17. #iShineOn

"You know, I feel like we tried this once before," Carly said.

"This is different. I actually want it to work this time."

"Then hold still."

Sam sighed. "I can't. We're going to be late."

She winced as Carly dragged the eyeshadow brush upwards one more time.

"Try not to move."

"Try not to poke me in the eyeball."

Sam had asked Carly to help her with perfecting her look for the evening. Sam had grown fairly capable of covering the basics over the years, a habit she had picked up from Cat. But this was Cat's graduation day, and she wanted to look extra special. Carly had been more than happy to help, at first. Clearly, she'd forgotten how much Sam didn't like being poked, prodded, and having pens and brushes jabbed in her eye.

"There," Carly said. "What do you think?"

Sam looked in the mirror. Carly had gone with dark eyeliner and dark eye shadow, which contrasted beautifully with Sam's blonde hair. She hadn't overdone it at all; Sam looked great.

"Perfect. Thank you. And thanks for hanging around for this."

Carly smiled that charming smile. "A chance to go to an after-party in LA with my best friend who I haven't seen in years? Sign me up. Besides I'm hoping for a touch of normalcy after all the crazy so far."

"Normalcy? With us?"

"Ssh, don't jinx it. It could happen."

"Can we take your rental? I don't want my hair to get messed up."

Carly groaned. "Sam is worried about her hair? So much for normalcy. Who are you and what have you done to my Sam?"

"Har, har. Hilarious, Shay." Sam saw nothing wrong with not wanting to waste an hour of work. Sam thought her hair looked pretty good, all things considered: curled in the back, long bangs in the front drawn to the right. And for the second time in as many weeks, she found herself in a dress. This one wasn't quite as elaborate as the prom gown had been, but it was a bit shorter and hugged her hips a bit more. She didn't even mind the blue and white color.

She slipped into her shoes and then presented herself before Carly. "Well?"

Carly took in the sight. Sam felt silly as Carly eyed her up and down. She shrugged. "You look great. I'd do you. If I was into that."

Sam could feel her face turn six different shades of red. "Okay, let's go, before I get any redder."

"Aw, but you look cute when you blush."

"Stop it, Carls."

The ceremony was winding down. It had been nearly three hours of speakers, teachers, students, and more, and it had been utterly boring. Sam shouldered the weight of her misery with a bit more patience than usual, but she was relieved when they started calling the graduates up to accept their diplomas.

Sam and Carly cheered for everyone they knew, though they did not know many and they did not know them well. A house party at a famous actor's house doesn't often lead to a meaningful connection with others. Nevertheless, they cheered loudly for Andre Harris, Cat's musically gifted friend who had written some damn impressive songs over the years. They shouted for Beck Oliver, an actor/director who had featured Cat in a number of projects. Sam especially liked his short, The Blond Squad, because it gave her a chance to mess with him about stereotypes. They even gave up a shout for Robbie Shapiro, who surprisingly accepted his diploma without his erstwhile partner and puppet, Rex.

Then came the next round of waiting, as one-by-one the rest of the graduating class visited the stage. Cat, Tori, and Jade would all be near the end of the list. The wait made Sam anxious.

"I had no idea her class was so big," Sam groused. "This is taking forever."

"You're the one dating a Valentine," Carly said. "Next time go for an Anderson or a Baggins."

"It's not like graduation order was part of the criteria."

"Oh, here. Have some jerky."

Carly reached into her purse and pulled out a still-wrapped jerky stick. Sam gently took it, played over its features, read the brand name. It was her favorite brand of beef stick.

"Carls! You still get me."

Sam devoured the jerky, careful not to smudge her makeup. After the endurance trial it had been to put the stuff on, she didn't want anything to mess it up before Cat could see it.

The tasty bit of beef proved enough to get Sam through the remainder of the ceremony. As she swallowed the last of it, the line of waiting graduates had dwindled. "There she is!" Carly pointed to a spot to the right of the stage.

Sam followed Carly's outstretched finger. Cat and Tori were approaching the steps.

"Finally," Sam thought.

"You know, if you don't like the "V" for her last name, you could always convince her to change it," Carly said. "Maybe make it a 'P.' For Puckett. Y'know?"

Sam winced at that remark. "Please don't go planning my wedding. And the P is for Puckell."

Sam felt Carly's eyes on her. "Since when is your name Puckell?"

"Long story."

"Well, Puckett, Puckell, they're both still lower in the alphabet than Valentine."

