Author's Note: It's basically been forever since I've updated. Sorry you guys. Feel free to yell at me in a message if I take forever again. Just a quick "HEY UPDATE! IT'S BEEN FOREVER" is good. Anyway, enjoy!

-Cade

Chapter Twenty- Five

Connor

Connor straightened his tie, clipping it into place. He took the ugly green sweater vest off its hanger and pulled it over his head, then grabbed the matching sweater and pulled it on. He glanced at himself in the small mirror that stood on top of his make-up table. He picked up his hair brush, running it through his auburn hair, smoothing it down. He gave it spritz of hairspray and pulled his sweater straight again.

There was knock at his dressing room door.

"Come in, it's open!" Connor called, looking at the door in the window.

Connor saw the blonde curls first, bouncing around and glinting in the light. The red and white striped camisole was the dead giveaway. In the doorway stood a tall, blonde girl adorned in the aforementioned camisole and dark blue skirt.

"Hi, Connor." The girl smiled.

"Hey, Clara Ann." Connor grinned, turning around to face her. "What's up?"

"Not much, I just wanted to escape the crazy that's happening out there." She gestured to the door, running a hand through her curls.

"Well, my dressing room is your dressing room." Connor grinned.

"How are you so calm and confident?" Clara Ann blurted. "Oh, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. Please, forgive me."

"It's fine. Don't worry about it. But, to answer your question, I'm only calm and confident on the outside. On the inside, I'm freaking out. I'm one misplaced bobby pin from a having a mental breakdown." explained Connor. Clara Ann giggled.

"Thanks, that makes me feel better."

"Any time, Clara Ann. All you have to do is ask."

...

The outside of the stage door was a verifiable hurricane of posters and Playbills, all of which people wanted Connor to sign. His Sharpie was at the ready, brand new and uncapped.

"Mr. Chair?" squeaked one little redheaded girl. She reminded Connor of his little sister, Gracie.

"Well, hello there." Connor beamed.

"Will you please sign my program?" she handed him a shiny paper booklet.

"Of course. What's your name?"

"Lillian."

Connor smiled and scribbled out 'To Lillian- Love, Connor J. McKinley'. He handed the booklet back to her and she giggled with excitement.

"Thank you, Mr. Chair!" she cried, running back to her grandmother. Connor waved at them as they walked off down the street.

"Jerry! It's him!" screeched a perky brunette girl. "That's Connor J. McKinley!" She ran up to Connor, dragging a tall blonde boy behind her.

"Hey." Connor grinned, waving at the couple.

"Mr. McKinley, would you sign my Playbill, please?" she asked, handing him the heavy, glossy booklet.

"Sure thing, miss. Want me to make it out to anyone?" he asked.

"Oh, no thank you." she said, shaking her head. Connor nodded, scribbling his name on the front of the girl's program. He handed it back to her and she practically shoved it in her boyfriend's face.

"Look, Jerry! Isn't it great?" she beamed. He nodded with obviously fake enthusiasm. If the girl noticed, she didn't let on.

"Thank you so much, Mr. McKinley." she said.

"You're very welcome." he beamed, watching the couple run off down the street, holding hands.

"Okay, Kev. I think that's the last one." Connor said, turning to Kevin, who was leaning against the wall, determined to follow the other couple's example.