Everyone in this story is over 18 years old.
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Alex, short for Alexander, was a shy conservative young man about to graduate from Greenleaf High School. He was active in most sports throughout his high school years. He excelled in gymnastics and track. Having participated all these years in these physical activities had given a sleek muscular body.
He was an extremely handsome young man with a square jaw and luxurious brown hair. His gleaming blue eyes were mesmerizing.
All his physical beauty was wasted on Alex. He considered himself very average looking if not unattractive. His almost crippling shyness made socializing nearly impossible for him.
Everytime a pretty girl would approach him to strike up a conversation, hoping to get a date, he would simply hang his head and excuse himself. After this occurred over and over the girls took it the wrong way. They interpreted his shyness as arrogance and developed animosity toward him. By Alex's senior year the misguided information had spread and more students than not believed he was just an ass.
Again his shyness wouldn't let him be brave enough to correct these misinterpretations.
At the beginning of his final semester he was called into his guidance counselor office.
He sheepishly walked into Ms. Williams office and stood silently. She looked up and smiled, "Sit down Alex," she said.
Alex obeyed and sat quietly awaiting further instructions.
"Alex, we've come across an overlooked error on your record." Ms Williams explained. "It appears you're missing a class in the arts. You must have this to graduate. There are no art classes this second semester, they are all in the fall semester."
Alex gave Ms. Williams a confused look and asked, "How am I going to be able to graduate then? None of this is my fault, the school designed what classes I was to take."
Ms. Williams replied, "We're aware of that and have come up with a solution that is acceptable with the states school board."
Alex gave her a small smile and again lowered his head.
"Don't you want to know what we've come up with to help you?" Ms. Williams asked.
Ales demurely shook his head yes.
"We worked out the option where you will be allowed to participate in the school senior play." Ms. Williams said. "In doing this you will get the credit you need to graduate. The state agreed that participating in the play would equal an art credit."
Alex turned as white as a sheet, barely able to speak, "I could never act on a stage in front of people!"
Ms. Williams replied, "Alex you run track and perform on the rings in front of crowds."
"That's different, I'm good at the physical stuff and I know what I'm doing. I don't even realize the crowd is there."
"Well if you want to graduate this year, as opposed to returning next year to take one art class, that's your only option," she said.
"I shouldn't be punished for something that's not my fault," Alex argued. He really didn't want to be in the play. The thought of doing it terrified him. All those people watching him on stage.