(althea's outfit for the first part of the chapter)

(delia's outfit for this part of the chapter) 

The next morning Althea did her usual morning routine and after she finished getting dressed, she went to the living room where her parents were at. They were sitting on the couch, sipping their morning coffee and chatting about their plans for the day. "Morning, sweetie," Her mom greets her with a warm smile. "How was school yesterday?"

Her dad was a firefighter while her mom was a nurse. They were able to work their schedules so that one of them would be home with her when she was a child, and now that she was older, they were both able to work at the same time. But they still managed to make time for family, they always would. Sometimes they just got home late or went to work early. It was always unpredictable, but they were happy and they loved their jobs.

Althea's smile widens as she thought about the events of the previous day. "It was pretty eventful, actually. We had some improv exercises in drama class, and there was this new girl, Tori, who joined. She's really cool." She pauses as she grimaces. "But during an improv exercise, she kissed Beck."

Her mom grimaces at that news. "I bet Jade wasn't happy about that."

Althea chuckles, shaking her head. "Not at all. You should've seen the look on her face. It makes sense why Jade poured hot coffee on her the next day." She sighed.

Her dad's eyes widen. "Wow, that girl doesn't hold back."

"Definitely not," Althea agrees and stands up. "I'm gonna get something to eat before I go." She told them, kissing them both on the cheek before walking to the kitchen. Since her parents sometimes had to leave for work early, they didn't always have time to make breakfast. Althea didn't mind, she was always fine with making her own stuff. She decided on having some cereal, grabbing the box of lucky charms and pouring the contents into a bowl. Once the cereal was poured, she grabbed the milk and poured some over her cereal.

She scrolled on social media while she ate her breakfast, replying to some texts from her friends she got that morning. After she finished eating, she put her dirty dishes in the dishwasher and walked to the door, grabbing her backpack and putting it on. "I'm heading out now!" She called out.

"Bye, sweetheart!" Her mom calls out. "Have a great day! We love you!"

"I love you guys too!" Althea replied before stepping out of the house and closing the door behind her. When it came to talking, she was much more comfortable to talk around her family. Her friends as well, of course, but mainly her family. They've always been the most supportive and understanding with her and that's why she loves them.

She walked over to her car which was a light blue slugbug. She loved this car so much and it was her pride and joy. She had gotten it for her 16th birthday and she absolutely adored it. It was the perfect car for her. After setting her backpack in the front seat, she buckled up and put the keys into the ignition. She turned the car on and backed out of the driveway, turning on the radio and blasting the music as she drove.

Once she arrived at school, she parked and turned the car off. She grabbed her bag and got out, closing the door and locking them. She put her keys into the side pocket of her backpack before walking to school. When she walked in, she went right over to her locker to get the books she would need. In Hollywood Arts School, everyone had to design their locker. It had to be something creative and something that expressed their personality. Althea decided to paint her locker with butterflies. She loved butterflies, and she felt that they represented her because of her personality. She was kind and soft-spoken, gentle, but she also had a fiery spirit and passion when it came to certain things. She could be strong and courageous when needed. And she loved how unique and beautiful butterflies were. She loved the different colors and the patterns. So, her locker was covered in butterflies.

As she closed her locker, she noticed Tori walking down the hallway, struggling to carry some books and bags. She frowned, concerned and worry filling her eyes as she saw the brunette struggling to carry everything. She walks over to her, offering a small smile as she stops in front of her. "Do you need any help with that?" She asked quietly so only Tori could hear her. There were still quite a few people in the lobby of the school, so she didn't want to attract too much attention. Plus she knew Tori didn't really know sign language yet, so it was probably best for her to speak since they were alone.

"Oh," Tori seemed surprised to see her, and her gaze softened. She then looks relieved and smiles gratefully. "If you don't mind. It's kinda heavy." She chuckled lightly, her tone sheepish and embarrassed.

Althea's smile grew, nodding in response. "Of course not." She took some of the books from Tori's hands, allowing the brunette to get a better grip on the duffle bag over her shoulder since it had fallen down off her shoulder. Althea held her books against her chest and walked alongside Tori.

"Thank you." Tori tells her and then sighs, shaking her head. "Trina didn't even help me when I fell in the parking lot. All she did was laugh."

"You fell in the parking lot?" Althea asks her with concern. She glances at Tori, worried. "Are you alright? Are you hurt?"

Tori waves her hand, brushing her concern off. "Oh, don't worry. I'm okay. I'm just a bit sore." She appreciated the fact that Althea seemed worried about her, though. That was sweet of her.

Althea nods, still concerned but she didn't press it any further. "Well, I'm glad you're okay." She replied. They arrive at Tori's locker and Tori opened her locker before shoving her duffle bag inside, followed by her books. Althea then handed the rest of the books she held in her arms to Tori, allowing the brunette to place the other books in her locker.

"Thanks again for helping me." Tori gives Althea a grateful smile and closes her locker with a relieved sigh. "You're really nice, you know. It's refreshing."

Althea smiles sheepishly, feeling her cheeks grow a light pink out of embarrassment. "Thank you. I appreciate it." She replied shyly.

"Hey, guys." Althea perks up at hearing the familiar voice of Andrè and turned to see him and Robbie, who had his puppet Rex, with him. "What's up?"

"Althea helped me get my stuff in my locker. Now my locker is filled. I feel complete." Tori smiled brightly.

"Woah, woah, not yet." Andrè argued, earning a confused look from Tori.

"What?"

"You gotta customize it." Andrè replied as Robbie and Althea nodded in agreement.

