***Hey there! Happy New Year :)

We were *supposed* to be halfway through this book at this point, but I have way too many ships and plot things that need to happen for THAT to be true. We're aiming for 36 chapters now...hopefully...

*book outline erupts into flames*

ANYWHOOOOO, I hope you all had a great Christmas and can look forward to what a new year is bringing. But for now...look forward to what this chapter brings ;)***

***(Seliel's POV)***

"So you've decided to audition for Beauty and the Beast?" Harumi asks, falling into step beside me in the hallway.

I nod. I've been mulling over auditioning for Beauty and the Beast for a week now, and last night, I decided I was going to go for it. After all, my social life pretty much consists of bickering with Skylor these days, so I might as well have something I can throw all my frustrations into. And I already had a monologue and song prepared for today's audition just in case I decided to participate, so the only thing I had to do was sign up for an audition slot and drop off my permission slip this morning.

"Great!" Harumi smiles. "I'm auditioning as well. I'm hoping I can be part of the ensemble." She grabs my arm, stopping me in my tracks. "Hey, if we both get in, maybe we can practice together!"

I nod, trying to determine how fake her attitude is. Sometimes, it's obvious that Harumi just wants attention, but other times, it seems she's actually excited about spending time around me and the other girls.

This time, I think she's being genuine.

"That'd be nice," I reply. I may not necessarily like Harumi – that girl is not on the up-and-up – but it's not like I want to be rude. And if she ever stops putting on a façade all the time, maybe I'd even like her as a person.

I start walking toward the auditorium where the auditions are being held this afternoon. "So...how was your time with Skylor at the diner last night?" I ask.

I left the diner as soon as Skylor decided to jump off the deep end into crazy and suggest we date Ridgewood boys to save the Miss Graceton pageant. That's just messed up. And since PIXAL left with me, I can't pick her brain about what happened the rest of the evening.

"Oh – uh, it was fun," Harumi says quickly. "We just talked a bit more about what a bummer losing the pageant was. This is obviously my first year at Graceton, but from what I've heard, the pageant sounds fun." Her voice bubbles out of her in a way that seems more nervous than upset.

"It's a tradition," I inform her. "Not one that I particularly like, either. The pageant's been a popularity contest for years, and I've always thought that we should replace it with something more forward-thinking. There's a lot more to the Graceton student body than looks and personality."

Harumi shrugs. "That's a good point. Skylor seems pretty attached to the pageant, though."

"It's been her dream to be Miss Graceton pageant queen since we attended Graceton's middle school campus in the sixth grade." I furrow an eyebrow, ready to get down to the real reason I'm bringing up last night with Harumi. "So...did Skylor continue to push her plan with dating Ridgewood guys after I left last night?"

"Yeah, I guess," Harumi casually replies.

I slowly nod. "Did she try to get you to participate in that plan?"

She chuckles airily. "I mean, yeah. She really wants that pageant crown." She shoots me a smile. "But I can assure you, Seliel, that if I decide to go out with a guy from Ridgewood, it will be because I actually like him." Her response is cheerful, but the words seem almost automatic, as though she's rehearsed it in her head several times.

"I think that's wise," I say carefully. "Just don't let Skylor push you to do something you're not comfortable with, okay? And I don't think this needs to be said" – actually, it might – "but it'd be really awful for any guy to end up heartbroken because Skylor thinks a pageant is more important than his feelings."

She nods quickly. "Of course." The hitch in her step is almost imperceptible, but I'm looking for it – looking for any cracks in this mask of innocence and excitement she wears around.

And now I know she's definitely covering something up.

I clear my throat. "If Skylor continues to give you a hassle about this whole dating thing, you know you can just tell me, and I'll step in."

"How are you two friends again?" The words fly out of Harumi's mouth, and her eyes grow round once she realizes they're out.

I try not to chuckle at her floundered expression. "We've known each other forever, and she hasn't always been like this. She used to be my go-to for shopping trips, late-night ice cream runs, and arguments about hot topics." I spot the auditorium doors and feel nerves swirl in the pit of my stomach. "But over the past year, she's been growing more distant. Our personalities definitely clash now more than they used to."

