( 𝘨𝘪𝘧: 𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘶𝘦𝘵 )

𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐘

𝒂𝒍𝒔𝒐 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒂𝒔 : 𝒆𝒑𝒊𝒔𝒐𝒅𝒆 𝒔𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 - 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌𝒔𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈

𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐀𝐏

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𝑨𝑺𝑯𝑳𝒀𝑵, 𝑳𝑶𝑶𝑲𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑨𝑻 𝑪𝑨𝑴𝑬𝑹𝑨: Miss Jenn was on hot water, Carlos was a hot mess and I missed a memorable photoshoot. We wrote a song that saved our teacher which is something that happens in real life drama departments all the time . . . 

( trails off, unconvinced )

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" i know that something has changed, never felt this way

but right here tonight this could be the start of something new! "

August and Ricky rehearsed the first song of the musical, staring at each other with smiles. Meanwhile they sang, the backstage cast moved around different stage props, making August giggle as she stumbled onto the box she was supposed to stand in. The dancers swung around, yet Ricky and August only had eyes for each other.

Miss Jenn smirked, leaning back satisfied as she whispered to Carlos "Look how far they've come. They practically radiate Troy and Gabriella love vibes. Told you to trust the process." 

Carlos smiled back as the two went back to watching the performance, unaware that Nini had overheard and now sat back, slumped over. Interrupting the performance, the school bell rang, and EJ immediately jumped up, swinging his arms in the air. "Yes! Sorry, I really love Thanksgiving."

August jumped off the box, leaning on Ricky's hand as everyone started to pack up their bags, getting ready to go. "Okay, I know everyone is excited for the break for I'm me, and I have notes." Miss Jenn added, making the cast pause in their place. "August and Ricky, undeniable chemistry, just remember to get to your places in time."

As soon as Miss Jenn dismissed the cast, August grabbed her bag, followed by Ricky. "So, what are your plans for Thanksgiving?"

"Well, nothing much. Me and Gina will probably just chill out and watch some films. You've met my mother. Such a busy lady!" August said, straining to mention the last bit as Ricky saw right through her, making it seem non chalant. "What about you, Ric?"

The boy shrugged, adjusting his bag. "With my mom gone, my dad and I will probably keep it simple." suddenly seeing a window of opportunity, he fully turned to look at her. "Would you want to, I don't know, hang out-"

"Party at Ashlyn's house after Thanksgiving dinner! Everyone is invited." Carlos suddenly shouted, and everyone cheered.

"Hey, that'll be fun!" August exclaimed, grinning. "So, uhm, what were you saying?"

Ricky suddenly remember that he was about to ask her out. Scratching the back of his head, he waved a hand in dismissal. "I forgot. It can't have been that important then."

"Okay." she said unconvinced. "I guess I'll see you on Thanksgiving, then."

"You gotcha."

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August twirled in front of her sister, showing off her outfit. "So, what do you think?"

"You look like a troll. A fashionable one tho." Gina retorted, sprawled on the couch as she munched on a packet of popcorn. August glared at her, grabbing the bowl away as she walked to the kitchen. Gina pouted, sitting straight. "Hey! Why'd you take my food away?"

"Because-" August paused, raising an eyebrow. "-there's gonna be food at Ashlyn's. And you don't wanna be rude and not eat any."

Gina scoffed. "Please. As if I could ever be full." she watched August tidy around, fidgeting in her step. "Why are you so nervous? Is this about Ricky?"

"Ricky? What about him?" August said, trying to appear non chalant as she stared at her phone, pretending to be scrolling through some app or other. 

Gina rolled her eyes, slightly smirking. "Not just him. You and him."

"There's nothing between us two. What passed is in the past, and . . . " August started to say, but when she saw the skeptical look on her sister's face, she sighed. "Fine. Between us? I don't have a clue. He sends mixed signs and I can't figure them out."

Gina stood up, approaching her sister. "Well I think it's pretty clear that he's in love with you. But if you're not sure, just straight up ask him. I'm sure he'll be honest if you are."

Just as she finished talking, a notification lit up August's phone. It was a message from Ricky, and it read hey, dunno if you're busy or not, but can you come over? before ashlyn's party? Gina smirked, wiggling her eyebrows at August who blushed.

"He is in love with you. If you don't hit him up soon, I might have to go steal your man." Gina taunted August, who pointed an acussing finger at her.

"Don't you dare."

Gina smirked. "Right. He would never lay eyes on me as he's so in love with you!"

"Stop! I'm leaving. See you at Ashlyn's." August said on top of Gina's words, pressing her hands on her ears to avoid hearing Gina's taunts as she grabbed her keys before slamming the front door behind her. She sighed, shaking herself as she attempted to compose herself before walking over to Ricky's. Hesitating, she knocked on the door. It didn't take long before the door swung open, revealing a slightly distressed Ricky. "Hey Ric."

"Hey, sorry for dragging you here without any warning."

August smiled at him, entering the familiar house. "Don't worry about it. So, what's wrong?" Ricky leaned on the kitchen counter, rubbing his face tiredly.

"My mom has a new boyfriend. Found out through a phonecall." August gaped at him, not expecting those words to leave his mouth. She smiled softly at him, and Ricky winced. "Look, I don't want any pity."

August chuckled. If anyone understood Ricky, it was her. "Hey, I get it. You're mad at the world because just as you're getting used to things changing, they change once again." Ricky licked his lips, nodding. "You're talking to someone who has to move states constantly."

"So, what do you recommend I should do?" 

"For now, I think Ashlyn's party would be a good distraction. Ignore it, have some fun. But you should definitely talk to your mom sometime. Sort through it, talk about your feelings." when Ricky pulled a face, August added "I know, a cliche. But it works. Trust me."

"Of course I trust you." Ricky immediately said, and the two blushed. Not knowing what to say, Ricky offered his hand. "Shall we then? Head towards Ashlyn's?"

August interlinked their fingers, nodding.