A/N: I want your opinion on something. Should I break this into two stories, or should I make it just one long story? Here's how I have it planned out; it would follow through the end of the school year, summer, the first year after high school, and an epilogue. If I choose to split it up, this will end at the end of summer.

"Take five, everyone," Ms. Jen called. "Drink some water. Next, we're going to be blocking for 'Me.' So, I need Gaston and Belle after the break. Castle appliances and townsfolk, go with Gina and Carlos. They'll be showing you the choreography for the battle."

'Me' was one of the last songs that needed work. Ashlyn and E.J wondered how they would do this scene with a straight face. Everyone dispersed to get ready for whatever they were doing next.

Ashlyn took a sip of water and reviewed her script. She practiced her songs and lines as much as she could. However, Lily released a video of her singing 'Home' during rehearsal not too long ago. Ashlyn couldn't help but feel intimidated.

E.J sat beside Ashlyn. "I'm pretty sure even women in eighteenth-century France would be offended by some of these lines," Ashlyn commented. "I mean, 'Will you be some he-man's property? Good news! That he-man's me!'"

"Yeah," E.J said. "Hey. You seem on edge. Is everything okay?"

"Yeah," Ashlyn responded. "I'm just nervous since opening night is not too far off. And North High's production of the same show is the night before ours. And they have that evil musical genius Lily who looks like the archetype of an Ingénue as their Belle."

"You're intimidated by her?" E.J asked. "Remember; you already beat her for the role."

"Didn't help that she showed her true colors to Ms. Jen," Ashlyn muttered.

"You would have had her beat even if she didn't laugh during Big Red's audition," E.J said. "You don't have to worry about Lily. You're going to do great."

"There you are," a voice familiar to E.J said. However, he thought it couldn't be here. "You weren't at home. Your mom told me that you would probably be here."

E.J looked away from the stage. After the funeral, he snuck off to East High's theatre. The theatre always brought him peace. In front of him was Val, his Frozen co-director and childhood crush. Everyone who went to 'Camp Shallow Lake' had a crush on her at one point. "Val?" E.J asked. "I thought college didn't stop classes for another month."

"I have a long weekend," Val said. "I'm going on a road trip with some friends to get to a Taylor Swift concert. When I heard what happened, I knew I had to stop in. How are you?"

"I'm doing as fine as I can," E.J said. The tears were starting to form behind his eyes again. He thought he was all cried out after the day's funeral. Val walked over and placed a comforting hand on his arm. "It's hard."

"I'm here if you need to talk," Val said. She sat beside him.

"Can we talk about something else?" E.J asked. "Are you working at the camp this year?"

"That's another thing I wanted to talk to you about," Val said. "I took over as the director of the summer musical permanently. This year, we're doing Anastasia. You can't tell anyone that. If the campers know the show beforehand, it's considered bad luck. I don't think I can do it alone."

"I'm sorry," E.J said. "I don't think I can take on directing another show."

"I'm not looking for a co-director," Val corrected. "I'm looking for an acting director. Between directing the show, casting, and choreographing, I don't think I'll be able to direct the actors. Besides, I will need as much backup as possible this year."

"What's happening this year?" E.J asked.

"Channing has gone wrong," Val responded. "He's trying to convince Dewey to let him do a Frozen reunion special."