Chapter Six: The Sun Will Come Out... At Some Point
Wednesday arrived and the students ready to audition later were eager, excited and nervous... mostly nervous. Famously, the Disney High school play was usually a dramatic Shakespeare or a menacing contemporary but since Clopin had replaced Maleficent as drama teacher last year, musicals and moderns were all the range. Clopin was an eccentric man who dressed in bright purples and patterns, he practically sang everything he said and skipped around the building. He wasn't evil either, like so many of the other teachers, but if sass were a crime he'd be locked up for sure.
Auditions were being held after school hours and Jasmine spent all morning convincing her father why she'd be late home. He didn't entirely understand just why she was staying if she wasn't auditioning and she had to repeatedly explain that she wanted to support her friends. Jasmine couldn't help but worry intensely about Mulan. Ariel was fine, she had been in choir, knew her voice well and was confident but Mulan... well, no one had heard her sing before and she wasn't so great with nerves. Jasmine was terrified for her, would she hurl? Cry? Would she even go through with it?
Esmeralda and Phoebus spent their whole day listening to terrible jokes about Broadway from Aladdin and Flynn, attempting to wind them up. Pocahontas' audition was overlooked by them as her preppy attitude and headstrong nature was not amiss and went ordinarily. For Esmeralda and Phoebus, being lazy was their norm so an involved and yuppie audition was unexpected.
"Oh, shut up, it was this or expulsion" Phoebus groaned.
"Alright, alright... twinkle toes" Aladdin continued
"Will you guys quit it?" Esmeralda said, fooling even herself "I am proud of myself for trying new things"
Flynn and Aladdin and even Phoebus blinked at her.
"I am going to enjoy this audition, and so is Phoebus. Now, you two can either support us or go and sit over there for the rest of the week" Esmeralda pointed to the corner of the room, the two boys followed her finger to the dingy side of the common room with worried glances at each other while Pocahontas chuckled at the encounter.
"Fine," Flynn sulked "we'll come and watch, right Al?"
Aladdin pouted a little, they were like two children who had been told of their mother "yeah, we'll come"
"It'll still be funny" Flynn said quietly and Esmeralda pulled a stern, scolding face.
"Fine, fine! It won't be funny! It'll be amazing! Happy now?" Flynn sulked again,
"Yes. Thank you" she smiled proudly.
At the end of the school day, students moved fast paced toward the school doors but for the select few and their friends, the door to the auditorium opened and Mr Crab and Clopin strode in, both in bright coloured outfits and deep in conversation. The seats at the front began to fill up and the two teachers sat on the stage, casually, awaiting everyone to arrive.
First in was Kuzco, a flashy junior with a toothy grin and a huge ego. "Boom, bang, baby!" he announced his arrival.
"What wonderful spirit" Clopin observed, a happy grin.
Then was Anastasia and Drizella, sisters who were certainly into drama. Mr Crab looked delighted when the turnout was so big. Ariel and Mulan headed straight to the front while Jasmine, Rapunzel and Anna took seats further back to watch. Then came Esmeralda, Phoebus and Pocahontas entered looking slightly out of place, Flynn and Aladdin trailed behind them grumpily. Hercules had also decided to join them and was looking around like a puppy, excited. They too, took their seats.
"What a great turn out!" Mr Crab clapped, "I have a good feeling about this year, it's gonna be a good one!"
"Of course, it will, especially now the old dragons gone" Clopin said, there were a few laughs as no one had been a fan of Maleficent, "now let's get onto the theatre!"
Mr Crab read aloud the list of names and then handed small scripts to each person, "I hope you're all familiar with Annie, the musical" there were several nods and verbal agreements. "Good," he continued, "now I'd like you all to sing this title song, sixteen bars will do"
"And for me, I'd like the small role performed. For ladies, Grace, for gentlemen, Mr Warbucks. If you flip over the page you'll find it" Clopin said.
