Chapter 4: School Festival (Preparation)

Joshua's POV

"How was school today sir?" asked my driver "Seems like you made a new friend already."

"Yeah, I did" I smiled "And also Maine is my classmate"

"For real? Get out of here ahaha. It's been a long time since I've seen her." My brother is shocked by what he heard.

"Didn't believed at first myself. At least I get to see a familiar face, right?"

"You're right about that one lil bro. By the way, who was that girl at the bus stop? Classmate?"

"Yeah, she is a classmate of mine, why?" I asked him confusingly.

"Well, she looks like the person I added on F******k this morning." My eyes widened from what I heard from my older brother.

"It must be someone different."  I replied

"Yeah, I guess so" And he whispers but I barely heard what he said

"Dia**a Za**o*al" as my brother smiles.

"Just wake me up, I'm going to take a nap really quick”, and my brother just smiled at me. Oh well time to shut my eyes.

Some minutes go by, and we were at our house already. The road all the way to my place was scenic and quiet since there isn't that much traffic to be seen.

"We are here at your humble home sir"

"Thank you for driving safely" I replied as I stretched my arms and legs from my nap. I went inside and straight to my bedroom, today was so tiring and as I jumped on the bed, my eyes shut completely.

Dianna's POV

"Dianna come down here! We're going to eat dinner without you, if you don't get down from there, you'll be sorry." My mom shouts from the 1st floor, being the good daughter who I am, I go down immediately. "Comin' down mom."

"What'ya cooking'?" As I am captivated by the smell as I went towards the kitchen "Smells delicious!"

"We're having your favorite sis, Beef Steak!" That was my little brother, yes, I am an older sibling. I'm still young and forever will be, don't judge me! He's a sophomore in our school as well, we don't go home at the same time, because our dismissal is different from one another.

"That's great, I'm starving"

"You are always starving Dianna ever since you were little." Here comes dad with his teasing...hmph

"Dad no I'm not, I'm just energetic that's all." Dad's all sweet but keeps bringing up the past to tease us. We all had our fill and boy am I full right now.

"You ate a lot today hon' was school stressful today?" My mom asks these questions just to keep me in check hehe.

"Yeah mom, it was actually. I'll be excusing myself" I went up to my room because my phone was ringing.

"Oh, it was the girls." They sent the pictures that we took earlier, today was stressful for me. A lot of awkward moments happened, and I hope that will be the last one.

And in my mind, I remembered Joshua, ey get him out of your head Dianna. Speaking of Joshua, he has the same surname as the one added me. Jacob Valdez, are they the same person? He looks kinda familiar, oh well I'm just going to accept him. It maybe Joshua who knows. 

After that I went to the bathroom to shower and went straight to bed. Lights out Dianna, good night.

At school (Monday)

I feel so tired and lethargic now, well it's Monday though. It's the weekends still in my head, but I consider after school is already the weekend hehe. 

As I was about to enter the gate, I hear someone shouting "DIANNA!" I turn around and see Maxine waving. "Wait for me" I smile and waved back at her.

"Max, slow down." And I took out my handkerchief and wiped her forehead, saying, "See, you're already sweating."

"Well, I need to train for the marathon, and you should as well!"

In the spirit of the marathon, our school is hosting a school festival.

"I'm not feeling it, but I'll find something else that interests me."

"Only if you say so." We walked into school, past her pout, and into our room.

"Good morning, everyone! How are we all doing today?" Mr. Poblacion, our advisor, is as brilliant as ever, if not brighter than me.

"Excellent!" Everyone yells at the same time.

"Are you all looking forward to the School Festival?" He understands how to pump us up, and he is without a doubt the finest instructor I have ever had.

"YES!" They yelled even more vehemently.

"Because there are boys!" says Ella.

Ella exclaims confidently, as if she is the boss.

"Okay, everyone, especially Ella, calm down. There are lads everywhere." We just chuckle at the fact that she is sort' like that, but always humble.

"Because the school festival will take place from Wednesday through Friday, today and tomorrow will be dedicated to practicing for all of the activities. The class has been dismissed!"

"Wooohooo!"

Everyone in the room just screamed "Thank you sir" and went on their way.

Everyone started running out of the room towards their practice areas, while some just enjoyed the free time given to them. I don't even have plans to try out with other sports, so I just rested my head on my desk. Got my earphones out, plugged them in my phone, turned on that Taylor Swift music and sleep. 

