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𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗢𝗢 𝗗𝗘𝗘𝗣

chapter eleven:
risotto, ever the savior !

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VIOLETTA WAS CONFIDENT in her relationship with EJ. She knew where they stood, she knew that they liked each other, she knew that they now understood to communicate how they were feeling.

However, for the first time in her life, she wasn't that confident in Athena's relationship with Ricky.

She could practically see the cracks in the foundation that they had worked so hard to make. Violetta had seen them ever since Ricky almost kissed Nini at the El Rey, but now, with Ricky's internal struggle, it was taking a strain. Things were only getting worse now that Athena's necklace that Ricky had given her was missing. She had given into Kourtney to fix the R charm coming loose on it, but when Kourtney had left the dressing room for two minutes, the necklace was completely gone when she returned.

Violetta should've taken that specific charm coming loose as a sign.

Nevertheless, she stood in the recording studio that the school had. EJ had suggested, now a part of the AV Club, to do something called the East High Morning Show. He had originally asked Violetta to do it with him, but she had refused, because she definitely did not have as much school spirit as she did. However, Violetta then suggested another person who she knew would love to do it — Gina.

Gina had thankfully accepted Violetta's invitation. Her and EJ now sat on two chairs in front of the camera, holding note cards in their hand. Violetta watched the two of them, her arms crossed across her chest and a very small smile on her face. She was wearing EJ's East High letterman jacket by his insistence, and although she wouldn't admit it out loud, she kind of liked wearing it. It was a little big on her and smelled like EJ.

"Welcome to the East High Morning Show," Gina began. "I'm Gina Porter."

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

"And I'm his only friend who agreed to do it."

EJ gave her a look, making Violetta slightly laugh quietly to herself. "That's right. Back to you, Gina."

Gina nodded. "Thanks, EJ. Now, for our first ever guest. You know her from The Rose Song that's been blowing up the East High Instagram."

"Oh, uh, quick reminder, tickets for Beauty and the Beast go on sale next week."

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

EJ and Gina walked in front of the other camera, where Nini was sitting in front of with her ukulele. Without much of Ricky's help, Nini had finished her song for the show. The lyrics seemed a lot deeper than just a song about the rose, but Violetta didn't know much about writing songs, so she couldn't really say anything. Nevertheless, Carlos had filmed a video of her singing it in the auditorium and posted it, and it was getting crazy attention.

"Hey, guys!" Nini exclaimed. "Thanks for having me."

"Oh, this just in . . . Nini's song has over twenty-five-hundred views, making it the most viewed post in drama club Instagram history," EJ revealed.

"Are you serious?" Nini asked.

"Songwriting skills, universal acclaim . . . Nini, how does it feel to be you right now?" Gina questioned.

"Uh, feels good."

"So what was the songwriting process like for you?"

"Yeah, I was actually inspired by my own insecurities of trying to see myself through other people's eyes when instead, I should've been focusing on how I see myself," Nini replied. "But it means so much to me. So thank you guys both for your support."

"Well, there you go," EJ stated. "Uh, I'm EJ."

"I'm GP," Gina voiced.

"Good morning, East High!" the two chorused.

The show ended. Violetta slowly uncrossed her arms and shoved her hands into the pockets of EJ's jacket. He walked over to her, reaching up and placing his hands on her shoulders. Violetta looked up at him, her heart beating infuriatingly against her chest.

"How'd I do?" EJ inquired, a slight hint of nervousness in his voice.

"Great," Violetta responded. "You're a natural, honey."

"Please don't feel obligated to say that just because you're my girlfriend."

"EJ, I'm being serious. You and Gina are amazing co-hosts."

He let out a breath of relief, slinging an arm around her shoulders instead as they started to walk out of the studio. "It was calming having you in there, you know."

Violetta raised an eyebrow, trying to mask the way her cheeks were turning pink. "Yeah?"

"Yeah. I love you in my jacket, by the way."

Love. Again. Sure, he was just complimenting the way she looked in his jacket, but the word still echoed throughout her head. Oh God. This certainly wasn't good.

"Thanks," Violetta replied. She snuck out under his arm and gave him a smile. "You're never getting it back now."

"V," EJ protested as Violetta sped ahead of him while giggling. "V, no—"

She looked over her shoulder. "Come and get it, then."

