“Hey everyone, thanks for coming today. Before I answer any of your questions though, I wanted to say I appreciate you all letting me have my privacy while I settled in here at Hartside High. So, who’s first?” Kale looked around the room and tried to look for the reporter that looked the least invasive. He spied Chuck Simpson; a journalist from one of the biggest international newspapers and also, one of the nicest people you’d ever meet. Kale was relieved and pointed to him; at least he was guaranteed that he wouldn’t get any awkward or intensely personal questions from him.
“Chuck … how’s it going big guy? What do you wanna know?”
Chuck smiled at Kale gratefully; the kid was always so nice to him – giving him the exclusives - and he appreciated it; it got his boss off his back on numerous occasions.
“I’m doing alright kid, thanks for asking. Anyway, how you getting on with the whole normal school experience? I’m sure it’s a shock to the system - not to mention that the entire female population that attend here are probably all falling at your feet.” He held his notepad ready as Kale leaned into the microphone.
“Always nice to see you Chuck – anyway, back to your question … well I haven’t had a chance to totally settle in yet but I’m really liking it so far; I get to be a normal guy for a change. You know; it’s really actually quite nice not to be hounded by photographers – no offence to you guys.” Kale laughed and was relieved the other reporters did too; hopefully they would pick up the hint that he would appreciate being left alone more often so he could truly experience a normal high school education.
“Anyway,” Kale continued on, “I’ll admit it was a bit strange getting used to homework and trying to find classrooms but everyone’s been a big help.”
The reporters all chuckled and one yelled out, “I bet all the girls have!”
Kale flashed a charming smile, “Well, it’s not entirely the female pupils but it’s a fair few with some exceptions.” He smirked a little to himself as Izzie sniggered at his reference to her and her less-than-enthusiastic greeting when they had first met. The reporters all laughed and a female one tossed her hair and shouted out, “Surely you can’t be suggesting that there are some girls here that aren’t attracted to you?”
Kale smiled, “Hey Kathy, well I would be lying if I said they all adored me but yes, there is one girl in particular who has made her dislike for me very clear.” He chuckled and thought of how much he really liked Izzie regardless of this fact.
Tom Barton; a reporter for the local news channel jumped on this, “Who is she Kale? What did she say to you?”
Kale laughed, “I’m not revealing her identity but I will tell you this; it was quite refreshing to hear her describe my latest movie as ‘crap’ – makes a guy want to try harder in his next role, you know?”
They all laughed and another female reporter – Kale recognised her as Julie Falls; a shy young girl who had only been in the field a year – stuck out her microphone and asked something that caught Kale completely off guard that he wasn’t sure what was the best way to answer. She had managed to stutter out, “So, d-do you h-have f-feelings f-for this g-girl? You j-just look l-like you ad-admire her f-for not b-being a f-fan of your w-work.”
Kale was completely thrown; he knew that whether Julie was shy or not, the girl could ask some tricky but brilliant questions – she was very perceptive. “Um, I don’t know about having feelings for her but I think we may be becoming good friends – well more on my part than hers probably – but for now it’s nice to be with someone who isn’t afraid to have a different opinion to her friends; she knows what she believes and goes for it – no matter what other people think.”
All the journalists scribbled furiously at this and Kale regretted saying too much; he knew he shouldn’t have said more than was necessary – the basics would have been suffice. Thankfully, he was saved from what was sure to be many tricky questions when his agent announced to the room that they were done for the day. Many of the reporters looked peeved to have been cut short of what was promising to be a juicy story that they could turn whichever way they wished. Kale breathed a sigh of relief and watched them all exit the room and for a split second, he was sure he had seen Izzie’s red hair among them but that was impossible. He stretched and managed to brush off his manager; he needed time to himself.
Izzie had just about managed to sneak back out of the room undetected; she had been sure that Kale would have given up her identity and was very pleasantly surprised that he hadn’t. Although, when the last reporter had asked that tricky question, Izzie just wanted out of the room – and fast! However, she had to admit that she had been quite touched when Kale hinted that he wanted to be friends with her. Maybe that wouldn’t be such a bad thing … if she could stick him that long!
Chapter Seven
Izzie sat in Drama class and thought she deserved a medal; she had so far managed to put up with Kale for nearly a week now but she felt that was about to change if today kept going the way it was now. After Monday’s conference, Kale had taken to walking with Izzie to their every class – a habit that Izzie didn’t really mind; after all, the poor bloke was sure to get bombarded by his female admirers every time he was alone. However, Izzie was beginning to get seriously peeved with him and it was all down to the auditions for the play; that’s what Ms Belson was carrying out right now. Kale was called for his two minutes ago and Izzie found herself nervous about her own; it would be straight after Kale’s. She wouldn’t have been nervous but now she was and it was all Kale’s fault! She didn’t know if she was going to throw up or punch him but she knew one thing for sure; she was spitting mad when she found out what he had done. Ms Belson had stuck a large piece of paper on the notice board when they had arrived and told them all to look at as it was their audition times for today. Izzie hadn’t been too upset by this; she had her ‘Margaret’ dialogue prepared anyway, however, when she looked for her name and scanned her eyes across to the time, she found that she was down to audition for ‘Beatrice’ as well. Positive that it had been a mistake, she told Ms Belson but Izzie was extremely shocked when the teacher showed her the sheet that everyone had signed and found her name under ‘Beatrice’. Izzie knew she hadn’t written her name there but it looked very much like her handwriting and she was forced to go through with it; so now she was quickly learning some dialogue to get through the horrible experience.
