Finally it was time for the play and Tabitha was doing everything she could to not freak out. This was her first time being a female lead and the play would be on Disney+, so that means a lot of people would watch the play. But it also meant it was Ricky's 18th birthday. She stood by the others excitedly in the boys cabin where Ricky was still asleep.

"I'm gonna count to three." Carlos said.

"On three or after three?" Kourtney asked.

"Not this again." Carlos groaned.

"Happy birthday!" Maddox shouted, waking up Ricky. Everyone followed along with Maddox, all shouting 'happy birthday'. Ricky yelled, his eyes wide as he tried to calm his heavy breathing down after realizing it was just the other campers.

"And happy opening night to those keeping score." EJ adds with a smile. "Our show might be in danger, but right now our focus is Ricky."

Ricky chuckles and sits up. "Guys, you shouldn't have. For real, you almost gave me a heart attack."

"Well, it was either yelling at you to wake up or Maeve's idea with pouring cold water on you." Tabitha chimed in, earning a grin from Maeve.

"Okay, then I'm glad you didn't go with that." Ricky nodded.

"You're an old man now?" Jet chuckled.

"But wait. There's more." Carlos cut in.

Ashlyn looks at him in confusion. "There is?"

"Come on in. Your best friend is old enough to vote." Carlos called out.

Everyone turns to the door that opens, seeing Big Red walking in with a cake. "Please tell me these bunks are air-conditioned."

Ashlyn's eyes lit up and she smiles at her boyfriend. "Biggie?"

"Of course you showed up!" Ricky grinned, walking over to him and they hugged.

"We've spent every birthday together since pre-school." Big Red reminded him.

"Yeah. And of course you brought a lotto ticket." Ricky smiled.

"Brought a what now?" Big Red questioned, staring at him in confusion.

"A lotto ticket? It's the last thing on my bucket list." Ricky explains. "That's why you're here, right?"

"You walked on the moon?" Big Red asked in surprise.

"He actually did it all this summer. I'm Jet." Jet introduces himself, putting his hands on his hips as he watches Big Red set the cake down on the coffee table. "Who are you?"

"I am Ashlyn's boyfriend." Big Red replied with a smile and Ashlyn smiled softly as he pulled her into a hug.

"My friend first." Ricky pointed out.

"I feel like I missed so much." Big Red chuckled.

"Yeah, you missed a lot." Maeve nodded.

"Excuse me." Ricky made his way over to sit at the table and smiled as Jet turned the cake to face him.

"Make a wish."

****

"Has anyone seen Tabitha?" Maeve asked when everyone got back to the cabin.

"No, I thought she was with you." Ashlyn admitted, glancing around the cabin with furrowed eyebrows.

"I'm sure she's probably with EJ." Kourtney shrugged with a small smile.

Tabitha was actually alone at the playground. She was sitting on the playground near the swing, her knees brought up to her chest. She had her arms wrapped around her legs and her chin was rested on her knees.

Her mind was racing and she felt as if the world was crashing down around her. She had gotten so lost in her own thoughts and worries, she didn't hear someone coming up behind her.

"Tabs?" EJ calls out, causing her to jump. "Sorry. What are you doing out here?"

"Just...thinking." Tabitha replied, not looking back at him.

"Are you okay?" He asked softly, sitting beside her.

"I know I kinda got over my stage fright, but now I'm the female lead for the first time ever and it'll be in front of cameras where a lot of people will be watching. It's just a lot of pressure and I don't wanna let anyone down."

"You're not going to let anyone down. I know you'll do amazing. You've got this, Tabs." He reassures her, wrapping his arm around her and bringing her close, letting her rest her head on his shoulder.

"But what if I don't? What if I mess up and ruin everything? I just- I really want to make everyone proud. And I don't want to mess up on camera either. That would be so embarrassing." Tabitha sighed, shaking her head.

