"Act Two Everyone! Act Two!" Miss Jenn exclaimed to everyone in the bunker, causing the dancers to quickly make their way out of the room as Miss Jenn turned to Soul with a smile. "It's showtime."

Soul stood up, following Miss Jenn to the side stage as she peeked out of the curtain as she watched everyone begin to fill back into the gym as they began retaking their seats.

"You got this." Sarah's voice filled Soul's ears, causing Soul to quickly turn around as she came face to face with Sarah, Gina, Seb and Carlos.

"You're going to blow everyone away!" Gina said, happily sending her best friend a smile.

"Yes! Also remember to 'strut your strut'," Carlos says, quoting 'Bop To The Top', causing the girl to chuckle.

"Thanks guys." Soul said, sending them all a smile as Soul noticed Miss Jenn give her nod meaning it was time for her to head on stage.

Soul turned away from the group making her way onto the dark stage. As she made her way to the piano she noticed EJ, Ashlyn, Nini and Kourtney standing behind the other curtain giving the girl smiles of encouragement, causing her to send a small smile back. As she took a seat at the piano, causing the gym to go silent, Soul let out a small breath as a spotlight hit her before she began playing the piano.

Here's the one thing I want you to know

You got some place to go

Life's a test, yes, but you go toe-to-toe

You don't give up, no, you grow

And you use your pain

'Cause it makes you "you"

Though I wish I could hold you through it

I know it's not the same

You got living to do

And I just want you to do it

So get up, get out, relight that spark

You know the rest by heart

Wake up, wake up if it's all you do

Look out, look inside of you

It's not what you lost

It's what you gain raising your voice in the rain

Wake up your dream and make it true

Look out, look inside of you

It's not what you lost

Relight that spark, time to come out of the dark

Wake up, wake up

Better wake those demons

Just look them in the eye

No reason not to try

Life can be a mess

I won't let it cloud my mind

I'll let my fingers fly

And I use the pain 'cause it's part of me

And I'm ready to power through it

Gonna find the strength, find the melody

'Cause you showed me how to do it

Get up, get out, relight that spark

You know the rest by heart

Wake up, wake up if it's all you do

Look out, look inside of you

It's not what you lost

It's what you'll gain raising your voice in the rain

Wake up your dream and make it true

Look out, look inside of you

It's not what you lost

Relight that spark, time to come out of the dark

Wake up, wake up

Soul was so into the song that she began standing from the piano bench and somehow managed to cause her hat to fall off, making her hair fall down since it was tucked into the hat and not tied. As this happened a whistle came from the audience coming from Sam.

So wake that spirit, spirit

I wanna hear it, hear it

No need to fear it, you're not alone

You're gonna find your way, oh

"She's killing it out there," Kourtney says with a smile from the side stage.

"Yeah, she's unbelievable!" Nini gushed in agreement as none of their eyes left the girl on stage as EJ and Ashlyn just watched their friend with big smiles.

Wake up, wake up if it's all you do

Look out, look inside of you

It's not what you lost

It's what you'll gain raising your voice in the rain

Wake up your dream and make it true

Look out, look inside of you

When you feel lost

Relight that spark, time to come out of the dark

Wake up

Mm-mm, wake up

As Soul played the final note, Big Red killed the spot light, causing the audience to cheer as Soul noticed everyone in the audience begin to stand as they all cheered loudly for the girl. Soul even noticed her Mom as she saw tears on cheek as she blew a kiss to her daughter as her brother beside her sent her a giant smile with two thumbs up causing the girl to smile. Soul then stood up from the bench and made her way to the side stage where she was brought into a group hug by the four as they complimented the girl.

"Oh my god Soul, that was amazing!" Gina gushed, smiling from ear to ear after everyone finally let go, causing Soul to smile back.

"Dad, would have been so proud of you," Sarah said, causing Soul to notice her sister's tear stained face, causing her to wrap her around her older sister as they hugged each other tightly as they both chuckled.

"Dear, that was just absolutely breathtaking," Miss Jenn said, once everyone let go of the girl as she approached her, wrapping her arm around the young girl, pulling her into a side hug. "You looked like a star out there."

