Nandi could hardly concentrate on anything. Her thoughts kept racing ahead to the play auditions later that day.

She spent break time strolling alone along the edge of the playing field, saying her lines over to herself. Nandi passed Zinzi, with her group of girlfriends, sitting sunning themselves on the grass. They were all talking excitedly about the Matric Farewell, and their dreams of ball gowns, jewellery and big cars. Zinzi ignored her as she walked past. But Nandi felt Zinzi watching her, from under those long, false eyelashes.

Luyanda was running on the field with some other boys, kicking an old soccer ball. His shirt flapped in the breeze. Nandi stopped to watch him and he smiled his broad, white-toothed smile at her. Nandi felt her heart skip a beat. The two buttons down the front of his shirt had come undone and she could see the tight muscles of his stomach, as his shirt lifted up as he kicked. Nandi took a deep breath, and walked on.

Later, at the auditions, Luyanda walked idly over to her and said hello. Nandi felt herself grinning at him. Luyanda made her head spin so!

And then the auditions began.

When Nandi was called, Luyanda was called to act opposite her. Nandi felt her knees shake as she walked up the stairs onto the stage. Luyanda was already there, waiting for her, smiling. Luyanda took her hand, and she could not stop it from trembling.

Luyanda whispered, “Don’t be nervous, you’ll be just fine.”

Nandi said her lines out loud and clear. All the while she was thinking how Luyanda smelt so good. He smelt of something spicy, like the fynbos plants on the mountain path, where Nandi walked sometimes.

It was Zinzi’s turn next. She also had to audition opposite Luyanda. Nandi watched them for a moment, standing there, gazing into each other’s eyes.

Yes, Beauty had been telling the truth, Nandi suddenly decided.There was some special connection between them.They did their roles so well together. Zinzi was so much better than her – Nandi felt convinced of that.

Nandi turned on her heel and left the building.

In the taxi Nandi cried all the way home. She cried silently, her tears sliding down her smooth cheeks, before she wiped them away with the back of her hand. Zinzi and Luyanda are made for each other, Nandi thought to herself. Luyanda would never look at a plain, simple girl like her in a million years.

Nobody will ever really love me, thought Nandi.

Beauty was very excited when Nandi walked in the front door, and did not notice Nandi’s upset face at all. Beauty followed Nandi through to the bedroom and shut the door.

“Girl, have I got something amazing to tell you,” Beauty whispered, before turning a happy circle in the room and jumping onto the bed. “I am going to be famous!”

***

Tell us what you think: Who will get the lead role? What has Beauty been up to?