"I want it back, but at the same time, you look gorgeous in it," EJ said, making Violetta only giggle more. "What a predicament we're in."

"I'll give you it back if we swap it for another hoodie."

"Deal."

A little while later during the school day, Miss Jenn had called them all into the dressing room. Violetta stood in between EJ and Athena, still wearing EJ's jacket. Both of her arms were looped around his one as she rested comfortably against him. She could practically feel Athena's nervousness radiating off of her, considering they were in the same room that her necklace had gone missing in. Athena wasn't saying much, but Violetta, EJ, and Ricky were having a conversation about who could hold their breath underwater the longest. How they got on this topic, Violetta didn't know, but she was still arguing that it was her.

"Everyone, attention please!" Miss Jenn called, making all of their conversations stop and Violetta stop so passionately making her case. "I'm sure you're wondering why I called this special midday drama club meeting."

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

"No, Seb. It's March. And the rights won't be available for five years. I tried. I am announcing that we are in such a good place after our improv workshop. We're getting one step closer to Menkies gold. And, today, our wonderful actor slash designer, Kourtney Greene, is going to show you your completed costumes!"

Nini pulled a white sheet off of the costume rack, revealing all of the costumes for everyone. She could spot a red dress that one of the Silly Girls wore, which was hers. Violetta slightly grinned to herself. She could already tell it looked incredible.

"Speech, speech!" Nini encouraged.

"Okay, um, guess I'm making a speech," Kourtney said. "I'm super excited for you all to see your costumes because—" Her phone then went off quite loudly. "Oh, uh, sorry, that's Howie."

Violetta smirked and shared a look with Athena. From what Nini had told them, Kourtney had asked out Howie at Salt Lake Slices the other day. She seemed to be completely head over heels for him.

Kourtney laughed at whatever Hoqie sent her before she cleared her throat. "Oh. Anyway, with your costumes this semester, I really tried to—" Her phone went off again and she looked down at it again. "Ooh."

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

"Sorry, everyone, is what Carlos would say if he were more like me," Seb interrupted.

"Okay, Kourt, I am sorry, but listen to this caption from North High." He looked down at his phone. "It took twenty people over fifty hours to create our Belle dress. Beast costumes ever."

Violetta raised an eyebrow. Oh.

"Terrible pun," Ricky commented.

"On the day we're unveiling our costumes?" Carlos continued. "How did they know that?" Kourtney's phone went off again. "They've been trolling us like this for weeks, you guys, and I'm trying to not let it get to me—" Kourtney's phone went off again. "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 calmly interjected as Kourtney gave Carlos an offended look. "Go ahead, Kourt."

Kourtney went to the costume rack and removed Gaston's costume first. "Anyway, took me a while, but I built you some abs that would make Captain America proud."

"I have abs," EJ protested.

Violetta rolled her eyes. "Oh my God—"

"EJ, everyone has abs," Kourtney insisted. "These are Kourtney originals. Oh, I also padded the tush for you."

"Oh, thanks, I actually need that," EJ admitted, making Violetta blink in confusion. "This is amazing, Kourt."

Kourtney waved him off. "Oh, no problem."

Violetta looked up at EJ as Kourtney gave the Beast costume to Ricky. "Huh?"

"Well, you see—" EJ began.

"You know what, I really don't want to know anymore. Just stop talking." Violetta then looked over, only to see Athena holding up Belle's blue dress in front of her. She gasped. "Oh my God, 'Thena, you're going to look amazing in that."

"Oh, that's weird," Kourtney said. "Your mask should be here. Um, has anyone seen a Beast mask?"

"Haven't seen it," Big Red replied.

"What, you lost that, too?" Ricky questioned.

Violetta's jaw dropped. There was no way he just said that. Athena elbowed Ricky's side harshly, making him gasp in pain. She smiled apologetically at Kourtney before harshly glaring at Ricky.

"You guys, I know where our Beast mask is," Carlos announced.

He turned the phone screen around to show North High's Instagram. It was a picture of Lily, the boy playing Lumière, and another girl with their costumes. Violetta then noticed something silver in the photo. She tilted her head at it and stepped closer to see what it was. However, once she recognized it, her eyes widened and her veins filled with anger. She dropped her arms from around EJ and stared at the picture in disbelief.