"We won't be judging anyone too harshly so please don't be nervous" Crab added.
"Now! In ten minutes, I want you all backstage!" Clopin clapped his hands dramatically.
Ariel flipped open her script, the sound of rustling paper and uttering the words was heard. Ariel began reading eagerly, Mulan however looked scared stiff. She hadn't realised how many people were here and that she'd be performing in front of them all. How could she audition? Let alone land a role. She turned to face her friends who were higher above her in their seats and gulped, all three raised thumbs of encouragement but Mulan, again, wasn't convinced. She hesitantly turned the page and began scanning the song.
"I love Annie!" Esmeralda smiled "Isn't this exciting?"
Phoebus scoffed "Speak for yourself. This is boring and embarrassing"
Flynn laughed and whispered a joke in Aladdin's ear but Aladdin didn't laugh, in fact, he didn't even respond. He was staring down towards the front at a group of girls with a dazed look on his face.
"Jasmine" Pocahontas said knowingly
"This is so stupid, just ask her out" Flynn huffed,
Aladdin snapped out of it "Don't be ridiculous! Flynn- hey wait what are you doing!?" Flynn had jumped from his chair and had begun marching down the aisle, "Well if you won't speak to her, I will" he poked his tongue out
"Flynn NO!" Aladdin called
"Flynn!" Esmeralda hissed "Leave it!" but Flynn was smugly smiling at them all. Aladdin put his head to his knees and groaned hysterically "It's over... it's all over!"
"Al, it's fine I'll get him" Pocahontas said, leaping from her seat and chasing after Flynn like a dog. Flynn, however, had made it and he fell into a chair in front of he girls. He turned to face them and then grinned straight at Jasmine.
"Can I help you?" she asked, transparently disgusted,
"Listen my friend Al- " he stopped talking and his face dropped as he caught sight of the girl on Jasmine's left. She had the daintiest, round, freckled face and the sweetest smile. Her lips were rosy pink, her hair was chocolate brown- Flynn had a thing for brunettes- and her eyes... Oh man! Her eyes were huge and green, they were enchanting. Flynn felt he could get lost in those forever.
"Hello?" Jasmine clicked "Earth to weird senior kid?"
"Hey, Sorry guys. Flynn escaped" Pocahontas joked, catching up and then lugging at his forearm. The Juniors all watched as Pocahontas pulled Flynn back up the stairs, perplexed.
"What are you doing?" she whispered but Flynn was just gawping, starstruck. He had never seen anyone that beautiful. Never, ever.
"Nothing" he said dreamily, "Nothing..."
Flynn dropped heavily back into his seat and Aladdin whacked his arm "Please tell me you didn't say anything!"
He shook his head, staring at the back of the brunette girl's head "Nothing" Aladdin sighed of relief.
"Flynn just became very love struck" Pocahontas whispered to Esmeralda, "the cute one with short, brown hair"
Esmeralda peered over, "For real?" Pocahontas nodded and the two smiled sneakily.
After ten minutes, Mr Crab called for all people auditioning to come behind the curtain and form a line. Several whoops and 'good luck's' were thrown around the auditorium before the chairs cleared and people headed backstage. Kuzco was up first. He strutted on stage and then stood with a flashy grin. Kuzco was super eccentric and well known in school due to his amazing beauty vlog Instagram. He had the best eyebrows, the best contour. Some days he wore the best, glittering gold eye shadow and other days he drew on freckles. He had been followed by Selena Gomez last year and everyone knew about it; he was still pretty superficial and struggled to take criticism. He was notorious for constantly biting back to hater comments.
"OK I like 'Annie' and all, but I've written my own song" he explained confidently,
"Very well" Crab said, exchanging a look with Clopin. Kuzco cleared his throat and began,
"What's his name? KUZCOOOOO!" he said crazy loud,
Anna giggled uncontrollably at the ridiculous singing and vain song, Hercules laughed too, doubling over in his seat. "Enough, enough!" Clopin called "Enough!"