"It just...seems like you two argue a lot," Harumi frowns, her words measured.

"We do," I admit. "And it's not the fun debates we used to have, either – oftentimes, it's me shutting down one of Skylor's half-baked ideas. That doesn't mean I don't hang out with her, though. She needs me to be there for her." And to make sure she doesn't get herself, Nya, or PIX killed.

Harumi's silent, and I come to a stop in front of the auditorium doors.

I roll my shoulders back and take a deep breath. The moment I step inside that theater, I'll become a performer. I've played a variety of important roles in the past – the stepmother in Cinderella, the narrator for The Princess Bride, and Mother Gothel in Tangled, among others – but I haven't resonated with any of those as much as I do Belle. Her independence, her devotion to family, and her passion for being true to herself all make me the perfect fit for this role.

Without looking back, I shove open the auditorium doors, holding one open for Harumi to enter behind me.

In the auditorium corner, I see a group of girls already beginning to gather for auditions. They're being held during lunch and after school today, but since I'm helping my dad out at a food pantry fundraiser he's hosting this afternoon, I got a slot for about ten minutes from now. I guess Harumi opted for a lunch slot as well.

I raise my eyebrows to see a few guys hanging out in the corner. Maybe they want to be in the play, too? I know Ridgewood doesn't really do theater productions. I think they have a comedy sketch group, but that's it.

Well, good. I just hope someone as big as Cole Brookstone is still going to be playing the Beast, or I'm going to feel huge next to him. Because regardless of who's playing the Beast, I will be playing Belle.

I have to.

"What do you usually do before auditions?" Harumi asks as I join the group of girls getting ready.

I shrug. "I usually do a few vocal warmups and run over my monologue once, but I did that after my last class, so I'm just focusing on staying confident now." I study her serene expression. "Have you ever auditioned before?"

She laughs at the notion. "Uh, being in theater wasn't super popular with my friends at my last school," she explains. "I think the last time I auditioned for something was the school talent show in the seventh grade."

I stifle an eyeroll at her blasé attitude. Does everything have to depend on what your friends approve of?

"What did you do in the talent show?" I ask, trying to remain upbeat.

"I don't know. I think I sang or something – I went through a phase where I really enjoyed it." She studies one of the girls to our right, who giggles and waves her fingers at a blushing Ridgewood boy.

Good grief.

"What made you stop?" I inquire.

She turns back toward me. "Uh...I don't know." She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. "Life changes and all." She pastes on that fake smile again.

"I get it." I don't press her, instead changing the subject. "What song did you pick for your audition?"

"I chose 'Pulled' from The Addams Family Musical," she replies. Then, almost as though the words rise from her unbidden, she blurts, "So we're auditioning on stage, in front of...everybody here?"

I nod. "It's a bit awkward, but it's Graceton's practice. We've had girls in the past who killed their auditions but turned out to have horrible stage fright. Having us audition in front of others makes it easier to judge who can really be key players in our productions."

Harumi bites her lip. "And who's the lady up at the front with Misako?"

"That's Miss Laudita, the drama teacher. You might remember her from last week when she introduced the musical to us." I turn back toward her. "Don't worry too much about the audition, Harumi. have a feeling you'll do just fine." You already have a knack for acting.

"I'm not worried," she laughs uneasily. "I'm just figuring out how all this works."

As if on cue, Principal Misako calls from the stage, "Harumi Jade."

She tosses a glance at me, and I don't miss the nervousness she tries to hide in her eyes. "Wish me luck." And she walks up to the platform, strained confidence emanating from her.

Fascinating.

I watch as she introduces herself to Principal Misako and Miss Laudita, then recites a monologue from Wicked. The way she says some of the lines is forced, and for a girl who puts on a show all the time, I have a gut feeling that she's doing her lackluster job on purpose. She doesn't want a speaking part, so she's not giving herself a chance to have one.

