Summer was in her room with Nini, Alice, Kourtney and Ashlyn. It was the day of opening night and Summer was freaking out. Not only because of opening night but also the Ricky situation. She still had no clue what she was feeling towards him. If she was to be honest it scared her, she didn't feel like this at all towards Landon.
Summer was stood at the end on her bed, which all the other girls were sat on, looking at a necklace Summer had gotten for Ricky.
"You're not talking." Summer says getting impaitent for an answer.
"We're reading." Kourtney replies.
"Come on, it's not a novel. It's just four words." Summer says. "Four little words."
"It's jewellery." Nini says.
"It's a dog tag." Summer says with a small laugh.
"But he's gonna wear it around his neck. That's jewellery." Alice says.
"Silly opening night gift." Summer replies as Kourtney hands it back to her. "I'm sure Ricky's gonna give me something, too." All the girls give her a look. "What?"
"I just think it's deep." Kourtney says.
"Like very deep." Ashlyn says.
"Well it should be! We've come a long way, and Ricky's been, kinda, great lately." Summer says putting the necklace into the small bag.
"Is something going on that you're not telling us?" Alice asks.
"No." Summer says holding the 'O' a little.
"Sum, you know you can trust us, right?" Nini says.
"Okay fine." Summer says giving in as she sits on her desk chair. "Me and Ricky nearly kissed on Tech day."
"What?" All the girls say at the same time.
"I know, I know." Summer says. "But, it was just a moment. I'm 100% positive he doesn't like me like that."
"Really. Sum? Anyone with a pair of eyes can see that Ricky likes you like that." Ashlyn says.
"Why don't we have a girls day?" Alice suggests.
"That came out of no where." Kourtney says looking at the girl.
"Well, we need to have a girls day before this one is always ditching us for her boyfriend." Alice says gesturing to Summer.
"Oh my god. I should have never told you." Summer groans burying her face in her hands.
"No, you're wrong. It's good that you did tell us." Ashlyn says.
Kourtney's phone then goes off. She checks it before gasping.
"What is it?" Nini asks.
"Miss Jenn asked if I knew Taylor's lines." Kourtney says.
"Wait what?" Summer asks.
'I haven't stopped thinking about your sound check. You have the best voice in Northern Utah. Please say you'll go on for Gina tonight.'" Kourtney reads as she slowly stands up. "And then there's like 100 emojis."
"Oh my gosh, Kourts!" Alice says.
"Kourt, that's amazing!" Summer says also standing up.
To Summer this was bittersweet, Gina had really become one of her best friends so she was sad she wouldn't be here, but she couldn't be happier for Kourtney.
"So you approve of this?" Kourtney asks.
"Of course." Summer says hugging her best friend.
All the other girls hug her before they all scream.
"How am I going to know the lines? What am I gonna wear?" Kourtney asks causing the others to laugh.
"Don't worry, Kourt. We'll help you." Ashlyn reassures her.
"I'm gonna head over to the school so I can just have a moment to myself before the show." Summer tells them.
"Yeah, see you later." Nini says.
Summer gives them a smile before leaving.
__________
Summer walks into the gym, where they we doing the show, when she walked in she saw Miss Jenn and Ricky.
"Oh! Uh... I didn't know anyone would be in here." Summer says.
"Let me guess, jitters?" Ricky says as Summer walks over.
"Little bit. I just realised this morning this is the first time I'll be playing the lead." Summer says with a nervous laugh.
"But it won't be the last." Miss Jenn tells her. "Tell her the muffin story."
"Do I have to?" Ricky asks.
"Listen, I'm gonna run. I'll see you in a couple hours for pre- game." Miss Jenn says. "Just take a second, both of you and soak in the stillness."
Miss Jenn then leaves. As Miss Jenn leaves a sand bag falls causing both Summer and Ricky to jump.
"Sorry." A boy says.
"I think that was me." A girl replies.
"Okay, how many people are in here?" Ricky asks.
"Do you wanna..." Summer asks pointing to the door.
"Yeah." Ricky says before they walk out the gym. "Can't believe we made it here."
"Yeah. Against all odds, right?" Summer asks.
"Yeah, I was just thinking the same thing." Ricky says as they both laugh.
"Hey, that other night, in the theatre, in that room, I, um..." Summer says slowly pulling out the necklace for Ricky from her bag.
"Oh,uh... listen. No worries. I get it." Ricky says. "It was a tough day. We were all in a really weird place."
Yeah." Summer agrees shoving the necklace back into her bag. "Yeah, totally weird."
"It's cool. We're cool, right?" He asks.
"Yeah. Yeah, totally cool." Summer says.
"Cool." Ricky says.
"I mean, what would I do without my best friend, right? The one who ate my science protect in 5th grade." Summer says laughing awkwardly.
"Yeah, and what would I do without my best friend? The one who broke my first skateboard." Ricky says laughing awkwardly as well.
"So, um... Uh... So I'll see you before the show?" Summer asks starting to walk away.
"Yeah, you to." Ricky says.
"Good luck tonight." Summer says before walking away.
