Good Morning, East High

"Welcome to the East High Morning Show." Soul said, smiling at the camera as she sat between Gina and EJ on stools.

"I'm Gina Porter." Gina said, introducing herself.

"I'm Soul Walker." Soul said.

"And I'm EJ Caswell and we are co-hosting the first-ever East High Morning Show." EJ said. "'Cause I'm the president of the AV club."

"We were his only friends who agreed to do it." Gina said, causing EJ to give her a look as Soul cracked a smile.

"That's right, Back to you, Soul." EJ said.

"Thanks, EJ. Now, for our first-ever guest. You know her from The Rose Song that's been blowing up the East High Instagram." Soul said, reading from the card in her hand.

"Oh, uh, quick reminder, tickets for Beauty and the Beast go on sale next week." EJ said, cutting in, causing the other two to nod in agreement.

"Hmm, that's right, EJ." Gina said. "Now, please welcome Nini Salazar-Roberts."

The three clapped their hands as they stood from their seats, walking over to said girl who sat not even a foot away.

"Hey guys! Thanks for having me." Nini said, smiling at her three friends.
"This just in..." EJ said, placing his finger to his ear, causing the other three to look at him. "Nini's song has over 2,500 views, making it one the most viewed posts in drama club Instagram history. Along with Soul's performance of her original song, Wake Up."

"Are you serious?" Nini asked, surprised.

"Songwriting skills, universal acclaim. Nini how does it feel to be you right now?" Soul asked, turning to the girl sitting next to her.

"Uh, feels good." Nini said, letting out a chuckle.

"So what was the song writing process like for you?" Gina asked.

"Yeah, I was actually..." Nini started as she explained to the three how she started writing the song. "I even had talked with Soul about the song and had her look over the lyrics for me because of how incredibly talented she is at writing songs and I think our sounds are just so similar at times and so she was such a big help with this song and so yeah. But it means so much to me. So thank you guys for your support."

"Well there you go." EJ said, causing the three hosts to turn and look into the camera with a smile. "I'm EJ."

"I'm GP." Gina said.

"And I'm SW." Soul said.

"Good morning, East High!" The three say in unison.

...

Everyone was standing around the dressing room talking with each other as Soul sat on the dresser behind Gina as she spoke to Seb, Soul texting away on her phone.

"Everyone, attention please!" Miss Jenn said, causing everyone to stop what they were doing as they turned to face the drama teacher. "I'm sure you're wondering why I called this special midday drama club meeting."

"Oh, are you announcing the fall musical?" Seb asked, smiling from ear to ear. "I vote, Dear Evan Hansen."

"No, Seb. It's March and the rights won't be available for five years, I tried." Miss Jenn said, causing Seb's face to fall as Soul patted him on the shoulder. "I am announcing that we are in such a good place after our improv workshop. We're getting one step closer to Mekies gold. And today, our wonderful actor/designer, Kourtney Greene, is going to show you your completed costumes!"

Everyone cheered and clapped as Nini pulled the sheet of the rack, revealing all the costumes for Beauty and the Beast.

"Speech! Speech!" Nini cheered.

"Okay, um, guess I'm making a speech," Kourtney said, causing some to chuckle. "I'm super excited for you all to see your costumes because..." The sound of an elephant rang from the girl's phone. "Oh, uh, sorry, that's Howie. Oh, uh, anyway with your costumes this semester, I really tried to..."

Once again the sound of an elephant filled the room.

"Can you not keep your phone on silent in rehearsal, like everyone else?" Carlos asked.

"Sorry, everyone, is what Carlos would say if he were more like me." Seb said, apologizing for his boyfriend.

"Okay, Kourt, I am sorry, but listen to this caption from North High." Carlos said, looking down at his phone. "It took 20 people over 50 hours to create our Belle dress. Beast costumes ever."

"Terrible pun." Ricky said, shaking his head.

"That was just horrible." Soul said.

"On the day we're unveiling our costumes? How did they know that?" Carlos questioned as Kourtney's phone kept going off. "They've been trolling us for weeks you guys and I'm trying to not let it get to me but... oh my god, is your phone hungry? I don't understand what I'm hearing."

"Okay, okay, let's get back to our costumes." Miss Jenn said, turning back to Kourtney. "Go ahead, Kourt."

"Anyways, took me a while, but I built yo some abs that would make Captain America proud." Kourtney said, marching over to the rack as she handed EJ his Gaston costume.
"I have abs." EJ said.