...

As Sarah and Seb finished singing 'Bop To The Top', Soul walked onto the stage following Ashyln, dressed in an oversized maroon suit top with a white undershirt, a black bow tie and a black hat like Kelsi wore in the movie.

"Do you see why we love the theater, people? Well done!" 'Miss Darbus' says as one of the dancers walks past Soul, handing Ashlyn a clipboard before walking back off stage as Sarah and Seb, steps back into the stage beside the curtain. "Ah, Troy Bolton, Gabriella Montez. Troy? Gabriella?"

"They'll be here." 'Kelsi' says, quickly looking up at 'Miss Darbus'.

"The theater, as I have often pointed out, waits for no one. I'm sorry." 'Miss Darbus' says before Soul runs to the side stage as scripted as she watches the scene continue.

"We'll sing without a piano." 'Troy' said, causing Soul to rush up behind EJ as she looked around his arm at 'Miss Darbus'.

"Oh, no, you won't. Pianist her, Miss Darbus." 'Kelsi' said, looking from 'Troy' to 'Miss Darbus' with a big grin.

"You really don't wanna do that." 'Sharpay' says, stepping forward to look over 'Miss Darbus' and 'Troy' to look at 'Kelsi'.

"Oh, yes, I really do." 'Kelsi' says, stepping directly in front of 'Sharpay' before turning around and running towards the side once again as she yelled, "Ready on stage!"

"And that's showbiz." 'Miss Darbus' said, exiting the stage on the same side as 'Kelsi', leaving EJ and Nini for 'Breaking Free'.

"You did amazing, Ash!" Soul said, looking up at the girl, wrapping her arm around her pulling her into a side hug as they continued watching.

EJ began singing but stopped as scripted.

"I can't do it, Troy. Not with all these people staring at me." 'Gabriella' says to Troy.

"Look at me, Gabby. Right at me." 'Troy' said, placing his hand on her shoulder. "Like the first time we sang together. Like Kindergarten."

Both Nini and EJ lose focus as the sound of the gym door opening catches both of their attention, causing Soul to peek through the curtain seeing Ricky and Gina enter.

"Like in kindergarten, remember?" EJ said, repeating the line, before Nini stuttered, looking out into the crowd at someone.

Soul heard about Kourtney inviting the lady from the school that Nini was looking at and now was definitely not the time to be freezing up on stage.

The gym was silent as Nini had yet to say something as she looked from the scout back to Ricky.

"Remember Kindergarten? There's nothing like the friends you made back then. And they never really leave, do they?" EJ said, going off script, looking to the side stage, sending Soul a smile as she did the same before he looked back to Nini.

"What are you doing?" Nini asked, confused with the boy's words as she also went off script.

"Something right, I hope." EJ admits, placing his hand on her shoulder. "I'm gonna play to lose. I'm not the Troy you want."

Before Nini had the chance to say anything, EJ turned around and walked off stage, causing the audience to begin to murmur in confusion as the sound of the music came back on and Nini's voice rang through the gym as she made her way to Ricky with her camera flashlight.

"Hey, I'm going to go change for the curtain call, I'll catch you in a bit." Soul said to the red head, causing her to nod as Soul made her way into the hallway and back to the bunker not wanting to stay around while Ricky and Nini were all lovey dovey.

While in the gym, Gina and EJ stood beside each other watching the two sing.

"Some wonder studies we are, huh?" EJ said, approaching the girl, causing her to look at him before they both turned back to the stage.

"Hell yeah, we are." Gina agreed. "Thank you. For buying me that plane ticket."

"It just didn't seem fair for you to miss all of this and plus Soul was talking about how much she wanted you here and badly she missed you." EJ admits, keeping his eyes on the two performing as Gina just smiled. "It's the least I could do for her."

...

Soul was now changed into her own clothes which consisted of a red spaghetti strapped tank top with khaki bottoms that was close enough to what Kelsi was wearing in the 'We're all in this together' scene but instead of gold heels she wore while sneakers.