"We'll get started first, Dianna. Are you certain you're just going to lie down?" My head is stuck on the desk, so I merely gave a thumbs up in the air. I don't know about you, but it feels wonderful when something like this simply occurs, doesn't it? Or am I the only one who thinks so? Never worry, the light is streaming through the window and the drapes, tinting the room crimson. I finally got into the mood to fall asleep, and as I close my eyes....

"Dianna?" I'm curious as to who is disrupting my beauty sleep. When I looked up, Joshua was sitting directly in front of me, staring at me. His face was only a few inches from mine. Why are his eyes so beautiful to gaze at? I sat correctly, adjusted myself, and he asked

"You don't have any events to practice on?" He asked calmly

"I'm sorry, but I don't have any." I answered by looking aside, pretending to seek for anything. I'm still perplexed as to why he asks, "Why do you ask?"

As he glances down, he rubs his chin.

"Do you mind taking me on a tour of the building? I'm still unfamiliar with the area."

"Eh!?" That one caught me off guard, eyes wide open.

"You can say no if you're not comfortable with it."

That was a complete surprise...

Is it just me and him? Alone? Eh? I mean, he's a new student, so he doesn't know anything about our school. How can I say no to a face that appears as innocent as a puppy's? So be it.

"Sure, I'm OK with that. Where would you want to begin?" I made a goofy face at him.

"Maybe the ground floor? That's a good start." That's a great concept; why didn't I think of it?

"All right, let's get this party started," I said as I rose from my seat and exited the room. When I turned around, he was still sitting in the chair, without moving an inch.

"Are you going to come or what?"

He sprang to his feet and followed. "I'm sorry I'm late haha" He's just like a dog. Wait, am I smiling? Why am I giggling? Dianna, please stop.

I took him on a tour of the building, beginning at the bottom and working our way up.

"So, this is the building's main lobby, complete with a café for your convenience. There are also offices if we require something from them or vice versa." He nods and responds briefly.

"Ah, I see."

We moved to the other floors, and everything went more easily than I had anticipated.

"When we need to do research or whatever, we may go to the library. It has computers, audio recordings, and silent study spaces for individuals who need to rest."

"This school has a lot of surprises. I have no idea about these things."

"Does it compare to the ones in America?"

"I'm sure there are bigger ones in America, but this isn't terrible. That's great that Dad's investments didn't go to waste."

"That's useful to know."

Yeah, I forgot his family oversees my scholarship, and I must be extra cautious whenever I'm around him. I'm out of here if I make one incorrect move. 

The top floor is for the acting club, so we climbed up to the top of the building.

"This is for the acting club; there are several rooms where they can rehearse and build props."

He appears shocked.

"Wow, there are a lot of people here."

"Yes, we have our own Theatre room, and there is where the school play for the festival will take place." There are a lot of people, and some of them are gazing at us; I try to avoid eye contact. I don't want people to assume we're going out or anything; this is difficult.

"DIANNA!" Did I just hear my name spoken out loud? Ella and Maine were on the opposite side of the hall when I turned around. Ella dashed in, and Maine followed in a leisurely stroll.

"What exactly are you doing here?"

"Are you snooping on our work?" Ella inquired, surprised.

"No, no, no, we would never," Joshua responds, waving his hands.

"So, why are you all here? What's the deal, Shua?" Maine inquired

"I just asked Dianna to give me a tour around the building" 

"Really Dianna? Since when you gave tours around?" Ella is almost shouting at this point for raising her voice.

"Could you just lower your voice Ella, it's already humiliating with so many people around?"

"Oh, besh, I'm sorry, lol. Was I being too loud?" She giggles and lowers her voice. "By the way you're coming with us, we're going to need your aid anyhow."

"What about our assistance? Joshua and me? For what purpose?" What are they thinking we can accomplish, as I pointed out to both of us?

"All you have to do is come with us." And we were dragged or yanked to the other side of the hall. And we were inside the theater, and gosh, this place is huge.

"Okay, two of you take a seat and wait. Maine do not compel them to leave."

"Sure thing" Maine says as we wait for what Ella has prepared for us. She returns with a man with a good physique.

"Here they are, sir, and I believe they will fit in very nicely."

