Photo Shoots.

Today was the day for pictures for the pamphlets for the musical to be taken. Even though Soul won't be on the front of the pamphlets like Kelsi isn't on the cover of the movie, Soul was still asked to come in and get change into costume to take pictures for the inside of it. Soul stood in front of the mirror as she looked at herself in the Kelsi costume. She was dressed in a black, red pink and blue striped shirt with a green hooded jacket along with a jean jacket on top, khaki cargo pants, and all black vans. For the hair it was in a low messy bun with a pencil in it, along with a gray hat.

"Okay people let's do this!" Ricky exclaimed from on the stage.

Soul took one more look at herself in the mirror before making her way onto the stage, to see Ricky back along with a ridiculous looking wig on his head.

"Oh, my god! Ricky!" Nini exclaimed, covering her mouth as she and Kourtney laughed at him.

"What?" Ricky questioned, doing a hair flip with the wig.

"I can't. There's... There's so much to talk about." Nini said, motioning to his costume.

"Wait, what's funny?" Ricky asked, looking over at Carlos who had a big smile on his face.

"Soul!" Sarah squealed from behind her, causing her to quickly turn around to see her in her Ryan outfit.

"Sarah! You look amazing!" Soul says, looking at her sister's Ryan costume: a blue button up, khaki's, black boot's along with tan hat.

"Me? You look incredible!" Sarah exclaims, making the girl do a twirl. "You really look like Kelsi."

"Really?" Soul asked, causing her to nod frantically with a giant smile.

"Absolutely!" Sarah said, as she looked behind the girl and her smile grew even bigger. "There goes Seb, I'll catch you later."

Sarah quickly made her way over to Seb, who was dressed in a pink Tee with a silver sparkly vest over the top, blue jeans, along with silver heeled boots and he also had a pink patch of hair, causing the two to hug each other.

In the corner of her eyes, Soul could see Ricky high five Gina, as they both wore giant smiles but the thing that confused her the most was how they held hands for a second before letting go.

🎥

Soul, East High Junior

' Am I missing something... Ricky and Gina? The last time I saw them together they were ready to chew each other's heads off.'

🎥

"Okay, guys, we're going to get one in for practice, okay?" Big Red called from behind the camera, causing Soul to stand off to the side. "We're all going to jump on the count of three. Ready? One, Two, Three."

There were some who jumped too early and the others too late, Kourtney also ran in front of the camera as the flash went off.

"Oh, my gosh. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." Kourtney quickly apologized as she ran in front of the camera as it flashed, running to stand beside Soul.

"One, Two, Three." Big Red called once again.

Once again, some jumped to earlier and others jumped too late, the only difference was that the L on musical in the High School Musical fell upside down.

"Wait, what happened?" Big Red asked, confused.

"Where to begin?" Ricky said, looking over at Seb.

"I think you went early." Seb said to Ricky.

"Are we jumping on three or after three?" Gina asked Big Red, confused.

"Yeah, the count of three, ready?" Big Red asked.

"Nah, man, you need some new words." Ricky told Big Red, pointing at him.

"I think I broke a heel." Seb announced, as he bent down.

"That's not good." Sarah said, looking down at his shoe.

"You guys, this isn't that hard." Carlos explained. "You smile, you leave the earth, you land."

"It's a little hard to smile when we don't know the plan." Ricky points out.

"I can't look at Ricky." Nini said, point at the boy beside her. "Is that a problem?"

"Okay, let's take a five." Carlos told the group.

"On five or after five?" Ricky sarcastically asks, as he walks away from the laughing group.

"I think he's mad at us." Seb points out.

Soul laughed at the group, as her phone buzzed in her pocket , causing her to swiftly pull it out as she turned away from
The group, noticing that she got a text from Sammy.

Sammy Slamma Jamma

Family Dinner Tonight @7

Crazy Music Genius

Again?!

I don't know if I can sit through

anymore dinners with Jeff.

It's bad enough that mom

married the guy and he thinks

he's our father..

Sammy Slamma Jamma

I know, I can't stand him either...

But mom wants us all there.

Crazy Music Genius

Yeah Yeah

"Um, Hey Soul." Soul heard from behind her, causing her to turn around to see Ricky with a small smile.

"Hey, Ricky, or should I say Troy. Nice wig by the way." Soul said, sticking the phone back into her back pocket as she looked at the boy's costume, laughing lightly. "What's up?"

"I just wanted to apologize about how I was acting at the Homecoming Dance." Ricky apologized. "You were right, I was acting like a complete jerk and not myself."