"Wait a second . . ." Athena trailed off, clearly seeing it too but not wanting to believe her eyes. "Oh my God, no way."

Violetta took Carlos' phone from his hands and zoomed into Lily. "Oh, this girl really is bold bold." She turned the phone around to show everyone the zoomed in picture. "That necklace she's wearing, seem familiar?"

Around Lily's neck was Athena's necklace. Everyone knew it was hers because they didn't know anyone else that had one with an owl, a letter R, and a planet Saturn charms. Violetta scoffed quietly to herself. Oh, this blonde girl had to go.

Ricky looked down at Athena, who honestly looked like she was about to scream. "Why would she steal it?"

"Because she's trying to steal you," Athena told him bitterly.

Carlos gingerly took his phone back from Violetta, looking a little bit scared — she must've looked like she wanted to punch someone. "Okay, they also apparently stole Athena's necklace, but look at the trunk." He zoomed into the trunk to show something furry sticking out of it. "Hello? That is obviously Beast fur. 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, along with Athena's necklace."

"I hate to say it, but that did kind of look like a Beast mask to me," Ashlyn stated. "And that's obviously Athena's necklace."

Big Red pointed at her in agreement. "Classic Beast. And only Athena's necklace would have those exact three charms."

"Do you really think they'd steal from us?" Seb inquired.

"I would," Gina admitted, and Gina elbowed her. "No, I mean, I used to be that kind of person, before the present day."

"We have to get even right?" Big Red asked.

Athena raised an eyebrow. "Oh, you can bet on it."

Murmurs of agreement sounded throughout the entire room. Violetta gritted her teeth and looked down at the floor. Nobody messed with Athena, not while she was around.

EJ stared down at her worryingly. Of course he was angry too, but if they really did go to North High and see Lily, he had no idea what Violetta and Athena would do. He just knew it wouldn't end well.

"Guys, guys, guys, enough," Miss Jenn cut in. "Do you really think North High would stoop so low as to sneak in here, break into the costume room, and steal Kourtney's work and Athena's personal item?"

"And they just posted something new," Seb revealed, staring at Carlos' phone. "Captioned, North High's gonna steal your heart this spring."

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

"It's just that, a coincidence," Miss Jenn replied firmly. "Now, I want you kids to keep looking for that 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," all of them hesitantly chorused, but not Violetta.

"No," Athena refused, speaking up for herself. "I'm sorry, Miss Jenn, but I can't let the rest go. I'm not just going to let some blonde girl prance around with something that means a lot to me. I know I always follow your directions, but this is something I can't let slide."

Athena hung up her Belle dress up on the costume rack and turned around, leaving the room and ignoring all of the protests from everyone else. Once again, not Violetta. Violetta squared her shoulders back and followed her best friend out. She now had a chance to finally be able to punch Lily if it came down to it, and she wasn't going to pass it up.

--- ☆ • ♫ • ♪ • ♫ • ☆ ---

THEY DECIDED TO not listen to Miss Jenn at all and go to North High. Carlos had told them to try and be a little camouflaged so they could blend in at North High. The only one who went all out was Ashlyn, which wasn't that surprising.

Violetta had come to learn that North High was huge. They all stood in a group together by the theater to talk about a game plan before going separate ways.

"The plan is simple," Carlos announced. "Based on that Instagram post, the mask has to be in their costume shop. We know from their Instagram overshares that North High has dance rehearsal today, so they'll be in their dance studio."

Violetta's jaw dropped momentarily. Dance studio?

Gina voiced Violetta's thoughts. "They have their own dance studio?"

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

"And my necklace," Athena added. "I swear to God, when I see that girl, it's on sight."

Violetta nodded in agreement.

"Isn't this kind of trespassing?" Seb inquired.

"It'll be fine," Carlos stated. "There'll be plenty of people still here after school for clubs. We'll blend in. Though, Ashlyn, you may have taken the camouflage thing too far."

Ashlyn looked down at what she was wearing, which was a yellow North High hornets sweatshirt and gray North High sweatpants. "No, today, I am Diane, I play volleyball, and I love North High."

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

Ashlyn gasped. "Oh, a forbidden romance."

Violetta blinked at them. "Oh my God."