"Everyone at Hollywood Arts has to customize their locker." Robbie explained.

"Oh. Well, what would you do for yours?" Tori asked him.

"I made a mosaic using all of the baby bottle nipples from my childhood." Robbie replies with a smile. Althea grimaces, giving the boy a weird look while Andrè and Tori did the same. "They remind me of a happier time." Robbie defended himself.

Tori glances at Andrè. "Yours?"

"Check it out." Andrè smirked, gesturing for her to follow him to his locker.

"Follow those dreads." Rex commented.

When they got to Andrè's locker, Althea smiles at the sight of it. Andrè's locker was a piano and it actually worked. She still had no idea how he was able to get that to work, but she didn't question it. He gestured to it dramatically before he started playing it. Everyone nearby glanced over at him curiously and some started dancing along to the funky beat. Althea grinned at Andrè as he played the piano. She always admired his talent.

The moment was then interrupted by Lane, the guidance counselor. "Hey, Andrè, Robbie. That squirrel's back in my office again." He said with annoyance.

"I'll get the net." Andrè replied after he stopped playing piano.

"I'll get the nuts." Robbie added as they walked off with Lane.

Tori looks over at Althea curiously. "What did you do for your locker?"

Althea's smile was shy as she gestures for Tori to follow her to her locker. The brunette follows and Althea shows her the locker, painted with butterflies. The main part of the locker was dark blue with a variety of different colored and patterned butterflies painted all over. She even had a butterfly shaped lock.

"Wow, it's so pretty." Tori gushes, her eyes widening. "Did you do this yourself? It's amazing."

"Thank you." Althea smiles, flattered and slightly embarrassed. "And yes, I did. I like painting." She explained, feeling a bit more confident now that Tori seemed impressed. "Butterflies are kind of my thing. I find them really beautiful and inspiring."

Tori nods in understanding, still admiring the artwork on the locker. "I can see why. They're really cool." She looks back at Althea with a smile. "You're really talented."

Althea's cheeks flush with color at the compliment. "Thank you, Tori. That means a lot." She replied, her voice soft and quiet.

Tori smiles at her. "No problem. It's true." She sighs and glances at her empty locker with a frown. "I don't know what to do with my locker."

"Want to see my locker?"

The two girls jump at suddenly hearing Sinjin's voice. They turn to see him standing behind Tori and give him a weird look. "I guess." Tori mumbled, stepping closer to Althea so she was father away from him.

Sinjin steps to the side and gestures to his locker on the bottom left corner. "These are pieces of food that I chewed, but never swallowed. I spit them out, coated them with a polyurethane resin and stuck them on here with an industrial adhesive."

The two girls share a look before they both took off running around the corner. They stop when they accidentally run into Delia, who looks at them with amusement. "Woah, you two okay? You're acting like you just ran into a murderer." She chuckled.

"Sinjin showed Tori his locker." Althea explained.

Delia grimaces. "Ah, so it's just Sinjin being Sinjin. Understandable. He's nice and all, but he's definitely an odd one."

"That's one way to put it." Tori muttered, her nose scrunched up in disgust.

When the bell rang, the three of them decided to walk to class together.

****

It was now acting class and Althea and Delia sat at their usual places in the front row, watching as Jade and Cat acted a scene. "Betsy! Betsy! That animal's delicious flesh can keep us all alive for another week." Jade spoke in a southern accent, pointing at the huge pink stuffed pig Cat held.

"I don't wanna be alive without Poncy. This pig is everything to me that my daddy never was, and I'll be ding danged-" Cat's sentence is stopped when Mr. Sikowitz suddenly threw a ball at her, causing her to let out a sudden yell and fall down.

Jade turns to the teacher with disbelief. "Sikowitz?" Everyone glanced at the teacher with surprise and disbelief. Althea had no idea why their teacher did that. He was eccentric and even a bit crazy, always unpredictable. But she thought that was uncalled for. She hoped Cat was okay.

"What?" Mr. Sikowitz questioned.

"You hit me in the face with a ball!" Cat replied, her eyes wide with disbelief as she stood back up with her hand covering her hurt cheek.

"Oh, come on, a truly great actor can stay in the scene no matter what's happening around her." Mr. Sikowitz argued.

"But it really hurt." Cat frowns. When the bell suddenly rang for class to end, her eyes lit up and she grins. "Oh, lunch, yay!" She ran off the stage, grabbing her bag before running out of the room excitedly. Althea chuckled, sharing an amused look with Delia. That girl was certainly something.

"Learn your lines. I want everyone off book tomorrow." Mr. Sikowitz called out.

"Hey, you wanna come to lunch with us?" Beck questioned Tori as he walked over to her.

"Sure, just let me-ah!" Tori let out a surprised yelp when Mr. Sikowitz suddenly threw the same ball he threw at Cat at her. She managed to step out of the way before she got hit and the ball bounced off the wall.

When this happened, Andrè had instinctively wrapped an arm around Althea's waist to pull her close and out of the way before she could possibly get hit. She had been standing near Tori, and it was an immediate reflex. She felt her cheeks grow warm at the sudden movement, and she gave him a shy smile, mouthing a 'thank you' to him. He nodded in response, looking relieved that she was alright.

"What was that for?" Tori gasps, staring at their teacher with wide eyes. "I'm not acting right now."

"We need to chat." Mr. Sikowitz replied.

"And 'Tori, can I see you' wouldn't have worked?" Tori grumbled.

"Have fun." Andrè commented, sending her a smile.

"Good luck." Althea added as she walked out with Andrè, not being able to resist to lean into his warm embrace since his arm was still around her waist.

