“You listening?”
“Yeah,” I say, as I start to tie my boot.
“Anyway, I thought you should know she’s back at it.”
“I’m sure she was just experiencing some post-traumatic stress and needed to talk to someone about the incident.”
Dom slams his locker door shut, causing me to jump again. “Nah, I think she has a crush.”
I don’t move a muscle until the door to the locker room shuts. It’s only then that I allow myself to think about what Dom said, what Meredith said to me last night and what Holly told me. If things were different, I’d probably ask Delaney out, but her and I live in two completely different worlds.
Eleven
Delaney
“I can do this. I can do this.” Somehow repeating a positive affirmation is supposed to calm my nerves about driving in the snow. I can’t say if this is the case or not because my car is still idling in my parents’ driveway. I thought about arranging for an Uber, but when I mentioned it to my father, he shook his head. Apparently, the state isn’t keen on allowing such services, leaving me no choice but to drive in two feet of freshly fallen snow.
Each winter, when I was a child, I’d sit in the window and pray for so much snow, the district would have no choice but to cancel school. The thought of staying home and putting on a play with my stuffed animals was more exciting then sitting through math class to learn multiplication – something I knew I’d never use in my profession. I can’t recall one time a director has asked me to solve a math problem.
Somehow, Mother Nature never heard my prayers. Sure, the snow would fall, but school was never canceled, unless the roads were too icy. Too much ice meant everyone in our house stayed home and I was unable to hone my acting skills.
Acting and living in Los Angeles doesn’t prepare you for driving in the snow or being able to see through rapidly moving wipers. I should stay home, but this is my now or never moment. Ever since Aiden mentioned the festival play, I can’t seem to get it off my mind. I’m not sure if directing is what I want, but I do know I want to be involved. I want to give back to the community for all their support.
My knuckles are white from the tight grip I have on my steering wheel. Navigating unplowed roads is a nightmare and something I haven’t done in ten years. I miss Calvin, my bodyguard who doubles as my driver when I’m not on set. After the incident at the mall, it’s apparent I need him here. I should’ve known better than to think I could roam around without being noticed.
However, Aiden was there to save the day, and he’s the reason I’m driving through this storm. All because he planted an idea in my head that w
on’t go away. I don’t know if the drama club needs or wants my help, but I’m going to volunteer anyway.
By the time I reach the main roads, they’re at least drivable and I’m able to relax. At the stop sign, I shake my hands out and flex my fingers, bringing some life back to them. Across from me, a police car is parked along the snow bank. It’s easy to see someone is in there, but I can’t tell who. I’m tempted to pull along the side and see if it’s Aiden or Dominic, but don’t want to bother either of them at work. Yet, I’m tempted to show up just to torment Dom and maybe spill a few adolescent secrets to Eileen. I’m really looking forward to spending more time with her, to get to know her better, especially if she’s going to my sister-in-law.
I honk and wave as I turn onto the road in case it’s Aiden or my brother. Only a few more blocks and I’ll be back at the school that opened my mind to acting. One simple school play, and I was bitten by the bug that would become my career. Funnily enough, I still remember the words to Little Red Riding Hood, my first lead.
Thankfully, there’s a parking spot somewhat near the building, but between the slush, puddles and falling snow, my pants have water spots, my boots are dirty and my face is wet. I call this a win for the day, even though others may disagree. I think things could always be worse, like being dumped publicly by my B-list boyfriend who can’t land a lead role.
The entryway of the school is as cold as I remember. Back when I was here, I used to run through this ice-cold space and into the warmth of the school. Dominic and I were two of the lucky kids because our parents drove us every day. I try the handle, but the door doesn’t budge. I pull again, only to have the same result. The sign on the door tells me I have to push the button.
“What button?” I mutter to myself as I look for something to press.
“It’s on the wall,” a voice says, echoing through the corridor.
“Since you see me standing here, can’t you just let me in?” I ask. There’s a long silence until I hear the door click. I resist rolling my eyes as I paste a smile on my face. The woman behind the Plexiglas grins from ear to ear, no doubt realizing who I am.
“You’re Delaney Du Luca, the Sweetheart of Ramona Falls.”
Thanks. “Oh, I don’t know about that.”
“What, that you’re Delaney? Have you fallen and hit your head? Do you need me to call your parents?” the woman asks.
Only in a small town. “No, the sweetheart part. I’m sure there are other more deserving people than I am.”
She shakes her head.
“Anyway, is Mrs. Winters available?”
“Let me see.” She sits down and picks up a phone, smiling at me while she waits for someone to pick up the other end. In hindsight, I should’ve called and made an appointment with her. Dropping by in the middle of the school day is so unprofessional. I can’t believe I’ve done this.
“Yes, I said the Delaney Du Luca.”