✨finally free✨
————————
"Annie!"

Annie groaned from underneath her pillows when she heard her mom's voice.

"Annie! You have come out of there at some point! You've missed the first three periods!"

Annie didn't care. She was mentally and physically destroyed and didn't want to do anything. Nothing even matters to her anymore.

Annie didn't stay over at Flynn's, she went home last night after her mom called her to babysit her sister.

Annie's mom got impatient and unlocked her daughters' door with her key. She walked in and saw Annie underneath her pillows.

"Annabelle," Ginger groaned and sat down on the edge of the bed. "I know this isn't easy and what happened was horrible, but laying here isn't gonna solve anything."

"I don't care," Annie muttered against her pillow.

"You need to go to go school," Ginger told her daughter. "It will help you."

"No!"! Annie whined as her mother removed the quilt off Annie, who desperately tried to keep it on her. "Going to school means humiliation and I don't want that. So, it won't help me."

"Your education is at risk," Ginger reasoned.

"Homeschool me!" Annie suggested and Ginger sighed with a chuckle, "you love teaching!"

"Don't try to get out of this," Ginger smiled. "I understand why you don't wanna go, but you can't stay like this forever. You were happy and cheerful. You were yourself and now you're collecting tissues."

"Well, good things never last," Annie remarked. "The holograms let me down, dad let us down, Ricky let me down. I'm tired of being let down and having broken promises. I'm sick of it."

"Well, the guys had a good reason, right?" Ginger said and Annie laughed lightly.

"Sure sure," she shook her head. "They had more important business to attend to."

"Wi-fi is stupid sometimes sweetie," Ginger told her. "They apologized right? They feel really bad about what happened. Your band-"

"Ex-band," Annie interrupted and Ginger sighed, looking at the floor. "Honestly, I'm over it. I'm not even upset about them, just humiliated and don't want to show my face at the school. I can't."

That was mostly a lie. Annie was very upset with them and had no plans on forgiving them, but she isn't going to school because of the humiliation.

"Well, school or not, you still need to get out of bed," Ginger smiled at her daughter, before kissing her head and walking to the doorway. "Sweetie?"

Annie looked at her, "hmm?"

"Everyone deserves a second chance. Even if you think they don't deserve it, just give them another chance," Ginger told her daughter and Annie looked away with a small "hmm."

Ginger sighed before leaving and Annie sighed, laying back down on her bed. Her eyes scanned her room until they fell on Reggie's jacket. She looked away from it and let out a heavy exhale.

She wanted to cry. Not from the anger or humiliation, but from how much she misses him. She misses Reggie, she misses her band, but she can't allow herself to feel that pain again. The letdown, broken promise, and humiliation. She can't.

She sat up and rubbed her face, before looking at the jacket again. She groaned and shook her head.

"No more broken promises," Annie muttered. "You had your chance, but you lost it."

——

After a few hours, Annie managed to get out of bed and get ready for the day. Julie texted her and asked why she wasn't at school, and Annie told her why. Julie understood and didn't push Annie to continue. Annie was extra happy she wasn't there today because the lacrosse team had joined the dance class and Annie did not want to be a part of that. Ricky is on the lacrosse team and doesn't want to see his face.

Annie was on the couch and caught herself staring out into the distance and was lost in thought. Her eyes caught her family photo of Ginger, herself, and April. She reached over and picked up the photo frame, smiling at it. The photo was taken a few weeks after her dad left and April was three at the time.

Annie smiled at the frame and thought of all the amazing memories she had had with them. She couldn't imagine how life would be like if she didn't have her mom and sister. She's done everything with them and is incredibly thankful.

Even when her dad was here, he didn't do a lot. He wasn't a great father and Annie will never forgive him. He is an unforgivable person and cannot apologize for his actions.

Annie is so proud of her mom for stepping up to the plate and taking care of her two daughters when they needed her most.

"Hey..." Ginger greeted her daughter, sitting next to her and kissing her cheek. "Oh, I love that photo."

"Me too," Annie smiled and looked back at her mom. "I love you."

"I love you too," Ginger smiled at her as soft music played in the background.

