Damn that buzzer. He reached out blindly, punching the alarm into silence, emerging reluctantly from under the covers. "Ugh...Monday..." he groaned, sitting up. He pushed his light brown hair from his eyes, sluggishly getting ready for school. He was pulling on his riding jacket as he headed out the door.
"Matt, honey?" his mother called.
"I'll eat on the way," he called, guessing what she wanted. "I'm going to audition for that play after school, so I'll be home late."
"Drive safe," his mother called affectionately. "Make sure to feed Boots when you get back!" Matt pulled on his helmet, kicking his motorcycle into life. He took off, headed for the high school. He killed the engine as he pulled into his spot, smirking. He pulled off his helmet, heading inside.
"Matt!" A familiar voice called him over. A young man with tanned skin and dark hair walked up, grinning.
"Hey Juan," Matt smiled, falling in step beside him.
"This afternoon's going to be great." Juan grinned. "I'm trying out for that play down at the theater." Matt laughed.
"You too? Don't tell me, you want the lead role, right?"
"And I'll be ten times better at it than you." Juan grinned challengingly. Matt just laughed. He and Juan had been this way since kindergarten, one always trying to outdo the other. That was probably why they were best friends.
"Come on, man. We'll be late to class again." Matt grinned, speeding off. Juan took after him, slinging his bag over his shoulder.
--
The day was uneventful, as most days at the high school usually were. Juan and Matt each tried to turn in their tests first, tried to write their notes faster, and tried to read faster than the other. In the brief breaks between competitions, they studied the lines for the audition beneath their desks. Even lunch became a competition- Matt made it to the lunchroom first, but Juan got the most food on his tray. Matt finished his meal first, but Juan managed to beat him outside. That was how it was every day, each one trying to outdo the other. The other kids, even the freshmen, didn't stare anymore. After school let out, it was a race to the senior lot. Matt got to his motorcycle first, smirking as Juan reached his Volvo seconds after.
"I'll see you at the auditions, then?" Matt smiled.
"You know it." Juan slung himself into the driver's seat, and Matt's engine roared to life beneath them. They were off, racing just a little faster than the speed limit allowed.
--
The two were impatient as they waited to be called, settling for a game of paper football as they waited. They barely listened to the other auditioners, confident in their abilities. As Matt skillfully flicked yet another touchdown, his name was called. He stood, taking a last glance at his script.
"Watch and learn, Corrida." he smirked.
"Learn how to fail dismally at auditions?" Juan shot back smoothly. Matt climbed up on the stage, flashing Juan a grin.
Not even Juan could deny Matt's talent on stage. It was like he was born for it, delivering his lines with perfect punctuation, his face twisting into the proper emotions at the proper times. It was as if he was in the middle of a conversation with a good friend, rather than giving a monologue in Shakespearean style. He bowed, to the light applause (maybe not light, Juan observed) of the staff. Juan stood as he slipped off the stage, ready for his turn. They smirked at each other as they passed.
Matt headed outside as soon as Juan had finished. "You did good up there," he remarked. "Almost as good as me. Almost." Juan rolled his eyes. "Whatever. They'll put up roles tomorrows, so we'll see." Matt just grinned, pulling away.
--
The house was empty when he got home- his mother was working late again. He headed to the kitchen, filling a small dish with tuna. A silver cat with jet black paws appeared out of nowhere, meowing demandingly. "Hang on, Boots." Matt sighed, setting the bowl down. "You're so pushy, you know that? You stomp around in steel-toed boots and then give orders like a drill sergeant." Boots flicked his tail, neither confirming or denying Matt's observation. Matt rolled his eyes, heading up to his room. He'd call Juan once he was done with his homework- he'd be done first, obviously.
--
And a list of names for the play was posted on the door to the theater.