"Protect your face." Beck chimed in while he followed his friends out of the classroom.

"Sometimes I wonder how Mr. Sikowitz is still a teacher," Delia mutters, walking alongside her friends into the hallway. "I mean, throwing balls at students during class? That's not normal. And I mean, he wears no shoes all the time, how is that even allowed here? And he's obsessed with coconuts. Like, what the heck is that about? How is that professional? He's a bit wacky."

"Wacky is one way to describe him." Beck chuckles, nudging Delia playfully. "And you have to admit, he's a pretty good teacher. His methods are a bit, um, well, unorthodox, but they work. And he's fun. It's not boring, anyway."

"That's true," Delia shrugs. "Still a bit strange, though."

Althea giggles, enjoying listening to her friends bicker. It was always amusing to watch. And she didn't mind Mr. Sikowitz, even if he did seem a bit...Off. But Beck was right, his methods may not be normal, but they were effective. And he was a pretty cool teacher. She watched her friends banter back and forth with amusement in her gaze. Delia and Beck had always been close, they had known each other since elementary school and were childhood best friends.

It was quite an interesting pair considering Delia was a fashionista, wanting to be up to date with the latest trends and was an aspiring designer, and Beck had the typical bad boy look to him, but underneath that exterior, he has a heart of gold and was very sweet and loyal. He was a really good guy and an amazing friend. He was clearly popular with the ladies for his good looks and charming personality, and he had dated a lot of girls. Althea knew he wasn't the kind of guy to cheat, and that's why she liked him so much. He was very loyal. She's always admired him and his dedication to the ones he loves. And she also found it admirable how he's always there for his friends, no matter what.

Althea had to admit she always thought the two would end up getting together at some point. They'd be really cute together. They balanced each other out perfectly and always seemed to have a spark. There had always been an unexplained tension between them. It was clear there was some kind of underlying attraction and feelings there. But Jade and Beck were dating, and they've been together for a few years now. Though they've been on and off and Althea honestly thought their relationship had always been a bit toxic, but she didn't want to meddle in their relationship. Plus, she valued her friendship with both Beck and Jade, so she kept her thoughts to herself.

Althea follows her friends to the Asphalt Cafe, which was outside the school and had several tables where they could sit and eat. Andrè still had his arm around her waist, it felt natural for him. And she had no desire to move from her place either, she was comfortable in his warm embrace. They had always been affectionate towards each other. She couldn't help but lean against his chest as he pulled her close. His hold on her made her feel safe and comforted. They went to get some food with their friends before sitting down. They did have to reluctantly pull away when they sat down so they could eat.

Althea and Delia sat with the boys, including Andrè, Beck, and Robbie and Rex. Conversation flowed easily and smoothly. They always had a good time. Though Althea didn't participate much in the conversations, she was always content to listen. Sometimes she would chime in with signing something, but she didn't often talk much. She preferred to listen to her friends at the moment.

"Hey, you know where I could buy a pair of ballet slippers?" Andrè suddenly asked, earning weird looks from his friends.

"No, I don't. But I know where you can get yourself a pretty skirt and some lip gloss." Beck replied teasingly, smirking at him.

Rex laughs. "That was a good one, Beck. Lip gloss." Robbie made Rex raise his hand for a high five and Beck just stared at him with his arms crossed that were resting on the table. Robbie then lowered Rex's hand as Beck looked over at Andrè.

"Why do you need ballet slippers?" He inquired.

"Yeah," Delia chimes in, raising an eyebrow at Andrè curiously. "I mean, I never expected you to be the kind of person to take up ballet."

"'Cause I signed up for ballet." Andrè shrugged.

"Woah, woah, isn't that kind of...Girlie?" Robbie questioned, narrowing his eyes at Andrè.

Althea and Delia share a look at that and glance at him with offense. Delia stares at Robbie with a threatening gaze as she speaks. "Ballet is not girlie. Ballet is a very demanding, challenging, and extremely difficult form of dance. So don't ever say it's girlie again." She said sternly.

"I-I didn't mean it in a bad way." Robbie quickly defends, shrinking under her fierce gaze. "I was just asking a question. I'm sorry. I'm not judging anyone. I was just wondering. I'm not saying it's bad, it's cool."

Delia narrows her eyes at him and glares at him warningly. Beck knew she could get really scary when she wanted to and he didn't blame Robbie for getting nervous. But he also knew he should probably help calm her down before she does something they'd all regret.

"D, chill," Beck said, placing a hand on her shoulder, which she relaxes slightly at the touch. He knew her well enough that she only tensed up when she was about to lose her temper, and that's when he'd have to try and calm her down. "Robbie's not trying to be rude or offensive. Right, Robbie?" He asked, glancing at him with a firm gaze.

"Right, I'm not. I'm sorry." Robbie replied, sending a nervous look at the girl.

"You're lucky I like you, or else you'd have your puppet shoved into a trash can." Delia muttered, leaning back against her chair, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Calling him a puppet is offensive-" Robbie started, pausing and stopping mid sentence after the glare Delia sent his way.

"Don't make me hurt you." She warned. Robbie stayed silent, glancing at her nervously.

"Anyway," Andrè chimes in, breaking the tense moment. "It's just one big room full of girls...And me." He dramatically said with a smirk. "You guys picking up what I'm putting down?"

"I am." Beck nodded.

"Yeah! Pretty smooth." Rex chuckled.

Robbie furrows his eyebrows. "I don't understand."

Delia rolls her eyes. "Seriously?"

