CHAPTER XIX

Aidan stands on stage listening to Amber's directions about his role. Noah, who often helps Aidan with his dialogue, looks from behind. Practices, which should only be done after school hours, have now escalated to take lunchtime too.

Aidan has lost count of how many times he didn't come to the tree where he and Josh used to hang out. Initially, Josh would ask where he was, but over time the short messages from Josh diminished and no more. He can’t blame Josh for that. However, his head is raging with thoughts what Josh would do. About their promise to investigate the Central Side settlement together. Is Josh doing that alone? Without waiting for him? Or is he currently making progress on the investigation of the Aswang? What on earth am I doing? Standing on a stage, pretending to be someone else?

Those thoughts makes Aidan's performance chaotic. Many times Amber comes to the stage and gives him directions. However, still everything seems useless, Aidan keeps making mistakes.

Amber takes a deep breath when Aidan inevitably makes another mistake. The girl stops the scene on the stage and walks over to Aidan. "You shouldn't appear in this scene yet," she says, pointing at the manuscript sheet. “You should appear at the same time as the character Paul plays. Got it?"

"Sorry," replies Aidan carelessly. "Should I do it again?"

Amber looks at Aidan. "Is everything all right?" she asks worriedly.

"Yes, all is well."

"Hmm...," Amber mutters doubtfully then she turns to the other drama club members. "Look, I think that’s it for today."

Some of the members shriek with relief — most of them are temporary members from Mr. Connor’s project, some of them look at Amber confusedly, but choose to follow the wish of their club president. Amber turns around and prevents Aidan from leaving the stage.

"You stay here. We need to talk."

"Really?"

Amber grabs Aidan's shoulder and leads the young man away from the other members. "I know you are here only because Mr. Connor’ social class. However, I think you are a pretty decent actor, at least one who is trying to do his best. But, today you really messed up. Are you okay?" she asks earnestly.

"I'm fine, really. But, today seems like my mind is erratic."

Amber nods sympathetically. "Since we finished early today, I hope you can calm your mind as soon as possible." The girl hastily adds, “It's not that I don't care about your problem, it's just that this show is my last for Mountain Side High. I want this to be my best show while being the president of the drama club. I hope you understand the reason I demand so much."

"I understand." Aidan says with a smile, trying to show his sympathy as best he could. "Can I go now?"

Amber nods.

Immediately, Aidan leaves the show hall and heads for where he and Josh used to eat lunch. However, when he gets there, there is no figure of Josh. Aidan reaches into his cell phone and calls the young man. The dial tone continues to sound until it ends by itself. Josh didn't answer his calls. Aidan tries again, but the results are the same. Then, he sends a short message.