She finishes, and Principal Misako smiles at her. "And you've prepared a selection from a song for us, right?"

Harumi nods, says something I can't hear, then clears her throat and closes her eyes.

Her expression is tight with unease.

And suddenly, her face relaxes, and the clear, sweet notes of a lovely soprano fill the auditorium. My eyebrows shoot up in surprise, but my lips twitch upward.

She's a very good singer. I have a feeling that she's only showing part of her range, too. She acts like she wants to be in the spotlight all the time, but I have a feeling that there's a very real side to her she's timid to share with the world.

I guess my question is, who is the real Harumi?

The final, lilting notes of her song ring through the auditorium, and I shoot her a smile from the back of the auditorium. Not that she can see it – her eyes are still closed off from everyone's reactions to her piece.

Miss Laudita clears her throat from beside Principal Misako. "That was beautiful, dear. Thank you."

Harumi opens her eyes. "Oh, uh, thank you. And you're welcome." Then she shoves her hands in the pockets of her skinny jeans and skitters down the platform stairs.

"Seliel Long," Principal Misako calls after a moment.

I walk toward the stage, passing Harumi on the way. I brush her shoulder as I pass by.

"You're really good," I congratulate her, not waiting for her to brush me off with some fake response. The girl obviously needs some encouragement.

I finish my route to the stage and stand before Principal Misako and Miss Laudita.

"Good morning," I greet them.

"Glad to see you finally turned in your permission slip for this," Principal Misako winks. "I see you're going for the part of Belle?"

"Yes, ma'am," I nod curtly.

"You'll recite your monologue first, then share a piece of the song you've selected." Principal Misako winks at me. "Blow us away. I know you will."

I introduce my monologue to them – a short piece in which my character, frustrated with the actions of her friends, confronts them about their gossipy behavior – and channel all my no-nonsense attitude into it. I feel like I already relate to the piece well, so playing it up for theater isn't hard.

"This has to end now," I assert, my eyes channeling assurance and my words spewing out like bullets. "Y'all are stupid – stu-pid – if you think you're doing right by each other by sharing secrets that were never meant to be spoken above a hushed whisper between trusted confidantes..."

I continue my piece, advancing toward the judges' desk as I do and piercing them both with a glare. It's like my whole body is taken over by this character, and I find myself pointing and crossing my arms and turning my body away from them in a measured anger that nearly snaps the air with tension.

"And I guess that's all I have to say," I finish. "You can take my words or leave them, but I'm done with being gossip fodder in your crosshairs." And I pivot on my heel before turning to smile at the principal and Miss Laudita, indicating I've finished.

"Excellent!" Miss Laudita gushes. "And your song, dear – what do you have prepared?"

"I'll be singing 'Part of That World' from The Little Mermaid," I inform them.

"Ready when you are," Misako nods.

I inhale deeply.

And I begin.

My voice ripples out in silky highs and lows, quietly at first, and then stronger as I continue. I allow the words to rise up in me, then to tear from my lungs because they have to escape – I can't keep them in anymore. I channel a longing I've hidden deep within into every syllable, though what I'm pining for I can't put a name to.

The song crescendos, and I hold the note for one beat, two beats. And then I find myself practically whispering the last few words in a gentle close.

I exhale and look toward Principal Misako and Miss Laudita.

Their smiles have my spirit soaring.

Miss Laudita scribbles something down on a sheet, and she grins at me. "Wonderful job, dear, as always. We're hosting callbacks on Friday." She pitches her voice lower. "Make sure you're free then, will you?"

"Of course," I reply cordially, schooling my excitement and relief. "Thank you for your time."

And I stride off that stage, beyond grateful for my last-minute decision to audition.

***(Jay's POV)***

"Why are Kai and Skylor even allowed in the same cafeteria?" I moan, ready to turn around with my lunch and see if I can sneak into an empty classroom to eat. Next to the lunch line, Kai has his arms crossed while Skylor waves her hands in the air wildly.

