Weightless [HSMTMTS]

Chapter 23

"All right, let's get started," Carlos clapped his hands together to capture everyone's attention. But everyone was still into their chatter and catching up before rehearsal. "Hello? Let's get started!"

"Okay, Wildcats," Miss Jenn began rehearsal. "Let's shake spring break out of our systems and try the Beast transformation one last time."

Ten was hanging around EJ, who slung an arm around the dancer's shoulder. This was one of the last few stretches of rehearsal before opening night; every moment they had was crucial to perfect everything.

On that note, it definitely didn't help that their full tech rehearsal was the next day. How lovely.

"And remember, this is the triumph of the show, the moment the audience has been waiting for. This has to work," she said with a tight smile.

"No pressure, right?" Ricky whispered to Ashlyn.

"Ricky, try not to rush this time. We'll speed it up when you're more confident," Miss Jenn told the curly-haired boy. "Let's take it from: You came back."

The students cleared the space for the Beast transformation scene, Ten could hear Miss Jenn's rushed remarks to Carlos about how they were so close to opening night. It was definitely worrying how the teacher was stressed about it.

He sighed, leaning against a sturdy theatre prop while EJ exchanged small talk with Kourtney and Big Red. Observing scenes was a nice time for him to reflect upon the musical as a whole.

"You came back," Ricky started, lying down on the ground while Ashlyn held him up.

"If only I'd come sooner."

"Maybe it's better this way..."

Ashlyn cradled Ricky's head gently. "Don't talk like that. Everything will be fine."

Despite watching the scene unfold from side next to EJ, Ten couldn't really figure out what was off from the acting. Ricky seemed so... stiff, it was weird.

Seb had begun to play the piano, allowing Ashlyn to sing the chorus of 'Home'. Ricky was fidgeting where he lay whilst Ashlyn sang. Once she was done, it was time for Ricky to take off the mask. However, he struggled in doing so, which led Ashlyn to shield him with her blue cloak. It was a good awkward minute as everyone watched Ricky struggle to pull the mask off.

"Oh dear," Ten muttered to his best friend who stared blankly at the scene.

"Come on!" Ricky muttered as he still couldn't get it. "It's stuck."

"Rip the velcro!" Kourtney called. Ricky finally managed to finally take the mask off, flinging it to Natalie, who was not ready to catch the mask and ended up bumping into the tree background props. This, was when the tree props began falling down like a set of dominoes.

"Cut!"

"Sorry, Natalie," Ricky apologised to the stage manager.

Concerned, Ten quickly broke away from EJ to extend his hand for Natalie to grab so he could help her up.

"You okay?" he asked, pulling the girl to her feet. "That must have given you a scare."

"Thank you. It's okay," Natalie mumbled. "It was just my face."

"Guess I should practise that throw, huh?" Ricky asked Ashlyn.

"The throw is great, Ricky." Miss Jenn got up from her chair. "The mask is great. This is working," she said in an attempt to calm herself down from panicking. "I will be in my office."

With that, the drama teacher left. Her students staring at her retreating figure like lost puppies.

"Guys, we're on a long five until Miss Jenn returns," Carlos said after a long pause before rushing out and leaving the others to themselves.