{107}✔️

A/N: so I have asthma and can't breathe at all rn but I'm taking comfort in the fact that Billie has asthma too so at least while I'm on the floor wheezing and trying not to die I can think of that and feel closer to her amirite :/ enjoy the chapter.

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Dahlia's POV

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"I can't believe this shit. This shit is what I cannot believe. This shit right here? Unbelievable. Unbelievable shit right here. The shit that is right the fuck here is un—"

"My god, I love you, but shut the fuck up," Billie whined. I bit the inside of my cheek and huffed, glaring at the stage in front of me. She reached over and grabbed my hand, squeezing it tightly. "I know this sucks, but it's gonna be alright! Whatever play we end up doing will turn out amazing. It'll get done, drama club and drama class will be saved, and all will be well. All you have to do is believe."

"I don't want to be positive right now, Billie, I want to wallow in self-pity and throw a shit fit." I hissed.

She sighed and let go of my hand. "Hey, I don't want to be here anymore than you do. I don't think any of these people do! But we're here, so we've gotta make the best of it."

"The difference between me and all these other people, though, is that they don't technically have to be here. I do. At least you have a choice!" I grumbled.

I spoke to principal Myers earlier today and he made it pretty clear that I am president of drama club and that I need to help Mrs. East put on a play before the end of this month or the blame for drama club being canceled next year would be put partially on me. That's the last thing I fucking want.

"Dahlia Doe, three years ago, what did Beyonce say?" Billie questioned. I side eyed her, not knowing what the hell she was referring to, and she shook her head at me. "She said when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade! That's what you're gonna have to do here!" She punched my shoulder enthusiastically and my frown deepened. " I don't want to make lemonade. I don't like lemonade."

"Well—"

"Dahlia!?" Mrs. East whisper yelled as she gestured for me to get up and walk toward her. Billie gave my thigh a small squeeze before I sighed, stood up from my seat, and trudged over to her. "Alright, it's your time to talk now. You go on that stage and pretend you're happy to be here! This is theatre! You've got to act!" She tried to motivate me.

I stared at her blankly. "Well, since we haven't had a single club meeting this year, and since I haven't been in a single drama class this year, I don't know how to act."

"Lose the 'tude, Dahlia Doe!" She narrowed her eyes at me before sighing. "If you keep a positive attitude while doing this I might be able to go back and change your grade on that family project from a C to a B minus."

"I'd like a B plus. And ten bonus points on the final exam for both Billie and me." I crossed my arms over my chest and raised a brow at her. "And I'd also like to get Petrillo and Capone back."

"What? Why? You hated them."

"Yeah, but I always like to take a souvenir from each of my school years, you know? I usually just steal a few textbooks, but I figured it'd be cool to have my babies instead this year. As long as they're turned off, of course."

"I'll give you the grade you want and the bonus points, but the children stay with me."

I rolled my eyes and sighed, snatching the clipboard and the microphone she'd been holding. "Fine." I grumbled.

I stomped up the steps and to the middle of the stage, putting the mic back on the mic stand and tapping it to get everyone's attention. I smiled brightly, trying not to look like I wanted to murder everyone even though I did.

"Hello, everyone. My name is Dahlia Doe and I'm...President of drama club...apparently. First off, I'd just like to thank you all for coming. Whether you're in drama club or not, it really means so much that you showed up today. We're going to need all the help we can get to pull this whole thing together and put on a successful play...In just a month." I gritted my teeth and glared over at Mrs. East who was smiling encouragingly and giving me a thumbs up.

I cleared my throat and made sure to take a deep breath before continuing, trying to sound peppy. "Please be aware of the fact that you cannot get out of doing this if you've signed up for it. We can't have anyone pulling out last minute—"

"I'm only here because I need the extra credit because I'm flunking half my classes and principal Myers told me I could do this to get some credit!" Some guy screamed. A bunch of other kids started mumbling, saying that they were there for the same reason.

I sighed quietly. "That's great for you?" I tried to sound nice but I don't think I succeeded. "Anyway, as you all know, today is May 1st and that means that we have just thirty-one days to get this done. Today is the first day that we're working on this and we've already got plenty to do, but let's go over our schedule before we discuss that, okay?"

I flipped a page on the clipboard and looked at the schedule. "Okay, it's mandatory that everybody shows up on Mondays, Wednesday's, and Friday's, from 3:15 pm until 6:15 pm and on Saturdays from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm—"

"What if we have lives and can't make it?!" The same guy yelled.

