The cast all laughed and chattered as they all made their way back into the dressing room.

"Okay, listen up. Listen up, my Wildcats." Miss Jenn spoke up, causing the group to grow quiet. "Stay in costume because Mommy needs pictures of her babies."

"Okay, but Miss Darbus is in this photo. You were giving us acting beats out there, Miss Jenn." Ashlyn praised the woman.

"Yeah, incredible that you've never been on Broadway." EJ added. "Yet."

"No, just the kids." Miss Jenn nervously chuckled. "Just the kids in this picture. And cheese."

"Why do I not want to take this costume off?" Ricky said, causing the Kourtney, Soul and Big Red to chuckle.

"It's a miracle to see you in a graduation cap and gown at all." Big Red shot, causing Kourtney and Soul to laugh.

"Seriously. No, I mean..."

"You're not ready to graduate high school." EJ spoke up, stepping behind the Walker girl as he placed his arm on her shoulder.

"Yes." Kourtney pointed at the boy.

"Except that you never know if the next adventure will be even bigger." Miss Jenn spoke, causing Soul to look down in thought.

"See? Also, yes to that."

"But we should never take the next show for granted. The only thing you should never promise ever is forever... Now let's do a silly one."

That caused the group to laugh as Soul smiled softly before the group posed for the picture.

"I have an important announcement to make." Seb beamed, rushing into the room. "My dad has known I was gay since I was two, when I cried after we slaughtered my favorite pig. And he's been waiting for me to come out for 14 years."

"I can't believe we're actually gonna do the Housewives Tour." Carlos grinned, embracing the boy.

"You guys deserve it." Big Red said, causing the couple to smile.

"Wait, where are Maddox and Gina?" Ashlyn questioned, looking around the room.

"Um, um..." Miss Jenn stuttered, unsure of what to say. "Okay, kids, listen up. Gina has something big she's about to tell everyone. But she didn't wanna ruin our night by telling you before the show."

Soul and Ricky locked eyes before looking back towards the drama teacher.

"And she's about to come in here, looking like a movie star. And we should just..." Miss Jenn stumbled over her words as a smile grew. "We should just cheer her on and support her. Okay... Any minute now. She'll be here."

"I guess I'll say something? You know in case this is the last time we're all in the same room?" Ricky spoke up.

"Of course." Miss Jenn smiled, causing him to quickly switch spots with Miss Jenn and Mr. Mazzara in front of the group.

"Uh... For the longest time, I um, thought being happy was something that you arrived at. You know, uh... and when you got there, you were just there. You were just happy forever. But I guess I'm realizing that, um, happiness is something that comes and goes. You know, like people, or the weather in Utah." Ricky spoke, causing the group to lightly chuckle. "I just wanna say, since this is the only time we'll all be in our graduating gowns together, that if I hadn't found this program or, um... No, if this program hadn't found me... I don't know what would've happened to me. I don't know where I would've ended up, you know? Because no one really believed in me. No one really accepted me and no one really saw me, before you guys. You know? This is the best thing that's ever happened to me."

"Ricky, you don't have to say it like it's over." Kourtney cried.

"But... yeah."

"It's never smart to count on tomorrow when all you've got is... You know?" Mr. Mazzara explained.

"Tonight." Miss Jenn spoke.

The group turned their attention towards the door as Gina walked in dressed in the beautiful purple and red dress.

"Hi, everybody."

"Maybe everyone should sit down for this." Miss Jenn said, causing everyone to quickly take a seat as Ricky made his way towards the group sitting in the front between Miss Jenn and Soul.

"Hi. Oh, gosh. I have so much I wanna say to you guys, but the makeup people told me not to cry before this press conference. Uh... Okay. I got cast in Quinn's next movie, and I'm getting in a limo and going to fly to New Zealand in about 20 minutes. I'm sorry, I know New Zealand is a sore subject for you after Six Below Zero." Gina spoke, looking over at Mr. Mazzara.

"It hurts less now." Mr. Mazzara said through the pain.

