The Drama Club and the Big Audition
Just when I thought things had settled at Gait High, another twist came and it all started with a poster.
"DRAMA CLUB AUDITIONS"Looking for the next star of the stage!
I stood staring at the notice board. Deep down, I had always wanted to act. I loved the idea of becoming different characters, telling stories, and maybe... standing on stage while the spotlight hits my face.
Dara appeared beside me. "You should go for it."
"Me? You think they'll even pick me?" I asked, half-laughing.
"Girl, you beat the class in literature and survived Amaka. You can survive this too."
I smiled. She was right. So I signed up.
On the day of the audition, I wore a black tee and jeans, simple, but confident. The drama teacher, Mrs. Ajayi, gave each of us a short monologue. When it was my turn, I walked up nervously, heart pounding.
I took a deep breath… and performed.
By the time I finished, the room was quiet. Mrs. Ajayi stared at me for a second, then clapped slowly.
Interesting. Very interesting.
Two days later, I was posted on the board as the *lead actress* in the upcoming school play: *A Girl's Voice.*
And guess who was cast as my co-star? *Tunde.*
Yup, the same Tunde that Amaka liked.
That was when the real drama started.
Amaka didn't hide her feelings. "Must you always steal attention?" she whispered in class. "First the test, now Tunde... What's next? My crown?"
I ignored her. I was done fighting invisible battles.
But Amaka wasn't.
A week into rehearsals, someone stole my script and replaced it with a ruined, scribbled copy. Tunde found it in the school trash bin.
He handed it to me and said, "Don't let anyone silence your voice."
I stared at him, surprised. "Even if the whole school turns against me?"
"Then I'll stand with you," he said.
The words stuck with me.
The night of the performance, the hall was packed. Parents, teachers, students, even the principal. My hands trembled backstage.
"You got this, Oyin," Dara whispered, squeezing my shoulder.
The play began. I stepped into the spotlight. My lines flowed. My emotions rose. The crowd was silent, watching, and feeling. At the end, a standing ovation shook the room.
I saw my parents clapping proudly. Mrs. Ajayi winked. And Tunde... he mouthed, "You were amazing."
Later, I was awarded *Best Performer*. As I stood holding the certificate, I remembered my first day shy, unsure, unwanted.
Now? I was Oyin, the girl who stood tall.
Gait High had become more than a school. It was my stage, my battlefield, and my home.