"I think everyone would understand, Tab. Just like how they understood when you got nervous. It happens. Don't put so much pressure on yourself, okay?" He kisses her head and rubs her arm gently, trying to help her relax. "You're so talented, more than you know. I think everyone can see that."

Tabitha lifts her head from his shoulder and turns her head to look at him, her eyes meeting his. She was able to tell he was being sincere, his eyes were telling her everything she needed to know. She felt her worries slowly disappearing. She took a deep breath and leaned up, bringing her hand to his jaw to turn him to her and kissed him.

EJ smiles into the kiss, placing his hand on the back of her head. He kisses her back and the two pulled away after a minute, a soft smile on their faces. Tabitha rests her head on his shoulder, smiling softly when she feels his fingers combing through her hair.

"Thank you." She whispered.

"You're welcome, Tabs." He replied.

The two sat together in a comfortable silence for a few minutes. Tabitha was finally relaxed, no longer worrying about messing up on the big day. EJ was just happy to be able to help her relax. He knew how worried and anxious she had been lately, especially since she was the female lead this time. He hated seeing her so stressed out. He knew she would do amazing, but he knew she was afraid of letting people down.

"Feelin' better?" He questioned.

"Yeah, a little. But you always help me feel better." Tabitha smiles, sitting up and looking at him. "Thank you."

"It's no problem. Anything for you, Tabs." He smiles back and kisses her cheek. "Come on, we have to get ready for the play." Together, they leave the playground, holding hands.

****

Tabitha couldn't believe it. It was now half hour call before the play. Tabitha is in the dressing room with the other teens, all getting ready for the play when Channing walked in.

"Greetings, theater children. Listen up. You see this camera? There are another ten of them planted throughout the theater. It all comes down to tonight. Okay? Big new announcement." He chuckles and smiles. "We will be live-streaming tonight's 'Frozen' performance on Disney Plus in order to drum up interest in our documentary."

Carlos shrieks, his eyes widening as he covers his mouth out of shock. Tabitha felt the same way. Her heart was racing and she stares at Channing in shock. Now the play would be live? That just fueled her anxiety and worry.

"Oh! Save the scream for on stage, snowman." Channing points at him. "When you find out your carrot's been replaced by a stick of dynamite."

"Dude, what are you talking about?" Ricky questioned.

"I may throw a few things at you guys, last minute. It's fun stuff to shake up the show." Channing answered, acting as if it wasn't a big deal.

"You mean, different than how we rehearsed it?" Gina asked nervously.

"You guys were so great at that last rehearsal, remember? We need that, but more. Okay? So just change some dialogue, slap each other. Pull some wigs off. It's fun stuff to amp up the livestream right?" Channing smiled.

"Fun stuff like how I'm gonna punch you in the face right now?" Maeve threatened and went to take a step forward only to be pulled back by Ricky.

"Maeve, don't. He's not worth it." He said.

EJ then clears his throat and with a forced smile he says, "We can do that."

"What?" Everyone exclaimed, staring at him in surprise.

"No, we will do that." EJ continued, wincing when Tabitha punched him in the shoulder.

"Excellent. Okay. Have fun, alright? At each other's expenses." Channing chuckles. "If you aren't trending in Brazil at midnight, you haven't done your jobs. Okay? Yay!" He chuckled once again before he left.

"This is a nightmare." Tabitha muttered to herself, shaking her head as she stared at the ground. She could feel her heart racing and the anxiety coming back. EJ wrapped his arm around her waist after he noticed her quiet behavior, rubbing her side comfortingly and kissed the top of her head as everyone yelled at him for what he said.

"Elton!" Carlos shouts. "Even I think we shouldn't pull each other's wigs off."

"Yeah, that's so stupid!" Maeve agreed.

"We're not doing anything that Channing guy says." Zander chimed in.

"Settle down. You guys, I was acting, okay?" EJ quickly explains. "To get that jerk off our backs."

"You sure?" Ricky asked, raising his eyebrows.