The curtain call started with the band on stage playing 'We're all in this together' and the first people to enter the stage was the amazing dancer as they began singing.

Together, together

Together everyone

They all then grabbed hands as they bowed before separating and going back to dancing as the next to enter the stage was Ashlyn as she held up hands before doing a curtsy before joining the dancers.

Together, together

Come on, let's have some fun

Next, Soul entered from the side stage, causing the crowd to cheer loudly as she hit the front as a giant smile grew on face as she curtsied and blew a kiss to the crowd before joining Ashlyn and the dancers.

Together

We're there for each other every time

Then entered Seb being carried in by four dancers as he was sat down, followed by Sarah as the two grabbed hands bowing before Sarah spun him as they joined in.

Together, together

Come on, let's do this right

Then came the two Taylor's; Gina and Kourtney as the two high fived before joining the other four as Gina and Soul began jumping around together with smiles.

Followed by the two Taylor's was EJ as he entered spinning a basketball on his finger as he was wearing a Danforth jersey as he bowed.

We're all in this together

Once we know

That we are

We're all stars

And we see that

Last Ricky and Nini entered holding hands, causing the audience to become even louder as Ricky bowed first before Nini did a small bow before Ricky pushed her forward as the crowd screamed before everyone came together dancing with the 9 main cast in the front.

We're all in this together

When we reach

We can fly

Know inside

We can make it

We're all in this together

Once we see

There's a chance

That we have

And we take it

Wildcats sing along

Yeah, you really got it goin' on

Soul watched as Nini whispered into Gina's ear before Nini ran off the stage as Gina went back to jumping.

Wildcats in the house

Everybody say it now

Soul had her arms wrapped around EJ and Gina before Gina ran off stage, causing Soul to have to wrap her arms around Ricky before he also let go as walked forward, causing her to wrap her arms around Kourtney.

Soul watched as Gina dragged Miss Jenn and Carlos onto the stage as Nini came from the other side with Gina's bedazzled tray with an apple on it, causing Soul to smile even more, knowing what was going on.

"Is that the last apple?" Miss Jenn said after grabbing the tray, causing Soul to chuckle as the audience cheered and whistled before Miss Jenn quickly rushed off the stage after exchanging some words with the three.

Once we see

There's a chance

That we have

And we take it

Everyone walked forwards as her hands stayed with EJ's as Kourtney's left hers, giving the three space to squeeze into the center as Gina grabbed onto Kourtney's hand while in the other she was holding Nini's as Nini was holding Ricky, which meant by default Soul was holding onto Ricky's hand.

That's the way we do it

Let's get to it

Come on, everyone

...

"So who are the flowers for?" Seb asked, once everyone finally made it back to the bomb shelter.

"Everybody, hold." Carlos says, digging into the boutique of mysterious flowers. "We've got a card, people. To Ashlyn, Because you get me."

"EJ! Really?" Ashlyn says, standing up from her chair that was right beside him as she walked up to him.

"He didn't send those." Soul said, shaking her head from across the room as her and EJ both snorted as Sarah bumped her shoulder, causing her to look at her as she threw her hands up with a smile. "What, I helped pick them out."

"You couldn't have said that earlier when Carlos said they were mystery flowers." Sarah asked, causing her sister to shrug.

"It wasn't my place to say who they were for," Soul said, smiling at the group. "But also, who doesn't love a good mystery?"

"I did." Big Red said, standing up from his spot beside Soul as he smiled down at her. "Thanks for the help Soul."

"Anytime, my friend," Soul said, tipping her imaginary hat as she smiled back, before he turned his attention back to Ashlyn as he made his way towards her.

"How many secret projects are you helping with?" Sarah asked, looking back over her sister.

"My lips are sealed," Soul said, acting as if she had locked her mouth with a key before she pretended to throw it.

"Okay if you guys stand here any longer, your parents are gonna riot in the lobby." Kourtney said with a chuckle as she entered the room, causing everyone to begin to gather their stuff.

"Hey, you coming?" Sarah asked, putting her bag over her shoulder, standing up as she looked down at her sister.