Cole shakes his head beside me. "Honestly, I get that Principal Wu thinks they need to work together to solve their problems, but I wonder if having them settle their differences from afar is a better option."

"Yeah, 'afar' as in 'two different continents' would be nice." I scan the cafeteria for a table. "How did the detention the other day go over with your dad?"

My eyes land on Zane already seated at the far side of the cafeteria, and I immediately change course for that table.

It's then that I notice that he sits opposite one of Nya's friends – PIXAL, I think – and I can't help but cringe. I get that sitting with Nya's friends the past two days has been in effort to bridge the relationship between Kai and his sister, but I'm so awkward around both her and her brother right now that I'm beginning to dread lunchtime.

"When I told my dad, I got grounded for the evening," Cole sighs. "He got over it pretty quickly, though."

My eyes widen. "You got grounded? But – you didn't do anything wrong! You stepped in to keep Kai from doing something stupid."

"I know," Cole nods. "But my dad really didn't want to hear it, so I didn't argue." He shrugs a meaty shoulder. "How'd your parents deal with it?"

I shake my head. "Once I explained what happened, they were upset, but they didn't hold it against me." I've only had a handful of detentions throughout my high school years – mostly for goofing off in class or being tardy – but getting one so early in my senior year wasn't exactly my plan.

"I'm glad they heard you out," Cole says distractedly, and I notice he's watching as Lloyd skillfully steps between Kai and Skylor and tries to smooth out tensions between them. His face is pleading.

"Poor Lloyd," I muse. "He's got his hands full with those two." I chew my bottom lip. "I wonder if there's anything we could do to help him out. It seems like he's been so stressed lately, what with running detentions and all. Wu really needs to quit using him as a right-hand man."

"It'd probably help Lloyd if you worked on your relationship with Kai," Cole carefully suggests. "I mean, the guy needs to know we're still his friends, and if he finally starts letting us in, maybe we can get him to stop engaging with her."

I sigh. "I know, but I feel like things with Kai are so...weird now. I mean, yes, I'm upset that he lied to us, but as time goes on, I'm more worried that he wanted to hide having a sister from us." I shake my head. "I don't even know what to say to him."

Cole smiles. "What about, 'Hey, Kai, I'm sorry I cut you off for a week, but I was really hurt by the whole not-telling-us-about-your-sister-thing'?"

"You make it sound simple," I sigh. "That doesn't mean it's easy."

"The best things usually aren't." He runs a hand through his black locks. "Too bad Seliel isn't here to tone down Skylor's drama today."

"She's not?" I ask, surprised. She's the one who originally invited us to sit with Nya's friends, and honestly, she's probably a big reason Skylor hasn't torched Kai yet.

"Nah. We ran into each other this morning, and she said she'd be auditioning for Beauty and the Beast during our lunch period."

"And you're still going to let your dad push you into being in that show?" I confirm, frowning when Lloyd suddenly deserts Kai and Skylor and heads toward us.

"My dad has expectations, Jay," he argues, looking me straight in the eye for the first time since we entered the cafeteria. "Music and dancing are pretty much his life. Even if I don't plan on a future in which I tap dance into fame, I still don't want to upset him."

"I wonder if you could clog into fame," I muse.

"Jay," Cole grumps, turning toward PIXAL and Zane's table.

"I'm kidding," I assure him, tamping down a grin. "But in all seriousness, I think you should talk to your dad about your expectations, too."

But we both know Cole's not going to do that yet. His relationship with his dad has been strained since his mom died of cancer our freshman year. We've been best friends since elementary school, and when his mom got sick, I got to see Cole's dad become a lot more controlling over his life and Cole's.

I just hope that he's able to work things out with his dad soon. The more he lets his dad plan his life, the harder it will be for him to let go when Cole contradicts him.

"Jay, Cole," Lloyd says, finally reaching us from across the cafeteria, "any chance either of you is free after school this afternoon?"

"I have an extra long football practice today," Cole frowns. "I'm free afterward, though."

Lloyd turns to me. "What about you, Jay?"