(Annie)
You tucked me in, turned out the lights
Kept me safe and sound at night
Little girls depend on things like that
Brushed my teeth and combed my hair had to drive me everywhere
You were always there when
I looked back
You had to do it all alone, make a livin' make a home
Must have been as hard as it could be
And when I couldn't sleep at night
Scared things wouldn't turn out right
You would hold my hand and sing to me

(Annie and Ginger)
Caterpillar in the tree
How you wonder who you'll be
Can't go far but you can always dream
Wish you may and wish you might
Don't you worry hold in tight
I promise you there will come a day
Butterfly fly away

(Annie, Ginger, Both)
Butterfly fly away, butterfly fly away
Flap your wings now you can't stay
Take those dreams and make them all come true
Butterfly fly away, butterfly fly away
We've been waiting for this day
All along and knowing just what to do
Butterfly, butterfly, butterfly, butterfly fly away
Butterfly fly away
Butterfly fly away

Annie looked outside the window and saw a monarch butterfly land on a flower. She smiled at it as her mom hugged her close and she sighed softly.

——

Later that day, Annie went to see Julie after she texted her to come over. Julie wanted to make sure Annie was okay and also have her help with something in the studio. Both girls went down to the studio only to see Luke, Reggie, and Alex there. Annie sighed with an eye roll as Reggie began to sing.

"We're sorry!"

Alex popped out, "so sorry!"

Luke continued, "We're super-duper, crazy, stupid-

All boys sang together with jazz hands, "sorry!"

"In case you missed it, we're really sorry," Reggie grinned and Annie folded her arms at him.

"Yeah, we... we got that part," Annie told him bitterly.

"We've been here for like, three hours," Alex mentioned.

"Yep!" Reggie said and hi-five Alex.

"We almost sang to your little brother," Luke told the girls as he stood up.

"He comes in here a lot. Mainly to use the bathroom," Reggie mentioned.

"It's not our favorite part of the day," Alex added on.

"But, Julie, Annie, it wasn't okay that we flaked on the dance last night," Luke began. "We know we let you both down."

"Yeah, and none of us wanted to disappoint you two," Alex added on. "You're the best thing that's happened to us since we became ghosts."

"You're the best thing that's happened to me," Reggie blurted out to Annie, who gave him a side-eye and Reggie looked away with regret of saying that.

"So, in hopes that you'll rejoin the band," Luke began, scooting up to the girls with a flyer. "We booked a new gig."

Annie took the flyer and Julie looked at it too.

"A mega important, life-changing gig," Reggie chimed in and Annie skimmed over the flyer.

"Oh, okay. Check it out. Tons of managers go here to listen to new bands. All we gotta do is blow them all away and we're living the dreams," Luke explained to the girls, who were annoyed by the boys.

"So, this means a lot to you, huh?" Julie asked Luke. "Kind of how playing in front of our whole entire school meant a lot to us."

"Sounds like sarcasm," Reggie said and Annie gave him a frown, which made him gasp and whisper to Alex. "I'm starting to think our plan isn't working."

"Look, we know we messed up," Alex told the girls.

"But we need you in the band," Luke reasoned.

"Of course you do," Annie snapped. "Because without Julie and I, no one can see you guys playing."

"You know, I thought that the music that we writing was special, but you're too obsessed with your past to even care," Julie bitterly berated Luke.

"I do care," Luke protested. "Our band has a real chance at greatness. I'm not gonna let that get away from us again."

"Uh-huh. Right. So why did you bail on us to get back at Trevor?" Annie smugly asked Luke with her eyebrows narrowed and Luke didn't respond, which cued Julie to speak.

"I'll tell you why. Cause there's only one thing you care about, and that's yourself," Julie darkly snapped at him, before taking Annie's and marching out of the studio with her.

Annie looked down at her feet as they walked and a small tear fell on her left shoe.

"Dude, they didn't mean it," Alex told Luke, who vanished away.

"Where's he going?" Reggie asked.

"Where do you think?" Alex questioned him, "remember what today is?"

Reggie shook his head, before remembering and both boys sighed.

——

Annie went home after that and sat in her room, drawing butterflies in her songbook. She tried not to look at the songs she wrote with Reggie, but she found herself reading them more and more. She hates being mad at him, but she can't forgive him for what he did to her. It reminds her way too much about her dad and Ricky. It hurts too much, but it hurts just as much to be mad at him.

Annie found herself crying at times when tears dropped onto the pages of her songbook. She tried to stop, but couldn't. The pain was too much to let go of.