"Channing may know what makes a good TV show, but we're theater kids. And we're gonna do tonight our way. Final decision." EJ voiced and everyone spoke in agreement and went back to getting ready for the play.

"Good job." Tabitha said to him softly, wrapping her arm around his waist. "Now, we just have to find a way to stop Channing from messing things up."

"Don't worry, angel, we'll figure things out and make sure this play is a big hit." EJ reassured her, kissing her cheek.

Tabitha's heart flutters and she smiles softly. "Thank you, Eej. I love you."

"I love you too." He replied and kissed her forehead.

The two went their separate ways to get ready for the play and to do the finishing touches.

****

As the play started, everyone was doing amazing so far. But Tabitha noticed Kourtney was no where to be found. She went to the Honeycomb cabin, noticing Kourtney laying on her bed, holding a stuffed animal close to her.

"I'm glad I finally found you, it's almost time for our first scene, but Alex and Emmy are doing such an amazing job." Her gaze softens at seeing Kourtney acting anxious and nervous. "Kourt?"

"I'm just having kind of, like, an anxiety flare-up at the moment." Kourtney admitted shakily.

"Kourt." Tabitha sighs with a frown, taking hold of Kourtney's hand. "What did you do with that girl who conquered her fear last night?"

"I left her at the top of the wall." Kourtney replies, her eyes getting watery. "These things, they don't go away in a night, so..."

"Hey. Come on. You are Kourtney Greene. You are a warrior." Tabitha reminds her, a determined look in her eyes. "You are strong and fierce. And so so talented. You can do this. I'm your sister, alright? And I'll be with you every step of the way."

"But what if I-"

"Forget your lines? Then you improvise. If you forget what to do, I'll help you out." Tabitha reassured her.

Kourtney's lips tug into a smile and she nods, taking a deep breath. "Thank you, Tabi." She sighed and pulled the other girl in a tight hug.

"It's no problem. You can do this, Kourt. You've got this." Tabitha told her and the two hugged for a few minutes. After the hug, Tabitha squeezed Kourtney's hand and they shared a smile as they left the cabin together.

****

So far the play had been going great. No one had messed up so far and everything had gone smoothly. During Kourtney's scene with singing 'Let It Go', things started going down hill. Tabitha caught Channing turning off the lights. She quickly went over to where the light switch was, leaving back stage to fix the lights. Kourtney had been doing so well, but after the lights and music shut off, she froze and had a nervous look on her face.

Tabitha thought it was sweet when Miss Jenn and Big Red pulled out their phones, turning on their flashlights. Then everyone else joined in, turning their flashlights on their phones as well. Kourtney was breathing heavily as she started to sing quietly on her own, but as she continued, she got more confident and louder.

Tabitha finally got to the light switch and turns the lights back on, earning gasps and cheers from the audience. Channing looks at her with surprise and Tabitha just sends him a glare. "Don't get me started."

Maddox then got the music working as well and Kourtney continued killing it as Elsa. Tabitha got back to the others in the wings, earning smiles from Ashlyn, Ricky, Marc, Maeve, Zander, and EJ. EJ even pulled her to his side and kissed the top of her head, causing her to smile wide and her face turn a bit red as she leaned into his side.

When Kourtney made an outfit change at the end of the song, everyone stood as they cheered louder for Kourtney. Kourtney then walked on the stair prop, the prop turning around to act as if she was on a balcony. Behind her was the prop door of Elsa's castle coming together and she even pulled the headband braid out, making it a longer braid. At the end of the song, everyone cheered and appplauded for her.

Tabitha was so proud of Kourtney for facing her fears and being brave. She was smiling brightly and when Kourtney looked at her, she gave her a thumbs up. Tabitha was also really impressed with what Kourtney had done, it was an amazing moment.

****

"Ten-minute intermission." Maddox calls out. "And if anyone sees Channing punch him."

"I should've punched him when I turned the lights back on." Tabitha mumbled and Maeve chuckled from her place by her.