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

"I'll do it," Gina offered, and everyone looked at her in surprise. "If you leave me unsupervised with their costumes, I cannot promise I won't go all Gina one-point-oh in there."

"Just stay calm and act natural, okay? You got this. Everyone ready?"

Ricky put his hand in the middle of all of them. "What team?"

"Wait, maybe we shouldn't yell," Carlos suggested.

They all ignored him and placed their hands on top of Ricky's, lifting them up into the air. "Wildcats!"

Gina stayed behind with her phone to be the lookout. Meanwhile, all of them moved in the direction of the costume shop — how Carlos knew where it was, Violetta would never know. Not having the comfort of EJ's jacket anymore because that would totally give them away, Violetta's hands fidgeted by her side.

"V," EJ began hesitantly as he walked by her side. "Please don't tell me that you're going to give Lily a bloody nose."

"No . . ." Violetta trailed off. "But maybe I'll knock her ponytail out."

"Violetta, you know we don't condone violence."

"And I don't condone people messing with Athena. I told you once, that girl's like my platonic soulmate. All the anger she feels, I feel. Mixed with my own anger. I'm going to explode."

EJ sighed. "At least aim for the cheek, not the nose."

Violetta smiled triumphantly. "I can do that." She then paused for a moment. "Wait, I feel kind of bad leaving Gina all alone."

"You want to go save her, don't you?"

"You know me too well, EJ." Violetta raised her voice slightly. "Hey, 'Thena, EJ and I are going to get Gina real quick."

"Okay," Athena called back.

They went back the way they came. However, they found Gina talking to a North High boy. He was currently in the process of asking her for her Snap — a classic move. Gina seemed like she didn't know what to say.

"Pretend to be her boyfriend," Violetta whispered, elbowing EJ.

EJ's head whipped over to her. "What? No!"

"If you're going to listen to me about anything, listen me about this."

"But I'm your boyfriend."

"I'm very well aware," Violetta replied. "If you don't pretend to be her boyfriend, I'll pretend to be her girlfriend. Your pick."

EJ let out an exasperated breath. "Fine." He walked up to Gina and put an arm around her. "Hey, babe."

Okay, Violetta hated this more than she thought.

She discreetly walked down the hallway, passing the North High boy and EJ and Gina. Violetta finally pressed herself against the wall, pulling out her phone and pretending to look at it. She glanced up, only to see Gina sending her a panicked look. Violetta mouthed play along.

Gina leaned into EJ's side. "Babe! I'm so glad you're here."

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

"Oh my God," Violetta whispered to herself.

"You know I would never miss risotto night," Gina replied.

"And that's my cue," the North High boy said. He turned around, and his eyes focused on Violetta. "Hey, haven't seen you either—"

Violetta smiled sarcastically up at him, scrunching her nose a tiny bit. "Keep walking buddy."

The North High boy nodded and continued walking. Violetta pushed herself up off the wall and walked over to Gina and EJ. EJ immediately let Gina go, who was laughing.

"Okay, risotto?" Gina inquired.

"I guess Miss Jenn's improv class really paid off," EJ responded.

"Yes, and also made you weirder." Gina then looked at Violetta. "That must've been really weird for you. Sorry, Vi."

"It was either he be your boyfriend or me be your girlfriend," Violetta revealed.

EJ looked back to make sure the North High boy was gone before pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Now I'm back to being only your boyfriend."

"Wow, I'm so glad, baby."

"Wait, what are you two even doing here?" Gina asked.

"V felt bad that you got stuck here alone on lookout," EJ answered. "I was dragged along."

Violetta shrugged. "Us girls got to stick together, right? And EJ and I are practically a package deal at this point, so . . ." She hesitated for a second. "Now I kind of want risotto."

Gina pointed at her. "Oh my God. You, me, risotto date."

Violetta nodded rapidly. "Yes, absolutely."

"Where do I fit into all of this?" EJ cut in. "I thought we were done with fake relationships."

"Who said that anything between me and Gina was fake?" Violetta laughed at the look on his face and patted his cheek. "I'm kidding, sweetheart. You know you're the one."

"Yeah, yeah. Come on, we should probably get back to the others."

They walked back to the costume shop. However, when they entered through the back door, they saw that Lily, Antoine (North High's Lumière) and another girl standing there. Violetta slowly walked up to her friends, her eyes fixated at Lily. She went to go say something, but apparently, Athena had it covered.