"EJ, everyone has abs. These are Kourtney originals." Kourtney explained, handing over the costume. "Oh, I also padded the tush for you."

"Oh, thanks. I actually needed that." EJ said, letting out a chuckle. "This is amazing, Kourt."

"Oh, no problem. Next." Kourtney said, waving the boy off as she grabbed the next costume. "For the real life Belle herself."

Kourtney said, turning around showing the brunette girl, the blue and white dress, causing her to slide off the table, mouth wide open.

"Oh my god Kourt, this is amazing!" Soul said, gently taking the dress from the girl with a huge smile on her face. "It looks just like the dress in the original movie."

"Stop," Kourtney said, jokingly before grabbing another costume. "And every Beauty needs her Beast."

"Hey-o!" Ricky said, taking the costume from the girl.

"Oh, that's weird. Your mask should be here." Kourtney said, looking through the rack of costumes. "Um, has anyone seen a Beast mask?"

"Haven't seen it." Big Red said as everyone else shook their heads.

"We're too busy being obsessed with our costumes." Ashlyn said, twirling around with her costume pressed against her, causing everyone to chuckle.

"I know where our Beast mask is." Carlos said, turning his phone around to show everyone another post on Instagram from North High, causing everyone to squint at the picture trying to figure out what he was talking about.

"What are we looking at?" EJ asked, confused causing some to nod in agreement.

"Look at the trunk." Carlos said, zooming in on the trunk in the picture.

"Still don't know..." Ashlyn said, confused.

"Is that our trunk?" Ricky said, confused.

"Hello? That is obviously Beast fur." Carlos said as if it was the most obvious thing. "Look, it all makes sense. Our mask just happens to go missing on the same day they post this? They snuck in here and took it."

"I hate to say it, but that did kind of look like a Beast mask to me." Ashyln said,

"Classic Beast," Big Red said, agreeing with his girlfriend.

"Do you guys really think they'd still from us?" Seb asked.

"I would." Gina said, causing Soul to bump her shoulder into her arm, causing Gina to look down at her as Soul gave her a look, causing Gina to chuckle. "No, I mean, I used to be that kind of person, before the present day."
"We have to get even, right?" Big Red asked, causing some of the cast to agree.

"Guys, guys, guys. Enough." Miss Jenn said, getting everyone's attention. "Do you really think North High would stoop so low as to sneak in here, break in, and steal Kourtney's work?"

"I mean her work is amazing." Soul said, causing Kourtney to send the girl a smile of appreciation/

"Uh..." Carlos said, looking back down at his phone as it vibrated.

"And they just posted something new, captioned, 'North High's gonna steal your heart this spring,'" Seb said, reading from Carlos' phone.

"Are they a witch? How do you explain these coincidences?" Carlos questioned.

"It's just that, coincidence." Miss Jenn said. "Now, I want you kids to keep looking for the mask and let the rest go. As I learned when I appeared in a regional production of Anything Goes opposite a woman who once sued me for libel, you should never dance with the enemy. Understood?"

'Yes, Miss Jenn." Everyone quietly mumbles.

"Thank you." Miss Jenn said before shooing everyone away.

...

"The plan is simple." Carlos explained to the group, standing in an empty hallway of North High. "Based on that INstagram post, the mask has to be in their costume shop. We know from their Instagram overshares that North High has a dance rehearsal today, so they'll be in their dance studio."
"They have their own dance studio?" Gina asked, shocked, causing Soul to look up at the girl beside her.

"We're raiding their costumes and not leaving until we have our mask." Carlos explained.

"Isn't this kind of trespassing?" Seb asked, causing Soul to nod as she points at Seb.

"It'll be fine." Carlos said, sending the group a reassuring smile. "There'll be people still here after school for clubs. We'll blend in. Though, Ashlyn, you may have taken the camouflage thing too far."

The red head looked down at the bright yellow she was wearing that read, North High Hornets along with a giant Hornet.

"No, today, I am Diane. I play volleyball, and I love North High." Ashlyn explained, causing Soul to look up at EJ, causing the duo to chuckle to each other.

"Diane, is it?" Big Red, questioned. "How would you feel about dating a guy from East High?"

"Oh, a forbidden romance." Ashlyn said, smiling at the boy.

"Focus! Who's gonna be the lookout?" Carlos questioned.

I'll do it." Soul offered, holding her hand up, causing Carlos to look at her surprised. "I would prefer not being caught by North High snooping through their costumes."