"And I just wanna say... I had no idea who I was, not really, until I met you guys. I was, like, 20 different people before East High, and now I'm just..."

"Just Gina." Soul answered, causing Gina to nod as she smiled lightly at the girl.

"I'm just Gina. And now I'm supposed to leave for a really long time because I'm uh, Juliet in this like $100 million Romeo and Juliet movie. It's based on a play." Gina announced.

"This is amazing, Gina." Kourtney cried out.

"So, I'm not gonna call this goodbye, but... Ashlyn... you have taught me that my identity is allowed to keep growing. That I'm the only person who get's to define who I am. And Kourtney... Elsa! You are the most courageous person I know. I used to think that strength came from being fearless, but I've realized that it comes from overcoming fear, not the absence of it. And you are the best fashionista ever... And, Carlos, you are the funniest person I've ever met. And, it has been the biggest pleasure of my life, being your co-choreographer. And no matter what happens tomorrow, or the day after that, we just keep on dancing. and , Sebbie, you're like an angel. I think if a dog were in human form, it would be you. The way you see the world is just so pure, and I really wish the world were as pure as you see it. and , Big Red, welcome back from the Egypt. Or wherever you were. I love the way you unconditonally love people, and the way you've always been there for Ricky. And I aspire to have such a beautiful and big heart like yours. And, Jet, I think if anyone can give me a run for my money when it comes to the intimidation thing, it's probably you. But I've learned that you are actually a really big softie. And if you don't ask Kourtney out before she, you know, graduates... oh, you're losing. And, Emmy, it has been such an honor getting to see you grow. I feel like you're my little sister, and I can't wait to see you take over the world. But bring me along with you, please. And, EJ. You have taught me so much about myself. And I am so thankful that you make our girl really happy. And, Miss Jenn... I'm not gonna lie, I was super pissed at you for not casting me as Gabriella last year, when I first got here, but you have shown me it's not about being a star. It's about creating something you love with the people you love. And my mom wasn't here last semester, but you were. You have so much more than a teacher to me, to all of us. And I don't think I'll ever be able to explain to you how much that has meant... These one's are gonna kill me."

Gina looked over locking eyes with the Walker girl who was already a crying mess.

"Soul..." Gina choked out as she smiled at the girl through her tears. "My platonic soulmate and my best friend. You are truly a gift from God, and I thank him everyday for bringing me to you, you beautiful angel. You have honestly changed my life so much and have taught me alot, about myself and life... I uh, never told you this but you were actually my first friend like ever. You have such a caring heart and soul and you accepted me as I was with open arms on the first day, no questions asked. You have defended my honor so many times even when I did some stupid things. You were the light that I needed and you helped me realize that it wasn't that people didn't care about me, I just wasn't letting them care and you care, you care so much. I mean, you brought me into your beautiful family when I didn't have anyone here and I love them like my own... You are my biggest supporter and my biggest inspiration in life for literally everything. I have loved being able to watch you grow as a person this last year, it has been such a beautiful sight to see you achieve your dreams. I'm so happy that you found your person in EJ. I mean you guys were literally made for each other and complement each other so well and I swear if I'm not the maid of honor at your wedding.... You have taught me that even though life may get rough, there's always something beautiful waiting for you on the other side. In this instance your very own tour!"

Soul let out a chuckle as the group let out a gasp as they turned to the girl with big smiles.

"Soul no one is more deserving of this incredible opportunity than you. Call Jamie and tell him you are going on tour!" Gina exclaimed, causing Soul to smile nodding her head, causing Gina to grin. "And if you happen to come to New Zealand I expect backstage passes to your show."

"You'll be the first one on the list." Soul nodded, smiling through her tears.

"I love you so much, Souline Estella Walker. You are my sister."'

"I love you too." Soul sobbed out, causing Kourtney to wrap her arm around the girl.

"Ricky." Gina chuckled, trying not to break down. "When I first got here, I tried to act like I didn't care what anyone thought of me. But I actually cared so much. I've always been so scared that if people really know me, they won't like what they see, And partially because I didn't really know me, but also the parts I did see, I didn't know if I really liked, either. But with you, I feel so seen. And so understood. And so known."