"Ricky it's fine." Soul said, reassuring the boy, sending him a smile.

"No it's not fine. I asked you to the dance and pretty much ruined your night." Ricky said, shaking his head. "Let's not forget that I kinda ditched you at the dance."

"That's the thing, I had a great night. I mean, yeah it started off bad, but I ended up having a great time." Soul explained. "So thanks... you know for asking me to go, if you wouldn't have asked I would have stayed home and watched movies all night."

"You're welcome, I guess." Ricky said, confused causing them both to laugh. "Also the whole Nini thing -."

"Ricky, it's okay." Soul said, trying not to sound hurt. "You still have feelings for her and -."

"I don't know if I have feelings for Nini anymore." Ricky said, cutting her off. "I mean, yeah she's an incredible girl and she will always be my first girlfriend but my feelings are kinda changing and I doubt that we are getting back together anytime soon."

"What about the thing with Gina and EJ?" Soul asked, a little confused. "You seemed kind of jealous?"

"I guess I was still upset that Nini dumped me for him and I guess seeing him there with Gina made me think about what happened to me." Ricky explained.

"Yeah, I guess that makes sense." Soul said, nodding. "So I see that you and Gina are cool."

"Um, yeah. I apologized to her at the dance and then took her home." Ricky explained. "I decided to just head home after because I didn't think you wanted to see me for the rest of the night."

"Aww that's nice of you." Soul said, putting a hand over her heart as she heard her name being called and turned to see Carlos. "Hey I got to run but I'll see you, yeah?"

"Yeah, of course! I mean, I'll see you." Ricky said, causing the both of them to smile big as Soul turned and made her way over to Carlos.

"I see you and Romeo kissed and made up." Carlos said jokingly, causing her to laugh with an eye roll.

"Yeah, Yeah." Soul said. "So what did you need?"

"Well we need you for pictures." Carlos said, referring to himself and Big Red. His phone began to ring as he quickly looked at it. "I need to take this, go find Big Red and he'll take your picture."

Carlos quickly answered the phone as he made his way out of the auditorium, causing Soul to make her way over to Big Red.

"Hey, Big Red." Soul called, causing him to look up from the camera. "I heard you needed me for pictures."

"Um, yeah." Big Red said, as he looked around the auditorium before looking back. "Do you know where Carlos went?"

"Yeah, he had a phone call so he went out into the hall to take it." Soul explained, causing him to look a little nervous. "Why, is there a problem?"

"No... Yes?" Big Red said, confused as he let out a giant sigh. "It's just, I don't know how to pose people for a picture and Carlos did that..."

"No worries..." Soul said trailing off, as she looked around the auditorium, noticing the piano, quickly turning back to Big Red. "What if I sat at the piano and you took pictures over there?"

"Yeah, that's good." Big Red agreed, making their way to the piano as Soul took a seat on the bench. "How about you play a song? Pretend like I'm not here."

Soul just nodded her head in response, placing her hands on the keys, letting out a sigh, letting the music take over.

'So it goes, my summer rose is cut and thrown away

Petals fall and you don't call

For days, and days, and days

You say, you say, it's not my fault

You say nothing at all

Can you see my hands shake?

Heart is now an earthquake

I'm left alone to tear myself apart

You make it look so easy

Turn around and leave me

I'm left alone to tear myself apart

To tear myself apart

No concerned for what you burned

You set yourself ablaze

What survived are sharpened knives

That go right through the bone

You say, you say it's not my fault

You say nothing at all

Can you see my hands shake?

Heart is now an earthquake

I'm left alone to tear myself apart

You make it look so easy

Turn around and leave me

I'm left alone to tear myself apart

To tear myself apart

Tear myself apart

Can you see my hands shake?

Heart is now an earthquake

I'm left alone to tear myself apart

You make it look so easy

Turn around and leave me

I'm left alone to tear myself apart

Tear myself apart

Pressing the final key, Soul heard the sound of clapping, causing her to open her eyes to see everyone looking at her cheering, causing her to smile.

"That was incredible, Soul!" Big Red, said smiling as the sound of the bell rang.

"We should all start heading to the bunker." Nini announced, causing everyone to start grabbing their stuff and headed out the auditorium.

Everyone gave compliments to the girl as they passed by, causing her smile to get even bigger.

That changed when she saw Ricky and Gina walking and smiling together, walking her way.

"Hey Soul, that was incredible!" Gina exclaimed, pulling her into a hug.

