A Stage Set for Drama    

[EVE]

The bell had barely rung, signaling the end of the school day, when I found myself being herded toward the auditorium for the after-school practice session.

Our school's rendition of Cinderella was coming up fast, and as much as I pretended to be annoyed about having to stay late, I had to play my part as a graduating student.

Besides, there was no way I'd pass up the chance to get back at Sophie.

I was cast as one of the evil stepsisters, and with Riri playing the other, our scenes were guaranteed to be entertaining—if nothing else.

Riri and I were in full character as we took center stage, circling around Sophie, who was playing Cinderella.

Sophie, in her plain rags costume, was crouched down on the floor, pretending to scrub it with a cloth, her expression perfectly conveying the downtrodden heroine.