From Zero to Her Hero

Chapter 10: Go the Distance

Nicole and Waverly had been in total bliss for the past month of their relationship. Everything felt so right within their little bubble of romance and happiness. Waverly had started catching a ride to school with Nicole every day instead of riding in the passenger seat of Wynonna's old blue and white pickup. They may or may not show up late to class a few times a week, and that may or may not be because they end up making out in Nicole's car every morning. Their relationship was perfect in the eyes of their peers; enemies to lovers, their relationship made High School Musical look pathetic. They were a true Hercules and Megara, and that very fact alone would be the reason why Nicole decided to put her fears aside and go through with the play.

Play practice seemed to only get more interesting as time went on. Wynonna started to actually show up for their scheduled rehearsals, various cast members were beginning to practice their song or dance routines, and costumes were slowly being presented to the actors. The first day of rehearsals was pure chaos; everyone had been so timid and nervous, not understanding what to do or what to say. Looking at the bustling auditorium now, it was the complete opposite. Friendships were being made, groups formed to practice lines at home, and all eyes were on the new couple among them; a true testament to the glory of Hercules; things were really starting to take shape.

"Alright, everyone listen up!" Bobo climbed onto the stage and clapped his hands together. Everyone grew quit and turned their attention to him. "The play is just three months away and, although that seems like a lot of time, we still have a lot of work to do," he turned to Waverly who smiled and stood next to him.

"Since casting was completed, we've only had one rehearsal a week," she started. "When we come back from Christmas break, we will begin to have two to three rehearsals a week. To put that into perspective, Christmas break begins next Thursday, on the twentieth. We resume school three and a half weeks later on Tuesday, January eighth."

"The Thursday we come back," Bobo continued, "we will have our first practice of the new year, and the following week will be when we start having multiple rehearsals."

"I suggest you practice your lines over break," Waverly said. "Don't neglect them just because we don't have school. Form groups, call up friends if they're in town. Practice. You. Lines," she punctuated every word by clapping her hands. "And learn your stage cues. Knowing your cues is crucial."

"Yeah, don't want Haught flying across the stage again when she gets shoved," Pete snorted.

"Hey," Waverly jumped off of the stage and walked up to him, "that incident was more your fault than hers. You weren't supposed to push her."

"You know, I didn't sign up to be taking instructions from you," Pete scoffed. "And Nicole certainly doesn't need some cheerleader to defend her. Go dance for some guys, why don't you."

"The only guys she dances for are the ones who actually perform well at their sport," Nicole said from behind Pete, causing him to jump and turn around. "So I'd think about what you say, before you say it. There's a reason why no cheerleaders are ever at your lacrosse games."

"I was just...I was just making a joke," Pete stammered.

"Next time you talk to my girlfriend like that, joke or not, I will personally rearrange your face myself," Nicole pushed past him and approached Waverly, wrapping an arm around her waist. She faced Pete and watched as he quickly distanced himself from the couple.

"You made it," Waverly looked up at Nicole and smiled.

"I promised you I would be at every rehearsal," Nicole smiled and hugged Waverly, the smaller girl rested her head against her chest.

"I thought you had practice though?" Waverly said, voice muffled by Nicole's shirt.

"I did," Nicole nodded, "but I left early. I told them I had to be here. That this is just as important to me as it is to you."