"Yeah, that was pretty great." Ricky agreed, smiling.

"Thanks, I really appreciate it." Soul said, sending them both a smile. "I should go change, I'll see you guys at the bunker."

Soul quickly made her way into the bathroom, changing into her regular clothes, quickly making her way over to the rack of clothes, hanging up her Kelsi costume.

As she made her way back into the auditorium, she noticed EJ was still there on his phone and as the door closed behind her, his head shot up.

She sent him a small smile as she made her way over to her bag to grab it. Turning around she came face to face or should I say face to chest with EJ.

"Jesus," Soul said, jumping a bit as she placed a hand over her chest. "What the heck EJ, you nearly scared me to death."

"Sorry." EJ said, sending a small smile as Soul nodded. "Anyways, I was actually wondering if you could help me with something?"

"That depends, can you walk and talk?" Soul asked, smiling, walking backwards towards the door. "We do have a rehearsal we need to get to."

He smiled big, quickly following after the girl out the door as they made their way to the bunker.

...

"Hey, speaking of complicated..." Big Red said, approaching Ricky. "I saw you and Soul talking during dress rehearsals, did you guys make up."

"Yeah, surprisingly we did." Ricky said, smiling.

"So, what happened with Gina on Friday?" Big Red, questioned.

"I'm not sure yet." Ricky answered, honestly.

"Okay, but did you find out what happened with her and EJ at the dance?" Big Red asked.

"Yeah, not sure about that either." Ricky answered, looking over at Gina before looking back at Big Red.

"Okay, should I just live vicariously through someone else?" Big Red asked, sarcastically.

The sound of laughter filled the room as Soul walked through the bunker door with... EJ.

🎥

Ricky, East High Junior

' Soul and EJ. When did they become friends?'

🎥

"Is that Soul with EJ?" Big Red asked, looking from the new duo back at Ricky. "I didn't know they were friends."

"Yeah, neither did I." Ricky said, watching as EJ pulled Soul into a hug as she smiled.

"Seems like they're close." Big Red commented.

"Yeah. I guess so." Ricky muttered, quickly
looking away from the two.

"EJ, that sounds ridiculous!" Soul exclaimed as they both laughed, walking through the door of the bunker.

"I told you I need help!" EJ pointed out, stopping in front of the girl placing his hands on her shoulders. "So, what do you say? Will you do it?"

"Sure, why not it sounds like fun." Soul agreed, smiling, as she was pulled into a tight hug by a very happy and smiling EJ.

"Thanks, Soul I owe you one!" EJ said, as she wrapped her arms around the boy's waist but not as tight. "Seriously, you name it."

"How about you let go a little." Soul jokingly said, causing him to let go quickly causing her to let out giggle.

"Sorry, about that." EJ apologized, scratching the back of his neck. "I kinda got a little too excited."

"EJ it's fine, I promise." Soul said, placing a hand on his shoulder causing them both to smile. "So when do we start?"

"I'll text you, yeah?" EJ asked, as she moved her hand, noticing pretty much everyone was watching them.

"Sounds great!" Soul said, smiling before quickly making her way over to Sully, his friends and Sarah. Soul grabbed the script and a pencil from the bag before placing it back on the floor and taking a seat between Sarah and Carter. Sarah quickly scooted over a little making the brunette girl confused but didn't question it.

"Guys, let's just start." Natalie announced, standing up with her clipboard in hand. "Flip to When There Was Me and You in your script."

"Should we maybe wait until Miss Jenn gets here?" Ashlyn questioned, as almost everyone started flipping the pages in their scripts.

"Well, I don't know. Apparently nobody's in charge." Natalie says, looking over at her.

"Okay, people, let's stage a number!" Carlos aesthetically says jogging into the bunker, letting out a fake chuckle. "I'm late."

"Is Miss Jenn coming?" Nini asked, from her seat beside Seb on the piano bench.

"Miss. Jenn had a small personal matter to attend to and won't be here today." Carlos explained, but Soul could tell something was wrong because she could easily read Carlos.

"Carlos, is everything okay?" Soul asked, with a serious tone.

"Good question." Seb said.

"Everything is fine." Carlos said, once again letting out a fake chuckle."Why would you guys even ask that?"

Carlos quickly walked over to Nini and grabbed her hands pulling her to a place on the floor.

"Okay. Gabriella, I need you downstage on this mark." Carlos said stopping in the center in front of the boxes placed all over the floor. "Troy, stage right. Chad, stage left box. Um, other boys, find a box."

