Ashley walked into the Chicago Shakes Theater and was met with five other women.

"Hello, Ashley," they all yelled, and Ashley grinned.

"Hi, everyone! It's so nice to meet you all!"

Andrea walked around and did a quick introduction.

"That's Adrianna, Brittany, Sam, Anna, and our Dance Captain Mallory!"

Ashley went around and gave everyone a hug. "I can't wait to start working with you all!"

"It's so nice to meet you," Mallory said, "I watched a couple of your old MegaSiXes, you're so adorable!"

Ashley smiled sheepishly. "Thank you, I'm still getting the hang of things."

Anna ruffled Ashley's dark red hair. "You're a real cutie, Ashley! We can't wait to perform with you!"

Ashley grinned. "I can't wait either!"

***

"So, how's it like back in the States?"

Ashley was on the phone with her mom and girlfriend. She was smiling in the guest room of Abby's apartment.

"It's honestly amazing! The cast is so wonderfully kind, and it's refreshing to use my native accent again!"

Erin MacIntosh, Ashley's childhood best friend and girlfriend, grinned.

"I'm happy for you, Ginny! The cast misses you bunches, and Gracie's two seconds away from catching the next plane to Chicago."

Ashley smiled bittersweetly. It was the middle of June, and Grace didn't leave SiX until August. If all went to plan, Ashley would be in Chicago for a short while. She had already seen how amazingly this cast performed, she had watched them perform and it was spectacular.

She was particularly excited for her first show in the States, being free to use her New York accent in a new rendition of her favorite show.

"I miss you too! Where's Mom?"

"Natalie Nat-Nat! Your daughter wants to talk to you!"

Ashley smiled as Natalie Paris, Ashley's adopted mother, filled the screen with het cheerful grin.

"Hi, Mom!"

"Caramel! How are you?"

Ashley's smile grew. "I'm great! How was the show?"

"It was the same as always, we just really miss you."

"I miss you too, but Toby and Lucy let me come visit whenever! And it's not like I'm staying in the States forever."

Natalie smiled. "I know, Caramel, but have fun! We'll talk to you tomorrow!"

"I love you guys! Give Gracie a hug for me!"

Ashley blew a kiss to her family and the screen went black. Ashley smiled as she flipped on her bed.

"Hey, Ashley! Come down to eat!"

Ashley ran downstairs and gave Abby a bear hug.

"Hey, little cutie! What's up?"

Ashley smiled as she sat down with the SixCago Queens. They had all come for her.

"I'm just really happy to meet you all."

"We're really happy to meet you too," Adrianna said."

Ashley grinned. She was loving this new chapter of her story, and she didn't want it to end.