HSMTMTS: The Core Four 2

20

Carlos POV

I show Seb the North High Instagram Page. What? What else do you expect me to do? Miss Jenn put me in charge of the Drama Club Instagram stuff, my best job yet, well, it's my only job but still. "Honey, get off North High's Instagram page," Miss Jenn says, taking a seat at her desk

"Zach Roy is posing next to a cardboard trophy with the caption 'It's only a matter of time'" I explain, handing her the phone. "How is his hairline closer to his forehead than when we were dating?" She says. This is when I don't get involved, which is new to me. "Plugs. Definitely plugs. I knew it. Oh, no! Did I just heart it? Un-heart it! Un-heart!"

"At least we have more followers than them" My optimistic boyfriend smiles. Maybe I should tell him. "You do know I bought 10, 000 of those of those, right?"

"What? I followed all of them back! I couldn't move my thumb for a week" I laugh and my cute boyfriend and gather everyone for a group selfie. Eat your heart out, North High!

Ricky's POV

"So my mom wants to stay a few more days to make sure he's healthy then we'll be on our way back this weekend" Nini explains. I need someone to talk to, and I couldn't find EJ, so Nini's next.

"I still can't believe I'm missing the auditions" Nini sighs. "Have you picked out your song, cause if not, I could always lend you one of mine" she chuckles, but I look away. I've been trying to write my own song for a while, but...they're all about my mom. Either her or the new baby coming. 2 things I really don't wanna think about.

"Ricky?" Nini asks again. "Y-Yeah, um" start to stutter. "I was thinking and, I don't know, I, uh...maybe I won't audition, ya know. I know you want me to, but I really can't think of a song."

"Wait, are you serious?"

"I don't know. It's just kinda hard to picture me doing this kinda stuff. I never told you thins, but my mom hated when I played guitar. Every time I would even try and play a note, she would...she would, uh... never mind."

"Hey, I'm your rock," she says, both she and EJ. I'm sharp. I'm sedimentary. That'll never change. Um, everyone will be there."

"You won't. Remember the Talent show, I ran off like a baby cause my parents were arguing."

"Well, that kinda proves my point. Every time I'm upset, I sing. It'll be fun and distracting. Why don't you just think about it, okay? Not for me, or Big Red, or EJ, or anyone. For you."

I give my friend a nod and she smiles at me. I hang up the phone and pace around, wondering if I should go in. "Last-minute jitters?"

I turn around and see Mr. Mazzara. "Yeah. Er, no? Not really jitters this time. I told a couple I might audition, but honestly, I'll probably just bag it."

"Well, you're Ricky Bowen. Pretty much checks out."

What does he mean by that? I am Ricky Bowen. "Wait, what's that supposed to mean?"

"Well, I've had you in my class. You're not exactly the type of person who finishes what he starts. You don't complete assignments, you walk off stage in the middle of performances. It can't exactly be news to you that people think of you as unreliable, right?"

Actually, it can be news to me. And that kinda hurt.

Gina's POV

I was stretching on the ground when Carlos walks up to me. "Hey, G. So. Miss Jenn and I were thinking since I'll be playing a role this year, I mean, if I end up playing a role this play this year, she has not already basically precast the show. I won't be able to fulfill my duties as choreographer."

"Wait, you want me to be a choreographer? Carlos!" I never thought I would actually get to choreograph a show! I've never done it before! "Close! Co-choreographer" Oh. Okay, I don't mean to sound ungrateful, I don't, but why does everyone suddenly want to do "co" stuff with me?

I'm trying to make my mark, not co-make-my-co-mark.

"Oh, thanks, Carlos. Um, I'm really flattered. Uh, I just don't think I'm gonna have enough."

"Cool. What's the real reason?"

"It...I think it'd just mean a lot for me to have this one thing for myself." Things have really been changing for me, staying in one place, trying to build some connection with Nini, and me being with EJ. Ya know?

"Hmm, I guess I kinda really get that," Carlos says.

Kourtney's POV

"Okay, but am I supposed to feel like I'm about to throw up?" I was on the phone with Nini and Howie. My best friend and my boyfriend were kinda like my support system. "Well, it's your first audition, so a little, but you're gonna rock it" Howie explains

"He's right," Nini says. "You're a rock star, and a boss, and Miss Jenn would be crazy not to cast you, which is why we made these" they both lower their phones and show me their purple shirt. "Team Kourtney."

"Why are guys the best?" I laugh. "But, you know, I'm probably gonna end up a dancing table or a spork in the Beast's castle or something."

"Or could you be the first African American woman to ever play Princess Belle," Howie tells me. "and if not, you're gonna at least play a chandelier" Nini jokes.

"Hey, Kourtney, Miss Jenn needs you" my friend, Steph says. Okay, this is it. "Gotta go, love you both" Howie blows me a kiss before hanging up. Nini and I share a squeal before hanging up. I take a bath and walk upstairs. I got this.

(Manifesting Kourt as Elsa in S3)

EJ's POV

Gina and I were talking. "Okay, real talk, I'm not getting Beast." She rolls her eyes and punches my shoulder. "You got this, you're the most talented guy I know and she'd be crazy not to give you a big role."

"Are you just saying that cause you're my girlfriend?" I laugh. "No, 'cause it's true."

"All right," Miss Jenn says, getting our attention. "As you all know, this year's auditions will be a two-step process. One, a group vocal warm-up to the classic song Belle, and two, a song of your choice. Whatever shows off you the best. Okay, circle up, take your neighbor's hand for a moment of silent reflection."

So much for silence, after one minute, she starts singing Beauty and the Beast. Big Red rolls his eyes and I try to keep in my laugh. But before she could finish, the door burst open and Ricky runs through.

Guess he decided to audition, great!

"Am I too late?" He shouts.

And now everyone's getting into place. Huh, for the first time, I don't have anything to say, weird. I can always usually think of something. Well, I might double update if you guys want me to, but that's really it. Stay safe and have a great day or night, wherever you are.