With You (BWWM)

Chapter 10

His hair and outfit

First day of Rehearsal I have to let that sink in for a quick second because I'm actually doing this I'm actually doing this this isn't a dream this real life you know I have to actually do this no turn back the first day I'm Lily lily is me I'm lily is it hot in here because I think it is feels like I'm a volcano and I'm going to explode fucking everywhere As I stepped into the rehearsal room, the air felt charged with anticipation. Mavis and Karan were already there, and their reassuring smiles did little to ease the fluttering nerves in my stomach.

"Hey, Gia, you're going to do amazing today!" Mavis exclaimed, her enthusiasm contagious. Karan nodded in agreement.

I tried to summon a smile, but the weight of the moment lingered. "Yeah, easy for you to say. Lily doesn't hav anxiety'

Karan chuckled, "True, but Lily also doesn't have your charm.'

As we waited for the rehearsal to officially start, I couldn't help but wonder where Alex was. My anxiety heightened, and I blurted out, "Where's Alex?"

Mavis, ever the organizer, checked her phone. "He's on his way. Had to meet up with a teacher or something."

I nodded, grateful for the distraction of the impending arrival. The thought of facing this new challenge with Alex by my side eased some of the tension.

As Alex walked into the rehearsal room, a wave of relief washed over me. We exchanged greetings, but his keen eyes didn't miss the subtle signs of my nervousness. I tried to play it cool, but my telltale signs, like tapping my phone case and fidgeting with my bracelet, were giving me away.

Karan, taking charge as the co-director, gathered everyone's attention. "Alright, everyone, let's warm up. Rehearsals start in five minutes." The room buzzed with a mix of excitement and energy.

As we went through warm-up exercises, Alex subtly sidled up to me. "what's going with you?'

I mustered a forced smile. " what you mean' still tapping my phone case ' you're acting nervous are you nervous?' He asked I tried to deny it but it was deniable. ' I'm not nervous I'm excited' He raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eyes. "Excited or nerv-cited?" I rolled my eyes, attempting to deflect. "Nerv-cited isn't a thing, Alex."

He chuckled, "Sure, but you can't fool me. You're tapping your phone case, and that's your nervous tic'

I sighed, realizing there was no escaping his perceptive gaze. "Fine, maybe I'm a little nervous. This is a big deal considering I haven't done anything like this In years ."

He nodded, understanding. "Hey, you got this you're here for a reason no one hurt you "

I smirked, " whatever you say , playboy..". ' are you going to ever stop calling me that' he asked standing by sides ms. I gave it a thought for a moment' maybe not' I said the director called for everyone
attention As everyone settled in, Karan, now taking on the role of co-director, called for attention. "Alright, everyone, let's start with a good read-through of the script. Get to know your characters and most importantly know your cast members' We dove into the dialogue, and as the words flowed, I felt a mixture of excitement and trepidation. When it was time to explore the dynamics between Lily

and Oliver, Alex and I found ourselves paired up. During a particularly tender moment, our characters were supposed to hold hands. This one scene me and akex had to hold hands that's scary I know but it's for the musical not for pleasure Our hands met, fingers intertwining for the first time it doo li didn't feel weird as I thought but it felt nice About three hours later it was finally over not so bad no singing today just aching that's for next week the part I'm still constantly nervous about

' well that was fun' Alex said while packing up I nod my head holding my tote bag we begin to walk with each other. ' sure it was fun I'm ready to go home ' I said walking beside him 'you're not going to Naxi tonight?'he asked with a curious look on his face . I shook my head, walking beside him. "Nah, for once, I'm going straight home." The day had been a rollercoaster of emotions, and I was ready to unwind in the comfort of my own space.

As Alex and I strolled towards the parking lot, the afterglow of the rehearsal still lingering, our conversation meandered through various topics. The sun cast a warm glow, creating a serene backdrop to our dialogue.

However, our tranquility was short-lived as we neared the parking area. Jamal's booming voice cut through the air, " is that my beautiful girlfriend right there I think it is."

Jamal can't escape that son of bitch anywhere I thought Football practice was done already why is this boy still here. ' don't you have girls to play around with?' I'd asked turning around to Jamal Alex right behind me I just wanna go home
' for the last time bae you're my only girl if you like it or not' he says

trying to walk closer but I moved I looked at me crossing my arms ' I'm not you're bae so just quiet it's honestly lame for you to hang on to a girl that doesn't even want or desire you' I said making sure he gets the message. ' Alex let's go' me and Alex were about to walk away until we heard an voice Stephanie, with her cheerleading uniform and an air of entitlement, chimed in, " Alex you hang with Her now? "

" what the actual fuck her too," I implored, my tone tinged with irritation.
' you know we're in a couple in a the musical correct' Alex said Stephenie gets closer to him trying to touch him ' yeah but we haven't talked I like 2 days' she says with puppy dog eyes like she's his girlfriend. Alex sighed. ' that's not a big deal we're not a couple or anything' he said her face changed ' but Alex what about the other night'. What other night?..of course I see where this is going bright and clear. ' that was one time'
' but the time and-' I cut her off I rolled my eyes, my patience waning ' okay we get anything else because unlike some people we want to go home instead of being a parking lot talking to bitches like you' I said

Jamal, ever persistent, smirked, " you get her Gia." I looked back at Jamal. ' and you Shut your face me and you won't happen okay now have a good night or bad one because I don't give a fuck I'm going home' I grabbed my keys and walks to my car

' I stupid go home too' Alex says. ' can you at-least text me ' Stephenie asked Alex sighed again ' sure Stephenie '. He said as if he was uninterested ' good because you're mine not Gianna's' she says softly he looks confused does Stephanie really thinks Alex like me like that? Do we talk to each other yes, do we some common interests yeah but me and him won't happen

That will never happen