Gina broke down, causing the Bowen to quickly stand as he comforted her.

"It's okay. It's okay." Ricky reassured the girl, pulling her into a hug as she cried into his shoulder.

"Gina, we... wow." Maddox stopped, noticing the girl as she made her way into the room. "Um, we need you in the auditorium."

"Wait, Maddox, are you..." Ashlyn trailed off as she stood from her seat.

"I am. I'm supposed to do the movie, too." Maddox announced. "And I didn't...um. God, I'm so sorry. I didn't know how to tell you after... you know."

Ashlyn whimpered as she started crying as she sat back down.

"I'm so sorry, I'm such a mess. I said too much. Does anyone else wanna say something?" Gina apologized, looking around at the group as everyone was quiet.

"Soul, honey. you think you got one more song for us." Miss Jenn smiled, causing the group to sadly look at the girl.

"For you guys, of course." Soul sadly smiled, grabbing the acoustic guitar that was sitting on the table nearby as she sat on a chair in front of the group with Gina right beside her as Soul softly began strumming her guitar.

I said remember this moment
In the back of my mind
The time we stood with our shaking hands
The crowds in stands went wild
We were the kings and the queens
And they read off our names
The night you danced like you knew our lives
Would never be the same

Long live the walls we crashed through
How the kingdom lights shined just for me and you
I was screaming, "Long live all the magic we made"
And bring on all the pretenders
One day we will be remembered

I said remember this feeling
I passed the pictures around
Of all the years that we stood there on the sidelines
Wishing for right now
We are the kings and the queens
You traded your baseball cap for a crown
When they gave us our trophies
And we held them up for our town
And the cynics were outraged
Screaming, "This is absurd"
'Cause for a moment, a band of thieves
In ripped up jeans got to rule the world

Long live the walls we crashed through
How the kingdom lights shined just for me and you
I was screaming, "Long live all the magic we made"
And bring on all the pretenders, I'm not afraid
Long live all the mountains we moved
I had the time of my life fighting dragons with you
I was screaming, "Long live the look on your face"
And bring on all the pretenders
One day we will be remembered

Soul slowly stood from her seat as she grabbed onto Gina's hand with a sad smile.

Will you take a moment?
Promise me this
That you'll stand by me forever
But if, God forbid, fate should step in
And force us into a goodbye
If you have children someday
When they point to the pictures
Please tell them my name
Tell them how the crowds went wild
Tell them how I hope they shine

Gina let out a chuckle as she wiped the tears from her eyes.
As Soul looked over at the group with a smile as she lightly strummed the guitar.

Long live the walls we crashed through
I had the time of my life with you
Long, long live the walls we crashed through
How the kingdom lights shined just for me and you
And I was screaming, "Long live all the magic we made"
And bring on all the pretenders, I'm not afraid
Singing long live all the mountains we moved
I had the time of my life fighting dragons with you
And long, long live the look on your face
And bring on all the pretenders
One day
we will be remembered

The room was filled with silence as everyone had tears, Soul looked at Gina pulling her into a tight hug as both girls cried.

"You and Mack are gonna be late for your flight." Maddox sadly spoke, causing the duo to pull away.

"Gina. Never forget, tonight or any night. You can take the girl out of Salt Lake, but you can't take Salt Lake out of the girl." Miss Jenn spoke, causing Gina to nod.

"Gina." Maddox whispered, dragging the girl out of the room with her makeup artist quickly following behind them.

Soul and Ricky stood side by side as they sadly watched the girl they both cared about the most walk out of their lives as EJ approached both of them.

"Are we... are we still doing a musical next semester?" Emmy questioned, standing from her spot.

"Uh... Well." Miss Jenn stuttered not knowing how to answer.

"What do I do? I didn't..." Ricky cried, looking over at Soul. "I didn't say, I Love You."

"Where's that electric guitar?" EJ questioned, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder, causing the boy to freeze.

"Ricky, this is your last shot to tell her before she gets in that limo and leaves for a very long time." Soul spoke, giving the boy a small smile. " It's now or never dude, so go say it and you say it loud."