"Give it back," Athena demanded.

Lily smirked, which made Violetta all the more mad. "What do you mean?"

"Did you hear me correctly? I said give it back." Athena stepped forwards. "Not just the Beast's head, but my necklace. Don't take things that aren't yours."

"Attie," Ricky lightly protested.

Lily scoffed in response. "Well, let me tell you something, Attie—"

Violetta's eyes widened. Oh my God, this girl just wouldn't stop, would she?

"No," Athena interjected. "Only he can call me that." She took yet another step closer to Lily and crossed her arms. "You can call me Athena."

Pride filled Violetta for Athena. Athena usually hated confrontation, but here she was, taking it like a champ. Angry Athena also wasn't a side of her that was seen very often. She kind of seemed like a whole new person.

"Don't take things that aren't yours, huh?" Lily repeated. "Then why'd you take the role of Belle when it was obviously mine?"

"It's just like you said. May the best Belle win, right?" Athena countered, giving Lily a sickly-sweet smile. "Looks like I won."

Violetta smirked at the stone-cold Look on Lily's face. Athena was clearly getting under her skin. This was great.

"Not to mention, you're so petty and insecure that you left to go join a rival musical, one that literally changed to the same one as ours after months of rehearsing a different one because the director is also petty and insecure, just because you couldn't handle Miss Jenn telling you to not make fun of other people and that I got the lead? The fact that you would rather go tear other people down rather than bring them up and steal someone's personal belongings is pretty pathetic of you, Lily."

Violetta resisted the urge to clap. Everything she said was just the truth.

Lily glared at Athena. "You don't deserve the role of Belle."

"Just like you don't deserve to wear that chain around your neck," Athena argued. "Those three charms mean more than you will ever know. So give it back before I make you."

Lily kept her fierce gaze on her, and Athena sent a challenging one back. Finally, she ultimately reached up and unclasped the chain. Lily removed the necklace and tossed it carelessly at Athena. Athena caught it and put it back on. Violetta couldn't help but notice that she looked a lot more comfortable with it on.

"What are you all doing here, besides coming to retrieve her dumb little necklace?" Lily questioned. "Scoping out the competition?"

"We came for our Beast mask," Carlos admitted. "We know you took it."

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

Everyone gasped. Violetta narrowed her eyes dangerously.

"What did you call my work?" Kourtney ordered.

"Quoi?"

"Look, I'm sure your mask is supes cute," Lily cut in. "But we're just in different leagues. I mean, we're literally a quasi-pre-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."

Seb scoffed. "Oh yeah? What if we bop to the top?"

Carlos gave him a look. "Honey, no."

"Let's just wait for the Menkies," Ricky suggested. "We'll see who's in what league then."

"Or we could find out now," Lily offered.

"What does that mean?" Big Red inquired.

"We challenge you to a good old-fashioned dance-off. A school-versus-school dance-off to a Beauty and the Beast song chosen at random. 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."

"I'm sorry, no," Ricky answered. "That's weird."

He grabbed Athena's hand. The two of them walked past Lily, Athena sending her the harshest glare she could on the way. Violetta shook her head. This was just ridiculous. She knew she was better at dancing than North High.

"Super weird," Ashlyn commented.

"Even for me," Carlos agreed. "Let's go, guys."

"Classic East High," Lily voiced, and all of them stopped. "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 . . ." She turned to face Athena with a smirk. "Maybe your Belle just can't cut it."

Nope. That was it.

Violetta stepped towards Lily, her face extremely dangerous. "Say it again. Say it again and see what happens, blondie."

Gina stepped up beside her. "Yeah, nobody out-Belles our Belle. We are doing this."

"Good," Lily said. "Ten minute warm-up, then we settle this, street style."

She turned around and walked out of the room, Antoine and the other girl following her. Violetta took EJ's hand and dragged him along. They weren't going down without a fight.

∘ ₊ ✧ ──── ✧ ₊ ∘

ELTON JOHN CASWELL. YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME

I should've seen it coming ugh

and violetta wearing ej's jacket I'm sobbing?

also violetta rn: THAT MY BEST FRIEND SHE A REAL BAD BITCH