"A lot of girls...Who dance...All in one room...With him." Beck explained it to Robbie, pointing at Andrè.

Robbie's eyes widen and he nods. "Ah, ha ha!" He glances at Andrè curiously. "Would you mind if maybe I signed up too?"

"Nah, go for it." Andrè shrugs. He glances at Beck. "How about you, man?"

"Can't. Me and Jade already signed up for salsa dancing." Beck replied, glancing at Delia with raised eyebrows when she let out a small laugh.

"You and Jade? Salsa dancing? Good luck. I'd pay money to see that." Delia snickered.

Beck rolls his eyes at her. "We're gonna do fine."

"I can't eat salsa." Robbie admitted.

"No one asked." Delia retorts, giving him a pointed look. Althea shot her a disapproving glance. "What?" Delia shrugged.

Althea shook her head, sending her a disappointed look. She couldn't believe Delia would be rude to Robbie. He was a nice guy, a bit weird, but a good person. Sure, he could be a little annoying, and he had the tendency to ramble a lot, but Delia didn't need to be rude to him. Though everyone should know don't get on her bad side, because once they do, they'll wish they hadn't. She's not someone you'd want to get on the wrong side of.

Delia sighs at Althea's gaze and rolls her eyes. "Fine. I'm sorry. That was mean of me. I'll be nice." She muttered, giving Althea a small smile. Althea returned it and nodded. Beck squeezed Delia's shoulder again, his hand sliding down to rest on her lower back to help her calm down. His thumb moved in soothing circles, knowing it usually helped her relax. She leaned back into his touch slightly, letting out a quiet sigh. He always knew how to calm her down, she had no idea how he did it, but he did. She was grateful. She sent him a grateful smile, and he just gave her a small nod in response, returning the smile.

Beck and Delia had always been affectionate and still are despite the fact Beck and Jade are together. Jade doesn't seem to care about it and if she does she doesn't say anything about it. Althea had always wondered if Jade was bothered by Beck and Delia's close friendship, because if the shoe was on the other foot, she'd probably be a little jealous. But she wasn't about to say anything, that would be a can of worms that Althea was not going to open.

"Why? 'Cause it hurts your stomach and gives you nightmares?" Andrè questioned.

"No." Robbie replied in a defensive tone.

"Yes." Rex argued.

"Maybe." Robbie mumbled.

"Ha!" Rex said with amusement.

Althea chuckled and rolled her eyes at them. She found their bickering quite entertaining. The conversation continued to flow easily during lunch and they had a good time like usual.

***

"Ready? Drive-by acting exercise. You're all angry Englishmen. Go." Mr. Sikowitz instructed the class the next day. Everyone immediately all stood up and began acting as if they were angry Englishmen, and started yelling at each other, which caused the whole class to start yelling and arguing as well. It was chaos, but a fun chaos.

"Alright, alright! Very good! Settle down!" Mr. Sikowitz calls out, trying to get the class to be more quiet. "Quiet down!" He raised his voice, gesturing everyone to sit down. Tori had arrived to class at this point as everyone went to sit down. Althea glanced back at her with a smile, waving at her friend, who smiled back and waved before going to take her seat.

"Now that we're all loosey and/or goosey, the time has come for our newest student to tackle..." Mr. Sikowitz does a drum roll with his feet and the other students followed his lead. "'The Bird Scene'!"

Althea remembers when she had to do the bird scene when she first went to school here. She dreaded it, because it's a really hard scene to do. And with her speech problem, it was even harder. But she did it. It wasn't easy, but she did it. And she knows Tori will be able to do it. She had faith in her.

Everyone cheers for Tori as she switches places with Mr. Sikowitz. "Tori, the stage is yours, though you can't take it home." He told her.

"Um, can I ask you a quick question before I start?" Tori questions, earning a loud groan from Jade. "So..." She continued after she gave Jade an annoyed look.

"Just do your best," Mr. Sikowitz interrupts. "Action!"

"Okay." Tori sets the book down and gets ready to preform. In a southern accent, she then began to speak. "It was 1934 when my husband left me. Alone. Living on the prairie was a dreary existence. No telephone, no radio. Only a large majestic bird whom I shared my feelings with. One day wen I was feeling low, I said to him," She turns and pretends to talk to a bird. "'Oh, bird, you can fly, you can soar miles from this lonely place, yet you stay. Why?' And apparently, my question rang true, for that afternoon, the bird left. And so went my spirit." She then bows her head when she finished. "How was that?" She asked in her normal voice, looking at the class with a nervous smile.

"What do you mean?" Mr. Sikowitz was leaned back in a chair in the back of the class with his arms behind his head.

"Did I do the scene right?" Tori asked him.

"Oh! No, not at all." Mr. Sikowitz replied as he stood and walked over to her.

"Okay, then what did I do wrong?" She questioned.

"You'll have to preform the scene again tomorrow and get it right," Mr. Sikowitz tells her, picking up her book and handing it to her. He then gently pushes her off the stage. 'Or else you cannot be in Andrè's play or any other."

Tori frowns. "But can you tell me what I did wrong?"

"No, I can't." Mr. Sikowitz responded.

"I don't get any feedback?" Tori inquired, staring at him with disbelief.

"That is correct." Mr. Sikowitz nodded.

"But..."

"Drive-by acting exercise. You're all terrified dolphins. Go." Mr. Sikowitz instructed. The class immediately stands and begins to act as terrified dolphins. "Live the fear!" He added. Tori sat down with a frown, staring at the book with confusion.

Althea was still sitting down, glancing behind her at Tori with sympathy. She felt bad for her. She remembered how frustrating the bird scene was, but she knew Tori would be able to do it.

