"Alright, let's get started!" Carlos exclaimed, trying to get everyone's attention. "Hello? Let's get started!"

"Okay, Wildcats." Miss Jenn said, causing everyone to turn to the lady, straying away from their side conversations. "Let's shake spring break out of our systems and try the Beast transformation one last time. And remember, this is the triumph of the show, the moment the audience has been waiting for. This has to work."

"No pressure, right?" Ricky whispered, leaning down to Soul, causing her to give him a small smile.

"Ricky, try not to rush this time. We'll speed it up when you're more confident." Miss Jenn explained, nodding her head.

"Got it." Ricky responded, simply causing Soul to pat the boy on his shoulder as he handed EJ his beast head as he stood on the other side of Ricky.

"Let's take it from..." Miss Jenn said, stepping behind her table on stage, looking down at her script. "'You came back.'"

Everyone either moved from center stage or moved to their place on stage; those two being Soul and Ricky.

Soul quickly sat on her knees as Ricky laid down in her arms.

"Okay, go ahead." Miss Jenn said, quietly to the duo.

"You came back." Ricky said, acting as the beast.

"If only I'd come sooner." 'Belle' said, holding his head.

"Maybe it's better this way..." 'Beast' said, grabbing the girl's arm.

"Don't talk like that." 'Belle' said. "Everything will be fine."

"No." 'Beast' called out.

"Shh, we're together now. You'll see." 'Belle' said.

"I'm just glad I was able to see your face one last..." 'Beast' said, carefully caressing the girl's cheek before fainting.

The one the boy caressed the girl's cheek left her in the feeling of deja vu.

~ Flashback; approximately 2 years ago~

"Ricky, can you believe we are about to be freshmen in high school." Soul said, excitedly as she fell backwards onto the boy's bed, landing right beside him.

"How can I forget when it's all you talk about?" Ricky asked, jokingly with a small smile, causing the girl to turn on her side, facing the boy as he was already on his side.

"Sorry, it just seems like everything is flying past and before you know it everything and everyone you know are just gone." Soul said, looking up at the boy. "You know my dad told me that he had this best friend he knew all of his life and then one day they just stopped talking. Just one random day they stopped talking and my dad hasn't heard from him since... We aren't going to be like that right... We aren't going to drift apart?"

"Hey, hey, hey." Ricky said, placing his hand on the girl's cheek. "Don't worry, we have been through way too much not to be friends. I promise that we will be friends to the day we die and no one and I mean no one will ever come between us."

"Forever and always?" Soul asked, holding out her pinky to the boy.

"Forever and always." Ricky said, locking his pinky with the girl, smiling at each other.

Exactly 365 days later, Rini officially happened and Soul and Ricky began drifting apart.

"Soul." Ricky said, quietly causing the girl to snap out of her daydream, hearing the sound of Seb playing the piano.

We are home

We are where we shall be forever

Trust in me

For you know I won't run away

As Soul sang, Ricky pulled out hair from his beast hat that somehow landed in his mouth.

"Belle, I..." 'Beast' whispered.

"Yes?" 'Belle' questioned before the 'Beast' forcefully rolled over, facedown on stage. "No, no, please don't leave me. Please... I... I love you."

Ricky began moving as he reached to the back of his head, struggling to un-Velcro the mask, causing Soul to quickly cover the boy's head as he continued attempting to get it off.

"Rip the Velcro!" Kourtney exclaimed before the boy emerged from beneath the cape without it on.

"Okay, okay." Ricky said, throwing it onto the side stage, directly to Natalie, causing her to fall over, knocking over the tree props in the process, causing everyone to gasp as Ricky quickly pulled Soul back as the front tree landed right in front of her feet.

"Cut!" Miss Jenn exclaimed.

"Sorry, Natalie!" Ricky called out to the girl.

"It's okay." Natalie said, shaking up, causing everyone to look towards the girl. "It was just my face."

"Guess I should practice that throw, huh!" Ricky said, looking over at Soul, causing a smile to grow on both of their faces.

"The throw was great, Ricky." Miss Jenn assured the boy, standing from her seat. "The mask is great. This is working. I will be in my office."

Miss Jenn quickly made her way across the stage as she made her way out of the auditorium, leaving Carlos alone.

"Guys, we're on a long five until Miss Jenn returns." Carlos explains, quickly rushing after the drama teacher.

Causing everyone to go back to whatever they were doing.

Ricky quickly stood up from his spot as he walked away from center stage, causing Zoul to quickly follow him.

"Hey." Soul called out, causing the boy to stop as he turned to face her. "Everything okay?"

"Yeah, I'll get it eventually." Ricky assured the girl, swinging his backpack over his arm.

