Something to Believe In → Toursies

02. chapter two

❝if love is the treasure, laughter is the key❞

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          By the early afternoon, everyone in the dance studio was already panting and sweating like wet dogs.  An hour break was announced, a relieved sighs could be heard throughout the room.

Though it was barely one-thirty, they'd already practiced "Watch What Happens", "Letter from the Refuge", the beginning of "The World Will Know", and the added song, sung by Maraget Pulitzer, "End of the Line."

Laurel and Noelle, much to their delight, were well acquainted with their show-lovers.  In fact, Ben and Noelle shared many common interests.

But now everyone had positioned themselves by the benches, the sound of lively conversations filling the room.

Noelle sat next to Laurel on the wooden seat, sweat dripping from her temples.  She looked and felt like an exhausted mess.  The only thing that could alter her tired and rather worn-out state was food. 

A sudden grumble from her stomach set Laurel's head spinning.  She glanced wearily at her watch. 
"1:14," she mumbled to herself.  She sighed and swung her feet gently in a rhythmic pattern.  Somehow it was calming--and she needed to be calmed. 
"We should definitely get lunch," she said to Noelle, her eyes on the crowd of dancers packing up.

Almost as if he'd been listening to their internal pleases, Corey Cott (The Corey Cott, as Noelle had once called him) walked up to them, shortly followed by Ben and some of the ensemble - such as DeMarius Copes, Joshua Burrage, and Sky Flaherty. 

"So," he said, clasping his hands in front of him; "would you two leading ladies be interested in joining us for lunch?  Consider it a get-to-know you thing." A set smile was on his lips as he awaited the girls' reply.

Laurel, eyes wide, was certain her face displayed a fair amount of shock.  More than was necessary.  She also felt a little embarrassed, hoping sincerely that they weren't just asking because she'd mentioned it.  On the other hand, however, she was more than happy to comply.

"I--absolutely, thank-you," she accepted, standing up and clenching the suitcase handle tightly.

Ben's bright blue eyes wandered to Noelle, seemingly wondering whether or not she would accept the invitation.  He silently clasped his hands behind his back in wait.  Ben Fankhauser stepped up beside Corey, looking back and forth between the two girls. 

"Of course, we meant both of you," he emphasized, looking directly at Noelle. 

At a loss for words, feeling both thankful and surprised, all Noelle could do in response was nod her head.  She masked her rush of emotions with a drink from her water bottle, hoping that they weren't silently judging her - though she wouldn't blame them if they were.

"Great," Corey said in conclusion. 

With that, everyone dispersed into their own little corners, gathering their needed supplies (wallets, water bottles, and other such things). 

Noelle shot a judgemental glance at her friend.  "No, really?" she replied sarcastically, turning her back and rolling her eyes.  She bent over and extracted the handle of her suitcase.  "I was just a little starstruck, that's all."

Laurel rolled her eyes, but internally knew exactly how she felt. 

"We're professionals now," she said with an encouraging smile, "we've got to act like we're one of them."

Obviously annoyed by Laurel's observations, Noelle shook her head and walked towards the exit, her portal suitcase trailing noiselessly behind her.