****

Althea followed her friends out of class, walking alongside Delia into the hallway. "Oh, come on!" Tori exclaims, sounding annoyed and frustrated. "How am I supposed to do the scene right if no one will tell me what I did wrong?" She asks as they stop at her locker. "I thought you guys were my friends."

"I'm not your friend." Jade rolled her eyes, taking Beck's hand and guiding him away.

"I was hoping we could be more than friends." Rex told Tori, who looked at him weirdly.

"Ugh, it's so gross how he's always hitting on every girl." Cat scoffed.

"I never hit on you." Rex pointed out.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Cat exclaimed, her eyes wide as she looked confused and offended.

"You guys..." Tori sighs. "My problem?"

"Number one rule of 'The Bird Scene'," Beck chimes in, walking back over to the group with Jade after they had gotten sodas from the vending machine. "No one's allowed to help you."

"No one." Rex agreed.

"Yeah, sorry, Tori." Delia apologizes, resting her elbow on Althea's shoulder as she looked at the Latina sympathetically. "No one can give you any tips or clues or hints or anything. It's a cruel and unusual punishment." She shrugged.

"So this is what you did with your locker?" Jade pointed out, noticing the white board on Tori's locker. Althea raised her eyebrows as she looked at it and shook her head, knowing it was a bad idea.

"Yeah. See, it's a dry erase board with a bunch of colorful pens in a convenient cup. So whoever wants to, can write or draw whatever they want." Tori explained.

"While it's the thought that counts," Althea starts, speaking quietly so only the group could hear. "This is a very bad idea. It will end badly."

"Yeah, you're supposed to decorate it yourself." Beck agreed.

"It's a Hollywood Arts tradition." Cat added.

"Well, what's wrong with letting other people be expressive on my locker?" Tori asked.

"Well, for one thing, thy can do that." Robbie pointed out what Jade wrote on Tori's locker. Tori turned to look at it, her eyes widening. It now read Tori's stupid locker.

"Yeah, well, my locker's smarter than your locker!" Tori called out to Jade as she walked away with her boyfriend.

"Nice comeback." Delia chuckled, shaking her head.

"How can a locker be-"

"I don't know!" Tori interrupts Cat, throwing her arms up out of frustration. She turns to take off the dry erase board. "Oh, come on. Somebody tell me how to do 'The Bird Scene' or I'm gonna cry."

"Can't." Cat shook her head, sending her an apologetic look before she walked away.

"Sorry, Tori." Althea apologized, giving her a small, sympathetic smile.

"And don't be so whiny." Rex told Tori.

"Yeah, man up." Robbie agreed.

"Time for our first ballet class." Andrè announced to Robbie as he walked around the corner.

Robbie grins and follows Andrè. "Ooh, ballet!"

Tori frowns and leans against the locker. She looks at Althea and Delia pleadingly. "Please help me."

Althea exchanges a glance with Delia, feeling a pang of sympathy for Tori. She hated seeing her friend so distressed, especially over something like this. "Sorry, Tori, but it's the rules." Delia sighs, patting Tori's arm comfortingly. "There's nothing we can do."

"Don't worry, you'll figure it out. I believe in you." Althea assured her. She knew Tori could do it, and she hoped her friend would see that. Tori needed to have more confidence in herself, and Althea wanted her to realize that. That was one of the big things Tori had to understand with 'The Bird Scene'. She needed to have faith in herself and not let her nerves get the best of her.

Tori sighs and nods. "Thanks, guys. I'll see you later."

Delia and Althea watched Tori walk off with a sad frown. They hated to see her upset, and they wanted to help her, but they couldn't. Althea knew Tori could do it, and she believed in her. She had faith that her friend could do it. All Tori had to do was believe in herself.

"Remember when we had to do 'The Bird Scene'?" Althea asked, glancing up at Delia, who nodded.

"Yeah, you were the worst one. You were so nervous." Delia chuckles, grimacing when Althea hit her arm. "But you figured it out, so I know Tori can too."

"I just feel bad for her." Althea admitted.

"I do too. It sucks." Delia nods in agreement, wrapping an arm around Althea's shoulders. "She'll be fine, though. So, when do you wanna tell the boys that we're taking ballet too?"

Althea smiles and shrugs. "They'll find out later."

"You think they'll freak out?" Delia smirked.

Althea chuckles, shaking her head. "Probably, but it'll be worth it just to see their reactions."

Delia grins and nods. "You're right, it will be." She pulls her arm off of Althea's shoulders and interlocks their arms. "I still can't believe you convinced me to take ballet."

"I didn't convince you. You were already planning on taking it. You just needed a little push." Althea corrected her. She knew Delia had already planned on taking ballet, but Delia had been a bit hesitant at first. But Althea have been taking ballet classes since she was little and she knew Delia would love it. Delia just needed a push to get her to finally do it.

Delia rolls her eyes though she had a small smile on her face. "Yeah, whatever. Come on, let's get to class." She pulled her along and Althea followed her, letting out a quiet laugh. She was looking forward to ballet class. She just hoped Delia would like it as much as she does.

****

The next day, Tori had to do 'The Bird Scene' once again and she was more than ready to get past it. Althea could see the determination in her eyes, and she knew her friend could do it. Tori explained she had a backdrop, a prop, and even brought two coconuts for Mr. Sikowitz. After the bell rang, Mr. Sikowitz entered the classroom from the backdoor.