I squeezed my eyes shut and pinched the bridge of my nose. "If you can't make it you'll have to bring in a valid excuse from a doctor or a dentist or whoever. If you don't have an excuse, you'll be given a detention. If you don't show up multiple times and don't have an excuse, further disciplinary actions will be taken. If you signed up, it's mandatory that you show up."

They began grumbling about the rule and I waited for them to get quiet again before continuing. "You can also come on Tuesdays and Thursday's to help out, and you'll get extra extra credit if you do. Mrs. East will be here from 3:15 until 7:15 on those days, and you can stay the whole time or just for a few minutes. Mrs. East will be handing out the schedules when we get ready to leave. Be sure to grab one on the way out and try not to lose it."

"Alright, now on to more important things. The actual play itself. Cadence is about to start handing out notecards with the names of three plays on them. You circle the one you want us to do. You can only circle one, and if you circle more than one then your vote won't count. After you've circled the one that you want us to do, you can get up and put your notecard in the ballot box sitting on the desk right next to Mrs. East."

I waited for a few minutes as Mrs. East went to stand by the desk and Cadence handed out note cards. "The play choices are 'Annie', 'Peter Pan', or 'The Wizard of Oz'. Remember, only circle one—"

"I don't like any of those choices! What if we don't like any of those choices?!" The same fucking guy.

"Then you can suck my dick," I grumbled to myself after stepping away from the microphone. I stepped closer to it again and smiled at him. "You've got to choose one. Those are the only plays that Principal Myers gave us the okay to do."

People began to get up and shuffle over to Mrs. East, so I went to the side of the stage to grab a stool and brought it toward the mic stand. I sat down and waited for everyone to finish putting their cards in the box, which took about fifteen minutes.

When almost everyone was seated again, I started talking again. "Alright, Mrs. East and Caden will count those up while I continue, and I'll let you know which play we'll be performing when they've finished. You can sign up to audition for whatever part you want to play before leaving. Okay, now while they're counting that up, Cadence will come around with a clipboard for you to sign. Write your phone number beside your name and please make sure it's correct. Download the 'Remind' app because you'll be added to a group chat via that app so we can all keep up with—"

"I'm already in a couple group chats! I don't wanna be added to another one!" The same guy yelled.

I was gonna respond, but Billie stood up on her chair quickly, catching me off guard. "Bro, shut the fuck up! If you have any more questions or comments we can take it outside and talk about it! Is that what we need to do?!" She yelled.

He didn't say anything and neither did anyone else. Billie slowly sat back down and smiled, winking at me. I blushed. "T-Thanks." I whispered into the mic.

"You're welcome, baby, you know I love you!" She screamed.

I fanned myself, hopping off the stool and backing away from the mic a little as I tried to hide my blush, but it wasn't working.

After recollecting myself, I grabbed the remote to the projector and turned it on. I'm pretty sure nobody needs detailed instructions on how to download the 'remind' app, but Mrs. East insisted I show everyone how to do it on the projector and at least it'll kill some time.

I spent ten minutes doing that and Cadence wasn't done collecting phone numbers by the time I was finished, so I hopped off the stage and went back to my spot beside Billie, grabbing my water and gulping it down.

"I know this all sucks, but I love it when you go all 'know it all club nerd'. You're a great president, and I'm a great First Lady." Billie smirked. "Damn, I can imagine you wearing a pants suit like fucking Hilary Clinton. That'd be hot. That'd be some real hot shit. I love a boss lady."

"What I gathered from that is that you have a crush on Hilary Clinton." I grinned.

She rolled her eyes at me. "You look really hot up on that stage too. I've gotta say, I really hate that we can't do a 'Pretty woman' play. I think I'd lose my mind if I saw you in the outfits she wore."

"Yeah, and you'd make a great sugar daddy, just like Edward."

***

After getting a shit ton of shit sorted out, it was almost time for us to finally go the hell home. All I had to do now was announce which play we'd be doing, and then everyone could sign up for the part they wanted to audition for and then we could finally leave.

I made my way back to the stage after talking to Mrs. East for a few moments, and tapped on the mic again, quieting the room down.

"Okay, guys. We're gonna be doing 'Annie'!" I shouted, clapping my hands. Most of the other kids started clapping too. I hate that I have to do this, but I've gotta admit that I love Annie.