"Ow! You threw off my groove" Kuzco stomped his foot and stormed off the stage.
"Next!"
Aurora Briar walked ever so gracefully onto stage. Today her ensemble consisted of a pink polka dot pleated skirt, white shirt and a cardigan that matched her skirt complete with her golden locks falling behind her back and 90 style white heels,
"Is it me, or does she dress like a character from Clueless?" Esmeralda whispered backstage.
"Is there an extracurricular that girl doesn't do?" Jasmine tutted, remembering that Aurora was head cheerleader too.
Aurora sang beautifully in operatic form. She sounded like she should have been in Phantom of the Opera, not a measly school play, her rich voice was ear shattering. There was a huge applause all around, a few ears holding, and Aurora grinned. As for her acting her scene was perfect for her role of Grace. She used a great amount of sass but still had an air of dignity. Esmeralda was right, there really was something very 'Cher Horowitz' about her. Aurora was praised and next was Pocahontas.
She headed on stage, bare foot. She had pulled her sandals off and claimed it made her feel more at ease. Anastasia and Drizella grimaced but Esmeralda was used to Pocahontas' quirks. She had been in school plays before, one last year, but none had been singing and this year, unlike last, she was going for a smaller role. She figured she'd rather spend her free time studying, not singing.
"Pocahontas!" Clopin beamed "Great to see you back, going for a main part again?"
"Actually, Sir, I'd much rather a smaller role what with my studies" she explained and Clopin frowned a little. "Well that is a shame, but consider it done!"
Mr Crab looked appalled, "Not that that means you have a role!" he said quickly
"It's Pocahontas" Clopin shook his head "I wouldn't question her talents for a moment!"
"Nor Would I, but she has to audition like everyone else" Mr Crab argued, a lot more sensible of the two. The teachers signalled her to start and Pocahontas sang. Her voice was low but grand, she hit the high notes even with grace and kept an earthly, passionate tone all throughout. Her voice vibrated on high notes and on low notes gave you the sense that whatever she was singing about had to be important. Her acting was also incredible, she always had an air of genuine-ity about her. Watching her acting made Ariel feel a little uneasy.
"Pocahontas! You are marvellous!" Clopin clutched his heart. Everyone clapped and Pocahontas blushed before taking her seat back in the front row with Aurora. Anastasia and Drizella stomped onto the stage and announced they wanted to audition together. Pocahontas had to hold her ears as the nasally screeching began. There were groans from the entire room and Flynn began loudly jeering, "YOU'RE TERRIBLE! GET OFF!"
"Alright, alright, not this year girls!" Mr Crab called over them, "Next!"
Finally, it was Ariel's turn. She bounced on stage and Jasmine sat up in her chair, eager to listen. "Ariel! So, good to see you taking interest... and on time" Crab raised an eyebrow. Ariel laughed a little before she began singing. Her voice floated through the auditorium and was high, sweet. It was as if Ariel had shrunk in size and her voice was pixie-like. There was major applause and her acting scene was perfection, no giggling or awkwardness, she was a natural. Everyone clapped again, Crab looked immensely proud, Ariel hopped off the stage and took a seat by Pocahontas and Aurora. When the clapping died down, Clopin called the next person. The room fell dead silent at the sound of clicking heels, a girl with voluminous brown hair, she slinked on stage in a gorgeous purple gown, a terrible smirk and an intimidating aura.
"Who's that?" Ariel whispered
"Vanessa Shell" Pocahontas whispered to her "she's president of the drama club"
"And a total bitch" Aurora added
"I had no idea she sang"
"I don't think she can" Aurora whispered back, and then the three of them fell silent to watch on.
