[ Chia's POV ]

"YOU?!"

I was thrown out of bed when I realized that everything was just a dream. Oh, Thank God! I may not be able to handle myself as Juliet if that man would be the new Romeo! No freakin' way!

I took my phone from the side table and checked the time.

"It's already 7:30 a.m. I'm gonna be late for school!" I shockingly shrieked.

I hurriedly got up on my bed and went to the bathroom.

Just in a few minutes, I finished taking a bath and wore my simple casual attire.

I'm wearing a black foldover off-shoulder rib-knit top, tucked in a white wide leg high waist long pants, and a Golden ankle strap sandals with 3-inch open toe Stiletto Heels.

I rushed through the door and went downstairs.

"Hey Chia, baby, have some breakfast first." Mom invited.

"Thanks but no thanks, Mom. I'm in a rush. Bye!" I kissed mom's cheeks and turned to my feet and rushed outside where a car is patiently waiting.

7:59 a.m. when we finally arrived at school. I can see a few students entering the school gate.

Probably, I still have a minute to catch up.

I hurriedly ran and at exactly 8:00 a.m. when I reached our classroom door. All eyes were on me, and it got the attention of our terror professor. 'Oh. No. I think this is a disaster!' I said inside my mind.

"Oh, Look. Whose. Here!" Our professor, Sir Michael Orman, said sarcastically while his arms akimbo. "The mighty, earliest, and the best actress of theater arts club, Ms. Chia Burton!"

I rolled my eyes. Ugh! This sucks!

"So how's your sleep? Did you get enough of it? Did you have sweet and romantic dreams that it got you late for my class?!" he annoyingly mumbled, leaning on his table with crossed arms.

I sighed. "With all due respect, Sir, I'm not late. I came just right on time-"

"Get. Out. I don't want to see your face here." I threw a glance at my two best friends whose biting their nails in guilt before I left the room.

Looks like I have to wait for an hour or more...

I thought of staying at the cafeteria for a while and have a cup of coffee since I haven't taken my breakfast this morning.

I approached the counter and smiled at the storekeeper, "May I have an order of espresso macchiato coffee, please?" said I, reaching a 5 dollar bill to her.

"Received, 5 dollars, change is 2.75 dollars." she then handed a 2.75 dollar bill to me. "Espresso Macchiato Coffee, comin' right up!"

I smiled at her before I made my way to one of the tables in the cafe.

Within just 3 minutes or more or less, my order was served with a pleasant smile by probably a waitress.

"Enjoy your drink, Ma'am!" Chiasa, as what the nameplate says, energetically said with a bright smile.

I beamed at her back and nod slightly. "Thank you."

"Always a pleasure!" I softly chuckled with her vigorous aura.

As I got back upon the realization, I cast another sigh.

I think fate is whom I should blame for this bad luck.

I decided to browse on the internet while having a sip.

Someone suddenly tapped my back that brought me into shock.

As I turned my back, I saw Sia and Sam, wearing affiliative smiles.

"Oh, you're here? Don't tell me you cut-"

"No, we didn't," Sam butted in. "Mr. Orman dismissed the class earlier than usual."

"Eh?!" I was surprisingly aforesaid.

"Well, of course, he made an advantage for him. He made piles of activities for us to do," Sia added, chuckling. She seems to be fine now. After the breakup incident yesterday. "By the way, we need to go to the studio. Sir Brian has an announcement."

"For what?" I asked while strolling our way to the studio.

"Probably about the play. I'm not sure, he only mentioned he has something important to announce." Sam replied.

As we reached the studio, we saw the whole play cast gathering in the middle.

"Everyone, gather around, gather around. I have an important announcement," Sir Brian said.

"So as so you know, Romeo or I must assume, Walter Dawson- and as you can see, he's not around with us, since he was diagnosed with bone injury," said Sir Brian that made us sad about the news. Wait, what?! So does it mean that I will have no partner? "And according to his doctor, it may take for about more than a month or 6 weeks before his fractured bone heals," he added. "And his parents told me that he may not be able to attend the play next weekend."

"So the play will be postponed?" one of the cast asked.

The whole room was filled with murmurs and mumbles.

"Then who will play as Romeo?" another play cast asked.

"Me!"

"I'll not waste the chance!"

"I want to volunteer!"

Some boys raced to get the lead role. Well some of them want to get this role way back the nomination. Fortunately, Walter got the highest number of votes, but they are still part of the play though they did not win, they still have other characters to portray.

"Hey, hey. Listen up, let me finish first." director intruded. "First of all, the play will not be postponed. Everything's ready for the event and we can't postpone it. Besides, if we suspend it, we may disappoint other students who already reserved their tickets." he added. "So I decided to look for an understudy that will fit for Chia. And fortunately, someone with a sharp memory, joined our club just yesterday."

My brows narrowed into slits. "Who?" I asked out of curiosity.

Sir Brian gestured to Keisha-whom I found out his new assistant- to open the door.

"Let's welcome, Romeo's understudy!" sir Brian announced.

My eyes widened as I saw the man who just entered.

"HIM?!" I remarkably screeched in surprise.

I saw sir Brian blinked multiple times. "Yes, him. Is there a problem, Ms. Burton?"

"Uh, nothing, Sir." I didn't try to yelp. I don't wanna be terminated on my role in this play just because of an issue with Finley Coffey.

"Okay, then. Tomorrow we'll start working with him as Romeo. Rehearsal dismissed."