"Uh, are they onstage with me while I'm singing?" Nini asked, confused.

"Yes, they will be frozen in various poses to come." Carlos explained. "As the ballad builds, Nini, you will be wandering through a forest of boys."

That statement, 'forest of boys' made everyone confused.

"Wait." Nini said, chuckling lightly. "What does that mean?"

"Do you know what a forest of trees looks like?" Carlos asked, causing Nini to nod. "Okay, but with boys."

"And, uh..." Nini, trailed off, chuckling once again. "No, I'm sorry, why?"

"Because your heart has just been shattered and you can't stop thinking about how amazing Troy is." Carlos explained, walking away from Nini and pointed at Seb. "Let's go!"

Seb started to play the piano but Nini quickly cut him off.

"Uh, no, I'm sorry, but at this point in the show Troy just sold me out to his teammates." Nini explained, confused.

"Well, she's got a point. What Troy did was kind of unforgivable." Ashyln pointed out. "Respectfully, Carlos, I think the last thing anyone wants in this moment is four more versions of him."

"Maybe she could chop down the trees." Natalie suggested.

"Yeah, like how Troy chopped her heart in half." Sarah said, agreeing with Natalie.

"Or what if she's surrounded by a forest of loving supportive sisters. Okay?" Kourtney added, causing all of the other girls to cheer in agreeance.

"Is it better if she just sings a solo acoustic version?" Ricky questioned, with his hand raised.

"That's a great idea!" Soul said agreeing with Ricky, as the other girls were disagreeing. "I mean who doesn't love an acoustic song."

"I vote for that!" Gina excitedly said, as the other girls were still mumbling other ideas.

"Okay, you guys, this isn't a democracy!" Carlos exclaimed, causing everyone to automatically stop and look at him.

"Carlos, are you okay?" Nini asked, walking up to him. "'Cause it's not that deep. We can all come back when Miss Jenn gets here."

"Well, she's not here, and I don't know if she's ever coming back." Carlos admitted.

"Wait, what?" Ricky asked, confused.

"Is this a joke?" Aslyn questioned.

"She's in deep trouble, you guys." Carlos explained, sadly causing almost everyone to stand and walk closer to him. "They're saying that she lied on her job application, and there's a school board meeting in less than 24 hours, and she's probably going to lose her job. I wasn't supposed to tell any of you, but I'm trying to my best here."

" I can't believe it." Nini muttered, walking away from Carlos and taking a seat back at the piano beside Seb.

"What are we even doing in rehearsal?" EJ asked, dropping his arms to his sides.

"Wait, how can we have a show if we don't have a teacher?" Ashlyn questioned.

"You know you could have told me." Seb calmly said.

"Miss Jenn asked me not to." Carlos told him.

"Wow, Carlos. What else are you not telling us?" EJ asked.

"No need to jump on Carlos, this is not his fault." Soul said, walking near Carlos looking at everyone. "Let's all breathe for a second,"

"Do you want to be in charge?" Natalie asked, with an attitude.

"She didn't say that." Sarah said, stepping closer behind her sister.

"You know what? I, um..." Nini said, standing as she swung her bag over her and walked towards the door. "I need a minute."

"Nini, wait!" Soul called after her, but the girl continued walking.

"Right there with you!" Kourtney exclaimed, signaling to everyone else to follow after her.

"Guys, you can't just give up." Soul called, as everyone began to grab their stuff and headed out the door, causing Soul to turn to look at Carlos. "Carlos, you need to do something."

Carlos cupped his hands over his mouth, yelling. "Rehearsals are officially cancelled until further notice!"

"Some team." Soul muttered to herself, watching everyone leave the room, noticing Carlos turn around and leave, causing her to chase after him. "Carlos!"

"Benjamin Mazzara." Carlos called, ignoring the girl's call but she still followed him, stopping right beside him as they faced the robotics and computer teacher.

"Carlos... Surname," Mr. Mazzara said unsurely, before looking in Soul's direction. "And Souline Walker."

"I assume you know what's happening to Miss Jenn?" Carlos questioned.

"I may have heard a rumor in the faculty lounge." Mr. Mazzara explained as he began walking down the hall, with either student on either side of him.

"And I assume you're happy?" Carlos asked.

"Not on the outside." Mr. Mazzara said.

"Look, everyone's fudged on a resume before." Soul explained.

"I haven't." Mr. Mazzara said, sticking up his finger.