"Okay, just stay calm and act natural, okay? You got this." Carlos said, causing the girl to nod. "Everyone ready?"
"What team?" Ricky asked, causing everyone to stick their hands in the middle as Soul gave them a worried look.

"I don't think that's... yeah, okay." Soul said, sticking her hand in the middle.

"Wait, maybe we shouldn't yell." Carlos said, putting his hand on top of Soul's.

"Wildcats!" Everyone screamed before cheering, but Carlos and Soul.

"Strong start." Carlos said before everyone headed down the hallway, leaving Soul in the empty hallway as she looked around at the bulletin boards before pulling out her phone as she paced up and down the hallway.

As she saw someone walking down the hallway she quickly turned around, letting out a sigh.

"Hey." The boy said, walking around the girl before turning around to face her. "Haven't seen you before."
"I'm actually new." Soul said, sending the boy a fake smile. "Like super new."

"What's your name?" He asked, sending the girl a smile.

"It's Diane." Soul said, sending a smile.

"Wow, that is actually my great-aunt's name." The boy said.

"Really... What a small world." Soul said, nodding her head. "Well, it was nice meeting you. You know being a fellow North High student and everything."

"Can I get your Snap, or..." The boy asked.

"Hey, babe." Soul felt an arm wrap around her waist, causing her to look up and see EJ, causing a smile to spread across her face.

"Hi, Bubs!" Soul said, wrapping her arms around the boy as she placed her head on the boy's chest as she hugged him. "I'm so glad you're here."

"So, we still on for risotto later?" EJ asked.

"You know I'm always up for a good risotto night." Soul said, nodding her head, smiling up at the boy.

"And that's my cue." The North High boy said, turning around quickly making his way down the hall, causing the duo to laugh as EJ took his place.

"Okay, how do you know about my love for Risotto?" Soul asked, looking up at the boy.

"I didn't. I guess Miss Jenn's improv class really paid off." EJ said.

"Yeah and it kinda made you weirder." Soul said, causing them both to chuckle. "But in a good way. Wait, what are you even doing here? Not that I'm not happy to see you, cause I am."

"I felt bad that you got stuck here alone on lookout." EJ explained, causing Soul to smile at the boy.

"That's sweet of you." Soul said.

"Well, hey, what are fake boyfriends if not sweet." EJ said, causing Soul to chuckle as she looked don before looking back up at the boy. "I just..."

"Want risotto?" Soul asked.

"Yeah." EJ said, nodding his head

"Me too." Soul said, causing them both to laugh.

Soon Soul got a message from Gina, causing her smile to drop.

"We gotta go," Soul said, grabbing the boy's hand as she pulled down the hall and into the room Gina said to find East High along with the North High theater.

"What are you all doing here?" Lily questioned, looking over the entire group. "Scoping out the competition?"

"We came for our Beast mask. We know you took it." Carlos accused, shining the flashlight into the blonde girl's face.

"Pardon me, but our costumes are most excellent. Why would we steal your mask, when it is so, uh..." Antoine explained. "I.. We do not have a word for this in France, but in America, I believe you say 'fugly'?"

That caused everyone from East High to let out a giant gasp.

"What did you call my work?" Kourtney asked, feelings hurt.

"Quoi?" Antoine said in French.

"Look, I'm sure your mask is supes cute. But we're just in different leagues." Lily explained. "I mean, we're literally a quasi-professional theater company, and you guys put on shows based on made-for-TV movies. Now maybe you should listen to your precious High School Musical and stick to the stuff you know."

"Oh, yeah?" Seb asked, voice full of sass. "What if we bop to the top?"

"Honey, no." Carlos said, quickly cutting Seb off.
"Let's wait for the Menkies. We'll see who's in what league then." Ricky said.

"Or we could find out now." Lily said, causing all of East High to look at the blonde girl confused.

"What does that mean?" Big Red asked, confusion in his tone.

"We challenge you to a good old-fashioned dance-off,"Lily explained.

"Really? A dance off?" Kourtney questioned.

"A school-versus-school dance-off to a Beauty and the Beast song chosen at random." Lily explained. "You'll do your version, and we'll do ours. We'll see which school has what it takes. No costumes, no makeup, just talent."

The group from East High all looked around at each other before everyone looked back at the blonde.

"I'm sorry, no. That's weird." Ricky said, shaking his head causing the others to chuckle.
"Super weird." Ashlyn agreed.

"Even for me." Carlos agreed, turning to look at his friends. "Let's go, guys."