I bite my lip. "I mean, I'd planned on a nice date with the arcade, but I'm technically free after soccer practice until six." That's when I leave for work at the Nom Dairy Bar.

"What time do you finish practice?"

"Three," I say slowly.

"Great!" Lloyd enthuses. "Kai and Skylor were supposed to interview witnesses of the Graceton bombing this afternoon, but Kai's tied up with football and Skylor's a mess. Will you go with her?"

I blink. "You want me to interview witnesses...with Skylor?" Lloyd might as well sign off on my autopsy at this point.

He cringes. "Well...yeah, that was the intention."

"But she's literally insane!" I practically squeal, recovering from my shock. "She may not hate me as much as she does Kai, but because I'm associated with Kai, she probably hates me by virtue! Plus, I've never interviewed witnesses before. What would I even ask?" I laugh sarcastically. "'Hi, did you happen to plant a bomb in Graceton the night of the accident? What about setting it off? While you're at it, would you mind giving me a written confession and stepping into the back of this police car so we can –,'"

"Okay!" Lloyd exclaims, holding up his hands in surrender. "Okay, I see your point. But I still have interviews planned for this afternoon, and they can't be rescheduled. And I'm sure not sending Skylor alone to do them." He practically shudders at the idea.

Cole clears his throat. "Uh, why were Kai and Skylor supposed to conduct interviews this afternoon anyway? No offense, but it kind of seems like they'd turn away any witnesses they talked to."

Lloyd's expression crumples. "I know, but Uncle Wu told me to give them something they could work on together, and this was the best I could come up with. I guess it's a bust anyway, given that Kai can't be there. Someone still has to hold those interviews, though – these are the best connections we have to the Graceton bombing, and today's the only day it works out for all of them to be interviewed."

Cole looks up to view a group of guys passing by, and his face suddenly lights up. "Well, if it doesn't have to be Skylor at the interview, why not send someone else? Someone who's more experienced at interviewing?"

Lloyd beams. "Wait – that's a great idea! I can see if Nya's free, and if she is, I'll send her." He darts his gaze back to me. "You're still good with accompanying her to the interviews, right? Nya doesn't have a ride, and I'd hate to send her into some middle-aged guy's house alone."

"I –,"

Lloyd doesn't let me finish, instead pushing his way toward the lunch table where Nya has now joined Zane and PIXAL.

Cole clears his throat. "Any reason why you still look like a deer in the headlights?"

I scrub a hand through my hair and turn back toward him. "Isn't it obvious? I still haven't apologized to her for the whole 'I'm-going-to-leave-you-in-an-abandoned-Ridgewood-room-while-your-brother-chases-you-down' thing. And she was so desperate when she made me promise not to tell him I knew!" I moan. "I can't conduct interviews with her!"

"Yeah, you can, Jay," Cole chides me. "You're great with people, and it doesn't seem like Nya's holding anything against you for leaving her last week. Just apologize to her this afternoon, and you might actually enjoy spending time with her."

I watch as Lloyd says something to Nya, then she turns her eyes on me – gulp – and motions me over.

I automatically walk toward the table. "Uh, hi, Nya," I greet weakly, awkwardly waving my hand.

"Hi," she replies. "So you're down to do interviews this afternoon?"

I nod like a bobblehead. Gosh, I look like an idiot.

"Sounds good," she says, ending my awful head-bobbing. "I have an hour-long internship session this afternoon, so I'll be at TTV Studios in Ninjago City. It's only a few minutes from here, so if it's no big deal..." She breaks eye contact momentarily to stare at the table. "Would you mind, uh, picking me up?"

I try to smile in a reassuring way, but I think it comes off more clownlike. And I don't mean the fun, circus-y kind.

"Uh, yeah, sure," I agree. "And since Kai's place is on my route home, I can drop you off, too."

"Um...thanks." She studies the sandwich and chips in front of her.

PIXAL glances up at us as she finishes saying something to Zane. "How are you, Jay and Cole?"