"Of course not." Soul muttered under her breath.

"The real question is, who narked on Miss Jenn?" Carlos said, causing both of them to stop as Mr. Mazzara stopped and turned to face them.

"Wait, are you suggesting that I had something to do with this?" Mr. Mazzara questioned.

"Are you admitting that you did?" Soul questioned.

"Of course not." Mr. Mazzara responded. "Look, has it ever occurred to you that Miss Jenn is responsible for her own untimely demise?"

Mr. Mazzara continued down the hall, while Carlos quickly went the other way. Soul decided to just let Carlos handle the fight. Soul turned around, heading back to the bunker to grab her bag but as she got got closer to the door she could hear the sound of a guitar playing from inside.

'I thought you were my fairytale

My dream when I'm not sleepin'

A wish upon a star

That's coming true

And everybody else could tell

That I confuse my feelings with the truth

There was me and you

I swore I knew the melody

That I heard you singing

And when you smile you made me feel

Like I could sing along

But then you went and changed the words

Now my heart is empty

I'm only left with used-to-be's

And once upon a song

Soul silently stuck her head into the door, to see Ricky playing the guitar while singing, causing the girl lightly smile.

Now I know you're not a fairytale

And dreams were meant for sleepin'

And wishes on a star

Just don't come true

Ricky made his way to the other side of the room, causing Soul to stick her head in more but hurried up and pulled it back out when she seen him sit down on a box that was directly in front of ....

🎥

Soul, East High Junior

'Gina... He was singing the song to Gina.'

'Cause now even I can tell

That I confused my feelings with the truth

Because I liked the view

When there was me and you

"So, yeah. That's that." Ricky said, after he strummed the last string, quickly standing up.

"That was really good, Ricky." Gina said, standing up as well. "Gosh, I would kill to play guitar like that."

" Okay, but you're good at, like, everything else, so I don't want to hear it." Ricky told her.

"What's 'everything else'" Gina asked, as Soul warched her walk closer and closer to Ricky.

"Oh, you know, um, acting, dancing, throwing drinks in peoples faces."Ricky said, causing both of them to smile.

"I was sort of hoping you'd forgotten about that." Gina said.

"Yeah, I kinda can't forget about anything that happened at Homecoming." Ricky said as they both sat there and stared at each other.

Wait... what happened at Homecoming.

Soul felt her phone buzz in her back pocket, seeing a text from Sully.

Not the Kitty Sully

Hey I grabbed you bag

when you ran after Carlos.

We're out front just waiting

For you and Sam.

lil BIG Sis

Thanks Sul

i'll be there in a sec.

Soul took one more look at the two, before quickly making her way away from the bunker and out of the school.

....

"So, Soul what's going on with you and EJ?" Sully asked, from beside her at the dinner table.
"EJ, as in my co-captain of the water polo team, EJ?" Sam questioned, causing Sully and Sam to look the girl's way but she never looked back as she pushed her food around with her fork.

"What do you mean?" Soul asked, confused. "There's nothing going on with me and EJ."

"Sure about that?" Sarah questioned, with the sound of betrayal in her voice, causing Soul to
quickly look up at her sister. "I'm pretty sure everyone saw you guys hugging early before rehearsal, it seemed like you two were pretty close."

"He asked for my help with something and I agreed so he hugged me." Soul explained, causing Sarah to scoff as she shook her, crossing her arms, looking away from her sister. "Why, is there a problem with me being friends with EJ?"

"I thought you were friends with Ricky?" Sarah questioned, more with force.

"What is that supposed to mean?" Soul asked, hurt that she being attacked by her own sister. "You were the one who told me I should be friends with Ricky again! To give him another chance."

"It's just, I thought you had a thing for Ricky and now you and EJ?" Sarah questioned, looking directly in her sister eyes as she said. "It seems like you're turning into the new Nini."

That honestly made Soul's heart break, especially hearing it from her own sister.

"Wow." Soul simply said, looking down at her plate once again picking her fork back up as she started pushing the food around the plate.

"How come we are always dragged to these family dinners by Jeff when he can't even bother to show up?" Sam asked, letting out a scoff, looking over at her.

"Exactly, the three of us were supposed to be meeting up with the cast of the musical tonight." Sarah explained, referring to Soul. Sully and herself.

"Didn't you just have rehearsal or whatever after school?" Mom questioned. "What is the need for a meeting if you'll see each other tomorrow at musical rehearsal?"

"That is if we even have a musical." Soul muttered, stabbing the fork into the food.

