Wicked Math

By Anya Ramamurthy

It was silent in my seventh grade math classroom. The only sound was paper rustling and pencils scribbling. After all, we were doing a test. “Last problem, DONE!” I thought to myself as I set my pencil down. I leaned back in my chair, feeling an immense weight being lifted off my shoulders. I couldn’t wait for the opening night of our school’s musical, “Wicked”. I was playing one of the lead roles, which was a big deal at my school. I couldn’t wait to soar across the stage singing my showstopper song, “Defying Gravity”. I could imagine it now–A standing ovation for my amazing performance.

In class the following week, I got my test back. I felt optimistic, knowing that I would get a good grade. Mrs. Landon put my test on my desk facedown. I put my hand on my desk. This was the moment of truth. The chance where my fate was decided. Whether I would be performing in my dream musical, or stuck watching from the audience.

I stared at the red marker etched on my test. A C-!?!? How could it be? I had studied SO hard, and now all of it was going to waste! Why couldn’t I have checked my answers just one more time? My parents’ rule was that I had to get a good grade on every math test I took. That meant definitely no Cs. I remembered a conversation that my parents and I had at the beginning of the school year. My parents were big on grades because they believed that doing well in school put you on a good track to college and beyond.

“Make sure you get good grades in school, Rose,” Mom had said.

“You’ll need to get math tutoring if you don’t get a very good grade,” Dad joined in. “And that means no extracurricular activities.”

I took a deep breath as I tried hard not to cry. I tried to drown out the happy shouts of my classmates and focus on my test. I had completely misunderstood the unit on ratios and percentages. Goodbye, Elphaba. I heard a voice beside me.

“I noticed you got a lower grade than usual on this test, Rose.” Mrs. Landon knelt down next to me.

Yeah,” I answered as I tried not to look at my teacher’s eyes. “I studied so hard!”

“Well, you can always retake it.” Mrs. Landon replied. She flipped through my test. “See here? You just need to work on your percentages, and you’ll ace the retake.” She got up to move to another desk.

“Math tutoring.” I heard as I walked out of class. “Wait, what?” I was so confused.

“Yep.” Mrs. Landon said. “You did okay on your test, but you’re still struggling. We want to improve your skills so that you can reach your full potential.”

“How often would I need to get tutoring?” I asked.

“Two to three times a week. I can tutor you after school.” Mrs. Landon replied.

How was I going to manage studying for a retake and the musical? I was Elphaba in “Wicked”! I had to be at almost every rehearsal. I couldn’t wait for opening night, where I would belt out show stopping numbers and perform to the applause of everyone in the audience. But I knew what would come if I didn’t score well on the retake.

I could just see Mom and Dad saying, “Math comes first, Rose. You can’t perform the musical if you’re going to do all this studying. It’s too much to handle all at the same time.”

My parents couldn’t know about this, so I was on my own. A few white lies would make do. I just had to prove to them that I could do it all on my own!

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I pondered my decisions later that day. Was I ready for this? I knew it would be a lot, going to all the rehearsals and studying for the retake. But I was ready for it…as long as I studied enough and aced that retake.

I also went through the schedule in my head. Rehearsals were on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. It was nearing the show, and I couldn’t miss a single rehearsal. I had to plan this carefully. Math practice on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and the retake right after school on Friday. Friday…wasn’t that when I had a rehearsal? I checked my rehearsal schedule. One of our rehearsals was on Friday an hour earlier! “No!” Oh well…I would have to manage that.

At rehearsals, I had an idea. I would just say I had an appointment that I couldn’t reschedule and skip rehearsal to do the retake! It was totally believable. Our teacher allowed us to skip rehearsals if we had something we couldn’t change, right?

“I have to skip tomorrow’s rehearsal, Ms. Engleton,” I said to the director of our musical.

“Why?” Ms. Engleton asked.

I had prepared for this kind of response, so I answered, “I have a dentist appointment. I only just found out about it today.” My acting skills made the lie sound so believable. “Anyway, I usually practice with Laura, so I’ll be totally caught up by the next rehearsal.”

“Okay, we’ll have Norah fill in for you,” my teacher responded, referring to my understudy. “But remember, you can’t miss any more rehearsals. We’re getting dangerously close to opening night.” I grinned as I turned away. Mission accomplished!

I dashed out of the classroom the next day, desperate to get over with my tutoring. But right then, I heard a familiar voice.

“Where are you going? Rehearsal is the other way!” I turned around, only to find my best friend and co-star in the musical, Laura, looking confused. I never missed or was late to a rehearsal. My greatest passion was acting, and Laura knew that. We had performed in all the elementary school shows together.

“I’ll be right back, Laura,” I said in a rushed voice, trying to get away so I could go to my tutoring session.

“Really, Rose?” she asked. Laura knew me better than anyone, so she could tell when I was lying. “You’re not making eye contact with me. What is it, Rose?” Laura and I had met in kindergarten, and we were such good friends that she could read my emotions.