"Alright, after signing up for the part you wanna audition for you're free to go. Remember to grab a schedule from Mrs. East on your way out, be safe getting home and all that." I rushed out before running off the stage.

I needed to reach the sign-up sheet for the backstage roles quickly. There are only so many slots that need to be filled for backstage helpers and I need to get one. I cannot go on stage and actually act in the play. I'd die. I mean, I like to act, but I can't deal with having to prepare for a part in such short notice.

"Slow do—" I grabbed Billie's wrist as I was running by and dragged her with me toward the sign-up table. As fast as I'd gotten over here, it hadn't been fast enough. There was still a bit of a line.

I huffed and tapped my foot impatiently as I waited for us to get close to the front.

It took a few minutes, but eventually, it was my turn. I skimmed the pages quickly and sighed in relief when I saw that there was one more 'dresser' position open.

I'd be helping people do quick clothing changes whenever they came off the stage. I could do that. I signed my name quickly and smiled in triumph as I handed the clipboard to Billie. "What are you gonna do?" I asked curiously.

"Bitch, I'm tryna play Miss Hannigan. Only cause Mrs. East said I couldn't try out for Annie, though."

"Why'd she say that?" I tilted my head.

"Her ole hating ass didn't like my rendition of 'Its a hard knock life.' My version was called 'it's hard out here for a little orphan bitch' and apparently, it was too provocative." She rolled her eyes and shook her head. "It's always one hater."

"Mm." I hummed.

I watched as she signed her name and then handed the clipboard to someone else. She grabbed my hand and started leading me toward the exit, but we were blocked from getting to it by...Julian and that guy with the bowl cut from the cafeteria.

I rolled my eyes, about to ask them to move, but their loud laughter interrupted me.

"I can't believe it, bro!" Julian howled. "The tranny wants to play Annie!"

They both laughed even louder at his 'joke' before bowl cut dude started talking. "Yeah, and the retard wants to play Rooster. This shit is too funny!" He howled.

I looked at the people they were standing in front of. A tall girl who was obviously trans and an autistic boy. I bit the inside of my cheek and let go of Billie's hand, storming over to them and standing between them.

I crossed my arms and narrowed my eyes at the two idiot jocks. "Who the fuck do you think you're talking to like that? Because I know you're not talking to them."

"You again?" Bowl cut dude rolled his eyes. "Once again you're in my way. This has nothing to do with you, bitch. So move."

"Um, it has everything to do with me, actually. I'm president of drama club and that means It's my job to care about everybody in this bitch." I spat. "And what you're not about to do is disrespect these people when they've done nothing to you."

"My god, you're acting like such a loser!" Julian threw his head back and let out a small groan. "Dahlia, you're a cool girl. I don't know if you know this, but you're pretty popular. Don't ruin your reputation by trying to play hero. Nobody cares about those two boys anyway."

"I know you motherfucking didn't just call her a boy!" I spat, stepping closer to him. "You know damn fucking well she's a girl. Respect her pronouns and stop being a fucking dick. And I don't give a single got damn shit about a reputation. I said what I fucking said. Mess with them again and see what the fuck happens."

"You think you're gonna disrespect us like this? You need to learn your fucking place, Doe. I can help you learn it if that's what you need." Bowl cut bro stepped closer to me and glared down at me.

"This bitch," I muttered to myself, letting out a small laugh. "You really think just cause you're a big bitch I'm supposed to be scared of you, huh?"

"Yo, do my eyes and ears deceive me?" Billie questioned as she slowly walked over, slinging an arm around my shoulder. "It seemed like they were disrespecting you from where I was standing over there, but I know that wasn't the case." She glared at them.

"And what if we were? Are we supposed to be scared of two bitches? This is hilarious!" Julian snickered.

"I cut a bitch one time, don't make me do it again." Billie sighed.

Kai happened to be walking by as she said it. She paused and cleared her throat, grabbing their attention. "She's ugh—Not lying." She gestured toward the still somewhat noticeable scar on her cheek before starting to walk again.

"Look, this is how this is gonna go," I gave them both the coldest stare I could muster up as I stepped even closer to them. "You two idiots are gonna leave these two people alone. They've done nothing to you, and you're not gonna disrespect them in here. This is drama club, this is a safe space. You say anything rude to them while I'm around and I will beat both of your asses. You don't have to believe me. Matter of fact, I hope you don't. I'll show your asses better than I can tell you."

