Page 23 of Pride High 2: Orange

“Douglas Mitchell is in the hospital,” Omar explained.

“He’s out now,” Galen said, having overheard him. He was a chubby black kid with a contagious laugh. “He didn’t stay overnight or anything. He only broke his leg.”

“Which is terrible,” Mindy moaned, “because I told him to break a leg just before it happened.”

“Hold up!” Omar declared. “Youtold himto break his leg? And then it happened? If this is some sort of witchcraft thing, my friends Dave and David know a lot about it. You should ask them.”

Mindy was aghast. “Do I look like a witch?”

Omar shrugged. “I mean, you would have to start wearing black.”

Mindy’s face twisted up before she pointed a trembling finger at him. “Maybeyoushould break a leg. And an arm too!”

The other students took a step back, as if she had the power to curse them all.

“It’s just a saying that actors use,” Ricky chimed in.

“For good luck,” Galen confirmed. “Because they think it’s bad luck to actually wish someone good luck.”

“Like that makes sense,” Omar said, rolling his eyes. “What a big dummy I am for not realizing that it was Opposite Day.” He turned to his best friend for backup.

“And it obviously doesn’t work,” Anthony said, shooting Mindy an apologetic expression, “or else Douglas wouldn’t have gotten hurt.”

“There you have it,” Omar said, feeling satisfied. “Next time just wish him luck.”

“Thank you both,” Mindy said with a shake of her head.

“Sorry,” Anthony replied. “I hope this doesn’t mess with your play.”

“What’s that?” Mr. Finnegan asked as he entered the room. “Are you talking about the upcoming production ofBeauty and the Beast?”

“One of the stars broke his leg,” Omar supplied.

“That’s a shame,” Mr. Finnegan said, not sounding too concerned. “I’m sure it’ll be fine. I have tremendous respect for Ms. Deville, and as they say in the business, the show must go on!”

They all stared at him in silence.

“Everyone take a seat,” he added flatly.

That got them moving. Mindy stuck her tongue out at Omar before she went to her seat.

“How’s the job hunt going?” Anthony asked while watching her.

“Huh?” Omar replied, the subject the furthest thing from his mind. “Oh. Great!”

“Yeah? Where’d you apply?”

“All sorts of places.” He’d stopped by the Silver Screen Cinema yesterday, but they weren’t hiring. He had meant to try Turing’s Arcade afterwards, figuring that would be a fun place to work, but while skating there he’d noticed fallen leaves keeping up with him as they skittered down the sidewalk and decided to take out his camcorder. Omar had ended up in a public park on his back, filming leaves as they spiraled from the trees. He didn’t know why or what he’d do with the footage. He simply thought it was beautiful. “I’m bound to find something soon.”

“Gentlemen,” Mr. Finnegan said pointedly.

They quickly went to their separate tables. Omar ruffled Ricky’s hair and pulled out a composition book, even though he hardly ever took notes. It was mostly full of ideas for different comedy sketches, when really, he should’ve been working on a script for a short film. He nibbled his nails during most of class, anxiety filling his stomach. Report cards would be out soon. He really needed to get a job before that happened so his parents wouldn’t think he was a lost cause. And so he could keep hanging out with Silvia. He was daydreaming about her when the bell rang. Nothing hot, thank goodness, or he would’ve had to carry his books strategically.

“Mr. Jafari, do you have a moment?”

Omar’s stomach clenched. There was only one reason teachers asked him to stay behind. It had happened on Monday as well, and the news hadn’t been good.

“What’s up?” he asked.