"Are you ready, Vanessa?" Mr Crab asked, a sort of twisted expression about him
"Of course, she's ready! She's president of the drama club!" Clopin said giddily,
"I'm afraid, Sirs, I've recently put my voice out and I won't be able to sing for you today" she told them curtly
"Very well, complete the scene then" Crab complied and Vanessa went on. Her performance was dangerously good, she had possibly outdone everybody. Ariel could tell that the main role would most likely go to her now, especially since seniors were always more likely to get main roles.
There were rigid claps as Vanessa finished and Clopin praised her, but there was a certain chill as Vanessa went to take a seat.
"That was actually good" Pocahontas sighed
"It's easy to act if you're fake every single day" Aurora commented bitterly but she fell quiet as Vanessa sat beside them. Phoebus was next. His name was called and there was a hesitance around the room no one knew what to expect. Phoebus headed on stage a little awkwardly, ignoring the scoffs of Flynn. Phoebus drew a deep breathe and began singing. Esmeralda audibly gasped as soon her Phoebus' voice began. Everyone's eyes widened, Flynn's jaw dropped. Who knew he could sing?! Certainly not his friends. Though it was a little quiet and he was clearly nervous the entire room clapped and whistled. He then completed a scene acting as 'Rooster', continuing to shock everybody and then he fell into a seat by Pocahontas who stared, surprised.
"Phoebus! Where did that come from?" she cried in awe
"Yeah, yeah" he shrugged, and Pocahontas kissed his cheek "You hidden talented thing!"
Esmeralda was called on stage, Esmeralda headed on stage still in shock at Phoebus' talent, she was quite nervous now, unsure of herself.
"Can I start?" she asked uneasily,
"Whenever you're ready" Crab nodded.
Esmeralda began, and it was now Phoebus' turn to gawk. Pocahontas new Esmeralda could sing, they'd spent days and nights on Karaoke singing Britney and Shakira, but Phoebus had never heard her. Her voice was spirited and clear, she carried notes correctly and she looked calm, natural. As if singing was the most casual thing in the world for her. Flynn whistled, Pocahontas cheered and then Esmeralda completed the scene somewhat sassy and entirely casually. She grinned broadly and was very relieved when she had finished.
"I'm impressed!" Clopin said "Why have I never met you before?"
"I never usually do this kind of thing" she shrugged,
"I see... it's a shame! Some talented room in this people today!"
Esmeralda fell slightly breathless and waited for the next one. "Mulan Fa?" Jasmine leaned forward, Ariel sat up straighter, they held their breath. Mulan smiled meekly as she walked on stage... Anna bit her lip, Rapunzel's eyes widened. Mulan gulped, she felt the eyes burning into her, all the pressure of her friends. She tried to sing but it was shaky, she didn't know the song as well as she thought and suddenly she found herself mumbling for the right lyric.
"Right, right" Crab stopped her "It's OK to be nervous, is there a song you'd rather sing?"
Mulan stopped, she could fear her face heating up and her eyes swelling with tears. "Reflection!" Ariel's voice sounded out, and everyone turned to her "She likes Reflection by Christina Aguleira" Clopin nodded and looked back up at Mulan.
"Would you like to sing that?"
Mulan nodded shakily, "Yes, please"
"Well, whenever you're ready"
"This is a very tricky song" Crab whispered to his colleague, "Do you think she'll pull it off?" Clopin pulled a face, disapproving of Mulan.
"Look at me, I will never pass for the perfect bride..."
It was like Phoebus' audition all over again. By the time Mulan reached the chorus everyone was blown away, Aurora had a tear in her eye "What a beautiful voice!" Mulan's voice was naturally amazing. Mulan opened her eyes and the nerves settled, she became louder. Jasmine couldn't wipe a smile off her face, she was impressed to say the least. Every note was precise and it drifted all throughout the auditorium, her voice was clear and unfaltering. All four of her friends at that moment felt immense pride in their awkward friend.
When she'd finished there were claps all around and Esmeralda whispered to Pocahontas, "it's always the quiet ones!" Everyone adored her voice, but the acting was less impressive. She fumbled around uncomfortably and mumbled most of the lines When she finished Clopin looked a little disappointed and Mr Crab asked her to consider joining choir.