"Alright. Rehear-" He pauses the middle of his sentence, acting as if something was after him as he made it to the stage. He did often say coconuts gave him visions so Althea assumed that's what happened. "We have much to do today. But first..." He tosses his bag off to the side. "Tori, 'The Bird Scene'."

Tori stands with a bright smile. "I'm ready. And before I begin," She hands him the two coconuts she got for him. "I'd like you to have these two large coconuts."

"Wonderful." Mr. Sikowitz grins. "You know, their milk gives me visions."

Tori nods. "I've heard."

"Very good. Everyone, pay attention. Tori?" Mr. Sikowitz gestured for her to start as he walked to the back.

"One second." Tori smiled as she got on stage. She pulled down a back drop of a country prairie.

"Ooh, a backdrop." Mr. Sikowitz commented, looking intrigued.

"And...I am ready." Tori put on some grandma glasses that had the chain connected to them as she smiled.

"Delightful! Action!" Mr. Sikowitz announced.

"It was 1934," Tori starts. "when my husband left me. Alone." She continues the speech as normal until she came to the part where she turned and pretended to talk to a bird. She quickly moves over to what was a pencil sharpener hooked on the wall and she spun it, causing a rope with a fake bird on it to come down. "I said to him, 'Oh, bird, you can fly. You can soar miles from this lonely place, yet you stay. Why?' And apparently, my question rang true, because that afternoon the bird left." She picks up the fake bird off the rope, tossing it out the open window. "And so went my spirit." She finished, bowing her head. She looks up after a few moments with a grin. "So? Was that good?"

"Exactly what are you asking me?" Mr. Sikowitz asked.

"You know, did you like what I did with the scene?" Tori inquired.

"Sure." Mr. Sikowitz nodded.

"So did I get it right?" Tori hopefully asked.

"Oh, no. You failed. Again." Mr. Sikowitz answered.

Tori stares at him with disbelief, outstretching her arms. 'What? Why? I did everything-"

"Hey!" A janitor outside comes to the window, holding the fake bird Tori tossed outside. "Watch where you throw your props!" He threw it back in the room, causing Tori to duck so she doesn't get hit.

****

Althea walked to ballet class with Delia that day, looking forward to seeing her friend's reactions to them finding out they're in ballet. When they arrived, they were shocked to see the room was full of boys and surrounding a poor girl. "More girls!" A boy shouted excitedly and the two best friends let out a surprised yelp when they all suddenly run at them. Andrè was quick to get in front and step out into the hall to stand in front of Althea protectively, closing the door behind him. Delia didn't get much luck, being trapped in the room, but Althea could hear her snapping at the boys and noticed them backing away quickly. Althea knew Delia would be fine though. She could handle herself.

Though Althea's heart was racing as she tried to wrap her mind around what just happened. Andrè was standing in front of her, looking at her with concern. "Are you alright?" He asks, his hand gently resting on her upper arm. He could see she was a bit shaken up, her breathing quickened and her eyes wide. "I didn't mean to scare you, I just didn't want them to hurt you. It seems like we all got the same idea, thinking the class would be full of girls." He sheepishly said. "But, uh, why are you here? I didn't know you were interested in ballet."

"I, um, well, yeah. I have been since I was little." Althea responded, her heart slowly starting to calm down. Andrè had always had a calming effect on her and he was one of the only people who could easily calm her down, which was why he was usually the first person she ran to whenever she was upset or on the brink of panicking. "And I convinced Delia to take it. I know how much she loves dancing and I thought she would like it." She glanced through the window in the door, seeing Delia standing in the center of the room. The boys were surrounding her and talking, but they weren't too close and they seemed to be keeping their distance. Delia was standing in front of the other girl too to help keep the boys away from her. Althea wasn't surprised and she was relieved she convinced Delia to join.

Althea looks back at Andrè, realizing she was slowly calming down. His hand was still on her upper arm, his thumb gently rubbing against her. It was a small action, but it was calming her down and helping her relax. He was giving her a concerned look, his eyebrows furrowed. "Are you sure you're okay now? You're not too freaked out, right?"

Andrè's concern melted Althea's heart, and a small smile tugs on her lips. "I'm okay now, thank you. And sorry for getting so jumpy. I appreciate you looking out for me." She takes a deep breath, feeling the tension in her muscles ease with each exhale. "I guess we both didn't expect the ballet class to be so...Crowded with boys."

Andrè chuckles, nodding his head. "Yeah, it's certainly more...Interesting than I imagined."

Althea giggles quietly, shaking her head. "This will certainly be an experience."

"That's for sure." Andrè agrees, a smile on his lips. "Well, are you ready to go in and join the madness?" He questioned, pulling his hand away from her arm and she immediately missed the warmth of his hand.

Althea's heart rate picks up slightly and she chews her lip. She's nervous about going into the room full of boys and she can't deny that. But she trusts Andrè to protect her, and she knows he'll do anything he can to make sure the boys don't hurt her or make her feel uncomfortable. And she felt even better knowing Delia was in there. She would definitely have her back. "Okay, yeah. Let's go."

Andrè nods and opens the door. He walks in first and Althea follows behind him. All the boys turn to look at them and Althea felt like she wanted the floor to swallow her whole and disappear. They all stared at her with curiosity and some had smirks. It was making her nervous and she had the urge to run, but she was thankful that Andrè was standing by her side. She had noticed he was glaring at them and the guys quickly looked away and backed away, muttering apologies.

Delia immediately made her way over to the pair, sending Althea a worried look. "Are you gonna be okay, Aly? We can leave if you want. I don't mind." She knew that Althea wasn't always the most comfortable with a lot of people around and being around a bunch of guys, she could understand why she was so anxious. She would leave with her in a heartbeat if she asked.