“Promise you won’t tell anyone.” I sighed. I entrusted her with all my secrets, and she told all of hers to me. “I completely bombed my math test, and I have to go to tutoring right now.” I said. “If I don’t get a passing grade, then I can’t be in the musical!” Laura understood how serious this was.

She nodded, “If you need my help, just ask.”

My new routine was now my New Normal. It was a song played on and on in my head. Get out of school, pack up my bag, go to the math classroom for tutoring after school, and then sprint to the auditorium for rehearsals, where I would spend the next two hours in another world–the world of “Wicked”.

Wednesday was my worst day. I raced across the basketball courts, my mind still spinning from the three pages of percentage problems that Mrs. Landon had given me to study. I ran into the auditorium, panting and out of breath.

“You’re late, Rose,” Ms. Engleton reprimanded. “We’re rehearsing the end of Act 1. ‘Defying Gravity’, your solo, is coming up in a few minutes,” she added, rifling through her script.

The next afternoon, I let out my feelings to Laura. “I don’t know how I’m supposed to juggle all of this!” I sighed. “It’s too hard. I guess I’ll have to give up the musical”.

Laura looked at me like I was crazy. “Quit the musical? No way!” she yelped. “I can help you with whatever you need. But you are NOT quitting the musical. As your co-star, I will make sure of that. You can’t just give up your role like this. You were born to be Elphaba!”

Her eyes were lit with determination. She was the one who helped me audition for my first show. I knew that Laura was going to keep her word. After all, we were friends in the show AND in real life.

“Well, I might need you to cover for me when I’m late,” I answered. “And help me not look suspicious to Ms. Engleton. Also, you need to help me rehearse the songs and help me with the blocking and choreography that I might miss.” I breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for her help.

This routine was like a movie–with me as the actress, and Laura behind the scenes. She was the one making everything come together into something amazing.

“See you at rehearsal, Glinda!” I called back as I headed to Mrs. Landon’s for more math practice. An hour later, I was back at the auditorium for more rehearsal. I was sneaking in a few percentage problems during our brief ten minute break. What was 30% of 20? Was it 5? No, it was six.

I scribbled it down on my worksheet right as Ms. Engleton called out, “Places on stage! We’re going to rehearse ‘For Good’, so Elphaba and Glinda, you’re up next.”

“Oh no!” I thought. I had just barely a page left. I needed to finish this before tutoring class. Then I remembered my secret weapon.

“Laura, can you stall the director for me?” I asked, desperately trying to finish the problems. “I just need to finish this worksheet! It’s due after rehearsals!”

“Sure,” Laura replied. “I’ll use my charming Glinda powers.” She spoke to Ms. Engleton quietly, and returned, explaining. “I convinced Ms. Engleton that you were looking over lines, so you have a few minutes to spare.”

I sighed in relief. “Thanks Laura,” I responded. “You’re a lifesaver.” Now, what was 15% of 120? 18, right? And 45% of 20…that was a hard one.

“I am defying gravity,” I sang to myself as I sat in an empty classroom with my math teacher, who was writing down a challenging problem on the board.

“Anything wrong, Rose?” Mrs. Landon asked.

“Uh…no,” I hadn’t realized that I was singing out loud. Wait! That reminded me! I needed to leave! I had to show up for rehearsal in ten minutes! This is where I needed a real witch broom! I didn’t want to keep Laura waiting since she was bringing my music.

“Mrs. Landon?” I spoke, interrupting her as she was typing on her computer. “I need to leave early today,” I said. “I have a commitment that I can’t miss.”

“All right,” Mrs. Landon nodded, “but you need to finish those worksheets I gave you so you’ll be prepared for the retake. Remember, it’s at 2:15 on Friday, so please mark it on your calendar.”

Wait, what?! 2:15 this Friday? I had thought it was 3:15! 2:15 is the start time of our big dress and tech rehearsal! The director is going to be so mad if I miss that rehearsal! Ditto for Mrs. Landon with the retake. I had to think of something!

Friday had finally come. I was pulling off a juggling act, and I couldn’t drop any balls. It was the day of my retake, at the same time as one of our biggest dress rehearsals. I would have to manage both. I had a master plan and a best friend who was willing to do whatever it took.

I conferred with Laura at lunch that day, and we were both up to the challenge.

“I’ll bring your makeup to buy you some time,” Laura thought out loud. “That should give you enough time to finish the retake exam.” I was catching on to Laura’s enthusiasm.

“And I’ll wear my costume to the retake, so it looks normal when I come to rehearsals!” We had so many ideas.

“What’s wrong?” Laura asked when she noticed my frown.

“I’m just thinking of all the risks that could come with this,” I replied. “What if Ms. Engleton notices I’m missing? And what if I don’t finish my retake in time and I fail it?”

“Well then, we’ll just have to take drastic measures. And you know how good I am at that! Remember when I threw a surprise party for my dad right under our own roof?” Laura gave me a smile and headed off to her next class.

I felt a lot better with my BFF by my side. Whoever accomplished anything without taking a few risks? After all, Elphaba didn’t give up when Glinda decided not to side with her. And just like Elphaba, I wouldn’t give up either.