Kale had seen her shocked and puzzled expression and inquired what was wrong, when Izzie had told him what had happened, he couldn’t hold back a guilty smile. Izzie had immediately questioned him on it and he had confessed that he had forged her signature as he believed she would make a ‘terrific Beatrice’. Izzie had been so furious she was at a loss for words; she had settled for giving him a death stare until his name was called.
Now she breathed deeply and ran through her lines once more; she had just finished when the door opened and Kale sauntered in with Ms Belson.
“Now, Izzie Frank you’re next for ‘Beatrice’ and ‘Margaret’. Come along dear.”
Izzie got up and gave Kale an evil look as she crossed the classroom and left with Ms Belson. They walked to the Theatre and Izzie cleared her throat nervously.
“Now dear,” Ms Belson said, “there’s no reason to be nervous; it’s just me and you. When you’re ready, please start with the ‘Margaret’ piece and then the ‘Beatrice’ – good luck.”
Izzie drew in a deep breath, ‘Please don’t let me suck’, she thought desperately, ‘and if I do, please give me the strength afterwards to kill Kale Eddison!’
Ten minutes later and Izzie had managed to find her way back to her seat and gratefully sat down; she felt traumatised by her experience but was relieved it was now over and she could now yell at Kale. She gathered up the energy and turned to him, “So, was that your idea of fun? Making me a laughing stock and humiliating myself? You happy now or shall I let you push me off my chair so you can get some more kicks?”
Kale looked shocked
at Izzie’s outburst; many of the other students had stopped what they were doing and turned to stare. Avoiding their gazes, Kale glanced at Izzie, “Um no, I thought you wouldn’t mind. Besides you made a great ‘Beatrice’ that time we did a scene together. You don’t give yourself enough credit; you’re better than you think.”
Izzie shook her head at him, “I really can’t believe you. You have the nerve to justify your actions? How would you like it if I put you down for some character you didn’t want to audition for?”
Kale gave her a small half-smile, “Ms Belson beat you to it.”
Izzie had been about to continue her rant but she stopped what she was about to say, “I – oh, why … what’d she make you do?” She was curious against her will.
Kale laughed, “It wasn’t that bad – you’ll actually like to know you were right – she made me audition for ‘Benedick’ while I was there. I tried to refuse but she insisted; I had to comply.”
Izzie smiled, “Ha! It’s not the same thing but at least I was right and you were wrong.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” Kale rolled his eyes like Izzie would’ve done and she laughed. “So are we even now? Can you forgive me?” He stuck out his lower lip in a comical pout and Izzie couldn’t help but laugh.
“Ok, I just hope she casts you as ‘Benedick’; ‘cause then I get a free dinner!”
Kale’s mouth pulled up a one corner into a crooked smile, “Well you won’t have to wait long; she told me she’ll be announcing them at the end of the day on the main notice board.”
Izzie felt a knot in her stomach and hoped Ms Belson took pity on her and cast her as ‘Margaret’; she couldn’t mess that up too badly when they performed on opening night. She pushed these thoughts away and changed the topic as she and Kale walked along to their free period.
During the last class of the day, Izzie felt sick; the cast list would be up in less than twenty minutes. Kale glanced up from his novel and saw Izzie’s pale complexion.
“You ok?” he whispered; his voice full of concern.
Izzie shook her head, “No,” she muttered when Mr Rowntree wasn’t looking, “I’m nervous about the casting.”
Kale smiled, “You’ll be fine; Ms Belson knows what she’s doing. Look, try not to worry about it … think about where you want to go for dinner which I will inevitably have to pay for, judging by our good Drama teacher’s excitement at my audition.”
Izzie laughed despite herself, “In that case I’ll have to research the most expensive place in town!”
Kale chuckled, “It’s your choice … now stop worrying; you’re distracting me from ‘Jane Eyre’!”
Izzie sniggered, “Yeah and you looked so engrossed before! Although, I guess you’re right; we’ll find out soon enough … now, I may return to ‘Mr Brocklehurst’ myself.”
They both quickly returned to their books as Mr Rowntree swept past them and they remained silent until the bell rang.
“So, time to find out who’s made the cut.” Kale raised his eyebrows at Izzie in a comical way and she laughed.
They walked along the corridor to where the main notice board was located and found that the entire Drama class had beaten them to it. They waited until some people had moved away and gradually edged closer but they still couldn’t see. Izzie did see Maddie, however, and she didn’t look very happy. She beckoned her friend over; she hadn’t really spoken her since Saturday and she wanted to catch up.