"No, no. I'm fine, I promise." Althea assures her. "Thanks, D, but I'll be fine." She gave her a reassuring smile and Delia returned the smile, though Althea could see the concern in her eyes.

"If you're sure, then okay. Just let me know when you want to leave and we'll go. But I'm staying close to you." Delia tells her. Althea nods and smiles a little, and her friend's gaze softens, the concern in her eyes diminishing. "Hey, look." Delia smiles, nodding to the girl she had been standing in front of. "The poor girl was terrified when I walked in, but I got her to tell me her name. Her name is Cambry."

Althea nods, glancing over at the brunette-haired girl. She looked nervous and was keeping her distance from the boys, who were watching her closely. It made her heart ache. She was glad Delia was able to get the girl to talk to her, and she had a feeling Delia would protect the girl. She would try to or at least help Cambry feel comfortable. "Come on, I'll introduce you to her." Delia offers, linking her arm with Althea's and walks over to her. "Cambry, this is my best friend, Althea. The one I told you about."

"Hi, it's nice to meet you." Cambry smiled a little, extending her hand.

"Nice to meet you too, Cambry." Althea signed to her, smiling friendly as she shook Cambry's hand. She's surprised when Cambry signed back to her though she was pleased she knew sign language.

"Delia told me about that you prefer to use sign language because of your speech impediment. I took sign language for a few years, and I've been able to get pretty good at it." Cambry explained with a kind smile while she signed, and Althea's face brightened. It was nice having someone understand her and who was willing to use sign language. She knew most people didn't understand it, and those who did, didn't always want to.

"That's great, I appreciate it." Althea signs. "Thank you."

Cambry nods, smiling back at her. "You're welcome. It's no problem."

The rest of the class went smoothly though Althea had to admit it was still strange having a lot of boys in the class. She wasn't used to it, but it wasn't as bad as she expected. The guys didn't bother her too much, and Delia and Andrè helped keep them away from her, so she was thankful for that. Plus she got to know Cambry a bit more and enjoyed hanging out with her.

Althea knew that Delia was liking ballet so far and she seemed to be really good at it. Althea was excited for her and she was glad Delia was enjoying herself. She hoped that tomorrow, class would run smoothly like today, but with a lot of boys in class it was unpredictable.

****

"Alright, class." Madam Makee spoke up as she entered the classroom the next day.

"Alright." Most of the boys muttered, sounding a bit disappointed she was back. They had all been trying to talk to the three girls though it was a bit hard with Delia sending them harsh looks if one got too close and made one of them uncomfortable. 

"Which dancers would like to show me the routine we were working on last time?" Madam Makee asked.

"We would!" Andrè spoke up, raising his hand. Althea and Delia share a look at that, not expecting him to offer to go first. Robbie seemed surprise at that and upset. 

Robbie looks at him with a glare. "What?"

"We got this, man." Andrè assured him.

"You're a maniac!" Robbie told him.

"Andrè, Robbie, to the front." Madam Makee instructs as they all stepped to the side to give them room. Robbie went to set Rex down, muttering to him that he shouldn't talk to anyone until he got back. Althea sat on top of some boxes nearby Cambry while Delia stood by them, her elbow resting on Althea's shoulder. "From the top! Begin!" Madam Makee called out after the boys got into position and she had pressed play on the stereo she stood by.

Althea had to admit the boys weren't bad at the routine. Though she noticed Delia was covering her mouth to stifle a giggle, causing her to roll her eyes and chuckle quietly. Delia was watching with amusement, and Althea couldn't blame her. It was very entertaining. Every time the boys got near the girls they would wave or smile at them. Althea could tell Cambry was amused by it, but also flattered as she would smile and wave back.

Then when it was time for the big finish, it went completely wrong and the boys ended up on the floor in pain after accidentally kicking each other in the crotch. Everyone grimaced and winced at the scene as Madam Makee turned the music off.

"Let's take a five minute break." Madam Makee suggested.

"Please make it ten." Robbie pleaded, weakly raising his hand.

"Twenty." Andrè corrected.

****

Althea and Delia followed Andrè and Robbie into acting class that day, watching with concern as the boys walked in, holding bags of ice. While it had been a bit amusing what happened in ballet class, she was concerned for them as well. Delia couldn't help but snicker and roll her eyes at them as she sat down with Althea in their usual seats.

"I have a feeling after that there won't be many boys in ballet class." Delia chuckled.

Althea laughs quietly while she shrugs. "Probably not." She glances at the boys and her expression softens. "I hope they're alright."

"They'll be fine. They'll survive." Delia reassured her.

"Happy birthday." Mr. Sikowitz announced when he walked into the room.

"Who's birthday is it?" Cat asked curiously.

"Somebody's, somewhere." Mr. Sikowitz replied, closing the door behind him.

"That's so true!" Cat smiled brightly and sat down while Mr. Sikowitz walked to the front of the room. Althea then realized there was a curtain separating the room and she figured it had to do with Tori and 'The Bird Scene' she had to do.

"Where is Tori?" Mr. Sikowitz questioned.

"Here." Tori peeked her head through the curtain, causing the teacher to jump and turn to face her.

"Oh! Ha ha! You brought curtains." Mr. Sikowitz noticed.

"Let's do this." Tori replied with a determined look on her face.

"Very good. Ladies and gentlemen, once again 'The Bird Scene', starring Tori..."

"Vega." Tori had peeked her head through the curtain again to remind Mr. Sikowitz her last name.

