeeeeeet, sweeeeet victoryyyyy 


Me: Okay NOW I’m looking forward to this 


Roomie: Oh but... Mrs Bev took note of the fact that you were absent today. Way to go, man. Way to go. It’s really petty, you know. Today was literally the first rehearsal. 


Roomie: Doing what? You don’t have lessons or any group meetings that go on from 2:45 to 4:00 pm on a Friday, and you don’t start work until like 5:30. 


Roomie: and I’m pretty sure that you just stayed away because you would’ve had to practice with Malory. 


Me: I was doing errands for my Uncle. He’s going out of town again. And wow, why don’t you just become my personal assistant with all those specifics? 


 Before the conversation can continue, I hear footsteps thumping around the corner, heading towards my room. 


Me: Anyway, it’s good that you got a good position. I’m glad. I gotta go, though. I’ll see you. I’ll pass by on Sunday ...hopefully. 


Roomie: K. I’ll get some junk food and drinks. Don’t leave me hanging on Sunday. I’ll eat and drink it all for myself. 


 I drop my phone onto my bedside table again, ensuring just one last time that it was on silent. 


 Then I hear it –the knock on my door. 


The Understudies [4]