"Yeah. I tried texting you over the break... you kinda went dark on me." Soul said. "On all of us actually."

"Yeah, my phone was off." Ricky said.

"That was half of what I meant." Soul said, taking off her blue cover.

"Breakups just suck, you know?" Ricky said. "Especially when it's with the same person over and over again."

"I'd have to be in a relationship first before I experience a breakup. But I kinda know what you mean." Soul said, nodding her head as the two awkwardly looked away.

"But hey, I'm glad you reached out to Nini about writing that song." Ricky said. "That was really nice."

"She actually reached out to me." Soul explained. "Well after she reached out to Ash and they wrote most of the song... I was just there for minor suggestions and beats. She was actually the one driving the whole thing. It was super fun."

"Well, that, uh, I mean, that is... super." Ricky said.

"Don't blame yourself too much." Soul said, placing her hand on the boy's arm, sending him a supportive smile, before wrapping her arms around herself as she turned and walked away, leaving the boy with his thoughts.

...

Everyone was gathered around Crusty's after receiving an urgent text from Carlos.

"There you are." EJ said, causing everyone to turn and face said boy.

"We all got your text." Gina said.

"You guys, mother is freaking out." Carlos explained, causing everyone to circle around. "It's about the Menkies. Is everyone sitting down?"

That caused everyone to look around at each other as they were all standing around, causing Big Red to slowly sink into a seat.

"We can't win." Carlos said as if it was simple.

"What?" Ashlyn asked, confused as everyone began to mutter.

"Listen, there's math involved. If we don't sweep the technical achievement awards, we don't have a chance. And, no offense, Ricky, but..." Carlos trailed off, looking over at the redheaded boy, causing everyone to look at him.

"Oh, is this about the transformation?" Ricky asked. "Cause I can throw the mask at someone other than Natalie."

"You haven't yet." Natalie said.

"I hate to say this, you guys. I mean, I know we all had a good time over spring break." Carlos said.

"Some of us a little more than others." Seb said, cutting the boy off.

"Not today." Carlos said. "Honestly, we need to rally behind Miss Jenn. I mean, our sets are made of plywood and Elmer's glue. We're humble. Humble does not win awards."

"And after that order, you have one more, and then two more after that." Kourtney called over the counter, gaining the attention of her fellow castmates. "Fresh soda. Y'all okay?"

"Carlos was just explaining..." Gina started to explain but was cut off by the girl.

"I heard it all." Kourtney said.

"While you were yelling at Howie?" Gina asked.

"Multitasking." Kourtney said. "Look, I'm a designer, Big Red's a crew guy, so between the two of us, you're looking at your answer." Kourtney explained.

"Quit school and get a job at the pizza shop?" Seb asked, sarcastically.

"Uh, no, we should invent something amazing." Kourtney said. "Something we can run at tech rehearsal tomorrow night. A next-level transformation that out-broads Broadway and out-north's North High."

"Soul." Nini called out, snapping the girl from her thoughts. "Everything okay? You haven't said a word since you got here."

"Or really all day." Carlos added, looking at the girl. "Are you okay with all of this?"

"If you guys are cool with it then so am I." Soul said, nodding her head, sending the group a smile.

"Okay, well you have the biggest house. What if I invite myself and the girls over after school, continue the collab thing?" Nini suggested.

"I mean, square footage-wise, my house is slightly larger..." EJ started but cut off as Gina bumped into him as Soul stood on the other side of him, causing him to slightly bump her. "Uh. I'm going to shut up."

"I um, actually can't tonight... I have this thing to do with my... my family. but I could try to stop by after..." Soul said, wrapping her arms around herself, playing with the car necklace that hung from her neck.

"Yeah, no that's okay. Ash?" Nini asked, turning to the girl beside her.

"A hundred percent, yes." Ashlyn said.

"Wait, should we all stick together?" Gina asked.

"Oh, no way." Nini said, walking behind Ashlyn as she stepped between her and Kourtney, wrapping her arms around theirs. "Boys versus girls."

"My basement's free. We have a ton of old tools. I'm sure the guys can make something cool." Big Red said.

"Great." Nini said. "May the best transformation win."

As everyone made their way from Crusty's, Soul and EJ were the last of the group to leave.

"So home?" EJ asked, holding the passenger door opened for the girl.

"Actually I think I'm going to walk." Soul said, staying in her spot, causing the boy to give her a confused look. "I need to do something first."

"I can take you wherever you need to be." EJ said, still holding the door open.

"EJ, I'll be fine. My dad and I used to walk here all the time from my house, so I know all the shortcuts. Besides, I could use the fresh air." Soul said, still with her arms around herself.