“Well Maddie, who’d you get?” Izzie smiled at her encouragingly.
Maddie looked like she was sucking on some lemons, “I got the part of ‘Hero’.”
Izzie hugged her friend and exclaimed, “Well that’s brilliant but why do you look so sad? I mean it’s a main role … who’s your ‘Claudio’ then?”
Maddie still looked peeved off, “I really was looking to play ‘Beatrice’ but whatever. Oh, Jake’s been cast as ‘Claudio’.”
Izzie found herself not really caring that Jake was one of the main characters; she had totally forgotten about him regardless of what Maddie had said on Saturday. She shrugged and settled for a polite, “Oh, that’s good.”
Maddie nodded but had a peculiar look on her face; she looked like she was sizing Izzie up, like she wanted tell Izzie what she really thought of her. Izzie felt awkward but was saved from Maddie’s withering looks when Kale interrupted them.
“Hey Maddie, how are you? Congrats on your part; I’m sure the other girls would’ve killed for it.” He flashed a smile at her and she visibly warmed a little.
“Oh thanks Kale, yeah it’ll be great getting the chance to actually be on stage, you know.” She simpered at him and ignored Izzie.
“Yeah,” Kale said, “well I guess we’ll see you in rehearsal then.” He moved away and Izzie followed him but not before she noticed the jealous look Maddie was now giving her. ‘Jeez’, Izzie thought, ‘she really needs to grow up.’ She shook her head and managed to get within viewing distance of the board since many others had left.
She scanned her eyes down the list and saw Kale’s name at the top beside ‘Benedick’; she smiled to herself; looked like she was getting a free dinner. She followed the list down until she saw her own name; she took a deep breath and then looked to the other side of the list … ‘Beatrice’. She was stunned and didn’t stir until Kale gave her a hug.
“Wow buddy,” she began, pulling out of his embrace, “what the hell you doing?”
Kale pulled back also and shrugged, “It was just a celebratory hug, that’s all.”
“Oh,” said Izzie, feeling a little bit stupid now, “Sorry, I’m not much of a hugger, thanks anyway.”
Kale eyed her curiously, “You are a very unique girl; you know that?”
Izzie threw her head back and laughed, “Yep, I’m one of a kind. Anyway, I will return the favour and give you a celebratory hug; I like to try new things, you know.”
Kale smiled crookedly as she gave him a quick hug and they smiled at one another.
“Now,” began Izzie, “let’s hope your acting doesn’t suck too badly in this. I can’t afford for you to make me look bad too.”
Kale chuckled, “And there’s that honesty I’m so fond of; I knew it wasn’t far behind – it never is.”
They walked down the corridor together discussing their roles and Izzie found herself actually warming to the part of ‘Beatrice’; Kale made her believe she could do it and that helped. They made it out the main door and were met with flashing bulbs and microphones thrust into their faces.
“Oh no,” Kale said despairingly, “I figured they wouldn’t leave me alone too long after the conference.”
Izzie felt blinded by the flashes and noises that surrounded her and she felt Kale put an arm around her protectively as he attempted to guide her to her car.
“Hey, everyone back off, let her get to car and then you can ask me whatever you want.” Kale sounded very annoyed but somehow managed to push through far enough so that Izzie could make a break for her car. She ran and once inside, she locked the doors and looked on at Kale with pity.
Kale grunted in frustration as the reporters surrounded him again, “Look guys; a bit of personal space wouldn’t go amiss … just make this quick, ok? What are you looking?” He sighed and the reporter nearest to him jumped in quickly.
“Who’s the girl Kale? Are she and you dating? What’s the story kid?”
Kale shook his head, “Look I’m not revealing the poor girl’s identity just so you can all follow her like vultures; she is a friend and will remain an unnamed friend. We are not dating, so there’s no juicy story for you all to chase.”
Another reporter cut in, “Yeah right, cut the crap Kale. You may not wanna talk but I’m sure she’d be willing to spill the dirt for the right price.”
Kale smiled without amusement, “Try all you want but you don’t know her like I do; she won’t give you a thing. Now are we going to change the topic or should I just leave?”
The reporters were quick to prote
st and one piped up, “No, easy Kale, we just want a story. I’m sure everyone is in the same boat as me in that our bosses are all on at us to get another newsworthy story. Just give us something kid; it doesn’t matter how small.”
The rest of the reporters nodded in agreement and Kale sighed reluctantly, “Fine, the latest thing happening in my life is that I’ve got a lead part in the school play. Is that newsworthy enough for you?”
They all nodded and Kale filled them all in on the details and eventually managed to escape fifteen minutes later. He made his way over to his car which happened to be parked next to Izzie’s. She rolled down her window and whistled, “Phew, I thought they’d never leave. I’m glad they have though; one was blocking me in.”
... not in love with Kale Eddison Page 6