"Vega!" Mr. Sikowitz smiled and walked to the back to sit down.

The curtains are pulled back to reveal the same back drop Tori had from before and Tori wore a handmaid dress. She also had the same glasses as before and she had some different props. She pressed a button on a small remote she had and prairie music played on a speaker.

"It was 1934 when my husband left me." She began, speaking in a southern accent. "Alone. Living on the prairie was a deary existence. No telephone, no radio, only a large, majestic bird with whom I shared my feelings." She whistled and Althea was surprised to see a bird fly in and land on one of the props she had.

Mr. Sikowitz leans forward, his eyes widening. "You see the bird, too, right?" He asked Beck, who sat near him.

"Yeah." Beck nodded.

"Fantastic." Mr. Sikowitz leaned back in his chair, continuing to sip on the coconut he was drinking.

"One day, when I was feeling low, I said to him, 'Oh, bird, you can fly. You soar miles from this lonely place, yet you stay. Why?'" With a nod of her head, she gestured for the bird to leave. The bird squaked and flew out the window.

"And apparently my question rang true, for that afternoon my bird left, and so went my spirit."

"That...Was impressive." Mr. Sikowitz confessed as he stood.

Tori looks up with a grin, a hopeful glint in her eyes. "So did I get it right?"

"Nope." Mr. Sikowitz replied.

Tori's face fell. "But...But I just-I-I...I did too get it right!" She snapped, looking frustrated and annoyed.

"Tori, listen-"

"I'm not trying to be disrespectful. But do you know how hard I worked on this scene? I made this costume. I downloaded special prairie music. I even trained that crazy cockatoo to fly in and out of the window on command!" She rants, pointing at the window. The bird suddenly flies in, landing on the same prop as before. "Not now!" She yells at it and it flew out the window. "Look, I know you're a great acting teacher and everything, but I don't care what you say. The scene I just did was good and I'm proud of it no matter what anybody thinks."

Althea grins, feeling proud for her friend for finally figuring out 'The Bird Scene'. She slowly claps along with the others, noticing Delia looked proud as well. "What?" Tori asked, confused by why they were all clapping.

"You just passed 'The Bird Scene'!" Mr. Sikowitz announced and everyone cheered.

"But-But you said-"

"Tori, the whole point of 'The Bird Scene' is to teach a performer, like yourself, to believe in your own choices, no matter what others think." Mr. Sikowitz explains. "We are artists, and a true artist does not define success based on 'oh, hee, hee' approval from others. A true artist need only please himself...Or herself." He adds and glances over at Rex. "Or itself."

"You don't know what I got." Rex remarked.

"So, all three times I did the scene-"

"Were delightful." Mr. Sikowitz assures Tori, interrupting her sentence. "It was only wrong when you asked if it was right. Hmm?" Tori smiles and nods in response. Mr. Sikowitz claps, standing on stage. "Drive-by acting exercise. You're all elderly people walking barefoot on broken glass. Go!"

****

"You guys ready?" Tori asked, grinning at her friends. It was the next day at school and Tori had finally figured out what to do with decorating her locker. She had her friends come over to show them what she did with it and she was excited to show them.

Althea was looking forward to see what Tori did with her locker. She was proud of her friend for passing 'The Bird Scene' and was happy she figured out a way to decorate her locker. Everyone responded and Tori closed the locker, revealing the front of it. It read 'make it shine' and had the night sky above a city and stars were scattered across the locker.

Trina stares at it with confusion. "Make what shine?"

"It's the title of the song I sang in the big showcase." Tori explained.

"Right!" Everyone said in realization, but Jade just shrugged and said 'whatever' again.

"'Cause you know that's what got me here in the first place." Tori added.

"I don't like it." Jade admitted.

"You don't like anything." Delia chuckled.

"There are few things I like, that is not one of them." Jade muttered.

"Maybe the words should be bigger." Cat suggested.

"Yes." Trina agreed with a smile.

"I think it's great." Althea signed as she smiled at Tori.

"Thank you, Althea." Tori grinned at her while she signed back to her, causing Althea's face to lit up.

"You learned how to sign!" She excitedly signed back.

Tori giggles and nods. "Well, I'm in the process of learning. I've only started. But I thought it would be helpful."

Althea's smile grew wider and she nods, feeling grateful. "It is, thank you."

"Of course, you're welcome." Tori replies as she smiled back at her. Her other friends began talking over each other, suggesting things she could do with her locker, but Tori stops them from talking. "I believe in my own choice, and I don't need approval from others."

"Ah, the young female has learned the ways of 'The Bird Scene'." Beck dramatically said, smiling at Tori.

"I still think it's dull." Jade shrugged.

"Yeah? Well, then maybe I should make it shine." Tori grinned and pressed a button in the bottom right corner. Althea grinned when the stars on the locker lit up. She noticed that the others were impressed by it and she could tell Jade seemed impressed by it, but she hid it well.

"Okay, are we going to eat or what?" Jade inquired.

"Oh, yay, food." Cat cheered and followed Jade along with Trina.

"Coming with?" Beck asked Tori, gesturing with a nod of his head.

"Sure." Tori nodded with a smile.

Beck glances over at Althea and Delia after seeing they hadn't caught up with them. "D, are you guys coming with?"

Delia nods in response. "Yeah, we are." She responded while Althea nodded in agreement. The two girls quickly catch up with their friends as Andrè and Robbie eventually trailed after them, still in pain from what happened in ballet class. 

A/N i love althea & Andrè so much. got any ship name ideas for them? & i had the girl in ballet have a name since im going to make althea in ballet be a permanent thing