"Yeah, I just need to grab my things, I'll just meet you in the lobby," Soul said, causing her sister to nod, pulling her into a tight hug before making her way out of the room as Soul walked over to where all of her things were as she began placing everything into her bag.

"Hey," A voice says behind Soul, causing her to turn around to find EJ.

"Hey!" Soul said, sending the boy a smile, causing him to return it. "What's up?"

"I heard about you nearly fainting, I'm sorry I wasn't there for you," EJ said, genuinely with a guilty look on his face. "How are you feeling?"

"Don't worry about it, you were on stage when it happened so i don't blame you for not being there," Soul says, honestly sending a slight smile. "Besides, I'm totally fine."

"That's good," EJ said, nodding his head. "Anyways, I wanted to give you something."

"Me?" Soul asked, pointing at herself, causing the boy to chuckle as he nodded. "You didn't have to get me anything besides the rose was thoughtful enough."

"That reminds me," EJ says, reaching into his pocket, pulling out a note. "The right note."

"Thanks," Soul said, chuckling, grabbing it as she read over it as she noticed that Sarah's name was crossed out and hers was written in the boy's handwriting, causing her to chuckle as she looked back up at EJ.

"Also, funny mistake, I realized that I somehow got all of your favorite things instead of Sarah's and since I couldn't give it to her," EJ said, lifting up a small yellow bag, holding it out. "Here you are."

"Aw, even the bag is in my favorite color." Soul said, smiling, grabbing the bag from the boy.

"Yeah, I didn't even realize that," EJ said, slightly chuckling, scratching the back of his neck.

"This is so sweet EJ," Soul said, sending the boy a smile "Thank you!"

"I have one more thing," EJ said, causing the girl to look at him with a raised eyebrow as he pulled out a small black box. "I want you to have this."

Soul looked at the boy with a confused face, grabbing the box from him as she placed the bag on the floor, opening the box to reveal an E charm identical to the charm on the necklace that EJ went to fix that morning.

"EJ!" Soul gasped, looking up at the Caswell boy. "You got me a charm! It looks like the one from the necklace."

"Actually, it's the same charm. I realized that giving someone a necklace with your initials on it isn't something you do before even going on a first date," EJ explained, causing them both to chuckle. "So instead, I thought you could put it on your charm bracelet as a symbol of me, so that you know I am with you no matter how far apart we are, especially when I leave for Duke in the fall."

"EJ," Soul said above a whisper, wrapping her arms around the tall boy as she let a few tears fall. "That is so sweet."

"You've helped me in so many ways this year that I could never thank you enough." EJ said, wrapping his arm around the girl. "You've helped me change for the better."

"I have something for you and it's kind of like what you said about the charm," Soul said, after letting each other go. Soul handed over a small black bag as EJ pulled out a bracelet that were all black beads beside one that was yellow as Soul showed him the bracelet on her wrist that was the opposite of his with one black bead and the others yellow. "They're called Distance Bracelets. They're supposed to allow those who are apart feel connected at all times. That's why yours has one yellow bead, it's supposed to represent me so you'll always have a piece of me and me you."

"Thank you," EJ said, sliding the bracelet on the opposite wrist that she had her bracelet on, smiling down at her. "I'm never taking you."

"You better not." Soul said, causing the two to chuckle as the girl grabbed her bag, throwing it over her shoulder.

"Are you heading to the lobby?" EJ asked, pointing his thumb over his shoulder towards the door. "We could walk together."

"I was actually going to go talk to Ricky," Soul explained, causing the boy to nod. "But you go ahead, I'll catch up."

"Yeah. okay," EJ said, nodding as the duo shared another smile before the boy finally turned around and made his way out of the room and down the hall.

As Soul grabbed the bag from the ground and her flowers off of the chair before she made her way out the room and as she was about to turn she heard the sound of Ricky's voice across the hall, causing the girl to stop as she approached the door.