"I'm really proud of you Tabi, you're doing so well as Anna. I mean, I knew you'd be fabulous at it, but it's just really awesome to see you up there." Maeve gushed, nudging her best friend's arm gently.

Tabitha smiles softly. "Thanks, Mae. I'm proud of you too, you were amazing as Queen Iduna."

"Thank you." Maeve grinned.

"Wait, did everybody get a card from Nini?" Ashlyn gasped, her lips forming into a smile.

Ricky looks at her in surprise. "Nini's here?"

"Wait, is that what this is?" Maeve asked, holding up a card she got.

"Yeah." Ashlyn smiled.

"That's so sweet." Tabitha smiled, glancing at the card she had gotten from Nini. She had to admit she missed Nini so it was sweet of Nini to get a card for everyone.

****

Tabitha was trying to not be so nervous before her next scene as she stood back stage. Ricky was back stage as well, trying to get ready for their scene together. The mood was ruined when Channing walked over to them with the camera pointed at them.

"Ah! The ex shows up to swing his word. Yes."

Ricky covers the camera with his hand, giving Channing an annoyed look. "Okay, dude? She and I? We're just faking it during rehearsal. Okay? We're friends. She has a boyfriend. So, get lost before someone gets hurt. Seriously."

Tabitha is surprised about this, not expecting him to defend her like that. It was sweet, but she didn't expect it. She appreciated it. Thankfully, Channing walked away and left them alone.

Ricky turns to her with a concerned look in his eyes. "You okay?"

"Yeah, thank you." Tabitha replies with a small smile. "I hate that guy."

"You and me both." Ricky sighed.

The two shared a smile as Maddox walked over to them with Ricky's guitar. "Ricky, get into character. Come on." Maddox guided Ricky over to the stage for his next scene. Tabitha gave him a thumbs up, earning a smile from Ricky. Tabitha stood in the wings as she watched Ricky's scene. She noticed her boyfriend standing in the wings across the stage and she grinned when she saw him. She locked eyes with him and the two sent each other a smile and a wave.

****

Tabitha was surprised when EJ suddenly told her to meet him at the office cabin, something about he needed her help with something important and he looked nervous about it.

"What's going on?" She asked softly, walking into the cabin to find him sitting on the coffee table.

"I'm calling my dad, but I need moral support." EJ admits and her heart aches at how his voice sounded a bit shaky. "So, I was wondering if you could stay while I do this?"

"Of course." Tabitha smiled and sat down next to him. She took his hand, holding it gently in hers. She gently squeezed it as he got his phone out. He pulled up his dad's number, his thumb hovering over the call button, but Tabitha could see he was hesitant to call him. He glances at her and she can see the nervousness and fear in his eyes.

"Everything will be okay, sweetheart. I promise. Just breathe." Tabitha reassures him, her thumb rubbing over his knuckles. "Want me to call him for you?" She asked softly and he nodded, not saying anything since he didn't trust his voice at the moment.

EJ hands his phone to her and she smiles softly, pressing the call button before handing it to him. She kept her hand in his, her thumb rubbing over the back of his hand. "Hey, dad, it's me. We're in the middle of act two right now, and I actually fooled myself into thinking you'd be here, but I know you think this is a waste of my time. And I know I took a chance tonight that put people over profits." Tabitha notices his eyes were teary the whole time, his voice cracking as he spoke. She hated he felt this way. She puts a comforting hand on his back, gently rubbing his back, her other hand now in his and squeezing it gently.

"But once in my life, I wanna hear you say you're proud of me. Just 'I'm proud of you, EJ'. How hard is that? Dad? Hello? Did you..." He pauses, pulling his phone away to look at it with confusion. His heart drops as he realizes his dad hung up without even saying anything. "He hung up." He hung his head low, tears threatening to fall.