The last bell rang. That was my cue. It was crunch time! I raced to my locker and packed up my stuff and met with Laura. We went over our plan. I would show up for rehearsals and change into my costume. I would rehearse the first few scenes, but when 2:15 came, I would go missing until 3:00 to do my retake test. Laura and I had worked out a deal with my understudy so that Ms. Engleton wouldn’t notice I was gone.

“You good?” Laura inquired, studying my face. “You look like the time I made you go on The Scream at the amusement park.”

“Yeah,” I replied. “I just can’t believe we’re doing this. There are so many things that could go wrong!” I anxiously twisted my hair.

“Don’t worry,” Laura assured me. “ Our plan is foolproof. We will defy gravity!” She sang and squeezed my hand, referring to our song in “Wicked”.

“Well It’s showtime,” I smiled. We both left to put our plan into action.

I ran into the backstage darkness, out of breath from singing “What is this Feeling?”, a song from the musical that Laura and I sang to each other as enemies. We had just performed a flawless rendition of it, and I was feeling energized to perform the rest, but then I saw Laura approaching me.

“You need to go now,” Laura whispered fast as she was about to go back onstage. “You have five minutes until your retake. You’ll be late for it if you don’t leave immediately!”

I glanced at my watch. Laura was right! I grabbed my pack and pushed through a few people to get to the back door of the theater.

“Are you sure that you got this?” I asked her. I knew that Laura was confident in her plans, but even she might not be able to pull this off. She was a risk-taker, but it wasn’t like we were just trying on a new fashion. This was riskier and more complicated.

“Yes!” Laura looked straight at me. “As Glinda the Good Witch, I will do whatever in my power to make sure that this goes right! Now go to your retake, or you're going to be late.” I ran out the door, trying to push “Wicked” out of my head, trying to remember how to calculate percentages.

Mrs. Landon was waiting for me when I arrived at the math classroom. She eyed my costume with curiosity and said, “Your test is on the desk. Start whenever you’re ready.”

I fingered the ruffles on my Elphaba costume like I could do magic to the test. I sat down at the desk and flipped over the facedown paper. The first problems were easy, but I had trouble solving the problems on the next pages. I tried to remember what Mrs. Landon had taught me. I looked at one of the problems. “8% of 75 is the same as 15% of what number?” I bit my lip, trying to calculate 8% of 75 when I heard a noise.

“Pssst!” I looked behind me. It was Laura. I had only been working on the test for 20 minutes! The plan was I would get back to the auditorium in time to perform the end of Act 1 after I finished my retake–in 45 minutes. Why would Laura be here now? I tiptoed to the door.

“Mrs. Landon, may I get a drink of water?” I felt bad lying again to the teacher, but I had to do it.

“Yes, you may, Rose,” Mrs. Landon said. I went outside to investigate Laura’s presence.

“We need to go to the auditorium now!” Laura grabbed my arm and pulled me outside the classroom. She explained the predicament. “Ms. Engleton decided to skip a few scenes, so we’re going to end up at ‘Defying Gravity’ twenty minutes early. You need to be there or she’s going to notice something’s wrong.” I would be in serious trouble if I didn’t show up for “Defying Gravity”. That was my solo!

That’s also when I realized something. I couldn’t just keep jumping around like this! I needed to come clean to Mrs. Landon. So I took a deep breath and headed back inside the classroom.

“Oh Rose, you’re back!” Mrs. Landon exclaimed. “I was wondering where you were!” I felt even more nervous, now that I was face to face with my teacher. I doubted myself, but I had to confess my dilemma.

“Mrs. Landon, there’s something I need to tell you.” My voice shook. “I can’t actually continue with this retake.”

“Why?” Mrs. Landon’s face filled with concern. “Is something wrong?”

“The truth is that I'm starring in our school musical, ‘Wicked’, and I’ve had a lot of the rehearsals are at the same time as tutoring. And today is our biggest dress rehearsal, and I must go! But if I don’t pass this retake, my parents won’t let me perform!” I explained it all so fast that I hoped Mrs. Landon wouldn’t think I was a fool.

“Oh my goodness! Now I understand the costume today, and all the rushing in and out of my classroom!” Mrs. Landon furrowed her brow as she thought about my predicament. “How about this–this musical has to be very important to you, so I’ll let you finish your retake first thing tomorrow morning, before class starts. It will be your last chance, though.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Landon, thank you!” I was ecstatic. I wanted to hug her. There would be no more rushing from place to place because I had a teacher who understood. I sped out the door to meet up with Laura. I couldn’t wait to enjoy performing the musical with her.

“Rose! Rose!” I heard a voice behind me. It was Mrs. Landon. “You forgot your witch hat!” I thanked her and rushed off to the dress rehearsal.

I would thank Laura later. I planned to have a celebratory sleepover with her after the last performance. We would laugh and stay up late and sing our songs from ‘Wicked’ and other musicals all night long. This was the best way I could thank a true friend. Without her, I wouldn’t be in ‘Wicked’. The dress rehearsal went without a hitch. We couldn’t wait for opening night!