Summer found herself in one of the music rooms. She put her bag down by the door before walking over to the piano. Summer slowly sits down running her fingers across the key before beginning to play.
For what it's worth, I hope we can be more
We are a thousand words, That's our current score
There's that picture we toke that time
Stole it from you, and now it's mine
I imagine this could happen but don't know how you feel
Maybe yes, maybe no
Maybe found my other half
Maybe all we are's a photograph
Maybe yes, maybe no
Maybe found my other half
Maybe all we are's a photograph
Maybe yes, maybe no
maybe found my other half
Maybe all we are's a photograph
Maybe yes, maybe no
Maybe found my other other
Maybe all we are's a photograph
Little did Summer know, Ricky had been stood at the doorway since she started to sing.
Know myself, but you know my better
We are a million moments, each one I'll treasure
Lookin' for clues in that printed ink
Gonna go crazy wondering what you think
I imagine this could happen but don't know how you feel
Maybe yes, maybe no
Maybe found my other half
Maybe all we are's a photograph
Maybe yes, maybe no
Maybe found my other half
Maybe all we are's a photograph
Maybe, no, no, no, no
Maybe all are are's a photograph
Maybe, no, no, no, no
Maybe all we are's a photograph
While listening, Ricky couldn't help but think that this song was about about him. Or that's what he hoped.
Borrowed time holding on to artifacts
Different now then when we started out
Over times things may change, does that change how you feel?
Maybe yes, maybe no
Maybe found my other half
Maybe all we are's a photograph
Maybe yes, maybe no
Maybe found my other half
Maybe all we are's a photograph
Maybe, maybe yes, no, no, no, no
Maybe all we are's a photograph
Maybe, maybe yes, no, no, no, no
Maybe all we are's a photograph
Maybe, maybe yes, no, no, no, no
Maybe all we are's a photograph
Maybe all we are's a photograph
Summer turned towards the door at the sound of someone walking away, hoping to catch a glimpse of the person but she was unsuccessful.
__________
Summer was sat on the main set of stairs in the school. She was pulling anxiously on the bandana she had around her neck. She found it this morning in her room, it belonged to Ellie.
"Summer?" She looked at the bottom of the stairs to see Delilah.
"Oh... uhm... Delilah. Hey." Summer replies.
"What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be getting ready for the show?" Delilah asks walking up the steps.
"Yeah, well... just needed a moment to myself I guess." Summer says as Delilah sits next to her.
"You okay?" Delilah asks.
"Just got a lot going on." Summer answers.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Delilah questions.
"Just nervous for the show, you know, and a lot of other personal things." Summer tells her.
"I know things between us aren't great, but, if you need anything or need someone to talk to I'm here." Delilah tells her.
"Thank you Delilah." Summer says with a small smile.
"Hey, Sum, there you are." Big Red says walking up the stairs.
"Hey Red." Summer replies.
"I'll see you later, Summer. Good luck tonight, you're gonna do amazing." Delilah says placing a hand on Summer's shoulder as she stands up.
"Thank Delilah." Summer says with a smile turning watching Delilah walk away briefly before turning back to Big Red, who was stood in front of her. "Am I needed in the dressing room?"
"Yeah, but uhm..." Big Red trails off.
"What's wrong?" Summer question softly.
"Are you sure you're okay, Summer?" Big Red asks.
"Yeah, I'm just nervous, that's all." Summer answers. "Anyway, I should probably head to the dressing room and get ready."
Summer grabs her bag standing up placing a hand on Big Red's shoulder as she walks past.
__________
The whole cast were in the bomb shelter waiting for the show to start.
"Bro, what did she tell you?" Ricky asks Big Red glancing at Summer, who was stood in-front of the piano practising one of the songs while Nini was playing the piano.
"She just said she was nervous. But it's clear there's more going on." Big Red says. "Maybe you could talk to her. She opens up to you more then she opens up to me."
"Yeah, I'll..." Ricky starts.
"We got mystery flowers people!" Carlos announces walking into the room with a massive bunch of flowers.
"Wow, those are massive." EJ says.
"Why mystery?" Big Red asks.
"There was no card, so I'm guessing it's dealers choice." Carlos says. "But if I had to bet, I'd say it's for our leading lady."
"Aw!" Summer says looking Ricky.
"Not from me, sorry." Ricky says, feeling a bit jealous that someone else would have gotten Summer flowers.
"It's okay." Summer says quietly.
"Half hour!" Natailie shouts.
"Okay, last touches, anyone? Speak now, or forever hold your face!" Kourtney says.
"Why? Were you going to be during the show?" Seb asks.
Summer was at her dressing table reading over her lines one final time when Carlos comes up to her.
"Hey." Carlos says sitting on the table.
"Hey." Summer replies with a smile.
"I just want to let you know, you're going to do amazing tonight. Everything that has happened has lead to this. Don't let anything that has happened recently effect you, you're an amazing actress, singer, dancer, the list goes on." Carlos says causing Summer to let out a small laugh at the last part. "You're gonna do amazing out there. And if you need anything, you can always come to me."
"Thanks Carlos." Summer says.
