Soaring [ej caswell]

Seventeen: Yes, And...

I pace back and forth while everyone watches Ricky's phone.

North High posted a new video. They're also doing Beauty and the Beast now and I've been a nervous wreck ever since.

"Oh, my gosh, that's what's-her-name. Lily, from our auditions. She isn't just co-directing their show, she's starring in it" Seb says.

"You mean perfect-pitch, looks-like-an-actual-Disney-princess, super-fangirl/mean-girl Lily?" I ask nervously.

"I wanna go with yes" EJ says.

"I remember her vaguely" my voice comes out very shaky.

I want to crawl in a hole and die.

"Thank you all for coming so quickly on a Saturday. Or most of you all. We're missing a teapot and a village idiot" Miss Jenn says walking into the rehearsal room and setting some hula hoops and a bunch of other stuff on the table.

I go sit by EJ, of course, and Gina sits next to me.

"Uh, I think Kourtney and Big Red are at the pizza place. Kourtney texted in the group. They said they couldn't get anyone to cover their shifts" Seb says and we all widen our eyes at him and EJ smacks his arm.

"Oh, I didn't see that text"

There are two drama club group chats. There's the group chat with all of us and Miss Jenn, where we send stuff like Lin-Manuel Miranda tweets to. And then there's the real group chat...without Miss Jenn.

"I meant the group chat with me and EJ" Seb says trying to save our asses and giving us a thumbs up. EJ nods and gives an 'ok' sign, then Miss Jenn decides to move on.

"Well, back to the matter at hand. I can tell from your solemn faces you've all seen...the video"

"It's incredible. Even I have no notes. I can't believe they stole our show" Carlos says annoyed.

"I think their Lumiere is an actual French exchange student" Ricky speaks up.

"Miss Jenn, how are we supposed to beat North at the Menkies if they're churning out this a second after changing their musical? It's like..." Ashlyn asks.

"Wildcats! Take heart" Miss Jenn says, "North High is clearly focusing on bells and whistles. Impressive. But distracting. All we need is..."

"Friendship?" Seb asks with smile.

"No, Seb, all we need is to get back to basics. Emotional performances that connect with the audience can make all the difference with these judges. And I have a plan. Which is why you've been called in today. And that plan is... a weekend acting intensive"

"Acting intensive like..." EJ asks, wanting to know more.

"Improv. Character work. Movement exercises. Hey, Gina. Gina. Are you here?" Miss Jenn asks Gina.

Gina was looking down at her phone, texting but she quickly looks up and puts her phone away.

"Hm? Yeah. Yeah" she answers.

"Okay. We're going to connect with our characters. And impressive performances, not fancy staging or actual killer wolves, will be our key to the gold. And don't forget, we have something North High doesn't"

"Friendship?" Seb asks again but Miss Jenn cuts him off.

"A brand-new original song for the Beast and the rose. Um, and, uh, how's that coming along, you guys?" Miss Jenn asks Ricky and Nini.

Nini is now in the show as the rose. I think it will turn out pretty cool.

They both look at each other and look back at Miss Jenn.