Diana Harmon Asher - Upstaged

PUBLISHERS NOTE: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the authors imagination or used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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ISBN 978-1-4197-4081-7
eISBN 978-1-68335-984-5

Text copyright 2021 Diana Harmon Asher
Book design by Marcie Lawrence

Published in 2021 by Amulet Books, an imprint of ABRAMS.
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For Henry

The front hallway of Hedgebrook Middle School has that slippery, early morning shine. I know by the end of the day itll be back to its usual self, gray and grubby, marked up with black sneaker skids and gum pies. But now its still polished and new and dotted with sunny spotlights. I weave a path around them, zigzagging my way to Mr. Hoovers Music Appreciation class.

Cassies already waiting in the doorway, bouncing on her toes and waving me in. She has a new streak in her hair, bright blue to match her glasses. Come on, Shira! The announcement, remember?

Of course I remember. Mr. Hoover is really into announcements, and hes already let it slip that todays announcement is going to be about the school musical.

Theres no reason why I should feel nervous. I have first-period math and Ms. Jablonskis evil pop quiz safely behind me. And I want to hear about the musical. I do. But somethings making me hover in the doorway, until finally Cassie has to practically yank me off my feet and pull me inside. We plop down in the third row.

I caint wait, Cassie says, putting on the goofy twang the kids used in last years musical. I want to get dressed up all purty.

And dance with a feller, I say, then I throw in, Yeehaw.

To be honest, it wasnt the best production in history. A cardboard cutout horse crashed down, barely missing the leading lady. And at the end, somebody stepped on the kid playing a farmhand who was supposed to be dead (daid). He screamedmuch louder than a dead person ever would. It pretty much killed the drama.

Still, all the girls looked nice in their fluffy skirts, and the boys got to act all country, in their cowboy boots and hats. And, I admit, I wondered how it would feel to be up there in a costume, holding hands, singing, and taking a bow.

Mr. Hoover claps his hands for quiet. Hes looking spiffy, as always, in a light green striped button-down shirt, pressed and tucked neatly into his khaki pants.

Okay, he calls out. Settle down now, people. I have an announcement!

A cry of whoo-whoo comes from the other side of the room. I poke Cassie in the ribs.

So, who came to see last years musical? asks Mr. Hoover.

Cassie and I raise our hands high, then look around and lower them slowly. Were either the only two who went, or the only two uncool enough to admit it.

Well, it was amazing, Mr. Hoover continues. And this years is going to be just as great. Now, enough suspense, he says, as if were all on the edges of our seats. Im happy to announcethat this yearour school musicalwill beThe Music Man!

Cassie and I look at each other, not sure if this is good news or bad.

This is such a great show. Its about a lovable con man and a small-town librarian...

A drawn-out yawn comes from somewhere, and in the row behind us, a boy named Eric starts manufacturing a lineup of spitballs. The excitement is dwindling fast.

Now, wait a minute! calls out Mr. Hoover. Keep listening. Because this year, were holding auditions right here in music class!

Whuh? says somebody, eloquently speaking for all of us.

Well still have after-school auditions, but Im opening up our class today to anyone who wants to sing.

Wait, says Cassie. Now?

Yes! answers Mr. Hoover, looking delighted. And I know youre not ready. But thats the thing! Theres no time to get nervous, no time to talk yourself out of it. I want everyone to take a chance. Even if youve never been in a show. Even if youre really, really shy.

When he says that last part, I swear hes looking right at me.

What do we sing? asks a girl named Frankie.

Anything! My Country Tis of Thee or America the Beautiful, or... Uptown Funk... He pauses, clearly expecting a laugh, but theres silence. Then come by Thursday after school to read a few lines, and youre done!

Mr. Hoover sits down at the piano and waves an arm. So, line up and lets go!

Two boys in front of me start pushing each other, racing to hide under their chairs. Eric drops his spitballs and bolts dramatically for the door.

I sit still in my seat.

Come on, says Cassie. Lets get in line.

Are you kidding? I answer.

Why not? Youre in chorus. You have a nice voice.

Thats different. You dont have to audition for chorus.

You know, when he said that shy part, he was looking right at

I know, I snap.

Listen, says Cassie, we cant possibly be worse than that.

Shes talking about Kevin Clancy. Hes the kid who always wants to go firstscoliosis screening, hearing test, it doesnt matter. Hes singing, My Country Tis of Thee. At least I think thats what it is.

Mr. Hoover congratulates Kevin. See? he says. Its easy. A few more kids start to get in line.

Cassie is standing, hands on hips. What happened to this being the year you were going to stop being Shy Shira? The year you were going to stop blushing at every little thing?

I take this as a reminder not to share secret goals with anyone, even if they are your best friend.

We can go after school, I mumble.

You know you wont, she says, and shes right. I wont. Look, if you dont audition, I wont, either. Then neither of us will be in the show, and Ill never let you forget it. Ever.

I know shes not bluffing. Shell blame me, forever.

So, when she pulls me up out of my chair, I let her, even though my knees are shaking, and I feel like I might end up daid on the music room floor. And when she goes to the back of the line, I stand behind her, holding on to the thought that Cassie will go first, then I can bail.

Meanwhile, a group of boys cracks up through Shell Be Coming Round the Mountain, and then a girl starts My Heart Will Go On, but she loses her way and ends up in I Will Always Love You. Somehow, Mr. Hoover knows to go along with her.