Soaring [ej caswell]

Twenty One: Spring Break

"Let's get in one camera" Ashlyn says.

"Absolutely" I giggle.

"Lets do it" EJ shrugs.

We all get in the camera together and Ashlyn joins the zoom call with Miss Jenn and everyone.

"Wazzup!" we say at the same time.

"Hi, y'all!"

"Hi!"

EJ and I walk over to our own computers.

"Sorry. Our parents all went to Park City together and left us to watch the house" Ashlyn laughs.

"We've been streaming old movies" I smile.

"Yeah. Watched Scary Movie last night. Ah! What a classic" EJ sighs contently.

"Never heard of it" Seb shrugs.

"Old?"

"You guys are watching like, old, old movies" Nini says.

"Well, I wanted to tell you guys..."

"Sorry we're late. Emergency in the kitchen" Kourtney joins.

"Wazzup!" Big Red says joining as well.

"This is why we're soulmates" Ashlyn says.

"Yeah, okay, folks. Let's focus. Now that we're all here. Wait. No, where..."

"Hey, everyone, I'm here. I'm here" Gina joins, "Sorry, um, I couldn't find an outlet and my flight's delayed. Apparently, my plane has a mechanical issue, so... fun"

"Oh, dear! Are you safe?"

"I spent my childhood in airports. I am no damsel in distress"

"Okay. Looks like we are only missing Ricky. Nini, have you heard from him?" Miss Jenn asks.

Nini is silent. Nini and I talked and her and Ricky broke up. She's been a mess and I feel terrible. I wish things were different between them but things just weren't working out I guess. Which I think we all could see that.

"I think Ricky is taking some alone time or mom time or both. He's in Chicago" Big Red answers.

"Okay, I'm sure you're wondering why I've gathered you all here" Miss Jenn says, "Opening night is only three weeks away, folks. That means we need to stay focused. And I know I can't... won't make you work over the break. But I needed to remind you, face-to-face, stakes are high. Please, for the love of theater, do not take the word "Break" literally. Be safe. Okay, well, have fun. Stay in touch. And now you have this link, so hop on anytime. I'm basically the queen of modern technology, so..."

"Bye, guys!" Ashlyn says and leaves.

"Bye, guys" Big Red leaves.

"Not it" Nini leaves.

"Not it!" EJ leaves.

"Not it!" Then I leave.

"Hey Eej, I have an idea" Ashlyn says.

"What?" He asks raising an eyebrow.

"Can I paint your nails?" She asks.

"Oh my god, yes please!" I laugh.

"Um, no"

"Why not?"

"Because?" He says.

"What if we get another opinion?" I suggest.

"Yes!" Ashlyn agrees.

"If you can get another opinion then fine" he says.

I immediately pull up Gina's contact and FaceTime her.