A/N: Thanks for all the kudos! I love you guys. Ride the Cyclone is now one of my favorite musicals. It combines everything I love; choir, horror, musicals, and roller coasters.
As she predicted, Penny watched The Bachelor Canada alone. Even Jane got bored halfway through the episode and went to her scratch post. So, Penny curled up on the sofa in the living, eating cookie dough ice cream straight from the carton. She curled up under her black galaxy blanket.
Once the episode ended, Penny turned off the TV. The living room was now completely dark. Penny turned on the lamp that sat on the nightstand beside the sofa. A small amount of warm light returned to the room.
Penny stared out the window behind the TV. She noticed there was a parked van in front of her house. Penny didn't think much of it. The neighbors often had events at their houses. When they did, people parked their cars around the block since all the vehicles wouldn't fit in the driveway. Her parents would deal with it when they got home if there was an issue.
Penny threw away the now-empty ice cream carton. She collected her belongings before heading upstairs to her bedroom.
When Penny arrived in her first-period class, Ocean's seat was empty again. Most people stopped caring about her absence from school. They had too much going on in their lives to give the person who'll probably be their valedictorian another thought.
Penny sat beside Constance. She was Ocean's best friend. It was more likely Constance was too kind to tell Ocean to shut up during one of her rambling successions. If anyone at the school knew what happened to Ocean, it would be Constance.
Penny tapped Constance's shoulder. The other girl turned to face Penny. "Hi," Constance greeted. "Penny, right?"
Penny pondered how anyone knew her name. She didn't have any friends at school. The only person Jane considered her friend in the world was her cat. Jane was the only friend she needed. "Yeah," Penny said. "That's my name."
"I was wondering if you knew anything about why Ocean is absent from school?" Penny asked.
"I don't know anything," Constance confessed. "I wish I did. It's not like Ocean to miss this much school."
The bell rang, which signaled the start of class. The intercom came on to start the morning announcements. The principal went through the regular news. "Today, our school choir will be hosting auditions," he announced. "Go to room 412 if you're interested in auditioning."
Once the announcements ended, the class began.