Chapter Thirty
My dearest Fledglings,
After months and months of waiting, the event we’ve all long awaited has finally come to play! Excuse the pun, my darlings, but this fearless flapper is flying on cloud nine after a most unforgettable performance!
Of course, anyone who’s anyone was in attendance tonight. You all saw the look of undeniable superiority in Zayne Silverman’s eyes as he delivered each flawless, expert line. The way Dot Bennett seemed to melt under his gaze, but still maintain character and composure. Is it safe to assume these delightful darlings have patched up the holes in their relationship? This Little Birdie thinks so!
And who could forget the star guest of the evening? No, your eyes did not deceive you. None other than Nigel Weathers, superintendent of Underwood Academy, was in attendance. And we saw the way he eyed our starring actors. I do wonder…will he choose them to attend his acting school which no other can surpass in esteem?
While this is certainly happy news, it comes with a hint of despair.
It is with heavy wings and a heavier heart that I write this final letter to you, my loyal flock. Yes, you read that right. This is my final farewell to you. I must fly south for the winter, and possibly forever. But take heart—where one birdie leaves, another is sure to arrive.
It has been my finest pleasure to serve you your delicious worms of gossip, straight from my beak to yours. But now my darling fledglings, you must learn to fend for yourselves, retrieve the worm on your own. Your wings are grown and ready.
Yours Truly, always and forever,
Little Birdie
Chapter Thirty-One
The applause echoing around the theater, aroundus, is surreal. It’s like all the work we’ve put into the play, memorizing our lines, dealing with drama and Little Birdie, is worth it right now. All the hard work and effort…paid off. Seeing the audience cheer for us is empowering in a way I never expected.
It’s going to be hard to beat this.
Zayne takes my hand, and together, we bow for the audience, earning us a new, louder round of cheers. A few whistles echo around us, too. It’s all I see, all I hear, and then we’re backstage again, hugging and congratulating one another on the performance. I avoid hugging Zayne even though I don’t have a reason to anymore. Now that I know Carlton is the one who claimed he said all those things, I’m not mad at Zayne. I know Carlton, and I know he lied. But still, Zayne did kind of admit to the Cassidy situation being true, so I don’t know what to think.
A collective hush falls across the room as Mr. Saltzman enters with a man in a navy blue suit with similar square-framed glasses. He has dark, spiky hair, with a single, purposeful white stripe in the front.
Nigel Weathers.
A few girls in the corner of the room squeal as he walks further into the room, and I hear someone say, “I can’t believe it’s him.”
Mr. Saltzman avoids my gaze. I don’t blame him. I tore down his entire safety net, should things go downhill for the drama club ever again. He lingers near the exit, but Nigel continues forward.
“You did amazing,” comes a whispered voice from behind me.
I turn around. It’s Zayne. He’s still in his elegant suit costume, and the look in his eyes is equally proud and resigned.
I swallow. “Thanks. You did, too.”
He smiles, and then his eyes widen imperceptibly as he gazes at someone behind me. I turn back around to find Nigel standing in front of us. His smile is wide as he appraises the two of us, teeth blindingly white; almost offensively so. I can’t help but stare.
“Zayne Silverman,” he says. “I’m Nigel Weathers, a representative from Underwood Academy.” As if Zayne, along with everyone else in this room, doesn’t already know. As if Zayne hasn’t lived and breathed this moment his entire life. Dreamed of it from the moment he knew he loved acting. Nigel reaches out and shakes Zayne’s hand. “I was enchanted by your performance tonight,” he continues. “I’d love to offer you a spot at Underwood next year.”
The floor seems to drop out from underneath me.
Zayne did it.He did it.He won.
A swell of pride for him blossoms in my chest, breaking through my defenses. It’s strong enough to bring tears to my eyes.I’m going to miss him so much when he transfers.
“Wait,” Zayne says, holding out his hand. “I don’t want to go unless Dot is getting in, too.” He places his hand on my shoulder,his eyes pleading with Nigel. “I get that’s not really how this works, but if the other spot isn’t for her….”
“Zayne.” I gape at him like a fish.What is he doing?Our gazes meet. His eyes, so fierce on mine like they have a voice of their own, sayingI won’t leave without you.
“I see.” Nigel frowns, glancing back and forth between the two of us. “Well, lucky for you, wedohave two spots available, and the second spot isfor her.” He checks his clipboard. “Slot number two is Bardot Bennett. We’ll be sending you both your official acceptance letters at the beginning of January, so be sure to keep an eye out for them. That is, if it’s whatyouwant, Dot.”
“Yes, please.” I try to sound normal, but my nerves are currently somersaulting. I bounce up and down and clap my hands together. A high-pitched squeal escapes me. “Thank you so much!”
