Going back to the way things used to be was hard; I would find myself in the middle of the night, longing to talk to EJ, to hear his laugh, and see the way his eyes crinkle when he smiles; I just had to keep reminding myself, it was better like this, easier.

As hard as I tried to stop them, his words from that day played in my head on repeat, "she's Aurora," was his explanation; I still couldn't decipher what that meant; was the thought of being with me disgusting, absurd, humorous...

I was avoiding EJ to the best of my ability; I started getting rides to school with Big Red and stayed late every day to help with sets and last-minute prep for opening night. It wasn't easy, but I did what I think is best... and besides, I wouldn't have to for much longer; mom and dad were catching this afternoon and heading straight to the show; after that, we'd be going home, finally.

"Aurora," Miss Jenn ran up to me in a frenzy; we were less than a half-hour away from the start of the show, and she only grew more panicked as the time got closer, "Is everything ready?" She asked, wringing her hands together nervously.

I nodded, holding my clipboard under my arm; despite my very brief role in the show, I was still stage manager, and I was managing it all like a pro if I say so myself, "everything is perfect, Miss Jenn, it's gonna be fine." I reassured her, "just breathe."

"Breathing... right," She nods, letting out a breath, "you look fantastic by the way, sweetie, you excited for your debut?"

I swayed the billowy skirt around me, glancing down at the fabric. The dress itself was made with a light lavender color, with a deep purple cloak placed around my shoulders; it was easily the prettiest thing I've ever worn. Kourtney outdid herself. "thank you, I am," I nodded at her, smiling; I was kind of nervous but mostly excited.

"You're going to do great," She reached over, squeezing my hand, "now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna make my rounds." She smiled at me anxiously one last time before walking away in the direction of the actual stage.

I decided to take this time as an opportunity to stretch; my part was mainly dancing, but I'd been rehearsing it with Gina for so long, I knew I was ready, "Has anyone seen Big-" I looked up at the sound of EJ's voice; he stood in front of him, his eyes wide. I hadn't seen him up until now; if the two of us were on good terms, I'd probably make some snarky comment about his Gaston makeup, but instead, I say silent, stretching my arms, "Aurora, wow, you look...." He pauses, giving me a once over, his eyes still wide, "wow, you um, look amazing."

I hate how genuine he looks; I can no longer decipher if he is or not; I awkwardly nod at him, not bothering to even muster a smile, "thanks." I reply dryly, hoping he'll get the hint and leave me alone; he doesn't, though; EJ just stands there, watching me. "Did you need something?"

"Uh, yeah, I was looking for Big Red so we could go over Gaston, but he's been kind of MIA." He explains, awkwardly scratching the back of his neck; I hum in response, continuing to stretch my arms, "Um, but do you think we could talk? You leave tonight, and I know you'll only be next door, but I don't want us to be on bad terms when you go."

"I already told you, I don't wanna talk," I remind him, walking past him to grab my bottle of water; EJ follows, not giving up just yet.

"I get that," He nods; he says that, yet he kept trying, "I just wanna talk, that's all, and then you can go back to ignoring me, I just wanna understand." His eyes were pleading with me to listen.

What was there for him to understand, though? When he learns why I don't want to speak to him, he'll probably be weirded out and go silent anyway, "There's nothing to discuss," I inform him, straitening my back, attempting to look more confident than I actually feel, "I have to go, I'm on in 5."

I could feel EJ watching me the entire time as I walked away, past the stage, and over to the wing I was supposed to wait in until my cue to go on stage. Luckily, within minutes the show was beginning, "Once upon a time, in a faraway land," Mr. Mazarra spoke, as the music started playing.

Nini walked up behind me as Ricky's character was introduced; she was honestly so much help backstage, "Enchantress, your rose," she handed it to me as I placed the fake witch nose on, "You look beautiful, Rory, even with that weird witch nose." I chuckled, wringing my hands together, "you okay?"

Short answer, no, talking with EJ had thrown me off, "Just a little nervous, that's all."

"You're gonna do great," She reassured me, squeezing my arm, "have fun out there."

My cue to go on stage was here before I knew it, "but then, one winter's night, an old beggar woman came to the castle." I hunched my back over, limping as I walked over to Ricky, my hood covering the majority of my hair and face, "and offered him a single rose in exchange for shelter from the bitter cold." Ricky and I did our choreography, him turning me away once I offer him the rose. "But she warned him not to be deceived by appearances, for beauty is found within, and when he dismissed her again, the old woman's ugliness melted away to reveal a beautiful enchantress."

I pulled my hood off, ripping the fake nose off; standing up straighter as a confident smile its way onto my lips; in the audience, a distinct cheer could be here from near the front. I glanced down slightly to find my family and EJ's family, all cheering together, Bella's cheers being the loudest of all.

I smiled at them slightly before continuing my choreography, moving my skirt around as I danced. At the part where the curse comes, I dance in front of Ricky, twirling my skirt around a few times; by the time I'm finished and have moved aside, he is fully transformed into the Beast. The crowd cheers loudly as Ricky stands in the center of the stage, holding the rose in his hand.

He walks off the stage as Belle begins, meeting me in the wings, "You killed that, Rory," He exclaimed, pulling me into his arms, lifting my feet off the ground slightly.

"So did you," I smile at him once I'm back on the ground, "I'm gonna go get changed, I'll see ya," I smile at him once more before walking away; I felt lighter than I did before the show, we were almost there... I was officially counting down the hours until the show was over and I could be back with my family; everything was finally going to be normal again.

I promise you're gonna be happy in the next chapter!
Real question is... how do y'all think the big resolution/revealing of feelings should happen? I have a ton of ideas, but y'all are EJ and Auroras biggest fans, so I love hearing from y'all!!