As Annie was drawing, Reggie appeared in her room and Annie squinted her eyes, turning away from him. Reggie sighed and sat on her bed, but she moved away from him and sat on her swinging chair in the corner of her room.

"Annie, you have to know I didn't mean to let you down," Reggie sincerely told Annie, who didn't even budge and he sighed. "I know you won't forgive me for what I did and I don't either. I'll never forgive myself for hurting you like that, seeing you cry like that hurt me worse then dying. I'd rather die all over again then see you cry."

Annie stopped her drawing and looked at him with her brown eyes. She didn't respond, but she was listening.

"You have to know i'm not like your dad or Ricky," Reggie continued and Annie winced at the mention of them. "I will never ever become them and i can promise you that. I care about you way too much."

"How do i know you'll keep that promise?" Annie softly said to him, dropping her pencil and closing her songbook. "You promised me last time and you broke it."

"I know i did, and i can't apologize enough for that," Reggie quickly replied, rushing to her side and Annie winced at his sudden movement. Reggie sighed for a moment, before continued. "I made the worst mistake of my life and i won't let it happen again. Please give me a second chance."

Annie eyes looked into his and remembered what her mom said.

Everyone deserves a second chance.

Annie saw in his eyes that he was sincere and meant every word.

"I'm sorry, Annabelle."

Annie still couldn't find the strength to say anything and Reggie had an idea. He moved back and made a guitar poof in, which made Annie jump a little.

"I wrote a song for you and hope you'll forgive me."

Annie felt herself grin slightly as Reggie began to play the song, before he began to sing.

(Reggie)
I'm no Superman, I can't take your hand
And fly you anywhere you wanna go, yeah
I can't read your mind like a billboard sign
And tell you everything you wanna hear, but
I'll be your hero

Reggie paused for a moment to see Annie smile grow and that encouraged him to continue

Cause I, I can be everything you need
If you're the one for me
Like gravity, I will be unstoppable
I, yeah I believe in destiny
I may be an ordinary guy without his soul
But if you're the one for me
Then I'll be your hero
Oh!
I'll be your hero
Yeah
I'll be your hero
So incredible, some kind of miracle
That when it's meant to be
I'll become a hero-oh
So I'll wait, wait, wait, wait for you
Yeah, I'll be your hero
Yeah!

Reggie had kneeled down to Annie, who was smiling from ear to ear and her heart was fluttering like a butterfly.

Cause I, I can be everything you need
If you're the one for me
Like gravity, I'll be unstoppable
I, yeah I believe in destiny
I may be an ordinary guy without his soul
But if you're the one for me
I'll be your hero
Yeah
Yeah, I'll be your hero-oh
Yeah
I'll be your hero
Hero

Reggie strummed the last night and Annie smiled never left her face. A tear slipped off her cheek from crying tears of happiness and Reggie's face fell.

"Why you crying?" Reggie asked him with worry.

"Happy tears," she laughed and Reggie sighed with relief, chuckling.

"Good!" He smiled, "so you forgive me?"

Annie let out an exhale and nodded, "i do."

Reggie smiled softly, giving her a loving eyes.

"Good."

"However, i'm still upset with Luke," Annie objected and Reggie nodded with understanding.

"I figured that," Reggie said and his guitar vanished from his arms. "Alex is talking to Julie about him right now. Luke isn't as selfish as you think. You have him all wrong."

"How so?"

Reggie thought for a moment, "remember that song "Emily?" Can I show you what it's about?"

Annie thought for a moment and nodded.

——

-Patterson's House-

Annie, Julie, Reggie, and Luke were at Luke's parents house, hiding behind bushes. Inside the house, you could see Emily and Mitch Patterson, along with Luke, who was sitting on the counter watching them.

"So, Emily's his mom?" Annie asked.

"Yeah," Alex said. "Yeah, Luke comes here a lot."

"He thinks we don't know, but..." Reggie trailed off and Annie's heart shattered when she saw Luke crying. "We've been following him. All he does is just hang out like this and watch them. They never really do anything though."

Annie watched as Emily placed a chocolate cake in the table and sat down with Mitch on the other side of her.

"They're having cake," Julie remarked, seeing the cake. "That's something."

"It's... it's a birthday cake," Reggie informed Julie. "For Luke."