Ella's companion nods and says, "I think you got us a great match."

Is this a perfect match? What are they on about?

"What's going on here, Ella?"

"Well, there was a minor issue, sir; could you please explain it to them?"

"Haven't you explained to them yet?"

Ella smiles and nods "Okay, so we're currently understaffed, and two of the performers in our show won't be able to attend the festival. So, we're in need of replacements, so I tasked Ella and Maine with finding a couple that fit our description for their position in the play. And it appears that you are the greatest bet we have."

"Are you asking us to perform sir?" Joshua asks politely, while I'm still shocked by what he said. A couple? Perfect match? Best bet?

"Yes, you don't have that many lines as the lead does, but we need your role as it is essential."

"I'm good with it, how about you Dianna?" And all attention went to me in a second, I'm still contemplating on his words. It's okay for him?

"Come on Dianna, you don't even have anything to do anyway for the school festival" Ella pulls my sleeve and giving me the puppy eyes. This girl is really a troublemaker for me, getting me into stuff like this.

"That is correct." Maine is on Ella's side.

"I suppose so?"

I answered, "I'm not sure what I'm saying, but it's a response."

"That's fantastic, you guys; you saved us a lot of time. I can't hank you enough; I'm the play's director. Ella and Maine, lead them to the backstage area and begin preparing them."

"Yes, sir," Maine responds promptly, extending her hands to lead us the way to the backstage. While I stare Ella in the eyes with aggression, she just smiles and wraps her arms around me.

"Don't worry, besh, you're going to do well." I'm going to hit her one day, just joking, I can't do that ahaha.

The backstage is full of people and Ella showed us the room where we can practice our scripts. We keep asking for details that we need to accomplish the role, so we can become one with the character, right? I could hear murmuring and it was Maine and Joshua, Maine is helping Joshua with his lines, same here with Ella and me. After a few hours of memorizing our parts, we go ahead to the stage and try it out and the director was waiting for us.

"Okay, let's try your scene first Dianna. I need you to walk on this side to that side." And he points towards the next marker that was on the floor. "Use those markers so you know where to go, and just act normally in line with the character."

*After my acting

"That was fantastic, Dianna; now let's move on to Joshua. I need you to play the part of a terrible lad, okay?" Joshua responds by giving a thumbs up. "All right, let's go." I sat in front of the stage to see how he does his movements and lines, and he is a fantastic actor. He'd fit in so nicely in this play, I wish I was like him.

"Joshua and Dianna are all doing fantastic acting. You both performed an outstanding job, and we need you back tomorrow for the final touches. Tomorrow, we will use the props and costumes that have been created for all of you. You may all go now, and we'll finish up here."

"Thank you so much sir for guiding us." Joshua smilingly replies, I think he really enjoyed it.

We both left the theatre room and both Ella and Maine came outside with us as well.

"You guys saved us big time for real." Ella hugs me as a thank you.

"Yeah, for real" Maine backs her up.

"It's no big deal, we just did our best, right?" And he puts his hand on my shoulder as everyone looks at me. 

"Y-yeah, w-we did our best." What's the matter, Dianna?

"Are you okay, besh?" Ella inquires. "You're stuttering."

"I'm OK; I just need some water, I think."

"That's fantastic; we can also buy some lunch; let's go."

We rode the elevator down to the basement of the canteen. Yes, we have a basement canteen with food from Burger King, McDonald's, and Starbucks, among others. This is also a great place to chill out; I come here from time to time to unwind from all my academics.

Today, we went to McDonald’s, and I got a burger and fries. There's a free table in the basement corner, so we go there, and someone pulls me in.

"Be careful, you almost hit someone."

"Yeah, thanks a lo-"

I looked at the person, and it was Joshua, on whom I was leaning. I stepped away from the situation we were in.

"Yeah, thanks a lot, I mean," he said as we made our way to the table.

"You guys performed fantastic acting; I had no idea you guys were professionals."

Ella flatters us with such phrases, and Maine simply nods and agrees.

"It wasn't a huge issue; I simply did what I could," I said proudly, tossing my hair.

"However, Joshua and Dianna, you look fine together."

I gazed at him with my eyes wide open, and he did the same.

"Are you kidding me, besh? Joshua and I?"

"Am I right, Maine?"

"I concur as well." I'm not sure what Ella did to Maine to make her agree to everything.