"Are you sure?" EJ asked, sounding unsure. "I can walk with you if you want."

"Then what about your car?" Soul asked.

"I can come back for it." EJ said, shrugging his shoulders.

"EJ, I promise I'll be fine. You go help the boys with the transformation." Soul said, sending the boy a smile.

"Well alright." EJ said, finally closing the passenger door, walking over to the girl. "Just text me when you get home so I know you're safe."

"Scout's honor." Soul said, nodding her head.

That caused the boy to pull her into a tight hug, causing her to let go of herself as she wrapped her arms around him, melting into his touch.

"Everything okay?" EJ asked, looking down at the girl after she pulled away.

"Everything's fine." Soul said, sending the boy a fake smile. "I gotta go. I'll text you."

"As soon as you get home." EJ called after her as she began walking away.

"I promise." Soul said, nodding her head as she walked backwards, sending the boy one last wave before she turned around and made her way around the corner.

...

Soul carefully made her way through the rows of familiar headstones in the cemetery as it was nothing but dead silent.

She quietly made her way through the familiar place as she carried a single yellow rose in her left hand.

Making a complete stop as she stood above the tile of granite that read:

In Loving Memory Of

CHRISTIAN S.

WALKER

APR. 2, 1973

-

SEPT. 12, 2019

"Hi, daddy." Soul said, sitting on her knees as she sat in front of her dad's grave. "I'm sorry I haven't visited in a while, I've just been so busy with my musical. I didn't tell you but I got the lead, I'm Belle, can you believe it... I can't help but think of all those times you used to call me 'Princess Belle' every time I wore that yellow dress..."

~ Flashback; 10 years ago ~

"We'll if it isn't Princess Belle." The voice said behind the little Soul, causing her to turn around, making the yellow dress flow as she turned and looked up to see her dad's piercing blue eyes looking down at her.

"Hi daddy, are you my prince?" Little Soul asked, causing the man to kneel in front of her.

"Only for a little while Princess because when you get older, you're going to find a new prince and he's going to turn you into his beautiful queen. Where you'll have a big ball with beautiful dresses, where you'll waltz until your feet hurt." He said, tickling the girl's tummy, causing her to giggle. "And when he does, he's going to take you away to his kingdom where you'll live together happily ever after."

"Someone like Gaston?" Little Soul asked, causing him to let out a chuckle.

"Not quite but you'll know when you find him." He said, smiling at the little girl.

"Will you be there when I meet my forever prince?" She asked, wrapping her arms around his neck as she looked at him.

"I hope so, sweetheart." He said, smiling at the young girl before he pulled her into a hug as he kissed her head. "I sure hope so."

"I actually found someone who makes me really happy... we aren't together but he honestly makes me feel like a Princess." Soul said, chuckling as she looked down. "He's actually playing Gaston... What are the odds? His name is EJ and he's honestly the best. I know that you would love him, I know mom sure does... she says we remind her of you guys when you first met... I don't think anything can beat what you guys had. I really miss you... You will always be my first and favorite prince." Soul said, kissing her fingers as she placed it over her dad's name as she placed the single rose on its ledge. "Happy Birthday Daddy."

...

Happy Birthday to you

The Walker family sat around the table that held a homemade cake as they sang happy birthday to their late husband and father.

The entire family was home that week since it was technically Sarah's spring break but she wouldn't have missed that day in a thousand years.

Soul was sat between her two brothers as both held her hands as a sign of support.

"I'll go grab some plates." Soul said, pulling herself up from her seat as she made her way into the kitchen, quickly grabbing five plates and forks along with a knife.

As she made her way back into the dining room the sound of the doorbell rang through the house.

"I wonder who that could be." Mom said, going to stand up from her seat.

"I got it mom." Soul said, sitting the plates on the table by her mom before making her way to the front door.

As she opened the door, coming face to face with the girls along with Seb.

"Hey, guys. What... what are you doing here?" Soul asked, sending the group a small smile. "I thought you were at Ash's making the Beast transformation."

"We were but we're actually on our way to meet the boy's at the school. Kourt got the original Broadway plans for the Beast from Howie." Ashlyn explained as she rambled.

"Wait Howie-Howie?" Soul asked, causing the curly haired girl to nod. "I thought we didn't like Howie."

"Now is not the time." Kourtney said.

"We came to see if you wanted to come with us." Seb explained.

"You know to run through the scene with... um. Ricky." Nini explained, sending a small smile.

"I would love to but..." Soul started bot was cut off by Ash.

"Wait, is it someone's birthday?" Gina asked, looking past Soul, causing her to see the balloons along with a banner.

"Yeah... it's actually my dad's." Soul said, sending the group a small smile.