A smile grew on the boy's face as he nodded, quickly racing out of the room towards his locker.

"Guys, we gotta go!" Soul exclaimed, pointing out the door, causing the group to quickly change out of their costumes before rushing towards the auditorium.

"If our girl is becoming a star tonight. We are not missing it." Kourtney snapped, leading the group down the hall.

Jet quickly took off into a sprint, causing the rest of the group to quickly run after him, trying to dodge past the people walking through the halls.

The group quietly snuck into the back of the press, causing a smile to grow on the Porter girls face.

"And... And the only reason I have the strength to play a role as big as Juliet, and I honestly can't wait to read the play, which I hear is incredible, is because of the people here at East High who made me who I am. The people who taught me how to love, even when it hurt." Gina smiled, picking up the pen to sign her contract. "And that's why... That's why I'm so grateful to Quinn for asking me to be bold tonight. And especially, that you, Quinn... for agreeing at the last minute to shoot Romeo and Juliet here in Salt Lake City, where I can remain a student alongside the best drama class that has ever been."

The group stood in the back in a mix of shock and happiness as they clapped and cheered for the girl.

"Am I too late?" Ricky exclaimed, racing into the auditorium with his guitar in hand, causing Soul to smile. "Am I too late?"

Ricky looked over to the group as they all sent him a supportive smile.

"You got this." Soul mouthed, causing the boy to nod as he let out a breath before bringing the guitar to the front.

"Two, three, four." Ricky muttered, strumming the guitar.

I been wishin' on a fallin' star for too long
I been runnin', I don't know what from
But you and I've become a sacred kinda home

I'm in love, I'm in love, I'm in love and I know it
No net, no fear right here in this moment
Mm, I've never been more sure of what I got, yeah
'Cause this is so much more than puppy love, so
I'll say it first, no matter what the cost
Here I am, full heart, full stop
I love you

I wanna finish what we started in the stairwell where we met
I wanna live like I have never even heard the word regret
I wanna scream what's in my heart and I won't ever take it back
'Cause I love you feels a lot like high school and forever after that

Everyone's attention quickly snapped to the back of room as the other teens joined in.

I wanna finish what we started in the stairwell where we met
I wanna live like I have never even heard the word regret
I wanna scream what's in my heart and I won't ever take it back

Soul felt the boy beside her squeeze her hand, causing her to smile up at the Caswell boy as they sang together.

'Cause I love you feels a lot like high school and forever after that (forever after that)

I wanna finish what we started in the stairwell where we met (Forever after that)
I wanna live like I have never even heard the word regret
(I'm in love, I'm in love, I'm in love)
I wanna scream what's in my heart and I won't ever take it back
(I'm in love, I'm in love, I'm in love)

'Cause I love you feels a lot like high school
And forever after that

The group stood there holding hands as they watched the couple with smiles on their faces as Gina pulled the boy in for a kiss.

"This is an incredible way to announce a movie!" A reporter said, standing up.

"Thank you, thank you. Yeah." Quinn spoke, stepping up to the podium, causing the group to quickly move to the side, leaving Ricky and Gina standing in front of Quinn. "This was the plan the whole time. You know, to really make some headlines, as they say. You know, Utah is a beautiful and surprising place. As are the people."

"Well, it worked."

Soul felt her pocket vibrating, causing her to quickly pull out her phone as the name Jamie flashed across the screen.

"Hey, I'll be right back." Soul told the group, causing them to nod with grins before the girl quickly made her way into the hallway.

The girl let out a deep breath before clicking the green button. "Jamie, hi! I was just about to call you."

"With good news I hope."

"Yeah. I'll do the tour." Soul smiled, causing the man on the other side of the phone to cheer.

"Yes! This is going to be epic! You hear me, epic!"

"But, I have some conditions." Soul spoke firmly, causing the man to go quiet. "I'll do the tour, if it's after I graduate from East High."

"Soul..."