Annie sighed softly, "it's Luke's birthday?"

Reggie nodded and Annie sat back, feeling horrible for what she said to Luke.

"I never knew Luke was hurting this much," Julie mentioned and Annie nodded.

"Me too.

"It's even worse because when he died, he... left on bad terms," Alex explained. "You know, his parents didn't want their 17-year-old in a rock band, so... he just left. He never got the chance to make up with them."

Annie watched Luke get off the counter and make his way to the table. He leaned down and blew out the candle.

Annie found herself crying again. She couldn't imagine what it would be like to lose both of your parents, especially on bad terms. She felt horrible for Luke and regrets everything she sad to him.

"That's why Luke was so angry," Reggie mentioned as Luke sat down at the table. "If Trevor had given Luke credit for writing all the songs, the .... his parents would've know his dream was worth chasing."

"They would have been so proud," Julie said with her voice cracking. Mitch lit the candle again and the couple took hands, before blowing out the candle and Luke joined in as well. Annie sighed at the sight and wiped her tears away.

"We know how bad it hurts whenever someone that should've had your back... completely lets you down," Alex told the girls, and Annie squinted her eyes shut for a moment. "We never meant to make you both feel that way."

"Annie, Julie, we love our band," Reggie sincerely said and Annie gave him a sad smile. "And Luke does too. Please give us another chance."

The girls shared a sorrowful look, before looking at Luke and his tear strained face and red eyes.

——

-The Studio-

(Annie and Julie)
Marching on proud
Turn it up loud
Cause now we know what we're worth-

Luke suddenly appeared in the chair and was surprised to see Julie and Annie.

"Whoa! Julie, Annie!" He said with shock, standing up and Annie smiled at him.

"Grab a guitar, we got work to do," Julie grinned at him and Luke looked at Reggie and Alex, who were smiling.

Luke chuckled, before picking up his guitar and coming over to the girls.

"What made you come back?" Luke asked them.

"Julie and I realized how important music is to all of us," Annie softly smiled. "And we've lost so much already."

"We can't lose this too," Julie added on.

"Thanks," Luke said, before smiling. "Alright, Boss Ladies, where we at?"

"By the way," Annie began and Julie joined in. "Happy birthday."

Luke seemed shocked that the girls knew that and backed up as the girls smiled.

"Let's go from the pre-chorus," Julie suggested.

"1-2-3-4!" Alex yelled, tapping his drumsticks together.

——

Annie went home after rehearsal and had dinner, before going upstairs to get ready for her performance tonight. She did tell her mom about the gig and she was going to come with to watch the performance along with April.

Annie searched through her clothes and couldn't find anything to wear until she found a cute white dress with a small black belt along with a necklace and some bracelets. She had on black polka dotted tights and to top it all off she had on Reggie's leather jacket. She kept her hair down and put on minimal makeup, such as eyeliner, mascara and red lipstick.

As she finished getting ready, she received a text from Julie saying she couldn't go to the performance. Annie didn't respond to her and rushed over to Julie's house to talk to her in person.

Annie got over to her house and checked for Ray, before sneaking up to Julie's room.

Annie knocked on Julie's door and walked in to see Julie doodling on her microphone.

"Hey," Annie greeted and Julie gave her a small smile.

"Hey."

"Why you grounded?" Annie asked Julie, sitting next to her.

"Because I lied to my dad," she sighed. "Missing three classes and a calculus test does a lot."

"That's why you don't lie," Annie remarked. "Should've just told your dad the truth or most of it."

"I didn't know how and I was at Flynn's," Julie objected. "I didn't leave to go babysit."

"Hey, don't throw this onto me," Annie budged Julie's arm. "My mom was working late and asked me to come home. I'm sorry

"Don't apologize, i'm just playing," Julie chuckled and Annie smiled.

"I know," Annie said and exhaled. "So what do we do now?"

"I guess you and the guys have to perform without me," Julie shrugged.

"No way," Annie denied. "We're AJ and the Phantoms. Not Annie and the Phantoms."

"I don't know what to do," Julie said. "I'm stuck."

Knock Knock!

Both girls turned and saw Reggie's hand sticking through the door, knocking on it.

"What are you guys doing?" Annie asked with a chuckle and Reggie peeked his head through the door.

"We're being classy," Reggie smirked and Annie giggled, before Reggie was pulled away.