"Well if it isn't my beautiful family, all sitting around the table together." Jeff said walking into the room, taking a seat. "That I love all so dearly."

"Bull crap." Souls muttered, putting the fork down onto the plate.

"Souline." Mom warned with a glare. "Watch your tone."

"No, it's okay dear our daughter has something to say.." Jeff said, sending mom a smile, turning to look directly at the teenage girl. "Do you want to say that again? Sweetheart"

That made everyone at the table all of a sudden stop, turning their attention on young brunette girl as she closed her eyes before quickly opening them.

"I said bullcrap! You can't love me, you don't even know me." Soul said, raising her voice, turning to face him. "I told you never to call me that, you're not my father and you will never be my father."

"Listen here little girl -" Jeff said, begin to raise his voice.

"No you listen here Jeff!" Soul said, cutting him off as venom dripped with her words, not noticing his face getting red with every word. "you may walk around here like you own the place but you will never have my respect or love! You act like you can just walk into our lives like we're some charity case! Guess what Jeff we don't need you to act like our father because you will never be that!"

"Listen to me!" Jeff exclaimed, grabbing the girl's wrist tightly, causing her to let out a yelp as tears started to form in her eyes as she tried to pull away. "I don't know who you think you are, but I know that you will listen to me! Never raise your voice at me ever again!"

"Get your hands off my sister!" Sam yelled, quickly standing, trying to pull Jeff's hand off of his sister's wrist, only causing Jeff to squeeze harder, causing her to let out a cry in pain. "I said get your hands off of my sister!"

Jeff finally let go of her wrist, causing her to quickly cradle it to already see a bruise forming as Jeff just chuckled and continued to eat his dinner.

"Mom, aren't you going to do something?" Sully whisper, looking directly at mom from beside Soul.

"Alright, why don't we all just recollect ourselves and just eat dinner as a family." Mom said with a smile on her face.

"I agree with you hunny." Jeff said, as he stuck his fork in his mouth as he looked over at all four of the Walker siblings with a small smirk.

"Mom are actually serious?" Sarah asked in disbelief. "He could have just broken her wrist!"

"Well she did start it." Mom simply answered, as she took a bite of her food.

"Are you serious right now?" Soul asked, quickly standing up as she got no response. "Some mother you are. I'm going to Big Red's"

Soul quickly made her way to the front door, grabbing her skateboard that was leaning against the wall beside the door before walking straight out the front door. Soul swiftly wiped away the tears, placing the board onto the ground, speeding off into the night , making Jed way to Big Red's house.

...

Soul silently made her way down the stairs to Big Red's basement when she heard her name pop up, causing her to stop and listen.

"Yeah it's been really hard on them, but you can tell that it's affected Soul the most." Wyatt say. "They were so close."

"Yeah I remember one time in 2nd grade when Soul fell and bumped her knee and she wouldn't stop crying until her dad came and got her." Nini said, letting out a light chuckle, causing Soul to smile.

As there was a moment of silence Soul started quietly moving again but stopped once again.

"Not to make anyone worried or anything but did anyone else see the bruise or cut on Soul's face?" Carlos asked, causing almost everyone to gasp, causing Soul's breath to go hitched.

"When did you see this?" EJ asked, concerned.

"Last week, we were in the auditorium." Carlos explained. "She started crying and she wiped her eyes and must have wiped the makeup away. I asked her what happened, all she said was she fell but it was pretty bad. "

"So what, you think their step dad hits them?" Nini asked, with the hint of confusion in her voice. "That can't be, their mom cares too much about them."

"I shouldn't tell you guys this but, it wasn't her stepdad... it was her mom." Gina said as a few once again gasped, causing Soul to let a few tears fall, quietly taking a seat on the stairs. "Soul told me the night that it happened."

"There must have been some reason because no one just hits their kid." EJ say, Soul feeling her phone buzz, seeing a text from Sully.

Not the Kitty Sully

Hey, just wanted to
let you know we are
Outside of Big Red's if
you want to stop by...
Also Sam came with us.

lil BIG Sis

I' just got here
I'll see you soon.

"She said that Jeff is the reason her mom is like that and makes her drink heavily because he knows she's easily persuaded. She said that Jeff would scream and throw things and all there mom would do is stand up for him." Gina explained. "But I wouldn't be surprised if he has."

"Yeah, we were there over the summer and now we aren't allowed over there anymore because Jeff said we are 'a bunch of nerds who brainwash people'." Wyatt explained. "We aren't that advanced yet."

