HSMTMTS: The Core Four 2

61

EJ's POV

"Welcome to the East High morning show!" My beautiful girlfriend says. I was in charge of the morning announcements and after...countless "nos" from everyone, I at least got a yes from her. "I'm Gina Porter."

"And I'm EJ Caswell. And we're co-hosting the first-ever East High Morning Show. Cause I'm President of the AV Club!"

"And I'm the only one who agreed to do it." Okay, I think the whole school could've gone on well without knowing that, but it's East High, so I'm sure everyone will forget about it soon enough. It's not like one of Ricky's fights.

"That's right, back to you, Gina" I try my best to play it off, but I feel like Gina knew I didn't want anyone to know that. "Thanks, EJ. Now for our first-ever guest. I know her because I live with her. You know her from the Rose Song that's been blowing up on East High's Instagram..."

"Oh, uh, quick reminder, tickets for Beauty and the Beast go out on sale next week."."

"Hmm, that's right, EJ. Now, please welcome Nini Salazar-Roberts." We both give an applause and the camera shifts over to our friend holding her Ukulele. "Hey, guys. Thanks for having me!"

"Oh! This just in... Nini's song has over 2,500 views! Making it the most viewed post in drama club Instagram history!"

"Wait, are you serious?" Her face lights up with a big smile. I always told her she was meant to be a star. "Songwriting skills, universal acclaim, how does it feel to be you right now?" Gina asks.

"Um, feels good" she shrugs with a smile. But I know she has to be feeling more than that.

Nini's POV

It feels AMAZING!

The song just poured out of me! I had no idea it would connect to people this way. I owe a big thank you to Jack for being a part of my inspiration. I mean, yes, I was upset at first because Carlos posted it without asking. And yes, I did almost fry him into a crisp, but now I'm glad he did.

And Ricky and the others have been over-the-top supportive. It's just been...it's been a lot!

Ricky's POV

"So what was the songwriting process for you?"

I watch the morning announcements through the TVs in the halls. Apparently, the Rose Song is a hit! Yay. I'm totally happy for Nini, and who cares if the song isn't a duet anymore? Who cares about my feelings? It's just another change.

"Hey, is that Nini on the TV?" Big Red asks walking up to me with Jack.

"Yeah, and she's killin' it!"

"You're upset that the song isn't a duet?" Jack asks, crossing his arms at me. "No, I have bigger things to worry about than some song. What else would I be? Hurt? Offended? It's a show tune, Big Red. It doesn't actually mean anything."

"But it means so much to me. So thank you guys both for your support!" Nini tells EJ and Gina. What about my support?

"Well, there you go. I'm EJ."

"I'm GP."

"Good Morning, East High!"

That's not gonna get annoying anytime soon. "Let's go before he blows," Jack says. Big Red grabs my hands and we both walk off.

Later with the rest of the group, I was chatting with Walker. "Hey, is it cool if I come over? To your house?"

"Really?" He asks with a grin. "Yeah, things aren't really great at home so I thought we could hang out. You could teach me how to paint a little more. I can give you a few pointers on being you-know-who."