My phone started buzzing suddenly, and it was an alarm to go home right now. For dinner, I need to assist Mom in the kitchen.

"Guys I had to go early because I need to assist my mother in preparing supper. Okay, I'll see you tomorrow. Bye" And I rushed out the door and waited for the next bus to come at the station.

"She went quickly, what do you think of her, Joshua?"

Ella inquires menacingly.

"She's adorable."

"Are you fond of her?"

"What? No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no"

"Don't lie to us, Shua," Maine says as she goes in to get Joshua's response.

"I swear it's not a lie..."

Next day

"Dianna, please wait for me." Ella had called me, saying, "You are early today."

"Well, I suppose we need more practice, plus we're wearing costumes, right?"

"You're correct in that regard. Isn't that also Maine and Joshua?" And I turn to face the direction she was pointing "Joshua, it's them! Maine! Come over here!" Why does this girl enjoy shouting so much?

We catch up to them, waving, because they were ahead of us. We were all crammed in front of the elevator, and as the doors opened, we were all crammed in and pushed all the way to the rear corner. Joshua surrounded me, allowing me some room, and we were facing one other. His hands were over my shoulders, gripping the wall, and just when I thought things couldn't get much worse, one person slid right before the doors closed. And it pushed Joshua even closer, and our bodies were already touching, faces only inches apart. What have I gotten myself into? It's still early in the morning. He even smells wonderful, which adds to my attraction to him. And then I hear him whispering to me.

"Do not move."

All I could see were his lips, which were rosy and velvety. What exactly am I thinking right now? I simply closed my eyes and let my body determine what to do next. My heart is racing so rapidly that...

"What are you doing, Besh?"

When I opened my eyes, there was only the four of us remaining in the elevator. What happened to all the people? What happened to Joshua? He was resting on the wall near the elevator doors.

"Are you all, right?" Maine inquires, her face concerned.

"Don't worry, I'm OK."

The elevator bells rung immediately after that, and we were on the top level when we exited. I think the elevator saved me.

We're going back into the theatre room to practice again, this time with the outfit we have; I'm wearing a nightgown in my scene. With the diamonds and pearls connected to it, this appears like a Disney princess.

"You are breathtakingly gorgeous, besh," Ella exaggerates her words.

"I agree with her," Maine says all the time, and her replies are always amusing.

"Joshua your costume isn't ready yet, but it will be a tuxedo for you." says our stylist.

"It's OK, I think it can wait till tomorrow." Joshua answers pleasantly. I sincerely hope no one saw us inside the elevator because that was really humiliating to watch.

We head to the stage with the director for rehearsals.

"That's great. Could you, Dianna, bend a little more? And Joshua lean in a little closer to her. Yes, that's right. Outstanding." The director advised us on the appropriate acting stance as well as other hints "Okay, both of you did an excellent job. You may now depart and rest; all that remains is for us to train for the principal characters." We all thanked the director and the stylist and exited the building.

"You guys were fantastic! You appear more like a queen than the major characters."

"Don't say that the protagonist is gorgeous" 

"I agree with Ella, you still look like a queen in my eyes." Is Joshua flirting with me? What exactly did he say? Is that what I heard?

"Oh Shua, look at you complimenting her," Maine says, patting Joshua on the back. "Since when were you like this?"

"Don't be foolish; I've been this way since we were children."

"I smell something fishy, you two," Ella says as she points her finger at both of us.

"Why not go out to eat? I'm already hungry." Please, please, please work; I hope it does.

"Yeah, me too, it was exhausting."

Ella responds, her belly clenched.

"But you didn't even act Ella, it was Dianna and Shua," we laughed as Maine dropped the truth on Ella.

"Okay, I was hungry while watching them and applauding. Let's get going."

We continued to the cafeteria, where we enjoyed a delicious meal. Acting is tiring, and the clothing was a little heavy. That increases the number of calories I need to consume; sure, I am hungry, okay. But even if I eat a hundred times a day, I never become fat and always maintain the same weight.

Lunch is over, and we must go early since we need more practice at home. In addition, Ella and Maine needed to acquire extra props for the performance, so Joshua accompanied them. And once again, it's just you and me. Because I know you readers won't be waiting for the bus with me, I'll state my conclusion here. By the way, never get into a crowded elevator. Bye.