"I understand that this is a huge opportunity and I am so grateful to even have the chance to do a tour in the first place." Soul explained, letting out a light chuckle as she looked down. "I mean it's all I've ever wanted. But this... East High is a special place and I'm not ready to give it all up, just yet."

"I'll see what I can do." Jamie sighed, after a moment of silence, causing a smile to grow on the girl's face. "But if i do this for you, you are going to have to work hard and make sure you keep your name alive until you hit the stage."

"I will, I promise." Soul smiled. "Also one more thing. Am I able to choose the opener?"

After her very successful phone call with Jamie, Soul made her way back into the auditorium to find the curtains open and her friends sitting in the seats.

"There she is! Our Pop Star!" Ashlyn called, causing the girl to smile as she made her way down the stairs.

Gina held her hand out for the girl, giving it a squeeze before Soul made her way to EJ.

"Everything okay?" EJ asked, causing the girl to smile.

"Everything's perfect." Soul grinned, causing the boy to place a kiss on her head. "Guess who's staying at East High."

"W-what about your tour?" Gina spoke, sitting up in her seat.

"There will always be another tour, but this... I couldn't just walk away from all of this." Soul smiled, gesturing to the group, causing them to smile. "Besides, I was inspired to make my own contract. So, I talked to Jamie and he is going to talk the label into pushing the tour back a few months until after graduation.."

That caused the group to happily cheer for the girl.

"I'm so proud of you dear." Miss Jenn smiled at the girl.

"Thank you, Miss Jenn."

"I expect nothing better than the VIP treatment." Kourtney teased, causing everyone to laugh.

"Of course. I would love nothing more than if you all came to my Utah show." Soul smiled lightly.

"We wouldn't miss it for the world." Ricky smiled, causing the rest of group to nod.

"Okay, okay." Carlos spoke up. "So, if I've done the math correctly, there are two unnecessary tickets to New Zealand currently waiting at the Salt Lake Airport."

"Two first-class tickets." Seb corrected.

"Plus, a limo idling out front." EJ added.

"I'm just saying. Benny the boy band member never got to play New Zealand." Jet pointed out, causing the group to look back at Mr. Mazzara.

"What? Oh, no. No, I couldn't."

"Couldn't we?" Miss Jenn asked, smiling at the man.

"Oh, finally." EJ muttered, causing Soul to chuckle.

"Please, God, yes. Just take my dad out of the equation." Ricky begged, causing the group to cheer as the two adults embraced.

"Okay, so, we've got a stretch limo and I'm wearing a $15,000 gown." Gina pointed out.

"So, what do theater kids do after opening night of their high school musical?" Big Red questioned.

"I have an idea." Ricky and Soul said at the same time, causing them both to chuckle.

...

The group of friends raced out the front doors of East High school with the biggest smiles on their faces.

One by one they piled into the stretch limo, leaving Ricky and Soul standing side by side as they smiled towards the school.

Soul looked over at the boy, placing a hand on his shoulder sending him a smile before climbing her way into the limo.

Don't need a king, I got my crown
Don't need a hero to lift me off the ground
I built this heart, it's beatin' loud
Won't let no bad blood ever bring us down

Keep flyin' higher
Fight like a fighter
What if I'm everything that I will ever need?

A queen messiah
A strong survivor
Even the worst days won't get the best of me

'Cause I was born to be brave
I know who I am inside and I won't apologize
Made my mistakes
And they gave me wings to fly to my castle in the sky

Let my hair down and let it go
No more runnin', I run this show
Way up here, yeah, the view is gold
Born to bе brave
Now I'm standin' miles high like castlеs in the sky

Bosses and queens, stand up on your throne (Hey)
Know who you are, this is your kingdom
Legends at heart, individuals
Go make your mark, be original

'Cause I was born to be brave
I know who I am inside and I won't apologize
Made my mistakes
And they gave me wings to fly to my castle in the sky

Let my hair down and let it go (Oh)
No more runnin', I run this show (Yeah)
Way up here, yeah, the view is gold
'Cause I was born to be brave
Now I'm standin' miles high like castles in the sky

Like castles in the sky