Tabitha's frown deepens at this and she wraps her arm around him, holding him close. He wraps his arm around her waist, laying his head on her shoulder. She rubs his arm comfortingly, trying to comfort him. "I'm so sorry, baby. He's not worth it. He should be proud of you, Eej. You've done so much and you're so talented. I'm proud of you for everything you've done." She said softly while he buried his face in the crook of her neck, her hand coming up to stroke his hair. "I love you, Eej. You deserve better, babe. So much better."

"Thank you, angel. I love you too." He mumbles into her neck, his grip on her tightening a bit. He pulls back, wiping away the tears and clears his throat.

"Are you okay? Do you want me to go?" Tabitha asked softly, reaching up to brush his hair away from his forehead.

"No, I'd like it if you stayed." He answeres softly. "Thank you, babe."

"Anything for you, honey." Tabitha smiled, her hand moving down to cup his cheek. He leaned into her touch, closing his eyes as she caressed his cheek with her thumb.

"You always know how to make me feel better." EJ murmured, kissing the inside of her palm. "You're amazing, Tabs. I'm so lucky to have you."

"I'm lucky to have you." She replied, blushing softly at his words. "Come on, babe, let's finish the play."

He nods, the two of them getting up. They share a smile, him placing a kiss on her forehead before taking her hand and walking back to the main stage.

Tabitha knew EJ was a great guy and she hated the bad relationship he had with his dad. She felt so bad for him and hoped one day he'd get the relationship with his dad that he deserved.

****

Cheering and applause filled the barn as the cast took a bow. Tabitha met Kourtney in the middle, sharing a smile with her as they took a hold of each other's hands. Then they both went to the front and bowed together. They stood by the rest of the cast, taking their hands as well and they all bowed together. Kourtney stepped forward and waved her hand, pretending to make snow appear. Then back stage Maddox pulled a rope and fake snow fell on the audience, causing the cheering to grow louder. The cast all smiled and waved at the audience and congratulated each other, giving each other hugs as well.

After the play, the cast all changed and got into their normal clothes. They got in the empty barn where Maddox was cleaning up the fake snow. Miss Jenn was waiting for them in the barn with Big Red and Kourtney went over to Miss Jenn with a nervous smile.

"Were we good?"

"No. You were incredible." Miss Jenn told her with a smile, pulling her into a hug.

"Wait. Jessica? From the first 'High School Musical' movie?" Corbin spoke up when he noticed Miss Jenn.

"Who's Jessica?" Zander spoke up with confusion, earning a shrug from Maeve.

When Miss Jenn and Kourtney pulled away from the hug, Corbin smiles at Miss Jenn. "It is you, Jessica."

"Close enough." Miss Jenn chuckled and hugged Corbin back when he hugged her.

"You were our favorite extra." Corbin told her.

"You were my favorite Corbin." Miss Jenn smiled.

Carlos steps forward, raising his eyebrows. "Should we give you space or..."

"You know what? Hold on." Channing speaks up. "I actually wanna put a microphone on the girl. This is really good."

"Can I punch him now?" Maeve asked, taking a step forward but only to be hold back by Zander this time.

"Actually, Channing, why don't you take a long five? Okay?" Corbin said to Channing as he turns to face him. He takes his mic off and hands it to Channing. "Get lost. It's done. We're done."

"We're doe? Yeah. Okay. Well, I always have final say in the editing room." Channing retorted. After Corbin took a step towards him with an intimidating stare, Channing backed up until he turned around and left the room.

Tabitha was surprised that Corbin did that. She didn't think Corbin would end up on their side, but she was glad he did. Corbin faces the teens with a small smile. "What team?" He asked, breaking the silence that filled the room once Channing left.

Gina's eyes light up and she pats Marc's arm excitedly. "He's doing it." Marc chuckled and smiled at her in amusement, wrapping his arm around her shoulders to pull her to his side. She smiled in response and leaned into him, wrapping her arm around his waist.

"Wildcats!" Ricky grinned.

"What team?" Corbin repeated.

This time everyone spoke together. "Wildcats."

"What team?"