"And if either of you steps out of line and disrespects my girl again, all she has to do is say the word and I will catch a murder charge. I'm begging you to try me." Billie smiled as she shooed them away. "Now get the fuck out. And brush your teeth before you come back too. You both look like meth heads."

They rolled their eyes as they walked away, still cackling amongst themselves as they mocked us. I rolled my own eyes and turned to send a sympathetic smile to the two people still standing behind us. "Sorry about them. They're absolute idiots. I'm Dahlia, and this is Billie."

"We thank you for the—the not so polite things you said to them in order to be polite to us." The autistic boy said as he stared at the ceiling.

"This is Madison," The girl smiled as she gestured to him. "And I'm Jules."

"Nice to meet you guys!" I grinned.

"Thank you for doing that. You really didn't have to. We're kinda...Used to that." She frowned.

"Well, you shouldn't be. And it's really no problem at all. Seriously, let me know if they act like that again. I really will kick their asses."

"Ditto." Billie smiled.

"You smell like burritos and...You're from Los Angeles." Madison said as he began to play with his fingers.

Billie's smile widened. "Yeah. I like burritos."

"I do not. I don't like to eat brown or tan things. Usually, burritos are tan with beans that are brown in them." He shook his head.

"Understandable." She nodded.

"I do eat yellow things though. I like pineapple the best."

"Me too!" I gasped, my eyes widening. "That's my favorite fruit!"

"Do you eat it on Sundays? I don't."

I thought about it for a moment. "Well, I never paid it much attention, but I guess I haven't eaten any pineapple on any recent Sundays."

"I do not like either of you yet because I do not know enough about either of you to know if I truly like you. But she understands that I do not like to eat tan and brown things and you do not seem to eat pineapple on Sundays so maybe one day I will like you." He giggled and began biting his fingertips as he pointed his other hand up at the ceiling.

"Well, I hope so. I believe I like you already!" I smiled.

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A/N: MOST IMPORTANT AUTHOR's NOTE EVER. PLS READ.

About the autistic character, Madison:

Hi hello. I just wanted to write this here and now because in my Q&A I mentioned that I don't like to write about shit I know nothing about. Like disabilities, disorders, etc. I didn't want anyone to @ me and be like well bitch u said this so what r u writing an autistic character for??

Well, because I feel like I'm comfortable enough to write an autistic character. First of all, I don't see many autistic characters in stories that aren't...about autism. Autistic ppl are ppl too. They exist. And they're amazing people. 💛❤️💙 I wanted to add an autistic character 🤷🏽‍♀️

Second of all, I've known many autistic people, studied up on autism a little bit, and I've watched many many many videos about autism and autistic ppl. I still obviously don't know the half, I don't know everything there is to know about them, I'm not a genius or anything, but I do feel like I can write an autistic character accurately enough.

Not all autistic people are the same, though, and there's no right or wrong version of autism.

Also, I'd just like to say now, let's not be problematic in the comments. 99% of the ppl reading this are sweethearts anyway so I'm not that worried about it, but I'm js for the 1%, if u have nothing nice to say then please don't say it at all. And let's not use slurs in my comments either "r*tarded" isn't a nice word. It's like, one of my least fave words ever on the planet, and it's offensive. Let's not use it.

I totally get that not everyone knows what's offensive and what isn't, btw. So I'm not tryna be an asshole and be fake woke and cancel ppl for that, im js be nice and respectful.

And while we're at it, this has nothing to do with my story directly, but if you're ever looking for a new yt channel to watch, I definitely recommend 'special books by special kids'

Special books by special kids is a channel that focuses on letting people with autism, disorders/disabilities, syndromes, etc tell their stories and tell the world what they want people to know about them. Very informative channel run by an amazing guy and his wife.

{https://youtu.be/jwFv-BtTiSc}

{Youtube video is also at the top. It's an introduction to the channel kinda so if ur interested in it, watch ❤️}

About the trans character, Jules:

I've got two trans friends who I've asked for tips on how to write this character, but again, there's no wrong or right way to be trans and not everyone is the same. Everyone's experience isn't the same, you know?

Call me out if I write something inaccurate or offensive or something tho. The last thing I want to do is offend anyone! 🖤🏳️‍🌈

If you're transphobic u gotta dip. Plain Nd simple. I don't want anybody hateful reading this story. It's a lgbt story. With lgbt characters. So......................u know....................accept ppl for who they are or fuck off immediately lol

Spread love 🏳️‍🌈💛❤️💙