"Classic East High." Lily said, letting out a light chuckle. "Walking out of here with your tail between your legs. Just like your Miss Jenn did when she gave up on Broadway. And, you know, let's be honest." Lily made her way over to Soul, looking her up and down with a smirk on her face. "Maybe your Belle just can't cut it."

"No, I'm sorry, but nobody out-Belles our Belle." Gina said, walking up to Lily as stood in front of her best friend as EJ placed a hand on her shoulder for comfort, causing her to send the boy a small smile. "We are doing this."

"Good. Ten-minute warm-up, then we settle this, street-style." Lily said, walking away with the rest of North High in tow as Gina followed right behind causing everyone else to follow.

Making their way to the auditorium as they all split up to get some stretches in before the dance-off.

Soul sitting off by herself as she sat on the stage, stretching out her arms and legs, letting out some deep breaths.

"Okay, everyone. Warm-up is over, gather around." Lily called out, causing everyone to make their way to the stage. "I will now press shuffle to choose the song."

"After which, I will prepare a dance remix of the song, since I, on occasion, DJ." Antoine said, making his way next to Lily.

"Ah, of course he's a DJ." Big Red said.

"Non, monsieur, I DJ, but I would not say I am a DJ." Antoine said, correcting Big Red.

"Thanks for the clarity." Big Red said, sarcastically.

"Everyone ready?" Lily asked, shuffling her music as a look of disgust covered her face. "The Mob song."

"Yes!" EJ said, cheering as everyone else grunts. "I knew you all didn't like the mob song."

"It's not really a dancing song." Big Red said, defending himself.

"It's fine, guys. We're East High." Gina said, reassuring the group. "We can make anything work."

"Actually if you don't mind..." Soul started, taking a step forward with her phone in hand. "I kind of have a remix that I made myself of the mob song that I think would be great for a dance battle."

"You DJ too, mademoiselle?" Antoine asked the brunette girl.

"I guess you can say that. I kind of produce all the music for my songs so I had to start somewhere so I started with some of my favorite Beauty and the Beast songs." Soul said, shrugging her shoulders as if it was no big deal.

"I knew someone liked The Mob Song." EJ happily said, causing the girl to chuckle as she shook her head.

"Open the curtain." Lily called, causing the curtain to be opened as lights shined on a beautiful set, causing the East High cast to look at the set wonderstruck as someone dressed as the Beast stood at the top.

"Okay, now that... that's a Beast mask." Kourtney said, turning towards her friends, pointing at the Beast as he made his way down the stairs.

"May the best school win." Lily said, happily with a giant grin before turn to walk away. "Places, please."

Everyone went one way as Soul went the other towards the music board as she plugged in phone, putting on some headphones as she gave the group a thumbs up as she pressed play on her phone.

Through the mist, through the woods

Through the darkness and the shadows

It's a nightmare, but it's one exciting ride

Say a prayer, then we're there

At the drawbridge of a castle

And there's something truly terrible inside

It's a beast

He's got fangs

Razor-sharp ones

Massive paws, killer claws for the feast

Hear him roar, see him foam

But we're not coming home 'til he's dead

Good and dead

Kill the beast!

Kill the beast!

Soul quickly took off the headphones as she joined her friends as they stopped at the stairs directly in front of her.

Light your torch, mount your horse

Screw your courage to the sticking place

We're counting on Gaston to lead the way

Through a mist, through a wood

Where within a haunted castle

Something's lurking that you don't see everyday

It's a beast

one as tall as a mountain

We won't rest 'til he's good and deceased

Sally forth, tally ho

Grab your sword, grab your bow

Praise the lord and here we go

We're not safe until he's dead

He'll come stalking us at night

Set to sacrifice our children

To his monstrous appetite

He'll wreak havoc on our village if we let him wander free

So it's take some action, boys

It's time to follow me!

We don't like

What we don't understand

In fact, it scares us

And this monster is mysterious at least

Bring your guns, bring your knives

Save your children and your wives

We'll save our village and our lives

We'll kill the beast!

Kill the beast!

Hearts ablaze, banners high

We go marching into battle

Unafraid although the danger just increased

Raise the flag, sing the song

Here we come, we're 50 strong

And 50 Frenchman can't be wrong

Soul felt herself slip on something as her and Lily walked circles around each other, causing her to fall over the rail.

We'll kill the beast!

Everyone gasped as they watched the girl fall over the rail, she letting out a scream until she felt someone catch her, quickly wrapping her arms around them.

"Soul!" Everyone from East High said, looking at the girl with worried faces.

Soul watched as Lily quickly kicked something to the side of the stage before her eyes quickly moved to the person who caught her.

