Soaring [ej caswell]

Ten: Opening Night

Currently curling my hair as Ashlyn practices her song for Act Two.

"I might sing that differently, I don't think I like that" Ashlyn says.

"Ash, you sound amazing! I would tell you if it sounded bad. You literally keep giving me chills"

"I just want it to be perfect!"

"And it will be! No negative thoughts! Now you better quit singing or Miss Jenn will have your ass on a platter for not putting yourself on vocal rest" I say pointing my curling wand at her.

"Ugh fine. Your hair looks cute!"

"Thanks Ash. We're going to kill it tonight"

"How are you not nervous?"

"Oh I am. I could projectile vomit right now but I'm just trying not to think about it" I smile nervously and Ashlyn nods in agreement.

"So...you excited to see Chad?" She smirks at me through the mirror.

"What kind of question is that?" I ask.

"I don't know, just asking a simple question" she shrugs.

"Well I'm not answering it"

"Because we both already know the answer" she winks.

"Oh my god, Ash. I can't with you" I chuckle.

"You love me. Now, hurry up, we've got to get to East High here soon"

"Working on it" I say curling the last few strands of hair.

*30 Minutes Until The Show Starts*

"We've got mystery flowers, people!" Carlos says coming in with a HUGE basket of flowers. It was a beautiful arrangement.

"Wow, those are massive" Ej says.

"Why mystery?" Big Red asks.

"There was no card, so I'm guessing it's dealer's choice. But if I had to bet, I'd say it's for our leading lady" Carlos says, referring to Nini.

"Aw!" Nini says looking over at Ricky.

"Not from me. Sorry" Ricky smiles awkwardly.

"It's okay"

"Half hour!"

"Okay, last touches, anyone? Speak now, or forever hold your face!" Kourtney yells.

"Why? Where are you gonna be during the show?" Seb asks.

"Me please! Just setting powder under my eyes" I say going up to Kourtney.

"You got it" she says dabbing some powder under my eyes.

"My beautiful babies, let's gather round for some housekeeping!" Miss Jenn says, "First of all, who brought Versailles?"

"No one knows"

"Well, I suppose we'll just have to share, then. Oh, and speaking of sharing, most of you know that our dazzling Kelsi had to leave under family circumstances. Gina sends her love and support to all of you, but unfortunately she's on the East Coast and won't be able to make it to tonight's performance. And so, I have asked Kourtney to fill in in her stead"

"Yeah!"

"Whoo-hoo!"

"So now, what I would like to do is, please think of a word or phrase from the show that expresses where your head is, or your goals for tonight. If anyone wants to share?"

"You're my guys and this is our team." Big Red says.

"What if you wanna try something really new, and it's a total disaster and all your friends laugh at you?" Ricky says nervously.