"HE SAID what?" Jenna asked.

"Look, apparently he's been going through some stuff, but he knows he shouldn't have taken it out on her or Nini. He seems really sorry."

Evie had been explaining to the three of them about their conversation with Ricky while Shiloh stood off with Miss. Jenn discussing the significance of the club being at the theater.

"Shiloh said she was down to talk to him because of the whole EJ and Dylan thing." Madison said, "She said EJ gave a genuine apology and we can only assume how things went with Dylan."

"We don't really know how things are going to go down between her and Ricky either." Ashley said.

"You're right, but I've thought that through... kind of." Evie said, "Shiloh is probably going to group us up with people to just get some last minute things out there before the musical. Whoever doesn't get a group gets to spy on her and Ricky and make sure things go as smooth as possible. If things escalate just pretend that you were walking by and stop it, okay?"

"Oh, I hope I get that job." Jenna smiled.

The three of them looked over at Jenna with raised brows.

"For the support of my best friend... Oh, come on! You're gonna tell me that you wouldn't want to hear what those two have to say, what they could do, what I could see; and I wouldn't tell any of you because you guys are crazy for not thinking like me."

"You're crazy period." Madison said.

"Whatever happens don't interfere unless it's necessary." Evie sighed.

Looking over, Shiloh waved them over.

"We can do this." Evie reassured, "They will work this out."

Evie turned and headed towards the stage, Madison falling close behind.

"I would do the same thing if I were you." Ashley said.

Jenna's mouth fell slightly, "We are literally geniuses. If I'm watchman I'll tell you what happens."

Ashley smiled and followed behind Jenna as the four of them stood around Shiloh.

"We're going to split off." Shiloh started, "Evie you'll be with EJ and whoever Miss. Jenn gets to play Taylor's understudy. Madison you'll be with Miss. Jenn and Carlos. Ashley you'll be with Big Red, Ashlyn, and Seb."

"What do I do?" Jenna asked with a smile.

"Um... you can partner up with someone probably Ashley because she has more people."

"And you're going to work with?" Even questioned.

Shiloh sighed, "Miss. Jenn still needs to know if Ricky and Nini are still sparking, so... I guess you know who. But I wanted Evie to work with EJ to build up any chemistry he may have with his character and whoever his new Taylor is."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, besides I should probably talk to him. I don't think this... feeling is going to go away anytime soon. I rather just help him with Nini and get it over with."

"Today's been a little crazy for you hasn't it?" Ashely asked.

"I could've never imagined myself in any situation we've been in these past couple of months." Shiloh smiled, "But at least I'm getting a strange high school experience."

"Love Club!" Miss. Jenn called, "I'm sure you have some words of encouragement... hopefully."

"Duty calls."

Shiloh separated herself from the others. Jenna following behind, she quickly turned around, facing the others, and holding an L-shape with her finger and her thumb on top of her forehead, and sticking her tongue out slightly.

"It's crazy how lucky she is." Ashley said.

The three others joined Shiloh and Jenna's side.

"You've guys have progressed a lot. Not only with each other but also
within yourselves and that is an achievement in its own." Shiloh smiled, "I know a lot of you didn't know us or have faith in us and what we do. Which is normal, but I promise I've seen growth in every single one of you. It wasn't just us. It was also Miss. Jenn; who gave everyone an opportunity to be heard and to be seen."

"Wow, she really is good at giving speeches." Miss. Jenn whispered.

"Today we're just going to split the club up and have them work the people I've assigned them with. Uh, so, I wish you all the best with this tech rehearsal and if you need any of us; we're always right here." Shiloh smiled.

The Love Club separated and went off as the cast began to prepare for the start of the tech rehearsals.

"I'm gonna work with Ricky and Nini today. Can I get a copy of the script to kind of follow along?"

Miss. Jenn nodded, "That's wonderful. I think they've really gotten close because of you guys."

"Sometimes it's just them. The connection was probably already there."

Miss. Jenn finally found a script and handed it off to Shiloh.

"They'll be working on page fifty-three and up. Whatever we can get through today."

"Got it."

Shiloh flipped the script open and instantly shut it. She honestly could care less about it and she truly didn't want to be stuck in the same room with Nini and Ricky for several hours.

She looked up from the script and faced Ricky and Nini.

"I'll be working with you guys today. Miss. Jenn mentioned a rooftop scene to just see if you guys are... getting along. Any questions?"

There was a beat of silence between the three of them. Ricky really wanted to talk to Shiloh. Not in this sense. He wanted to actually talk to her. She had been ignoring him up until Thanksgiving at Ashlyn's and he completely fumbled the bag by going off on her. Nini on the other hand still hadn't gotten any words from Ricky either, other than asking her if she had spoken to Gina, which she hadn't.

Ricky was still stuck between a rock and a hard place. He still hadn't figured out his feelings for Nini and hadn't put much thought into it. He had been thinking about Shiloh for days, weeks even. He knew he liked her and he probably already ruined his chance.