"Oh, we're so sorry we didn't know Soul." Nini said.

"Yeah, we wouldn't have interpreted if we knew." Gina said, squeezing the girl's hand.

"It's okay." Mrs. Walker said, making her way from behind her daughter as she smiled at the group. "We were just about to call it a night anyway. She's all yours."

"But what about..." Soul started, pointing towards the kitchen but was cut off by her mom.

"Don't worry about it hun, we can clean it up. You go help your friends with your musical." Mrs. Walker said, smiling at the group before looking back at her daughter. "Besides, you could use a little fun today."

"Are you sure?" Soul asked, causing her mom to quickly nod her head. "Okay, I'll be back as soon as I can."

"I'm not worried." Mrs. Walker said, smiling at her daughter before she quickly pulled her into a hug. "Have fun."

...

"These two are for the pizza shop. This one's for the front door of my house." Big Red spoke, shuffling through his keys as the group minus Ricky and Carlos followed behind him, pushing the thing the boys made at his house. "This one's for my bike lock. Oh! I haven't seen this one in a while."

"You do have the key, right, babe?" Ashlyn asked.

"I narrowed it down to this half of the chain." Big Red explained, holding up his large key ring that was filled with keys.

He began trying key after key, none of them seeming to work but after the third key, the door swung open and on the other side was Natalie Bagley.

"You could've just knocked." Natalie said, looking from the group to Big Red before turning back around, causing the group to quickly follow after her as they grouped around the plans Kourtney got from Howie.

"Wait. So, in the Broadway show, all they did was suspend the Beast in the air, and then he takes the mask off." Gina explained to the group.

"Wow. Looks like today's theme is secrets." Nini said, sarcastically looking at Gina, causing Soul to look around confused.

"But combine this with the wire from Get'cha Head in the Game, we're golden." Ashlyn said, killing the awkwardness.

"Do we still have Ricky's harness?" Soul asked, looking around at the group.

"Ooh, it's in the costume shop, somewhere." Kourtney explained.

"Everyone, let's meet back in 15." Natalie said.

"Thank you, 15." The group said, causing everyone to go in different ways as Soul stuck with Gina as she helped her with the plans.

"Is everything okay with Nini?" Soul asked, looking at her best friend.
"No. We were all talking at Ash's about the guy's and relationship's and I told her about how I thought Ricky sent me chocolates on Valentines when it was just my mom." Gina explained. "I don't know, I guess she got offended because I never told her since it wasn't a big deal. Right, it wasn't a big deal?"

"Right." Soul said, nodding her head. "Maybe you should try talking to her and explain to her what was going through your mind that day. You know with your mom and what made you think it was Ricky. We both know the full story but she doesn't."

"Yeah. I guess you're right." Gina said, looking back at the group behind her. "I think I'll go talk to her."

"Good luck." Soul said, smiling at her best friend before looking back down at the plan.

"Hey, Soul. How was the walk?" EJ asked, walking up beside the girl, causing her to look up at him.
"It was nice. I actually went to my dad's grave." Soul said, smiling at the boy. "It's actually his birthday."

"How'd that go?" EJ asked.

"Better than I expected." Soul said, sending the boy a real smile.

"Cool." EJ said.

"Yep." Soul said, looking back down at the plan before looking back up, looking over her shoulder. "I should... see if Big Red needs help with the ladder."

Soul turned around to make her way to the group but stopped when she heard EJ's voice again.

"Do you want to get risotto with me sometime?" EJ asked, causing the girl to look back at him. "For real this time."

"Did Gina or Ashlyn put you up to this?" Soul asked, making her way back to the boy.

"Not that I know of." EJ said, letting out a slight chuckle as he shook his head.

"You know I'm always up for some risotto." Soul said, smiling at the boy. "Yeah, that sounds great."

"Okay, great." EJ said after a few seconds of silence, smiling at the girl, causing her to let out a light chuckle before the two went their separate ways.

...

"I,I,I..." 'Beast' breathed out, reaching out.

"Please, I love you." 'Belle' said, cradling the 'Beast' in her arms as he made choking sounds before rolling over flat on his stomach.

"Now." Soul whispered to Big Red, causing him to slowly began to lift Ricky off the ground as Soul stood up from her place on the stage.

"Y'all, this is some Broadway stuff." Kourtney said, watching from around the stage with everyone else.

"We're going to win." Natalie said, stunned before looking over at the others. "You guys, we're actually going to win."

"We're going to make Miss Jenn so proud." Carlos said, excitedly.

As Ricky was held at the top, suddenly the ropes began to rip apart, causing everyone to gasp.

"Uh-oh." Ricky said before he fell from the ceiling as he let out a scream.