#Chapter 262: Dress Rehearsal

The next day was the dress rehearsal for the performance event. All of the candidates, Nicholas, Julian, Elva, and I were in our costumes in the ballroom at the base of the stage, chatting and getting ready. Everyone’s spirits seemed to be high. In our costumes, we made for a colorful bunch. Many of the choices were vibrant and bombastic. We’d surely catch a lot of strange looks if we had been anywhere other than on a theater stage. I wondered if every show was like this. I’d always been so busy and watchful of money, that I’d never been to a show. I’d successfully managed to bottle most of my hurt, especially with Elva around. Many times today, Nicholas tried to get me alone, but I’d always managed to deflect him, either by dragging Susie around with me, or sticking to Veronica and Tiffany like glue. He must have noticed. I could practically feel his stare burning holes into the back of my head, but after the night before, I wasn’t ready to face him. There was still too much hurt