"Here, I want you to read for the part of Catherine Jane, the show's star." Mrs. Rose said.
"But it is a girl's part." Jon said. "I'm a guy."
"I know it is and I know you are." Mrs. Rose said. "But Karyn is the most skilled girl, by far, to try out for a part in the play. And frankly Karyn, you have to really stretch to play Elizabeth. You couldn't handle Catherine Jane's role. No offense, Karyn."
"None taken Mrs. Rose. I agree with you. Still, while I know Jon is a really good actor, and he isn't the most manly of boys, do you think it is a good idea for him to play a girl's role, and the lead girl's role at that."
"Yeah." Jon said.
"Jon. I agree it isn't the solution I would like to choose. But I have a problem. Most of the girls in your class are either in band, are cheerleaders, or on the soccer team. Band is, once again, entering the state championship and no one from band could give the play any real support and continue with band. The cheerleaders are cheerleaders and think the play is beneath them. Besides they are busy cheering for our sports teams, we have three different sports they are cheering for, right now. And the soccer team is in first place and will likely be in post season play all the way to the state championship, none of those girls can support the play either. That leaves me with only a handful of girls, of which Karyn is a better actress than all the rest combined. If you don't do this, then we won't be able to hold the play."
"What about doing a different play?"
"We have spent most of our budget on this play. The school board made it clear that they want this play preformed this year. I don't think we can do another play."
Turning to look into Jon's eyes, Mrs. Rose said. "I know I am asking a lot of you Jon, but I also know that you can do this. I am sure that I will be able to get a couple of the football players to understand why you are doing this and act as support if anyone starts to give you a bad time. Would you at least read for the part. That can't hurt, can it?"
"I guess I could read for the part. But I don't want to accept the role." Jon added quickly.
A minute later Jon and Karyn were ready to read from a scene between Elizabeth and Catherine Jane.
As much as Jon hated to admit it, he made a great Catherine Jane opposite Karyn's Elizabeth.
"See." Mrs. Rose said. "I told you that you would be perfect for the role, didn't I?"
Jon was weakening. He finally said. "I'll ask my mom tonight and let you know tomorrow."
"Just think about doing it. That is all I can ask. Thank you Jon."
