Harvey Takes the Lead by Colleen Nelson

Author:Colleen Nelson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pajama Press Inc.
Published: 2022-03-03T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 32

Maggie

Maggie and Ndidi work for an hour in the library, pausing often so Maggie can show Ndidi a note she’s made on blocking in her dog-eared script. Despite missing so many rehearsals, Ndidi picks up on the blocking quickly and has memorized most of the first act. Before starting Act Two, they decide to take a break. “How do you like St. Ambrose?” Ndidi asks. The girls are sitting on top of the tables, their legs dangling over the edge. Maggie packed snacks and hands a granola bar to Ndidi.

Maggie shrugs. “I like it.”

“You’re friends with Lexi, right?” Ndidi asks.

Maggie treads carefully. “We went to the same elementary school and were good friends then.”

Ndidi reads between the lines. “But not now?”

“We’re into different things,” Maggie answers tactfully.

“She texted me a while ago and told me you were after my part,” Ndidi says. “And that I should watch my back.”

Maggie almost chokes on her food. “What?”

“That’s why I was sort of worried about working with you when Mrs. Alvarez suggested it. I thought you might try to sabotage me or something.”

Maggie’s eyes flare open. “I would never do that!”

Ndidi gives her an apologetic look. “I know,” she says quickly.

“Why would Lexi lie?” She, Lexi, and Brianne used to be best friends. They did everything together, equal in all ways. But now their relationship is like an unbalanced teeter-totter. Lexi keeps finding ways to make it clear that she has the upper hand.

“She probably feels threatened because you’re more talented,” Ndidi says.

Maggie doubts that’s the reason. “Mrs. Alvarez doesn’t think so. She gave Lexi the better role.” Maggie sighs. “You know what’s sad? None of Lexi’s backstabbing surprises me anymore. Since we started at St. Ambrose, she’s become a different person.”

“Yeah, I know what you mean,” Ndidi says, shaking her head. “Everyone acted all happy that I got the lead, but then behind my back, they say I got the role because Mrs. Alvarez felt bad for me.”

Maggie doesn’t want to pry, but she’s curious about how much of what Lexi told her is true. “I heard your mom is sick.”

“She had breast cancer three years ago, and now it’s back.”

All the confused feelings Maggie had for Ndidi are washed away in a flood of sympathy. “Oh. I’m sorry, Ndidi. That’s terrible.”

Ndidi’s gaze drifts to the floor. “The chemo makes her really sick. My dad’s doing the best he can, but he’s gotta work. I’m trying to help out, make sure my little brother gets to hockey and stuff, but it means I have to miss rehearsal.”

At the word hockey Maggie realizes she had Ndidi pegged all wrong. “Is Koby your brother?”

“Yeah.”

Maggie gives a rueful shake of her head. “I thought he was your boyfriend. And you weren’t at rehearsal because you were watching him play hockey.”

Ndidi lets out a loud giggle. “My boyfriend!”

Maggie feels silly now, but she’s glad to see Ndidi laughing. “I couldn’t believe Mrs. Alvarez was letting you off the hook so easily.” Now Maggie is laughing too.

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