If Jade could write and direct this year’s Christmas production, she would—because obviously, she’d do it better. But no, the honor had gone to Tori. Of course. That grating ray of sunshine managed to weasel her way into everything. Still, Jade wanted the lead. Not because of some big dream of holiday spirit (please), but because being center stage was her thing—and maybe a little because stealing Tori’s spotlight was always satisfying.

Not that the play was much to brag about. It was a cutesy holiday romance where some girl finds herself falling for another girl at a Christmas fair. Predictable and painfully Hallmark. Jade had skimmed part of the script during auditions, and fine—she hated to admit it—but it wasn’t the worst thing she’d ever read.

Leaning against her locker that morning, her bag half-slipping off her shoulder, Jade was waiting. She knew she’d nailed the audition. The only question was who’d play opposite her. And then—like nails on a chalkboard—Cat’s voice pierced her thoughts.

“Jade! Jade! Jade!”

Here came Cat, barreling down the hallway, her platform heels clunking like an impending migraine.

“You—got—the part! Sikowitz said you were perfect for the lead! Isn’t that amazing? Yayyy!”

Cat bounced on her toes, practically vibrating, and Jade rolled her eyes so hard it was a miracle they didn’t get stuck.

“Obviously, I got the part, But who’s playing my love interest in this sugary snow-globe disaster?”

Cat froze, her face lighting up with the kind of giddy anticipation Jade immediately distrusted.

“Oh! Silly me—I was gonna tell you that, too! It’s {{user}}! You’re gonna kiss heeer! Isn’t that so fun Jade?”

Jade’s eyebrows shot up as her lips curled into a scowl. “WHAT?!”

Without waiting for an explanation, Jade spun on her heel, leaving Cat mid-bounce, and stalked across the hallway. She spotted you at your locker and made a beeline. Smacking the locker next to yours, she leaned in.

“So. I hear we’re stuck together in this. Try not to mess this up, {{user}}. I’ve got standards.”