Under a Bear Moon by Carrie S. Masek Page A

check out the cast list before school.”
    Entering the auditorium by the side door, they headed for the dressing room where Miss Mendelson posted the cast list. As they got closer, Lynda felt her mouth go dry. She let go of Greg's hand and rushed ahead. Finding the list taped to the scarred oak door, Lynda took a deep breath and read down the names.
    Greg stepped up behind her. “What's it say?” He squinted, but Lynda knew that even with his glasses he couldn't read Miss Mendelson's handwriting.
    “I'm Lucy,” she said in a dazed voice. “I got the lead.”
    He broke into a dazzling smile. “I knew you could do it.”
    “You did, didn't you? Greg, I really did it!” Lynda threw her arms around him, all her joy and excitement exploding into a hug.
    Greg lifted Lynda off her feet and swung her around. She felt like dandelion fluff blowing in a whirlwind. Round and around they twirled, and just when she was sure they'd never stop, Greg set her back on her feet.
    For a moment, the room continued to spin. Lynda might have fallen, but Greg held her until the dizziness passed. Even after the room found its balance, he held her. Then a loud voice startled them apart.
    “Lynda!”
    She turned to see Richard Hammer sauntering up the corridor. “What?” she snapped, trying not to show how flustered she felt.
    He stopped in front of her. “Congratulations, Lucy.” He spread his arms and grinned. “Say hello to your beloved Schroeder.”
* * * *
    AFTER BIOLOGY, Lynda saw Ellen in the hallway. Ellen waved to her and called, “Did you check the cast list?”
    Lynda smiled and nodded.
    “And?”
    “I got Lucy!”
    “All right!” Ellen yelled, jumping up to give her friend a high-five.
    “Matt's Charlie Brown, Keisha's Patty, and Miss Mendelson cast Perry Burton as Snoopy,” Lynda added while they walked to the lunchroom. “He's never done a show before, but he was dynamite at the audition.”
    “Sorry I missed it.”
    “It was great. I can't believe how well I did. Miss Mendelson had us up in groups. You know, like she usually does?” Lynda paused long enough to take a breath. “She had Richard and me playing against each other, and it really worked well. Richard says that's why we were cast, because we work so well together.”
    Ellen's smile dimmed. “Which part did he get?”
    “Schroeder.”
    Lynda watched her friend's eyes frost over. “Don't do it, then. Don't take the part.”
    Lynda could only stare. “What do you mean?” she finally asked. “It's a great show, and Lucy has the best lines, next to Snoopy maybe. Why shouldn't I take the part? Don't you think I'm good enough?”
    Ellen pushed open the door to the cafeteria and walked in before answering. “It's not that. The problem's not you, it's Richard.”
    “Richard? What does he have to do with anything?”
    “You just said he's Schroeder. That's like the romantic lead for Lucy. Believe me.” Ellen dropped her voice to a whisper. “You don't want to play opposite Richard.”
    Lynda found herself whispering back. “Why not?”
    “Never mind why not, you just don't want to.”
    “But you're not making any sense,” Lynda protested. “I know he can be a jerk, but it's not like I'm going to have to kiss him, or anything. The closest we're going to get to a love scene is me singing to him across a pretend piano. Schroeder doesn't even like Lucy.”
    “Lynda!”
    She turned and saw Greg waving from a table across the room. Forgetting the discussion for the moment, she headed toward him. Ellen followed.
    The memory of their embrace burned in her mind and she couldn't quite meet his gaze. “How was study hall?”
    “Beats cutting up frogs.” Greg stood, took her hand, and guided her to the chair next to his. “Ellen, don't you have someplace you need to go?”
    Eyebrows raised, Ellen stared at him for a moment, then grinned and took the hint. “Catch you guys later.” She scanned the cafeteria. “Hey, Matt! Congratulations on your