"So what are we going to do?" Ricky asked.

"How about we focus on the Miss Jenn thing, tonight and tomorrow we focus on that. Deal?" Carlos asked, looking around at everyone, causing them to look at each before quickly agreed before Big Red's mom yelled from upstairs.

"Big Red, you have a few stragglers." His Mom yelled, causing Soul to quickly stand from where she was sitting on the stairs

"That must be them." Kourtney quietly said to the group.

"Thanks Mom, can you send them down." Big Red yell.
Soul heard footsteps coming down the stairs, causing her to quickly walk down the stairs as all heads quickly turned to her.

"Hey guys." Soul said, sending everyone a small smile.

"Sorry, we're late." Sarah said, stepping down behind Soul as she felt a hand touch her shoulder, causing her to quickly turn around to see Sam.

"Everything okay Soul?" Nini asks, standing up from her spot on the dresser behind Kourtney, causing Soul to quickly look over at her.

"Yeah, everything's fine." Soul said quickly, sending her a smile. "I guess I'm just tired."

Soul turned back around again, meeting eyes with Sam as she felt the guilt radiating off of him.

"I hope you guys don't mind that Sam tagged along." Sarah said, pointing at her twin causing him to snap his focus off of his sister as it focused on the room full of theater kids.

"Hey, I hope I'm not intruding." Sam said, sending a small wave.

"Not at all." Ricky said, shaking his head as everyone agreed.

"Take a seat. " Carlos said, causing Sarah to take the seat between Seb and Ashlyn, Sully pulled up a chair beside the couch all his friends were sitting on, Soul took a seat on the chair placed beside Ricky, and Sam pulled up a chair beside her.

Everyone sat in silence, staring at each other until Natalie Bagley decided to speak up.

"This is a terrible party. There aren't even pretzels." Natalie complained. "What are we even doing here?"

"We all ended up in the basement after a really bad day, so someone should say something." Ashlyn said, causing Soul to look down, playing with the sleeves on the jacket she was wearing, quickly pulling it down when the top of the bruise showed. Soul watched as a hand covered her, noticing it was Sam's, causing her to squeeze it as she sent him a sad smile.

"Fine. I'll say something." Carlos said, causing everyone to look in his direction. "I'm mad at Miss Jenn."

"Why?" Gina asked, confused with a scoff. "Because she's got a couple skeletons in her closet?"

"No, because she's giving up." Carlos admitted. "She was the first teacher to not see me as a punchline, and now she's not even a real teacher?"

"Define 'real teacher'." Ashlyn says.

"He's got a point." Kourtney pointed out.

"Does he, though?" Natalie asked, looking down at Kourtney.

"Guys." Big Red said.

"So, why are we all here then?" Natalie asked, looking around at everyone.

"Yeah, good question." EJ said, throwing his arms up. "This is a waste of time."

"Honestly? Because she gave me a shot." Carlos said. "And it's been a long time since someone gave me a shot."

"She gave me a voice." Nini said.

"Yeah, and now nobody's gonna get to hear it because Miss Jenn screwed up." Kourtney said.

"Okay, does anyone here actually care if her past is a little bit sketchy?" Ashlyn questioned. "Anyone?"

"I do." Ricky said, speaking up.

"Seriously, dude?" Big Red asked his best friend.

"What because you live some perfect life?" Kourtney questioned.

"Not at all." Ricky said looking back at her, before standing up from his seat. "Because she put our show in jeopardy, and now we're all here, maybe for the last time, together. And for some of this has become... I don't know."

"Family." Soul finally spoke up, looking over at Ricky who smiled as he nodded.

"What team?" Ricky asked.

"Wildcats." Everyone said together.

"Okay Wildcats." Sarah questioned. "What are we going to do about it?"

"What we do best." Soul said, looking over at her before looking at everyone else with a big smile. "Musical theatre."

....

The next morning, all of the theater kids sat in the cafeteria as Miss Jenn sat in front of the board and Principal Gutierrez.

"Miss Jenn, it may not surprise you to learn that we have heard earfuls about your unorthodox style ever since you got to East High." Mr. Gutierrez explained. "Personally, I always chalked it up to the well-known fact that people in dramatic arts are insane."

"Thank you." Miss Jenn said, leaning forward speaking into the mic before leaning back.

"But now, we have news that your resume is exaggerated." Mr. Gutierrez said, picking up a blue folder. "Your teaching credential is from some obscure online university, and even your official name might be some version of a stage name. What do you say to this charge?"