"Carls."

"Puckells."

Sam tried to stifle her laugh, but she couldn't do it. She had missed the banter and camaraderie with Carly. It was good to know Carly could still keep up with her. "Save it for another day, all right? We just started dating."

"Fine."

"I promise, if I decide to propose, you'll be the first one I tell."

Carly's mouth turned upward in a satisfied grin.

Silence fell between the pair as the line moved forward and Sam counted down the last few students. When Principal Helen Dubois finally announced, "Caterina Valentine" Sam was on her feet instantly. "Woo, you did it, baby!" Sam shouted. "That's my girl! Look at that!" Cat looked beautiful in her flowing gown. She wore her hair down, framing her adorable face, and her smile was gracious and gorgeous. She shook Sikowitz's hand, then stepped to the edge of the stage for a photo. She knew just where to look for Sam. She smiled, winked, and blew her a kiss. Sam pretended to catch it and place it on her cheek.

Carly leaned over. "Okay, even I'm a little nauseated at that one," she said. "Where's my Sam and what have you done with her?"

Sam turned to face Carly. "I killed her and replaced her. And you're next."

"Victoria Vega!"

Carly and Sam cheered for Tori as she strode across the stage, her ridiculously perfect cheekbones aglow. She accepted her diploma, shook hands with Sikowitz, and departed after Cat.

A few minutes later, Dubois called for, "Jade West." Sam and Carly cheered on the last of their friends as she strode across the stage. The intensity in her eyes even then was tremendous; almost a show-stopper.

Helen turned to address the crowd as Jade departed the stage. "I am proud to present to you the graduating class of 2016! Congratulations!"

Cheers and caps went up into the air and thunderous applause filled the room. The ceremony was over, and Sam was very much looking forward to the after-party.

Sam and Carly sat at their table at Hollywood Arts High School's outdoor cafe, a glass of punch in-hand. Surrounding them were Cat's closest friends: Andre, Jade, Beck, Tori, and Robbie. The tension was thick despite the gorgeous evening, and Sam suspected it was either due to her presence, or due to Carly's presence. Word traveled fast at this school, and as Cat had predicted, most of the prom night was available to watch as a series of clips on the Slap, including audio of Sam's confession over the sound system as well as her dance with Cat.

Robbie in particular sat in silence. He seemed distracted, and understandably so. While Cat had ultimately decided she wasn't romantically interested in Robbie, there was no telling what he would think about Sam or their newfound relationship. She wanted to talk to him, but the practical side of her figured it was a bad idea. If there was a raw wound, it would be way too fresh.

Carly, bless her heart, tried to get some conversation going. "Is this a graduation or a wake?" she asked with a smile. She was greeted only with blank stares and silence. "Wait, no one died, did they?"

Andre, ever the voice of reason, shook his head. "No, no. Just a heavy night, that's all. Probably the last time we'll all be together."

"Hey, that's true," Jade said, perking up. "Man, you just made my night a million times better! Let's party!"

"Jade, come on," Beck said. "Some of us like each other."

"Well that's not my fault, I've tried to break you of that for years."

That at least drew some laughter out of the group. Sam tried to build on it. "Hey Shapiro, where's Rex? I'm surprised he doesn't have anything to say about this."

Robbie seemed startled that anyone was talking to him. "Oh...he's packed."

"Packed for what?"

Robbie seemed to draw into himself as the attention of everyone at the table fell upon him. When he spoke, it was hesitant and soft. "Well, I got a job. I've known for a week now but I didn't want to say anything. I'm moving to Vegas tomorrow."

The silent table suddenly came to life with questions and remarks, all spilling out at once and tangling together in an incoherent mess. Robbie raised his arms and waved off the cacophony. "I'm working for one of the smaller casinos. They have a lounge that's kind of like child care. Parents can leave their kids in this place and there's a ton of stuff for them to do. They hired me and Rex to be one of their acts."

"That's great, man. Congrats," Beck said, offering Robbie his hand. Robbie accepted, apparently surprised at the reaction.

"Who'd have thought that stupid lump of wood would have paid off," Jade said with a sigh.

"Can't you ever be happy for anyone?" Torie asked.

"I am. Me, because I'm out of here and I won't have to see you anymore."

"Oh, please," Tori said, turning her cheekbones up to high. "You know you're going to miss me. Just say it, you'll feel better."

Jade rolled her eyes. "Fine, I admit it. I'll miss having you around, Vega."

