Weightless [HSMTMTS]

Chapter 8

"Have you heard anything from Carlos or Miss Jenn? They're never late," Natalie asked Seb at the piano.

"It's weird. He's not responding to any texts," Seb replied to her.

"Perhaps we should just get going with rehearsal? We wouldn't want to waste time," Ten said from next to Seb.

The students began to pile into the rehearsal room, waiting for anyone to take charge or at least lead with some sort of order. Ten noticed Ricky and Gina walking into the room together, laughing at something he couldn't make of.

Oh, since when were they so close? Didn't he just call her out on Friday night on homecoming and now they're walking through the doors like it never happened and they appear to be friendly with one another? Weird.

From the corner of his eyes, Ten could see Ricky slowly approach him, walking hesitantly to the piano.

"Hey, Ten." Ricky spoke first. "Can we talk?"

Despite pouring out his feelings to his friends over the weekend and telling himself it was alright, Ten was dreading what was next. "Sure."

He got up from his seat and led Ricky to a side of the room where the chatter wasn't as loud. He folded his arms as he watched EJ glance at them, giving him a reassuring look.

"Look, I'm sorry for what I said on homecoming night."

"It's okay." Ten shrugged, hoping to appear not bothered, it was slightly uncomfortable to be on the receiving end of Ricky's apology. "What you said was kind of true."

"But—"

"It's fine. I'm used to it actually."

"I'm serious. I'm really sorry about what I said," Ricky continued anyway. "I shouldn't have said that you're only friends with EJ  to take advantage of his social status in school. I know that the both of you were really close and have been neighbours since you were kids. I was lashing out at you for no reason and I'm sorry."

Ten remained silent, mulling over his thoughts. He could tell Ricky was sincere but what else could he say?

"It's fine, Ricky." Ten decided to give a smile, reaching out to pat Ricky on the shoulder. "We all have something going on. Don't beat yourself up over it."

Returning to his seat, he noticed EJ stare hard at Ricky's retreating figure. "Hey, he just apologised. It's all good."

"Glad that he decided to," EJ said. "I would have taught him a lesson if he didn't listen to me."

"Excuse me?" Ten asked.

"You could say I talked to him sternly to apologise for what he did," EJ replied, voice as calm as ever.

"What you're saying is he only said sorry because of you?"

"Oh, no." EJ shook his head. "Apparently, he was already going to but my words were the pushing point."

"Thanks for sticking up for me, I guess." Ten gave a smile, to which EJ responded by wrapping an arm around his shoulder and grinned back.

"Guys, let's just start," Natalie announced to the gathered drama students. "Flip to 'When There Was Me and You' in your script."

"Should we maybe wait until Miss Jenn gets here?" Ashlyn asked.

"Well, I don't know. Apparently, no one's in charge," Natalie replied.

"Okay, people! Let's stage a number, I'm late," Carlos said before chuckling lightly when he entered the room.

"Is Miss Jenn coming?" Ten asked.