17. back to school.

Welcome to the new school year of 1989, with your principal, Mr. Banks, present, - said a white man with pinkish skin in his 60s.

>>The day's schedule and all the agreements will be explained according to the classroom assignments. The schedule will be provided by the respective teachers for those enrolled in the arts program. Rooms 202a and 202b are responsible for distributing the schedules. -

>>We will have a community integration day. Everyone will have two free hours to get a head start on summer vacation or explore the facilities for new students. For further guidance, please go to the secretary's office and ask any questions," he said.

-I need a sunny guy like Clarke in my life, - he thought.

The school was beautiful, elegantly designed in a Californian style, tailored for the idealistic youth of Los Angeles and Hollywood who dream of becoming famous. Most aspiring actors start with what's called getting their first break. Some enroll in acting academies, pay some money for opportunities as extras, join unions, or foster relationships with acquaintances.

-Good morning, - Billy said. - The small classroom had seven people present, which wasn't unusual. The school had 120 students spread across the upper four grades.

The teacher was a woman with short blond hair and some wrinkles around her eyes and a smile. A sweet energy emanated from her.

-Nice to meet you, sir. Please come in and take a seat. We're still waiting for a few more students from the class to start this informative session, - she mentioned from her desk.

The beautiful frames of modernist artworks, premiere posters, and drawings on the wall created a picturesque and elusive portrait. The squeezed art of a city so saturated, though lacking the romanticism found in other cities, one could still sense a festive atmosphere in certain areas.

-Hi, I'm Claudia, -said the young woman with large glasses to Billy's left.

-Hello, I'm Billy Carson, - he replied.

-What's your talent about? - she asked.

-What's my talent about? - he counter-questioned.

-Well, I mean, what do you specialize in? I'm focused on photography and painting, -Claudia said.

-The guy two seats down from me is an art companion. We'll be showcasing our skills for the theater club's set design. -

- Oh, theater and drawing, -Billy responded.

-Oh, an aspiring artist. - she said.

-Well, be careful, there are many aspirants in this school. Although this class is small, the upper grades have more identity, and there's a surplus of roles in theater, - Claudia said.

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-I had no idea about that situation! How big is the theater team? - Billy asked.

-Hmm...- she pondered aloud, her index finger resting on her chin. - I think around 30 or 40, but I'm not sure. It's said that one of the upper grades has already landed some supporting roles in TV series. They were in a small part of 'The Wonder Years.' They're the sensation of the school, -Claudia said.

-Oh, they must have a lot of admirers, - Billy said.

"Yep, although they're jerks—arrogant and shallow. Their smiles can melt the coldest winter. Jack Boor is their name. They're always with their buddies, Rick and Edgar. You'll recognize them, don't bother," Claudia said.

-Well, even though I don't think I'll be able to participate in many plays, I'm in the accelerated graduation program. I'll complete four years of study in two and a half years, -Billy said.

-Wow. Wait, you mean you'll finish all your studies in two and a half years? -Claudia said.

-Yes! I took the course. My math, Spanish, and social sciences classes are at an advanced level, -Billy said.

-Wow, you're already a year ahead, - Claudia said. -So, how does it work to graduate a year early? Do you know Spanish? –

-Well, for now, I just need the most important classes and to earn a certain number of credits. During the summer vacation, I'll take some additional courses, such as philosophy, art, and history, which will open up my academic schedule to take advanced classes like economics, - Billy said.

-And yes, I know Spanish. I have a certificate of proficiency in the language. I'll be taking the two advanced courses offered by the school, - Billy said.

-Well, then, that's great! You won't be in such a rush with the theater club, - Claudia said. - I wanted to be your friend!"

-Yeah, I participated with pleasure. Acting has always had its charm, -Billy said.

Just as Claudia was about to speak, the teacher interrupted and clapped, silencing all conversations in the room.

-Well, now that everyone is here, it's a pleasure to welcome you all. Due to some schedule changes, the theater club will have two productions instead of three for this academic year. I hope everyone can participate in the play, and attend classes and rehearsals. I'll be in charge of providing you with some guidance on this wonderful world of theater, -the teacher said.

>>Oh... I haven't introduced myself. I'm Raquel, your teacher for acting, dancing, and singing. Every self-respecting actor should have some qualities, whether it's dance, singing, or playing a musical instrument, -she said.

>>It's not mandatory to have skills in these areas, but as you participate in more and more productions, some basic abilities are required to perform certain roles. The most common ones are singing and dancing. The plays tend to embellish the performance with songs or choreography, adding an artistic style unique to the theater. I hope we get along well in this relationship. I'd like everyone to have some basic skills in these areas I'm talking about,- she said.

She took out a few sheets of paper and went around each seat, handing out the respective schedules.

-So, it's true that you're taking some extra classes, -Claudia said, approaching Billy to take a look at his schedule.

-Well, that's me, - Billy said.

-You're taking Spanish at an advanced level because there's no advanced Spanish in this class, from what I understand, - she said.

-Yep, it's not much, but it fulfills the requirements I'm looking for, -Billy said.

-Great, we share math, social sciences, and English, -Claudia said.

-We'll see each other then!- Billy said.

-You're leaving... I mean, come with me to grab some lunch. We have the day off to explore the school, -Claudia said.

-Sure, - Billy said.

-Great, we'll meet up with some friends who are also in the school. They're in the regular program, - Claudia said.

Her friends were Peter, Sarah, and Alicia. It seems that if you attend a middle school, it's mandatory to come to Notre Dane, and if you're in a certain school, it's almost certain that you'll be admitted here. I understand now why my entrance exam had some requirements. I understand now why the academic grades are more challenging than in my previous school.

I mean, biology, chemistry, math, social sciences, history, Spanish, and English. They're a bulk of many subjects that some academic programs don't include, like electives in economics, philosophy, and theater. It's just wow.

..

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disclaimer: it is fictión.