"We're all in this together. Meaning we are all here to help you." Carlos says before jumping off the table.
He gives Summer a quick hug before walking off. That's when EJ comes up to her.
"Hey Summer." He says.
"Hey EJ." Summer replies.
"How you feeling?" EJ asks.
"What is it with everyone having this talk with me today." Summer says with a laugh. "I'm okay, just nervous. What about you?"
"I'm good. And it's just because we all know how hard today is for you. And we all care about you." EJ tells her.
"Are you talking about, Ellie not being here by any chance?" Summer asks. "I mean, yeah, I wish she was here, but it was her decision not to come. I miss her, but it's up to her. But thanks for checking in on me."
"I know we may not have known each other that long, but I still care about you, Summer." EJ says.
"Thank you." Summer says standing up. "Really, it means a lot."
Summer and EJ then hug as Miss Jenn walks in.
~~~~~~~~~~
Ricky was watching Summer and EJ when Big Red walked over to him.
"You okay, dude?" Big Red asks.
"I can't help but shake the feeling EJ was the one who sent Summer those flowers." Ricky says staring at the two.
"They might not be for Summer, dude. It was just a guess, as there was no card." Big Red says. "Wait, are you jealous that someone else might have sent her flowers?"
"Yes. Okay, yes I am. It's even worse that it might be EJ." Ricky says. "First Nini and now Summer?"
"Dude, you've totally fallen for her." Big Red says.
"Dude! Keep your voice down." Ricky tells him.
"Looks like I've won the bet." Big Red says.
"Yeah, whatever dude. I've fallen for her. I think I may have liked her all along." Ricky admits.
"Talk to her after the show. I bet you she likes you back. I mean, you guys did nearly kiss." Big Red says.
"Thanks, Dude." Ricky says as he watches Summer and EJ hug. "God, I can't watch this."
"You really are jealous." Big Red says as Ricky turns around towards the piano.
"Shut up." Ricky says annoyed as Miss Jenn walks in.
"My beautiful babies. Let's gather round for some housekeeping." Miss Jenn announces as everyone stands in a circle. "First of all, who brought Versailles?"
"No one knows." Carlos answers.
"Well, I suppose we'll just have to share, then." Miss Jenn says. "Oh, and speaking of sharing, most of you know that our dazzling Taylor had to leave under family circumstances Gina sends her love and support to all of you, but unfortunately she's on the East Coast and won't be able to make it to tonight's performance. And so, I have asked Kourtney to fill in in her stead."
"Whoo- hoo." Summer cheers as everyone was clapping.
"So now, what I would like to do is, please think of a word or phrase from the show that expresses where your head is, or you goals for tonight." Miss Jenn says. "If anyone wants to share."
"'You're my guys and this is our team.'" Big Red says after a moment of silence.
"'What if you want to try something really new and it's a total disaster and all your friends laugh at you?'" Ricky says.
"Oh, uhm... 'do you ever feel like there's this whole other person inside of you just looking for a way to come out?'" Nini says.
"'Do the romp, and strut your stuff!'" Carlos says.
"'My shower head is very impressed with me.'" Kourtney says.
"'I'm proud to call you my sister.'" EJ says looking at Ashlyn.
"Aw, it's close enough." Ashlyn says. "'My nail beds are history.'"
"'Sharpay's kinda cute, too.'" Seb says.
"'So's a mountain lion, but you don't pet it.'" Everyone says at the same time.
"Uhm..." Summer says causing everyone to look at her. "'And here it is. I know what it's like to carry a load with you friends.' Or, another one 'In my other schools, I was the freaky math girl. It's cool coming here and being whoever I want to be.'"
"And I'll say, no matter what happens tonight, we're all in this together." Miss Jenn says as Summer and Ricky make eye contact, sending eachother a comforting smile. "Okay, Wildcats, take a moment settle your nerves. If we had a curtain it would be up in 20 minutes!"
Everyone goes off the do their own thing as Kourtney walks over to Nini and Summer looking nervous.
"Hey!" Nini says.
"You know I got your back tonight, right?" Summer tells her.
"I'll have the words in my hands on stage, but I don't know what to do when the maniacs start dancing." Kourtney says.
"What you always do." Summer says.
"Your best." Nini adds.
"But seriously you're my idol, Kourt." Summer tells her.
"Our idol." Nini corrects.
"You're our idol." Summer says. "Let's just have fun."
" Thanks guys. Oh! I gotta get changed." Kourtney says.
"I'll help." Nini says.
"See you guys in a bit." Summer says before the pair walks off.
As Nini and Kourtney walk away Summer looks over at Ricky to see him already looking at her. Ricky smiles lightly before walking over.
"You ready?" He asks.
"As ready as I'll ever be. You?" Summer asks.
"Yeah." Ricky says. "Hey, just call me freaky callback boy!"
They both let out a laugh as everyone starts to head out the room.
"Come here." Summer says pulling her best friend into a hug. "I'm so proud of you, Rick."
"I'm so proud of you to, Sum." Ricky replies hugging her back.
They let go after a couple moments before going to meet the others.