"Why you both still here?" Luke asked the girls as he, Reggie, and Alex walked into Julie's room. "We're going in, like, 20 minutes."

"I lied to my dad, so... now i'm stuck in my room all night," Julie admitted.

"And i cant perform without Julie," Annie said. "I did my makeup and everything."

"Yeah, but we were just at the venue. I mean, it's packed. Like, VIPs, managers. It's kind of crazy," Alex explained to the girls and Annie looked at Julie.

"Come on," Annie begged, pulling Julie's arm.

"What are we gonna do about my aunt?" Julie asked, "she's right downstairs."

"Your aunt," Luke laughed as he walked to Julie's window and opened it. "You're both not taking the stairs."

"I'm in a dress," Annie protested and the boys covered their eyes.

"No looking!"

Annie chuckled and Julie grinned, "okay, Annie will help me get ready. We'll meet you guys there!"

"And my mom will drive us," Annie offered and Julie smiled.

"Thanks, Annie."

"Wooo!" Annie quietly cheered and the guys vanished.

"What you going to wear?" Annie asked Julie, who smiled at her and led her over to a small chest. Julie opened it to reveal a bunch of Rose's stuff and Annie smiled at the sight.

"Wow," Annie said and glazed her fingers along the posters on the chest lid. "Which one you wearing?"

"This one," Julie smiled as she picked up a small black vest with blue and yellow designs on it.

"It matches," Annie smiled and Julie nodded, before laying her head on Annie's shoulder.

——

~Eats&Beats~

After Julie got ready, her and Annie arrived at the gig with Ginger and April. They walked in and Annie was surprised by how many people were here and she took Julie's arm. She was nervous by how many people were here, especially with managers and VIPs here.

"You girls got this," Ginger told both girls, giving them a hug. "I'll be over here if you need me."

"Thanks mom," Annie smiled and Ginger gave her a smile, before walking away to find seat with April on her hip.

"Let's find Flynn," Annie told Julie, before pulling her along. The girls looked around until they found Flynn, who was anxiously wait for them.

"Are we too late?" Julie asked Flynn as they approached.

"Next Up: Dirty Candy!" The announcer called.

"Too early," Flynn told the girls as the audience clapped for Dirty Candy and Carrie walked into the stage in her pink outfit and hair.

"Hope you all to have a great time," Carrie giggled, before she put on her sunglasses and walked to the back of the stage.

"Dirty Candy?" Annie asked with bitterness, "how'd she get on the list?"

"Her daddy probably made a call," Flynn remarked and Annie shrugged, agreeing with her.

"I like this," Flynn complimented Julie's jacket, which had a flower pin in it. "Pretty flower."

"Thanks. It's a dahlia," Julie said. "My mom's favorite."

The three girls smiled at each other, before looking at the stage and Dirty Candy began to perform.

(Carrie)
Whenever I walk in the room
All the focus on me
The way I talk the way I move
They all want on my team
Not tryin' to brag, brag
But I'm flawless
I'm taking over your playlist
Ain't perfect but I can't miss, yeah
The party don't start 'til I walk in

As Dirty Candy was performing, Alex appeared on stage and Annie's eyes grew with a smile. Alex seemed confused as first, but soon grew to love it and was just being his gay self by dancing along.

(Carrie)
I'm stealing all the attention
Don't get me started on mentions, yeah
Some might say I sound conceited
They don't get the shine that I get
Some get jealous
They can't help it
They wish they were me
I keep the party going all night, all night...

Alex vanished from the stage and appeared back next to the band and Flynn. No one could see Alex, except Reggie, Luke, Julie, and Annie, but he was putting a better show then Carrie and her band to Annie.

"You have fun out there?" Annie giggled at Alex

Alex cleared his throat awkwardly, "it's not my fault. It's my, um... it's my feet."

"Yeah," Julie nodded, not believing him.

"Put me back in coach," Alex smiled, before vanishing and Annie giggled, which made Flynn confused.

"Oh, it's the guys," Julie told Flynn.

(Dirty Candy)
But all I see is all eyes on me

Alex appeared back on stage and Annie was loving see Alex dance his heart out. He was adorable and he was rocking it, even if people can't see him. Dancing like nobody's watching.

