A Glitch In the Code

Eric's POV:

"Dear Sir, I hope this letter finds you in good health," I started, then quietly continued to read the script as I looked up at the teacher in surprise, "THIS is the part you want me to play?" I asked.

"Yes." She said simply.

"...you DO realize that this character says a pretty heavy swear, right?"

"I'm aware." She sighed in annoyance.

"AND that I am not good at all onstage?"

"Eric, it's just three lines. One being short, the others just repeats." She replied with an exasperated tone. I frowned.

"I know, but I've messed up having just ONE line." I reminded, remembering how awful I was as a simple man who only had to say "Cheers, good sir" to the main character. I ended up saying "Chose, good fur." It made people laugh, but it was so embarrassing. Many cast members groaned when I came backstage and had shook their heads at me in annoyance. I didn't want to mess this up again. "I don't wanna mess up this show with a mistake like that again." I added as she let out a loud sigh.

"Fine. Be stage tech. Or do stage crew. I'll cast someone else since you're so insisting of not playing the most simple role ever." I flinched at the insult and muttered a "yes, miss..." before walking to the stage crew. A few people were talking and smiling, one being a boy who looked younger than me completely in flashy clothing that, frankly, hurt my eyes to look at. "Um, hi..." I greeted shyly as they looked over at me.

"Heya!" The rainbow dressed kid said, wearing Yo-Lo sunglasses.

....kinda reminded me of the 80's.

"I'm Eric." I said with a tiny smile.

"I'm Fresh! Nice to meet ya!" He smiled at me and gave me finger guns. Fresh... why did that name kinda sound familiar to me?

"I'm Ava." A girl with a long braid and an outfit of a crop top shirt and jean shorts said.

"My name's Joseph!" Another boy smiled, dressed in a steampunk-styled outfit.

"Nice to meet you all." I said, relaxing slightly as my smile grew a bit.

"So! Stage crew, huh?" Joseph asked.

"Yeah... I didn't wanna play a role."

"Which one?" Ava asked.

"Dear Sir," I started.

"Ooooh. Mr. Reynolds. I didn't either." Fresh nodded, "Too unrad!" He added.

"...Wait... I remember you!" Ava suddenly says to me, "You're the 'good fur' kid!!" I internally screamed at the mention.

"Dude! That was HILARIOUS!" Joseph laughs with the brightest smile.

"Wait... you guys liked it?" I asked.

"Liked it!? We LOVED it!! Ah, if only I'd had a fur prop made, it would have been perfect!!" Ava answers, making me smile a bit. It was nice to know that I didn't FULLY mess up... just made a funny scene.

3:30 PM...

"I'm home!" I called out as I put my shoes at the door, closing it behind me.

"Welcome home." Dad says with a huff.

"I... made some friends today..." I offered with a small smile as I looked for a snack.

"Did you?"

"Yeah, you should've seen one of them -- he was a rainbow of colors! Like the 80's, I... Dad?" I noticed Dad had started glaring at the table. Then at me, "Is... something wro--"

"I don't want you hanging around that kid."

"Wha-- why?"

"He's bad news! Don't ask me WHY!" He yelled as he slams his fist on the counter, making me jump a bit and glitch.

"O-Okay, okay... sorry..." I stammered, holding the wrapped treat in my shaking hands. I don't even know which one I grabbed. Dad stares at me and then questions, "Is he in one of your classes?"

"Drama..." I answer.

"Okay." And he leaves. My chest hurts. I'm shaking so bad. I walk to my room, closing the door as I try to calm down, grabbing my phone.

Glitchy has joined the chat.

Glitchy: Cupid?? Are you here???

♥︎Cupid♥︎: Always, Glitchy. You okay?

Glitchy: I feel bad. Really bad. My chest is tight and I'm shaking, and I can't tell my dad because he's really mad right now.

♥︎Cupid♥︎: I'll talk to you... but it sounds like panic, Glitchy :( Voice channel 1, okay?

Glitchy: Okay...

6:00 PM

I just went to bed.

I'm tired.

I feel sick.

i made dad angry.

....sometimes he just really scares me...

7:30 PM

"Hey, Ma?"

"Hm?"

"I met someone strange today..."