"Wildcats!" The group shouted excitedly.

"Wildcats!" Corbin repeated.

"Get your head in the game!" Everyone said excitedly.

"That felt right." Corbin commented with a wide smile.

"Last night of camp, huh, kids?" Miss Jenn spoke up with a soft smile, walking over to sit on the edge of the stage.

"So this is it, then?" Gina frowned.

"Define 'it'." EJ voiced.

"Just kind of feels like something is over." Gina admitted, smiling a little when Marc rubbed her arm comfortingly and kissed the top of her head.

"Sometimes, the really good stuff begins only when something else ends." Miss Jenn replied with a soft smile.

"Once in a lifetime means there's no second chance."

Everyone looks at Corbin in surprise when he started singing 'Everyday' from HSM 2. "So I believe that you and me should grab it while we can."

Corbin walks down the pathway the teens made for him as he walks over to Miss Jenn. "Make it last forever and never give it back." Miss Jenn scooted over to give him some room to sit by her on the stage.

"It's our turn and I'm loving where we're at." Corbin sang. Everyone pulled chairs over and sat down by each other. Tabitha sat by EJ with a smile as he intertwined their hands together.

From his place by Corbin, Ricky grabs his acoustic guitar and starts playing it. "Because this moment's really all we have." Gina and Marc harmonized as they smiled at each other.

"Every day of our lives." Ricky continued.

"Wanna find you there," Ashlyn chimes in from where she sat by Big Red, who had his arm wrapped around her. "Wanna hold on tight."

"Gonna run." Big Red sang.

"While we're young and keep the faith." Maddox and Jet shared a smile when they sang together.

"Every day from right now." Carlos sings with Kourtney. "Gonna use our voices and scream out loud."

"Take my hand." Miss Jenn outstretched a hand to Gina, who sat besides her. Gina smiled at her and took her hand.

"Together we will," Maeve chimes in, Zander harmonizing with her at the end of the line. "Celebrate every day." They shared a smile as they sang, her smile turning shy when he wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

Throughout the song, everyone went to the wall in the barn where all the campers signed their names on it. It was a wall that had the titles of different plays on it and the campers who were in the plays signed their name on it. Tabitha thought this was sweet the camp did this. She smiled as she wrote her name on the wall that had the 'Frozen' logo on it. She wrote her name by EJ's who wrote just Elton instead of EJ which she found that to be adorable.

After they were done, they went to the campfire area and made a campfire and smores. It was a blast and they all had fun making smores. They even had some twinklers they used to make a tunnel for everyone to dance down. Corbin joined them the whole time and Tabitha thought that was sweet of him to do that. Towards the end of the night, Tabitha was talking with Maeve and Zander. Turns out they decided not to be a couple because of the long distance problems they would have, but decided to remain good friends. So she was glad that things were good with them.

"Uh, you guys?" Tabitha glances over at EJ when she heard him speak up. "We're trending in Brazil."

Tabitha gasps excitedly, hugging on his arm. "That means you don't have to go to your dad's school!"

EJ grins at her and pulls her close by wrapping his arm around her waist and kissing her forehead, earning a soft smile from her. "Oh, dude, I forgot." Jet admits. "You got an opening night card." He walks over to Ricky, handing him a card. "Found it behind the couch."

"From Nini." Maddox explained with a soft chuckle.

Ricky takes it with a nervous look. He glances at everyone, only getting encouraging looks in response. "Open it." Gina encouraged.

Ricky opens the card and chuckles. "Yep. She remembered. She remembered the lottery ticket." He smiled softly, holding up the lottery ticket. Then he hugged Big Red back when he pulled him in for a hug.

A/N i cant believe this book is finally almost done !! i didnt plan on writing the fourth season for this book since tabitha & ej would be at college, although if you wanted some bonus chapters of them & what their college life is like then I might do that. but i have a maeve fic in my drafts & it will be in season four so if you want to read a fic that focuses more on maeve & her story then pls let me know!!