College Love ~ HSMTMTS AU

Chapter 21

"Cast list today." Carlos reminded Seb. Seb definitely needed no reminder, he was clearly nervous. But when Carlos said that, it forced him to make his way out of bed and get ready for the day.

"I'm so scared."

"Don't be, love. And remember, just because you don't get a role doesn't mean you aren't good. Just that it doesn't suit you."

"I know." Seb nodded, smiling lightly.

"Besides, I think you're gonna get something good." He kissed his forehead. "Now, come on, let's get through the day until that class... as normal as possible."

"Yep!" Seb got up.

Ashlyn was struggling not to tell anyone she had gotten the lead. It was a school for musical theatre and she was a freshman, she was completely surprised. She didn't want to spoil any casting, so she kept it to herself for the few days she knew.

"You excited?" Kourtney asked as they both got ready for the day ahead.

"Yeah."

"Nervous?"

"Um, not really." Ashlyn shrugged.

"Wait, really?"

"What's the worst that could happen?"

"It's wild to me you aren't freaking out." She shook her head.

"I mean, I am." Ashlyn said. It was true, because she had no idea how she was supposed to lead the show. "Just... not as nervous as I thought I'd be."

"Got it."

"Yeah." Ashlyn nodded. She bit her lip, determined not to spill her secret.

"I hope Howie got a part."

"I'm sure he did." Ashlyn said. She knew how talented he was. "Have you guys decided what you are?"

"No, we haven't talked about it much."

"Oh."

"Yeah, but that's fine. We'll just see what happens." Kourtney shrugged.

"You could talk to him, he's smitten with you. I'm sure he'd want to be your boyfriend."

"Well, yeah, but I'm good with where we are. Moving slow, you know?"

"Yeah, I guess so." Ashlyn nodded. "Ready?"

"Yeah, let's go." She smiled.

"You nervous?" Big Red asked Howie as they made their way to class.

"Yeah."

"I know I didn't audition, but me too. I mean, you auditioned and Ash auditioned and Seb auditioned. It's exciting."

"I guess so, but it's still just... nerve wracking." Howie said, fidgeting with his hands.

"Oh, yeah, for sure." Big Red agreed. "I'm hopeful, though."

"Me too. I'm doubtful too." He laughed slightly, mostly forcing it.

"Keep up the hopes, you're gonna do great. You're audition was great."

"Thanks."

"Sure, it's true." He smiled.

The day went by slowly, to say the least. A few minutes before the cast list was posted, Ashlyn found herself walking to Big Red quickly. "I need to tell you something." She stated simply, which scared him.