Heather {RICKY BOWEN}

{nine}

"Thanksgiving"

Ms. Jenn's school board meeting went perfectly, the performance did everything it could have, and more. It seemed like the drama program had also used the opportunity for publicity, as their pre-sale for tickets had only increased. 

Mia spent the next week focusing on the remaining sets, her hard work only meaning she had a few spots left to paint and one that needed to be fixed (courtesy of the dancers that had tripped and gone straight through the fake door). 

It was finally thanksgiving, and Mia was looking forward to seeing her grandparents again and attending Ashlyn's thanksgiving party. It was going to be a little awkward, considering the last time Mia was with the entire drama crew she was judged the whole time, but Ashlyn had taken it upon herself to make sure they all knew she was coming beforehand. 

Mia sat at Ashlyn's counter, finishing the icing on the cupcakes her grandmother had helped her bake earlier in the day. She watched as Big Red helped Ashlyn carry the soda, smiling when she noticed her friend's blush. 

"You like him." She gigged at Ashlyn's face, the noise turning into a loud laugh as the girl whipped around, her face screwed up in disbelief. 

"Mia, we're just friends, what are you talking about?" 

Mia laughed again, "Babe, its obvious." 

Ashlyn rolled her eyes, leaving the kitchen to finish setting up the living room. 

It was only a few hours into the party, and Mia already felt out of place. The cast and crew seemed to mesh together perfectly, but no one other than Nini and Ashlyn had really spoken to the blonde girl huddled in the corner. 

Mia watched as Carlos struggled through the door, his balance being thrown off by the huge cardboard box he was holding. 

"Ok, you know this is a potluck and not like, catering right?" Ashlyn helped the boy set the box on the table.

"This is not food." 

Mia stood from her chair, watching as the box was unfolded to reveal a High School Musical themed board game. It was something the girl had never seen before, and was definitely something she wanted to try. 

"So sort yourselves!" Carlos finished explaining the game, prompting everyone to start moving into two teams. 

Mia silently counted the participants, noting that they were uneven. She hoped Ricky would show up soon, they needed another player if everyone wanted to participate. 

As the group organized themselves, Mia decided to get a soda and use the bathroom. She already knew that she'd probably wait to join a team until the last minute, so there was no point on trying to fight for a spot at that moment. 

The teams were already settled when she returned, noting that Ricky had finally gotten arrived. 

"Hey, so which team is down, I'll join that one." Mia smiled at the group. 

"Oh, um. I think we're even, right?" 

Mia jumped as Gina entered the room from behind her. 

"Oh, uh- okay." Mia glanced at Ashlyn, smiling softly when she noticed the girl was settled on the couch next to Big Red. "I'll uh-I can just watch, its fine." 

The game was quite confusing, and Mia couldn't help but smile as she watched her classmates play. She almost spit out her drink when Ricky and EJ had to do the Sharpay and Evan warm up together. 

She stood to refill her drink, noting Nini do the same. 

"Hey-" Mia went to greet the girl, but was interrupted as Gina entered the kitchen as well.