"I just... I don't want this to be just a showmance. I want it to be the real thing." Soul heard Ricky say, causing Soul's heart to break knowing he was probably talking to Nini. "I mean, I think it is the real thing, I just... I want a chance to prove it. I do. I mean.."

"Ricky," The sound of Nini's voice filled Soul's ears, proving that her assumption was correct. "You know in musicals when people burst into song when they've run out of things to say?"

"Yeah?" Ricky responded.

"Sometimes it's easier to just kiss." Nini said, causing the two to chuckle before the room fell silent, causing Soul to pick head slightly around the door, causing her to feel sick all over again.

Soul, East High Junior

'Nini 2... Soul 0 (sigh)'

Soul didn't even stick around as she quickly made her way down the hall, feeling a few tears fall as she quickly wiped them before heading towards the lobby.

"Excuse me," A lady said, causing Soul to stop in tracks as she sent her a smile. "Hi, my name is Kalyani Patel. I am the Dean of Youth Actors Conservatory in Denver."

"The school Nini wanted to go to?" Soul said, causing the lady to nod with a smile. "It's nice to meet you! Were you looking for her I could go get her for you."

"Actually yes and no," Dean Patel said, causing the girl to send her a confused look. "I also wanted to talk to you. That song that you sang at the beginning of act 2 was just incredible, I'm assuming you wrote yourself. It's very clear that you have a talent and let's not forget a unique one. I would like to offer you a spot at the Conservatory."

"Thank you, I really do appreciate your kind words and the offer but I'm going to have to decline. Don't get me wrong I clearly love to act but it's not what I want to do with my life... I want to be a songwriter. But you do know who I think would fit in perfectly at the Conservatory. My sister, Sarah." Soul explained, pointing at her sister behind the Dean, causing the Dean to turn around as she saw the bubbly blonde smiling with Seb. "It has always been her dream to be on Broadway and be a professional actress and let's not forget she can also sing amazingly."

"It is sad to hear that you won't be joining us at the Conservatory but I'm glad to hear that you are on the path of your own success." Dean Patel says, causing the girl to smile. "Also I'll see what I can do about getting your sister into YAC."

"Thank you so much!" Soul said, shaking hands with the lady as they exchanged a smile before she watched her approach Nini, causing Soul to turn around to approach her family.

"There she is!" Mom said, wrapping her younger daughter into a tight hug. "You were phenomenal tonight."

"Thanks Mom!" Soul said, sending her mom a big smile. "Also I loved the flowers."

"Anytime Bug," Mom said, putting her hand on her daughter's cheek before she turned to look at her siblings.

"I thought we were going to have to send a search party." Sam joked, wrapping his arms around his little sister. "Did you get lost?"

"No, I didn't get lost," Soul said, jokingly rolling her eyes before smiling. "I was talking to EJ, then I ran to the bathroom."

"I don't know if you've heard but there's a cast party at Ashlyn's." Sarah said, approaching the family. "We have to go! Sam's invited too."

"Yeah, okay cool." Soul said, nodding at her sister as she watched Ricky happily talk to both of his parents as they walked out the door.

"Things not going to good in romance land?" Sam asked, watching his sisters eyes as she quickly looked back.

"Um, no." Soul said, shaking her head with a small smile. "I just seen Ricky and Nini kiss and I'm pretty sure they're getting back together."

"I'm so sorry bug," Mom said, rubbing her daughters shoulder with a sad smile. "I know how much you liked him."

"Yeah, we can skip that after party if you want!" Sarah added, causing both brothers to nof in agreement. "We can just do something."

"High School Musical and Pizza?" Sully suggested.

"I love you guys," Soul said, wrapping her around her brothers as she felt herself being surrounded by her entire family.

"Come on kids, let's go home." Mom said, wrapping her arm around her younger daughter as they made their way out the double door.

...

And that is a wrap for season one! Thank you for all the love and support I was given, it was absolutely insane! I Love You To The Moon and Back!

There will be a season two for those wondering! Coming Soon!

What are some predictions that you think will happen in the second season?

For Soul or even the other Walkers?

I love hearing all of your assumptions and ideas!

Until Next time.

- XOXO MJ 💛