Sam did a double-take. Something about Jade's tone suggested she was messing around with Tori. But there was still something under it all that made Sam wonder if she was.

Tori seemed surprised and confused. "You will? Really?"

"Yes, really. I mean I know I'm talented but when I'm next to you, it's so much more obvious how amazing I really am. You make me look brilliant."

"Ha, ha," Tori grumped as she flung a french fry at Jade.

"You know I'll miss you, Tori," Andre said. "We made some sweet, sweet music together here."

"Yeah, we did," Tori said, squeezing Andre's arm. "But we still can, for the summer at least. I don't leave until August. You're staying local, right?"

"For now, yeah. My grandma still kinda needs me."

"Your grandma needs committed," Jade said.

"She's getting a little better. They're trying some new medicine or something. She doesn't think the ceiling fan is a helicopter anymore, so that's progress."

Sam drifted in and out of the conversations at this point. Every so often she'd glance around the cafe, then fidget and check again. Where was Cat? What was taking her so long to get changed? Everyone else had been sitting there for a while.

"Why are you so nervous?" Carly asked. A sense of warmth filled Sam. She felt a little better knowing Carly was still watching out for her.

"Just wondering what's taking Cat so long," she said.

"You think she hopped another plane to New York?"

"No," Sam laughed. "I guess not."

Carly turned Sam's head so she could look into her eyes. "Look at me, Puckell. That girl is crazier about you than anyone I've ever seen. And I know crazy; I lived with my brother. So relax and enjoy the party. She'll be here." Carly trailed off a bit and glanced behind Sam. "See? What convenient timing."

Sam turned. Cat was approaching, wearing a looses, flirty pink skirt and a snug, matching top. She had a massive smile on her face as she hurried over to Sam and straddled her. "Wow," Sam said. "Hi, you." She could feel the eyes of everyone at the table, if not the entire cafe, on them. She didn't care.

Cat leaned in and Sam closed her eyes for the impending kiss. Instead, Cat's lips were suddenly at Sam's ears. "I got the part," she whispered.

Sam would have leaped out of her seat if it wouldn't have thrown Cat on the ground. Instead she pulled back to look into Cat's endless brown eyes. They were enormous, full of excitement. "Really!?"

"Really!"

Sam stood, sliding her arms under Cat and lifting her up. Cat laughed and wrapped her legs and arms around Sam. "I knew it! I knew you'd do it! Tell 'em already!"

"Guys, I got the part!"

Sam let Cat slide from her arms as her friends gathered around, offering hugs and high fives and words of congratulations. Sam's heart swelled with joy for Cat; she deserved all of it. As the moment passed and things at the table settled, Cat slid back into her arms.

"The play runs for nine months. Will you go with me?"

"I said I'd go anywhere with you, didn't I? New York could be fun. I'm sure there's plenty of trouble I could get into there."

"Just nothing that will get you arrested, okay?"

"I can't make that promise."

Robbie cleared his throat. "Congratulations, Cat. I guess we both have our own shows now, huh?"

"Oh! Did you get that job in Vegas?"

"I did! I leave tomorrow."

"That's so cool!" Cat hurried over to Robbie and hugged him. "I'll miss you the most," she said. "You better stay in touch, you hear me?"

The hug had thrown Robbie a little off-balance, physically and mentally if Sam guessed right.

"Of course I will," he said.

"Awww," Carly whispered. "That's so cute. Does he like her?"

Sam shrugged. "I dunno. Hard to keep up." On inspiration, she reached for Cat's purse and opened it. "Hey Shapiro. Why don't you take this? A pretty little boy like you all alone in Vegas with just a puppet? You might need it."

Sam pulled out a white sock loaded with butter and tossed it to him.

"You still have the butter sock?" Carly asked. "Ew."

"I've changed the butter a few times," Sam said.

"And the sock," Cat added. "I think that one's actually mine."

"Aw Sam, really? You're sure?" Robbie asked.

"Just remember, the strength comes from the arm, not the wrist."

Robbie turned away and wiped his eyes. "Stupid contacts," he muttered. He smiled warmly at Sam. "Thanks, Sam. Honestly…if it couldn't have been me with her…I'm really glad it's you."

The two shared a look of mutual respect as Cat returned to Sam. She placed her head on Sam's shoulder.

"What about you, Carly?" Tori asked. "What's next for you?"

"Back to Italy with my dad for a while. Then, I'm not sure. I'm looking at some schools for the fall but...I guess my future's an unwritten book at this point."

