Chapter 18

School was agonizing on Friday. The entire cast and crew was itching for classes to be over so they could start to prep for their opening night.

Davey was desperately trying to push other issues out of his mind, but it seemed almost impossible. Whatever college he went to would define the next four years of his life, and well after as well. However, once it was time to set up for the show, it became a lot easier to focus on that instead.

As soon as classes ended, the cast and crew rushed to the front of the auditorium to set up. Every year, they made a display that was relevant to the show, for fun, but they would also be selling drinks and candy, and they even had some games this year.

Once most of the display out front was set up, Race slipped away to the green room. Of course, it didn't take long for Spot to notice.

Spot found him, and was surprised by what he saw. Race was sitting alone in the green room, completely still. He wasn't on his phone, or doing homework, he was just sitting there, next to his costume.

"Hey Race, what's going on?" Spot asked.

Race shrugged, "Just thinking,"

"Care to share?"

"I don't know, there's a lot on my mind. This is my last show. Just three days, and the best part of high school will be over. I just really don't want it to end."

"Well, that's completely normal. And I hope you know that you're not the only one who's thinking about that. Change is terrifying. You and I know that better than anyone else."

Race instinctively moved to lean on Spot's shoulder. Spot pulled him closer without hesitation.

Opening night was almost flawless. This was always the night with the most energy. The cast and crew were so eager to show the world what they had been working on for the last three months.

Some people in the cast went to hang out after the show ended, but most decided to go home. After all, their next show was in less than twenty-four hours. And even though performing gave you a burst of energy, it also made you exhausted.

*Friday, 11:36 PM*

*Seize the Day*

Race: i kno i have to go to sleep but for some reason its just not workin out for me

Elmer: same here honestly

Davey: Are all of us still awake?

Jack: i am

Katherine: At least try to go to sleep before midnight tonight!

Race: maybe…

No one did. They were all still hyped up from the show, and anxiously waiting for their next performance.

Saturday morning, Jack and Race picked up Crutchie, and then Davey before call time. Even though Jack and Race had left together, Race took a seat in the back so Crutchie could sit in the passenger seat.

The ride there was fun but calm at the same time. But once they pulled in, Crutchie nearly screamed.

"What's wrong?" Jack asked, but stopped when he saw Crutchie looking at his phone.

"I got into my top school!" He said.

"Crutchie that's amazing!" Davey said while Jack hugged Crutchie.

The four rushed inside to share the news with the rest of their friends and their director. Medda always loved to hear about her student's accomplishments.

After Sunday's show, the cast and crew were over the moon. The audience turnout was amazing compared to previous years, and everyone was just so happy with how well the show went.

After striking the set, everyone made their way over to Davey's house for the cast party. Before getting into their separate cars, Jack and Davey gave each other a quick kiss, which meant a chorus of 'ooohs' behind them.

The cast party was going in no time, and it was like it always had been. Lots of food and snacks, and someone plugged their showtunes playlist in.

"Alright everyone, quiet down for a minute," Elmer yelled over everyone.

Romeo waited a few seconds for the room to become quiet, "As you all know, this show is the very last for a lot of people in the cast, and as the juniors in the group, Elmer and I would like to acknowledge these amazing people."

All of the seniors smiled, some already had tears in their eyes.

"It's hard to make meaningful gifts for so many, so Romeo and I have put together a slideshow that represents all four shows you've done here," Elmer continued.

"We hope you like it!" Romeo said as he pressed play.

Jack reached for Davey's hand, as they watched the slideshow together. Elmer and Romeo did an amazing job. They put it all into chronological order, so needless to say, it made everyone very emotional.

While they had been watching, Spot put his arm around Race who had been leaning into his chest. But once the video was over, Race completely forgot, and leapt up to give Romeo a hug.

"I'm gonna miss you so much," Romeo said into Race's shoulder.

"Me too,"

Albert did the same thing with Elmer, "Thank you for this," He said.

Davey and Jack were still holding hands and sitting together at the base of the couch. "We picked a bad time to confess our feelings for each other," Davey said.

Jack sat up a little straighter, "What do you mean?"

"I mean, we're both seniors and we'll be going our separate ways soon. You're set on that school in Santa Fe, and whichever college I choose is nowhere near there," Davey paused, "How would we stay boyfriends?"

Jack smiling was not the response that Davey expected, "What?"

"Did you just call us boyfriends?"

Davey blushed, "Oh my gosh…"

"Aww you did!" Jack said, and kissed Davey on the cheek, "But, in all seriousness, you bring up a good point. This is something we should talk about, but not tonight,"

"You're right. Let's go hug some of the underclassmen,"

A/N: I apologize for the long gaps in between uploads, but thank you for sticking with this story. I hope you enjoyed this chapter! A lot of this is based off my experience performing in high school.