(Carrie)
When I grow up I wanna be me be me
I'm my own goals just talking honestly
Must have won the lottery
Ain't no one as hot as me
Stealing looks its robbery
Everywhere I go all eyes on me
I only lead I never follow follow
I never open 'cause it's my show, my show
Don't know if people think I'm shallow, shallow
But all I see is all eyes on me

Dirty Candy finished their performance and the audience cheered for them. Alex smiled and turned around with a giddy smile on his face as Carrie and her band thanked the crowd.

Annie was softly clapping, but it was for Alex. Alex is her gay king.

Alex vanished off stage and back to his spot next to the others.

"Hey, um..." Alex cleared his throat. "I was just... I was just doing that for you guys."

"Mm-hmm. Yeah, you can stop smiling now," Reggie grinned and Alex chuckled.

"Alex, my gay king," Annie smiled at Alex, who blushed and waved her off.

"Please," he chuckled bashfully.

"I'm not gonna lie. That was..." Julie began. "Kind of good."

"I only clapped cause of Alex," Annie shrugged.

"Yeah, I forgot why I hate her so much," Flynn remarked before Dirty Candy approached them.

"Hi girls. Um.. isn't it past your bedtime?" Carrie asked and Annie rolled my eyes.

"Now I remember," Flynn said.

"If you're looking for Nick and Ricky, they didn't come," Carrie said and smirked at Annie, knowing how much she hated Ricky.

Annie glared at Carrie and noticed Reggie come up behind her, giving Carrie the same glare.

Julie scoffed, "that's now why i'm here."

"I don't think Nick wants to watch his ex girlfriend dance as cotton candy anyway," Annie remarked and Carrie gasped at her with offense.

Carrie huffed and walked away with her crew as Annie chuckled, receiving hi-fives from Flynn and Julie.

"That burn," Luke chuckled and Annie laughed as Reggie gave her a wink.

"Nice one," Alex praised and Annie shrugged.

"No one attacks my Jules," Annie said and Julie gave her a soft hug.

"Okay, it looks like we're closing the night out with one more group," the announcer said through the microphone. "AJ and The Fat Ones."

Annie smacked her forehead as the crowd snickered and Dirty Candy's laughs was heard behind them. The band looked at Luke, who shrugged not knowing how to cover up his mistake.

"Really?" Alex asked Luke.

"Yeah, man. My handwriting sucks," Luke admitted, before Annie and Julie walked up to the stage awkwardly. Julie and Annie sat down at the keyboard and Julie put her microphone in the stand as Annie held hers.

"Hello," Annie greeted.

"Hi," Julie greeted as well. "It's actually AJ and the Phantoms."

No one really responded to Julie and the girls shared a look, before awkwardly continuing.

"Okay," they both said, before Julie began to play the song in her keyboard.

(Annie, Julie, Both)
Hearts on fire
We're no liars, so we say what we wanna say
I'm awakened, no more faking
So we push all our fears away
Don't know if I'll make it 'cause I'm falling under
Close my eyes and feel my chest beating like thunder
I wanna fly
Come alive
Watch me shine

As the girls got to the chorus, the boys appeared on stage and began to play with them. Luke was singing with Annie and Julie as Reggie and Alex were playing along and the crowd was surprised by their appearance. The crowd began to cheer for them and Annie saw her mom cheering for her and April was trying to clap to the beat.

(Annie, Julie, and Luke)
I got a spark in me
Hands up if you can see
And you're a part of me
Hands up if you're with me
Now 'til eternity
Hands up if you believe
Been so long and now we're finally free

(Annie)
We're all bright now
What a sight now
Coming out like we're fireworks

(Julie)
Marching on proud
Turn it up loud
'Cause now we know what we're worth

(Annie, Julie, and Luke)
We know we can make it
We're not falling down under
Close my eyes and feel my chest
Beating like thunder
I wanna fly
Come alive

(Annie and Julie)
Watch me shine

(Annie, Julie, and Luke;
Reggie and Alex Harmonizing)
I got a spark in me
Hands up if you can see
And you're a part of me
Hands up if you're with me
Now 'til eternity
Hands up if you believe
Been so long and now we're finally free
I got a spark in me
Hands up if you can see
And you're a part of me
Hands up if you're with me
Now 'til eternity
Hands up if you believe
Been so long and now we're finally free

Annie moved back as Julie and Luke took center stage to sing they're sing together. Annie, Reggie, and Alex shared a grin as they watched Luke and Julie together.