"Then how are you going to read it?" Cat asked.

Sam squeezed her hand and kissed her cheek. Cat giggled.

"Hey Tori, we got a song to do," Andre said, pointing at his PearWatch. He rose to his feet.

"Oh, you're right. Jade, let's go!"

Cat sat upright. "I didn't know we were singing."

Tori nodded to the others, and they hurried up to the stage. "It's just us, Cat," she explained. "Think of it as a farewell gift for you and Sam."

Cat smiled. "Awww. What is it?"

"You'll see."

Tori joined the others on the raised stage. There was an energy in the air, an excitement that even Sam couldn't deny. She pulled Cat close to her as the gang from Hollywood Arts assembled one last time on stage.

Sam remembered her dream at that moment. Cat on one side of her, Carly on the other. But this time, there was no frightening decision looming. She had made up her mind, and much to her surprise, everyone was okay with what she chose. She hadn't wanted to hurt Cat or Carly, and she didn't. Because they both loved her, and they both supported her, and she felt the same about them. What more could she ask for?

For the first time in her entire life, Sam Puckett relaxed and enjoyed that moment for what it was, with the people she cared about the most.

"Hi everyone," Tori said from her position on the elevated stage. "This is, sadly, our final performance at Hollywood Arts. But just because this journey is coming to an end, doesn't mean there aren't many more exciting journeys left to take. So tonight, we want to celebrate the good times and look forward to the future. And we want to dedicate this song especially to our amazing friend, Cat Valentine, who will be going on to star in a Carl Crane musical in a few months. Cat, we all love you so much. And you too, Sam. You were a late addition here but you and Carly are family too."

Sam and Carly exchanged warm smiles. It felt good to be thought of as family. Andre, Beck, Jade, Tori, even Robbie...they were all good friends to Cat, and Sam was grateful for that. She found herself thinking she might just miss them too.

The song began with an impressive guitar riff. Sam recognized the opening of NeedtoBreathe's "Shine On." She leaned over to Cat. "Your friends have great taste. I love this song," she said.

Somewhere between the end and the point where we began
There's a fire burning brightly that's found a way to dim

When the feeling's gone….
Shine on! Shine on! And on to something new
It's long and overdue
I will remember you

Shine on! Shine on! And let the others see
You've got your victory
Will you remember me?

Sam pulled Cat close to her and kissed the back of her neck. Cat gently turned in her embrace and her lips found Sam's.

I was with you in the valley and up upon that hill
So I'll take just one more step in front of you, for I am with you still

And you're not alone
Shine on! Shine on! And on to something new
It's long and overdue
I will remember you

Shine on! Shine on! And let the others see
You've got your victory
Will you remember me?

Cat rose to her feet and tugged on Sam's arm. "Dance with me," she said.

"But that means I have to move…whoa, okay…"

Cat pulled Sam off the seat and started dancing and flailing her arms. Half a dozen other students saw this and opted to join them.

Sam looked back at Carly. "How about it, Carls? Up for a dance?"

Carly raised an eyebrow. She reached into her purse. A grin exploded across Sam's face as Carly pulled out the old blue remote box.

"Shut the fridge!" Sam cried out.

Carly winked and hit the button.

The old box shook as the speaker rattled out, "RANDOM DANCING!"

The dozen or so students who were in earshot cheered as Carly jumped to her feet and joined Sam, Cat, and the others. Sam was on top of the world. She knew eventually it would fade. Eventually, there would be hard times again. Eventually things might go to shit. She understood that; it was life.

But as she took in the sight of the beautiful redhead next to her, with her doe-eyes and breathtaking smile, she knew that it was okay.

Cat must have felt Sam's eyes on her because her cheeks flushed. "Whatcha thinking about, gorgeous?" she asked.

Sam swallowed, her throat suddenly dry. "I'm thinking…you and me, we're gonna be just fine."

She pulled Cat into a kiss and Cat willingly surrendered.

Can you see my hands are open
I am waiting just ahead
You think you need it all now
But you needed me instead

Shine on! Shine on! And let the others see
You've got your victory
Will you remember me?

The kiss shook Sam to her core; her heart raced, her spirit soared, and she felt whole and complete. When it finally ended, Cat smiled. "I love you, Samantha Puckell."

"I love you, Cateri—"

Cat suddenly burst out in uncontrollable laughter. "Oh, I get it! You said the words from the theme song!"