"I have always done my best by these kids." Miss Jenn explained.

"Just answer the question." Mr. Gutierrez said.

"Excuse me." Mr. Bowen said, standing up from his seat. "Can I say something?"

"I'm sorry we're not opening up the floor to parents on this." Mr. Gutierrez explained.

"Let him speak." One of Nini's mom's said as some parents began to murmur.

"Go ahead Mr. Bowen." Mr. Gutierrez motioned towards him.

"I'm a little late to this party, but I gotta say the real crime here would be booting a teacher who's making a positive impact." Mr. Bowen said, gesturing to Miss Jenn. "I've never seen my kid this invested in anything, and I don't think that's something we should punish. Your... Honor."

"We'll, what about the kids who are acting the exact opposite?" Jeff questioned, standing from his not to far from Mr. Bowen.

Soul felt Sarah and Sully quickly grab her hands, knowing they all had the same feeling.

"I'm sorry, who are you?" Mr. Gutierrez questioned.

"I'm Jeff Phillips, I'm Samuel, Sarah, Souline and Sullivan's father." Jeff explained.

Soul felt almost all of the theatre kids eyes on the three siblings but their eyes were all stuck on him.

"You may continue, Mr. Phillips." Mr. Gutierrez said with a nod.

"Well ever since 3 of my kids joined the musical they've been acting up at home and I have a feeling it's because of this musical." Jeff explained. "They have never acted with such behavior before this so-called teacher walked into their lives."

"Mr. Bowen and Mr. Phillips, I appreciate both of your statements, but I think we can all agree that theater isn't unique in this regard." Mr. Gutierrez explained. "It doesn't have some special fairy dust that can't be filled by another extracurricular."

Soon the sound of humming began to fill the cafeteria by the students of the theatre department as they all began standing from their spots all around the cafeteria.

Don't say another word

Some of us need to be heard

You want her big confession

She never saw Dear Evan Hansen

Whatever you think about her

The show can't go on without her

Maybe her class could be a little more classy

Maybe her head's not in the game

Maybe her past is just a little bit sketchy

We need her all the same

She's the one who cheers us on

So what if she's dropping the ball?

She stands for truth, justice and songs in our key

She stands for us and we believe

Before she got here, we were so off track

Then Miss Jenn gave us a chance

We used to fall asleep in chemistry class

Now it makes us want to dance

She's the show that must go on

So we're putting in a good word 'cause we heard

She stands for truth, justice and songs in our key

She stands for us and we believe

What's my motivation?

She provides me inspiration

Whatever about her reputation

Seems about a time for a modulation

She stands for truth, justice and songs in our key

Jazz squares in the choreography

Sharpay and Ryan, you know they'd agree

She stands for us and we believe

She stands for us and we believe

They ended as they all held out jazz pointing at Miss Jenn, who was standing in the center of all of them and Mr. Gutierrez didn't look impressed.

Nini's mom was the first parent to stand and begin clapping and was soon followed by everyone else cheering and clapping as they stood, even the board members were clapping; well except Mr. Gutierrez, Jeff and mom but she had a proud smile on her face.

"Settle, people! Settle down. Settle down." Mr. Gutierrez yelled, causing the applause of settle, before looking at the board. "Do we have any further questions?"

"Just one." The lady on the end said, standing. "So, how do I snag two ticket for opening night?"

As she did the famous 'pop and lock and jam and break' dance causing everyone in the cafeteria to cheer.

Soul turned and hugged the first person she saw, which was Ricky.

"I can't believe it! It actually worked!" Soul exclaimed, pulling Ricky into a tight hug as he chuckled.

"Of course it worked." Ricky said, letting go as he looked down at her. "I mean with you incredible song and Carlos' amazing choreography it was sure to work."

"Thanks Ricky." Soul said, sending him a big smile, but stopped when Ricky turned around when Gina tapped him and he picked her up and spun her in a hug.

Soul quickly looked away from the two and met eyes with EJ, making her way over to him.

"Hey." Soul said, sending him a small smile. "You were pretty great out there."

"Not as amazing as you were." EJ said, causing her to look down as a smile creeped on her face.

"You really think so?" Soul questioned, as he nodded, causing the girl to wrap her arms around the boy tightly. "Thanks EJ."

Soul felt eyes looking at them, out of the corner of her eyes she could see Sarah and Ricky watching us.

"Anytime, what are friends for." EJ said, wrapping his arms around her.