(Julie, Luke)
I got a spark in me
(I got a spark in me)
And you're a part of me
(And you're a part of me)
Now 'til eternity
(Now 'til eternity)

Annie stepped forward sang and the high note.

(Annie)
Been so long and now we're finally free

As Annie held the high note, Reggie was giving her a lovingly smile and realized he was in love with her.

(All)
I got a spark in me
Hands up if you can see
And you're a part of me
Hands up if you're with me
Now 'til eternity
Hands up if you believe
Been so long and now we're finally free

(Annie and Julie)
Yeah!

(Luke, Reggie and Alex)
Whoa-oa-oa

(Annie and Julie)
Oh-oh-oh

(Luke, Reggie and Alex)
Whoa-oa-oa

(Annie and Julie)
Finally free, yeah.

(Luke, Reggie and Alex)
Whoa-oa-oa

(Annie and Julie)
Oh!

(All)
Been so long and now we're finally free

(Annie and Julie)
Finally free, yeah

As they finished their song, the audience cheered and applauded them. The band bowed and the boys and their instruments vanished, which made the crowd gasp in shock.

This made the audience cheer more and Julie and Annie smiled proudly

"Thank you. We're AJ and the Phantoms," Julie told the audience.

"Tell your friends!" Annie added on, before the girls ran off and over to Flynn, squealing and giggly.

They shared an excited hug and pulled away moments later.

"You guys were incredible!" Flynn beamed, before the guys appeared behind her.

"Yeah, we were," Reggie said and winked at Annie.

"Annie!" Annie turned and saw her mother approach her.

"Mom!" Annie smiled and her mother embraced her with April next to her.

"You guys were amazing," Ginger praised. "Very proud.

"Thank you," Both girls smiled and April giggled, clapping her hands.

"Good job, Nini!" April said and handed her a red rose.

"Aw! Thank you, April!" Annie smiled and picked her up, kissing her cheek. "My biggest fan!"

April giggled and Annie looked back to see the guys smile at her and Julie. Reggie adored the interaction between the sisters.

"Alright," Ginger chuckled as Annie put her sister down. "I'm gonna go get some food, want anything?"

"i'm good," Annie smiled and Flynn and Julie agreed.

"Alright," Ginger smiled, before taking April's hand and walking away with her.

"Your sister is my favorite," Flynn cooed and Annie giggled, fiddling with the rose in her hand.

"Me too," Annie said and Julie chuckled.

"Hey! Hey! Whoever Carrie was trying to impress is coming this way!" Luke exclaimed and the girls turned to see Andi Parker walking toward them. Annie got nervous and looked at Julie for help, but she was just asked shocked.

"She looks all business," Alex said.

"Wait! Who should do the talking?" Reggie asked and Annie gave him a grin.

"Right! Annie and Julie," Reggie said and Annie giggled.

"You got this," Luke told the girls as Andi approached Annie and Julie.

"Hi, i'm Andi Parker, and I would-"

"Julie!"

Andi got cut off by Ray walking in and Annie gasped, shaking her head

"Oh no."

"Dad!" Julie said with surprise.

"It's time to go," Ray said with narrowed eyebrows and Julie sighed.

"So close," Annie muttered.

——
Up Next: edge of great

and just like that, another chapter is complete. we had some cute moments between annie and her mom and annie and reggie. i chose reggie singing "hero" to her last minute, because i had a different song but it didn't fit the situation. so, i changed it to "hero" and i think it fit well haha.

then we had ginger and annie singing "butterfly fly away" which i thought would be very cute and fitting here. considering, ginger is raising her kids on her own and idk i thought it was cute. we had four songs in this chapter, which is pretty cool.

i love the reggie and annie moments and having reggie realizing he's in love with her. aw so cute! more cute moments with them don't worry!

next chapter is edge of great and it will feature another song. a song that was meant to be performed, but didn't. so it's getting it's chance to shine.

see ya in the next chapter!

songs in this chapter: Butterfly Fly Away by Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus
Hero (Unplugged) by Sterling Knight and Stubby
All Eyes On Me by Savannah Lee May
Finally Free by Madison Reyes, Charlie Gillespie, Owen Patrick Joyner, and Jeremy Shada