"Okay, judging by your silence I will assume that there are no questions." Shiloh said. She grabbed a random flashlight from the floor, "We're going to find a more private area for you guys to rehearse."

Shiloh hopped off the stage, Nini and Ricky quickly glanced at each other before following behind her.

What was unknown to all of them was that Jenna had, to the best of her ability, followed the trio in silence.

Shiloh pushed the door open to a random room. Flipping the switch on, it appeared to be a dressing room.

"You guys can practice in here and maybe... talk. You know, civilly."

"You're gonna leave us here?" Nini asked.

"I'll be right outside the door. I think it's best that you two are trying here. The show is soon and we really don't want to have any chaos."

Shiloh really didn't want to be stuck in a room with a guy she liked and the girl he was trying to get back. She already felt awkward being with them with her feelings still very much present.

"I'll be right outside if you guys need anything. I'm pretty sure I can also hear you guys out there. Just shout if you need anything."

Shiloh softly smiled and left the room. She did not bother looking Ricky's way or acknowledging him whatsoever.

Shiloh slid down the wall and held her knees close to her body. She soon heard what sounded like arguing inside the room and pushed the door open.

The two of them quickly looked in her direction.

"Everything okay?" She asked, "Doesn't sound like word kindergarten left Gabriella at all."

"We're good." Ricky sighed.

"Nini?"

"We're good."

Shiloh quickly shut the door again and found herself resting her head against the wall. When Ashley asked her about how her day, Shiloh could not expect it to go the way it did. Genuinely she thought Dylan had changed and EJ wouldn't actually apologize and now, here she was, sitting outside a vacant hallway (supposedly), waiting for the guy she liked to make up with the girl he hadn't stopped falling for (supposedly).

Shiloh let out a quick breath before opening the door again.

"You guys sound like you're reading a book and not acting. I know this is tech rehearsal, but this is probably one of the last times you guys are alone and acting. This is one of the best times to get everything out there and express."

"I know the lines." Ricky said, "Can we go off script?" He asked Nini.

"Yeah, okay."

"Like, I said. I'm right outside if you need anything... and, if it helps, remember the good in both friendships and relationships. It would probably help you both get more into character."

Shiloh sent them a small smile before shutting the door again.

Laughter could be heard on the other side before it was quickly shot down by the sounds of the piano inside.

Shiloh took her phone out of her pocket and looking up the song Ricky was showing her how to play on the guitar. Something they hadn't done since he tried to teach her.

The song from the movie wasn't long and she could only wish it was longer. She sat her phone in her lap. Maybe this crush on Ricky Bowen was stupid to overthink. She knew what he wanted, but she also knew what she wanted and that was just a chance.

A chance she obviously wasn't going to get because she wasn't helping her case either. She was ignoring him and that was to push away any hurt she could possibly receive. She didn't think she was doing anything wrong at the moment, especially when she knew that the outcome of this whole situation was going to end up with Ricky and Nini getting back together. She was only trying to protect her own feelings.

But just liked Evie mentioned before, they couldn't predict how others were going to react to anything going on. That's what frustrated Shiloh the most.

"Hey." Jenna smiled softly, "Just wanted to let you know everyone can take a break. Miss. Jenn is... going through it."

Jenna held her hands out for Shiloh to grab. She pulled the curly-haired teen from off of the ground.

"Everything okay?"

"No." Shiloh smiled softly, "I really like Ricky."

"That's a bad thing?"

"For me? Yeah. I know the outcome of this whole thing. Ricky came to us for a reason and that reason is in the room with him alone."

"Maybe you could tell him how you feel. I know it's not as easy as it sounds, especially coming from me, but maybe if you get it off your chest you'll feel better."

Nini opened the door of the dressing room, smiling at the two girls, "Hey, is it good that we take a break?"

"That's what I came down here for." Jenna smiled, "I'll walk you back up, Nini. I've been meaning to ask you how you did your hair on Thanksgiving."

Jenna led Nini back with the others leaving Shiloh and Ricky alone.

Shiloh turned and saw Ricky standing in the room by himself. A small smile on his face.

Jenna had quickly made up some BS excuse to go back and snoop on Shiloh and Ricky. She had quickly rushed towards the shut door and pressed her back against it slightly. She was lucky she could hear inside.

"Heard you wanted to talk to me."

"Jenna told you?"

"It's very obvious that they all want me to hear you out at least."

"Why didn't you tell them what I said to you?"

"Because it was between you and I." She answered, "I hate talking to them about... certain things and I rather not get Love Club advice from them about it. Also because there's an end goal here. It started with you and Nini and that's how it ends. I want to help you. So, we can just... forget Thanksgiving."

Ricky furrowed his brows, "What is that supposed to mean?"

"You came for Nini and you leave with her. That's what you wanted."

"I leave with her?"

"You date, you tell her you love her, whatever. That's what you came to us for."

"Well, that's really working for me isn't it?"

"Maybe if you didn't snap at her for no reason, you'd be right where we, as a club, left you. You could've asked Nini out that night and I promise you she would've said yes."

Ricky sighed, "I've been going through a lot, Shiloh."

