Stardust // Reggie Mantle (3)

Chapter Thirty-Four

Cheryl and Tom's weird Candy Store dance battle surely showed some unexplored animosity from the two. And maybe some residual sexual tension as well. It was frankly just a little disturbing. Oh well. That was basically the theme of the whole musical anyway. A little disturbing.

Caia sat backstage alone during a break into between solos when Evelyn stood on a chair in the audience. "Everyone, hi," She called. Caia turned her gaze to the girl as all the chatter around her dulled. "Um, I know that cast parties are usually after opening night, but the farm will be hosting a little get together tonight at the former Sisters of Quiet Mercy."

Caia shrugged. That could be fun. Kevin thought so too. "Sweet!" He exclaimed.

"And, um, I know it may seem a little weird or method but," Evelyn paused. "Come in costume!" Caia giggled. There was more excited chatter around her. Maybe it was a little strange, but this party did sound a little fun to Caia. Maybe she just needed another distraction, anyway.

*

Caia showed up at the party that night and felt a little bit out of place. Who was she supposed to hang out with? She seriously felt like her character in that moment. It felt like no group accepted her anymore. That was, until, everyone gathered together in one big group. Someone held a tray of blue colored shots.

"Well, given the night I've been having," Veronica began. "I, for one, could use a libation, so-" She grabbed one of the shots off the tray. "Salud."

"I'll take one," some boy said. Evelyn giggled from the corner.

"That's the spirit!" She praised.

Caia drifted forward, grabbing a shot glass along with everyone else. She downed it, savoring the taste as the fruity flavored alcohol slid down her throat. She shook off the initial shook of the alcohol spice.

She glanced over at Veronica, who stood next to her, and smiled. "Ready to blow the roof off this place?" Caia questioned smiling widely.

Veronica grabbed Caia's elbow, looping her arm through Caia's. "You know it girl!"

Suddenly, from across the room, Evelyn began bursting out in song.

🎶 Dad says "act your age." 🎶

Reggie galloped over from the other side of the room. He pulled Evelyn into a side embrace as he pulled her along, jumping as he went.

🎶 You heard the boss, it's time to rage! 🎶

Caia couldn't help but whoop in excitement at Reggie's words. She was happy and excited for the first time in a while. Maybe it was the news that Reggie was newly single, she didn't know. Caia hoped that wasn't it. It seemed like a horrible reason to be happy. Caia turned to Veronica as everyone sang the next words.

🎶 Blast the bass, turn out the light. Ain't nobody home tonight! 🎶

Kevin hurried forward to where Evelyn was. He grabbed Caia on the way, separating her from Veronica just as she was downing another shot.

🎶 Get down, it's all cool. 🎶

Kevin grabbed Caia's hand, leading her in a twisty dance move. She laughed when she almost fell on her face while attempting it. Evelyn did her own weird dance move beside them.

🎶 Jump right in my heated pool! 🎶

Suddenly, everyone busted out in the Big Fun choreo from the musical.

🎶 Punch the wall and start a fight. Ain't nobody home tonight. 🎶

Everyone danced there way into the adjoining room. The lights somehow turned a different color and everyone went crazy at the change in music.