"We're great," Cole answers for us both. "Thanks for saving spots for us over here."

"It's no problem," she simpers before turning back to Zane. "So what was that about Brickstopher Marlowe?"

He beams. "Right! So his Tales of CanterBrick exemplify how family are vital to one's wellbeing because..."

They continue whatever conversation they were having about ancient literature, PIXAL staring in rapt attention as Zane lays out a very logical essay on themes in Marlowe's work. I can't follow the conversation, but I'm glad at least PIXAL's getting this.

I open up my lunch and pass a sandwich to Cole. "By the way, my mom packed extra for you today." I toss a bag of chips and apple slices his way. There's also an extra brownie in here, but he's only getting half of that.

"Oh, sweet!" Cole exclaims, then looks up. "Jay's mom packs the absolute best lunches, and they're way better than bringing leftovers so I don't have to face the cafeteria line."

I look up to see whom he's addressing, then blush beet red when I notice it's Nya.

I clear my throat. "Um, yeah." How lame.

She nods and gives a half-smile. "I've thought of packing my own lunch before, but Graceton typically has good options. With the lines here, though, I might have to start bringing something."

"Yeah, I'm hoping they get the lunch problem fixed soon," Cole says, unwrapping his sandwich. "Hey Jay, did your mom pack me dessert?"

"Uh, yeah, there's a brownie for you." Embarrassed that Nya already has to watch me open a lunch packed by my mom, I toss him the whole brownie rather than the half I'd originally planned to. No need to be a hoarder.

Nya takes a bite of her own Ridgewood-made sandwich. "So...Jay, you play soccer, right?"

Omigosh, she's talking to me. "Uh, yeah. I've played since middle school." I wipe a napkin over my face. "And you don't play sports, right? You're into journalism and...stuff."

Her mouth quirks upward. "Yeah." Her gaze narrows, and a tray suddenly slams down next to me.

"Insufferable jerk," Skylor mutters, sitting beside me primly. "That boy can't take anything I say without arguing, I swear."

"Probably because you only ever argue with him," Seliel points out, suddenly appearing next to Nya.

"Hey, you made it!" Cole grins, and I look next to me to see his expression completely lit up. Probably because he's grateful Skylor won't murder us with Seliel around.

Skylor narrows her eyes and starts to snap back, but Nya asks loudly, "How did your audition go, Seliel?"

"It was fine," she replies, shrugging a shoulder. "I think Miss Laudita's bringing me in for callbacks on Friday, so there's that." She unshoulders her bookbag and takes a seat.

Nya's eyes twinkle. "Seliel, that's awesome. I'm sure you have this audition in the bag."

"I'll be there Friday, too," Cole adds, smiling. "Glad to know that I won't be alone."

Finally managing to get a word in edgewise, Skylor asks, "Have you seen Harumi?"

Seliel shrugs. "She was at auditions with me, but it looked like she needed a few minutes to herself afterward. She'll show up in her own time." She then lifts a finger toward Nya's meal. "Got any to share? I don't have enough time left in the lunch period to get in line."

Cole makes an 'mmph' sound in the back of his throat, swallows a bite of sandwich, and begins rummaging through his backpack. "I brought leftover mac n' cheese from home, but I don't need it today. You want some?"

"For real?" Seliel asks, snatching one of Nya's chips while she's at it.

"You bet." He hands her a plastic container and spoon.

She studies it momentarily, then looks up at him with a smile. "Thanks, Cole."

They stare at each other for a weirdly long moment, and I blink.

Omigosh, is Cole into –

I suddenly choke on a bite of brownie, and coughs sputter out of me. I try to grab a napkin to cover the chocolate chunks flying from my mouth, but I'm too late. A few go spewing onto the table.

Nya watches in concern while Lloyd stands abruptly. "Hey, Jay, are you okay?"

I manage another cough and nod weakly, blushing miserably. "I – uh – I..." I shove my way upward. "I've got to go to the bathroom!" And with that, I sprint out of the cafeteria, nearly tripping over my backpack as I go.