The Schuyler Sisters

Charlie

"And one, two, three, four." My dance instructor chants over to me. I've heard those same five words at least twenty times now. But it's not me that she's resetting, it's every other fucker in my group.

This year I've taken part in the end-of-year play. This year is 'Hamilton' which is my personal favourite.

This year I've also been cast as Eliza Schuyler, which again, is one of my favourite female leads.

I would have loved to of been Hamilton or Jefferson but noooo, a female can't be a male lead.

"Background, what are you doing?!" Miss Evans screeches.

We're only five songs in out of the entire sixty-six and even though the main characters have to learn all the songs, our choreography is quite easy.

I turn around and watch as everyone cowards away. Let's face it no one likes being shouted at.

"Miss Evans." I pipe up, "I think we could do with a little break. My throat is getting a bit dry."

I give her my most innocent eyes ever, trying to sway her to say yes.

She looks at me for a beat before looking at everyone else's exhausted faces, "fine. 20 minutes." She snaps before turning on her heel and strutting to the staff room.

I let out a huff and turn to face everyone, "I'm sorry. That's the best I can do."

"Thank you so much, Charlie." Louisa exclaims.

Louisa plays Angelica Schuyler, my character's older sister.

"It's fine, honestly." I look around me at the background dancers and see all of their tired faces.

I turn around and start walking backstage being careful of the stage props. Walking into the break room I open the fridge door and take out the crate of water bottles and carry them out to the stage.

Everyone's eyes lit up when they see me carrying out drinks.

Teddy comes rushing over to me and picks the crate up out of my hands. I smile at him and thank him.

"Guys, please just take your time with the choreography. I'd rather you not break your leg." I try and give them advice.

The doors at the back of the room swing open, the outdoor light shines through and a manly body walks through.

The silhouette walks down the aisle but I'm unable to see who it is with the light from outside and all the stage lights on that are shining in the face.

I lift my hand to my face to shield out the sun as I make my way down the steps to greet the figure. When I reach the bottom the mystery man is now a few feet in front of me. I look up to see:

Ryder.

"Oh my God, hi!" I gush at him. I didn't know he'd be coming by.

"You alright?" Ryder asks as he gives me a tight hug.

"I'm good, yeah." My voice coming off a bit more raspy then I wanted.

I hold Ryder close and take in his scent. He smells woodsy and manly. Like that generic manly smell.

I feel Ryder's hand snake into my hair as his other arm wraps around my waist. I don't know what this is. We've been best friends since we were little kids but then out of no where it's like we're a couple.

"Alright, back to work!" My head snaps up and I see Miss Evans walking down the aisle.

"You can sit down if you're staying." I smile up at Ryder. I hope that he stays, he's never seen me perform before.

I turn around and scurry up the steps, "From the beginning!" Miss Evans shouts out and I can hear a few quiet groans.

I take my place as the lights dim before blaring back brightly and the instrumental plays for the first song.

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