CHAPTER FOURTEEN!

"I know," Eliza and Ricky sang.

"That something has changed," Eliza sang as two people lifted a ladder above her and Ricky.

"Never felt this way," they sang together.

"But right here tonight."

"This could be the start of something new," Ricky and Eliza walked around each other before going on their separate boxes. "It feels so right to be here with you, oh. And now—"

"Looking in your eyes, I feel in my heart," Eliza's eyes never left Ricky's.

"Feel in my heart," Ricky continued.

"The start of something new," they sang together before Ricky's solo line.

"Oh yeah. Now who would've ever thought that, oh," Ricky sang. Eliza had become in awe of him. So much for not being a theater kid, he's definitely one of now.

"We'd both be here tonight. Ooh," they harmonized.

"Yeah, and the world looks so much brighter." It was now Ricky's turn to be in awe of Eliza and how performing was effortless for her.

"Brighter, brighter."

"With you by my side"

"By my side."

The bell interrupted the song, and EJ shot up excited for the Thanksgiving break.

"Okay, hold on," Miss Jenn announced. "I know everyone is excited for the holiday break. But I'm me and I have notes. Eliza and Ricky, that was great, but it could be better. She said in the spirit of holiday cheer!"

"You definitely sounded better than me," Ricky commented.

"You've surprised me over and over again. I think you've exceeded me in the talent portion," Eliza responded. "This is your first ever show and you've kept up with everybody."

"Your homework over this break, all of you, is to please go on vocal rest. And go over your lines, too, which is hard to do on vocal rest. But make it work," Miss Jenn said. "And remember, may nothing ever block your doorway to happiness."

"Are you doing anything over break?" Eliza asked Ricky. "Is your mom coming home?"

"No. It's just me and my dad this year," Ricky responded. "Any plans this weekend?"

"At least dinner won't be awkward," Eliza said. "And truthfully, I only like the four day weekend. But if you're free this weekend, we could run lines? If you're up to it." They had been spending a lot of time together— running lines. And just that. It was nice spending time with Ricky.

"Party at Ashlyn's after Thanksgiving tomorrow! Everyone's invited!" Carlos shouted.

"Seems like we have plans tomorrow," Ricky told Eliza. "I'll pick you up?" Eliza nodded and felt Nini's gaze on her and Ricky. How does she tell Nini, that the crush she had on Ricky when they were ten is back, and a lot more stronger now. That's right, don't tell her.

🏀

"What's the cake for?" Lily asked Eliza. It was a small homemade cake, with the words Thank You written on it in a marquee. She had it on the table as she was putting her jacket on.

"It's for my friend's dad," Eliza said. "He did something that was very helpful. I made a second cake for you, mom and dad. It's on the table."

"Oh yay! You're the best sister ever!" Lily hugged Eliza before running into the dining room. They always had Thanksgiving dinner early. Usually they'd fall asleep early, but Eliza had told her parents about the theatre kids plans of a party. They said yes, it had been awhile since Eliza had done anything but stay at home on Thanksgiving.

"I want you to text me when you get to Ricky's and when you leave and when you get to the party, and when you're on your way home," Mrs Parks told her daughter.

"Mom, that's a bit over— okay," Eliza agreed. It was almost two years since they lost their grandfather, in a car accident while on his way to pick up Nicole from the airport. "I'm heading over to Ricky's now, and we're walking since they don't live too far."

"Be safe, Eliza." Eliza nodded, giving her mom a hug before grabbing the cake and walking across the street to the Bowen's house. She knocked on the door and waited for Ricky to answer. It didn't take him long.

"I brought the cake I promised your dad after the school board meeting," Eliza said, showing Ricky the cake she made. "It's a carrot cake since we had extra carrots from the stuffing."

"She's a baker. Is there anything you can't do?" Ricky questioned.

"I haven't found anything yet, but I'll let you know when I do," Eliza responded. "Is everything okay? Don't lie to me."

"Okay, no. I guess my mom has a new boyfriend and it's just a lot." Eliza nodded. "Sorry, I hate to be a downer."

"I get it," Eliza said.

"I don't think you do," Ricky replied.

"No, I get being a downer," Eliza continued. "This is the first Thanksgiving that I'm leaving my house in two years. It's a hard enough holiday, and I'm trying to enjoy it, because— crap, I'm crying."

"I didn't mean—"

"No, it's fine, it's okay, Ricky," Eliza interrupted. "I'm sorry. We should just head out and get to Ashlyn's," Eliza wiped her eyes, trying not to wipe her makeup off.

"We don't have to, we could just stay in," Ricky suggested.

"I'm sorry, I— you should go, enjoy the party, just forget what happened and just have fun. You can worry about your mom situation after. I think I'll just head back across the street," Eliza said. "Go have fun with those theater dorks. I'll see you later." Eliza walked out of his house and back towards her house. She hated Thanksgiving.

🏀

Eliza sat on her bed reading a book she had been trying to read but never had time with the show, cheer, or all her other clubs. Her phone beeped, and she grabbed a random receipt on her nightstand and used it as a bookmark. She unlocked her phone reading a text from Ricky.

Ricky Bowen

Ricky: unlock your window.
Eliza: please do not be outside my bedroom window.
Ricky: it's cold out here 🥶

Eliza made her way to the window, Ricky was on the other side. She opened it and he stepped into her bedroom. "What are you doing here?"

"I called my mom, and then I started thinking, that I was so afraid of change and would rather avoid it. Then I thought of you, and realized that you had always been there. So close, yet so far. And I realized that I don't think I ever loved Nini, and it's been you. It's always been you."

"What?"

"I know you have a thing to not be with your friend's ex, but make an exception for us. I think we both deserve to be happy, and I think we make each other happy."

Ricky stood in front of Eliza. Eliza looked at Ricky. Her heart had almost burst through her chest, and her breathing got shorter as she realized how close she was to Ricky. Eliza's hands went to cup Ricky's cheeks.

One move, and their lips connected. Ricky's hands went to Eliza's back and pulled her closer as her hands tangled into his hair.

okay, they kissed (again.)

and the whole Thanksgiving thing and mentioning of her grandpa and her sister was a plot line and is still a plot line but isn't as big until the second season (which I do have plans on writing Eliza and Ricky for all four seasons) idk why I'm telling you guys about it now when the updating for the first season isn't done yet.. there may be another chapter with a memorial for her grandpa (but that's all I'm going to say!)