"You know you should probably be more careful," EJ said, smiling at the girl, causing a grin to cover her face. "That would have been quite the fall."

"Well I guess it's a good thing that I had you there to catch me," Soul said, causing the boy to grin. "What's that two saves in one day. It's like I have my own personal superhero."

"Oh my god, Soul! Are you okay?" Gina asked, sincerely concerned as she rushed over, causing EJ to sit her down on the ground just as she pulled into a tight hug by Gina, everyone right behind her.

"I'm fine, I promise guys I am okay. Honestly." Soul said, sending her friends a reassuring smile.

East High decided it was time to go as they made their way off stage to the side stage.

"Let's get out of here guys." Ricky said to the group, making their way to the exit.

"Uh, for the record." Lily said, chasing after the group, causing them all to stop and turn to the blonde girl as she let out a chuckle. "We won."

"Are you serious?" Soul asked, letting out a fake chuckle.

"Just because someone fell and almost got seriously injured?" Gina asked in disbelief.

"Yeah, did you see Gina's moves?" Kourtney said. "No way you beat that."

"Maybe we should have figured out some sort of points system?" Seb said.

"You know what? It's fine." Carlos said, putting his hands up. "Let her say they won. This dance-off doesn't matter. The Menkies matter, and we're gonna win that, because we've got one thing you don't have."

"The sympathy vote?" Lily questioned.

"No. Nini's Rose Song." Seb said as Nini approached the group, causing everyone to agree as Lily let out a chuckle.

"Um... Sorry, not sorry, Wildcats, but if you perform her song in your show, you will be disqualified from the Menkies." Lily informed the group. "You can't alter the original Menken text."

"Well, let's just do it anyway." Nini said, looking over at the group. "Stick to the plan and take the risk."

"And risk letting them win?" Carlos asked the girl beside him. "Isn't there a sports metaphor for this?" Everyone turned to look at EJ as his eyes got big, causing everyone to groan at the boy. "EJ, you had one job!"

"I mean, what if the song didn't really fit in the show anyway, you know?" Ricky said, causing everyone to go quiet. "Seems a little heavy."

Nini shook her head at the boy before she turned around, going out the door she had just come in through as everyone soon turned around to follow her.

"Let's go." Carlos said. "First the Beast. Now this? Are you kidding me?"

Soul stayed behind as she walked up to Lily as she looked her in the eyes.

"I know what you did. I can't believe even you would stoop that low over a stupid award." Soul said, giving the girl one last look before turning around to catch up with the others.

"I guess we're not boyfriend and girlfriend anymore." EJ said, walking side by side with Soul.

"I guess not. I guess we're just co-anchors who just happen to be the best of friends." Soul said, causing them both to chuckle. "I guess it's back to normal. And Back to you EJ."

"Good morning, East High!" EJ spoke into her fake microphone in his hosting voice.

...

"Here we are, Casa de Walker." EJ said, placing his car in park as he stopped in front of the girl's house as he looked over at her.

"Thanks, E." Soul said, looking over at the boy with a smile.

"Of course, you know I enjoy your company." EJ said, sending the girl a smile.

"Not that. Well I am very grateful for all the rides and stuff but I was actually talking about what happened at East High." Soul said, looking down at her hand. "You know with that guy but more specifically for catching me because I know without you I probably wouldn't have walked out of the school on my own."

"No need to thank me. If I'm there to see you fall, I will be the one to catch you every time." EJ said, grabbing the girl's hand in his. "You are okay, right?"

"Yeah, I'm totally fine." Soul said, nodding her head with a slight chuckle as she looked over at the boy. "There may be a bruise or two but I'm fine."

"Good. I mean that's good." EJ said, causing the girl to nod her head in agreement as they both sat silently as they looked forward.

"Actu-"EJ started as he turned to face the but was cut off as Soul's lips met his, causing both of their eyes to go wide.

"I am so sorry." Soul said as she started stumbling over her words, her cheeks growing hot red. "I went to kiss you cheek but you turned and..."

"Hey, don't worry about it." EJ said, cutting the girl as he sent her a small smile. "I turned and you usually kiss me on the cheek and it's all good."

"Yeah, okay." Soul said, both sitting in silence. "So, um. I guess, I'll see you tomorrow."

"Yeah, tomorrow." EJ said, nodding his head, causing Soul to open the car door, quickly making her way to her house and in the door.

EJ hit his head on his steering wheel as he let out a sigh. "Nice one Caswell."

...