"And I told you that there were people out there willing to listen, and when that help came you pushed it away."

Jenna held her eyes shut. Things did sound like they were escalating, but she also didn't know where the conversation was headed. She hadn't heard Shiloh go back and forth with anyone unless it was with Dylan and she saw how that turned out, but she had to remember that Dylan wasn't Ricky and Ricky definitely wasn't Dylan.

"The one person I've gone to for everything had been ignoring me for days even after I helped with the club being saved. What was I supposed to do?"

"Helped my club?" Shiloh scoffed, "I never asked for your help you offered it! Just like how you've offered to teach me how to skate and how to play to stupid guitar with that stupid song. I never asked; you always offered. If anything you've always asked for my help."

"Okay, I know I haven't done so hot in my love life but neither have you."

"At least one of them has apologized! You haven't even tried!"

"Because—"

"Because what?"

Ricky sighed, "I feel like I'm losing my chance."

"What chance?" Shiloh softly spoke.

"Any chance I had with you."

Jenna opened her eyes quickly as she heard footsteps approaching her. She whipped her head toward the sound and saw Ashley walking towards her.

Jenna quickly threw her finger over her lip before pointing towards the door.

Ashley quickly made her way towards the door.

"You're a great person Shiloh and I'm sorry for everything I said and did. I know how I feel and I know I want a chance."

Shiloh sighed, "With who?"

"With the person, I hope that's gonna give it to me."

Shiloh knew right then and there that she hated arguing with Ricky and he felt the same way. She hadn't even argued with Dylan the way she Ricky just then.

She had this built-up emotion that seemed to be coming out of nowhere. She didn't really know if Ricky was confessing or just talking because Shiloh wasn't ignoring him anymore.

"I'm sorry." She cried, "I really don't know why I'm crying."

"Didn't I tell you were too pretty to cry?" He joked.

She let out a breathy laugh, "Can I have a hug? Please?"

Ricky nodded and instantly felt Shiloh wrapped her arms around him. He quickly returned the action and rested his head on top of hers.

"I'm sorry." He whispered.

"I know."

"They aren't speaking." Ashley whispered.

"What are you two doing? You guys were supposed to go and get Shiloh and Rick—"

Ashley and Jenna quickly faced the voice. Madison standing on the other end of the hall.

Jenna quickly threw her finger over her lips, shushing her, and pointing towards the door.

Madison quirked her eyebrow up and slowly walked towards the door.

"They're in there." Jenna whispered.

Shiloh removed her head from his chest and locked eyes with him.

"Why does it take three people to come down here and see what's going on?" Evie asked.

Jenna repeated her same actions as before, growing more aggressive as she did so.

All three of them pointed towards the door. Scooting over to allow Evie beside them.

Ricky placed his hand on her cheek and wiped his thumb under her eyes to brush away any fallen tears.

Ricky tilted her head up slightly. The two of them staring at each other for a moment. Ricky began to lean forward and by grace, the two of them heard arguing from outside the door. Shiloh glanced back at it before shifting her eyes back onto Ricky.

"We should probably..."

Ricky removed his hand from Shiloh's face and threw it behind him, "Yeah... sounds..."

"Bad."

They knew that it became awkward. They knew it shouldn't have been that awkward, but here they were. Whether Ricky was going to kiss Shiloh or Shiloh kiss Ricky, they both stood in this awkward position because their friends had ruined their moment.

"Guys?"

The five of them looked back over and saw Shiloh and Ricky standing at the door.

"Everything okay?" She asked.

"I was coming down here—" Big Red started. Madison quickly slapping her hand over his mouth.

"We came down here because we noticed you two were still missing and we're ordering pizza." Evie awkwardly laughed, "Apparently Miss. Jenn is having a midlife crisis."

Big Red managed to removed Madison's hand, a heavy sigh escaping him.

"Is soy cheese and pepperoni okay?"

Shiloh glanced up at Ricky and nodded, "Good for me."

"Yeah, good."

Ricky stepped to the side, grabbing Big Red's arm and leaving the club behind.

"Five people needed to come down and ask two people if they wanted pizza?"

"You know us." Jenna said, "It's dark and scary down here. We needed someone to... um, hold the flashlight."

Shiloh nodded slowly and shut the door to the dressing room behind her.

"Well, I can hold a flashlight so, let's go and order pizza."

Shiloh turned her flashlight on and made her way back up to where the rest of the cast would be.

Jenna turned and faced the others, "You guys missed a lot."

Jenna quickly ran off with Shiloh leaving the three others behind.

"She's not going to tell us what happened." Madison said, "And neither is Shiloh."

"Someone will... even if I have to pry it out of their dirty blond hair." Evie grunted.

There was no way Jenna was going to tell them what happened in that room just now, but they knew it couldn't have been that bad.

— lucy has something to say !!

no i didn't forget about gina's character 😐 me completely forgetting a character noooooooooo 😐

all big red wanted to do was ask them if they wanted pizza with pepperoni and soy cheese 😔

no i didn't know how to end this :)

bff ej arc

bye :))))