There were a few more auditions of mediocre value and then the final one came,
"Last but by no means least, Eric Shipman!" Clopin called him out. Eric strode on stage, Ariel looked up and was mesmerised by the ebony haired senior with a smile to die for.
"Eric, great to see you" Mr Crab smiled
"My drama club vice president" Clopin beamed proudly and Ariel saw Vanessa twist a grin from the corner of her eye. Eric pulled of a great performance, hitting all the notes and acting wonderfully. You could tell he had done this all before and that he seriously enjoyed it. Everyone cheered and the teachers sat on the stage, comparing notes and in deep conversation while the students began chatting. Ariel couldn't stop thinking about the beautiful ocean eyed boy with the great voice. She blushed whenever she glanced at him. Mulan had gone to the toilet claiming she felt ill, but Ariel knew she was probably just calming her nerves. She downed some water and then headed up the stairs, to gush about him to her friends, when she heard a voice.
"Hey!" Ariel turned to the sharp greeting to see Vanessa Shell with her hands on her hips and twinkling, evil eyes.
"You've got a terrific voice... too bad you're a junior"
Ariel frowned, "What do you mean?"
"Well come on, you know they cast seniors. You'll be lucky to be an understudy"
"I don't know, Mr Crab said I have a shot" Ariel said with a shrug,
Vanessa scoffed and folded her arms, still smirking, "I already spoke to Clopin and as head of the drama club I have a pretty big influence on these productions, but better luck next time" and she flicked her head away and walked off. Ariel stood, shocked by what she'd just been told and rushed over to tell her friends about it.
"Don't even listen to her, Ariel, she's clearly jealous" Jasmine shook her head,
"Yeah you were great!" Anna said
"You were amazing" Rapunzel agreed "and she didn't even sing!"
Ariel smiled but she was still put off, mainly because she felt truth in what Vanessa had said.
Flynn, Aladdin and Hercules headed down to the front to congratulate their friends but the main focus was on Phoebus' hidden talents.
"Dude! Why didn't you say you could sing?" Flynn asked
"You're good! Sorry we made fun" Aladdin said,
"Doesn't matter" Phoebus shrugged modestly "It's not like I'll get a part"
His friends all stared at him, "Phoebus you were great!" Pocahontas assured him,
"I'd be surprised if they didn't cast you" Esmeralda said. Phoebus' cheeks went pink a bit, he clearly wasn't used to this kind of attention.
"Whatever, so Al, have you spoken to Jasmine yet?"
"Quit changing the subject" Aladdin said, but it was too late. The group had fell into talking about Jasmine all over again.
"Oh yeah!" Esmeralda said, "It's now or never, Al!"
Aladdin glanced over at Jasmine who was mid laugh with her ginger friend, "Never then" he said gloomily.
"Right everyone, thank you so much for coming. We'll call you back for results next week" Mr Crab announced finally
"You've all been great" Clopin added, "You are dismissed". Everyone bustled for their bags and jackets, Aladdin and Hercules were quick to leave.
"We're going to the gym" Aladdin grinned broadly. Flynn raised an eyebrow questioningly, "Since when did you go gym, Al?"
"Since Hercules described his routine and I figured I could do that" he said, and they headed off. Pocahontas grabbed her things too and rushed off, her father was outside ready to drive her home. Flynn, Esmeralda and Phoebus were sluggishly grabbing their belongings, all tired and hungry. They were the last ones out... almost the last ones.
Jasmine, Ariel, Mulan, Anna and Rapunzel were gathering their belongings and talking amongst themselves when Flynn stopped dead in his tracks, "Guys, let's do this... for Al"
"Do what?" Phoebus asked,
"Get him a date!" Flynn said, "We've got one year left here at this hell hole, he can't go his life not knowing what could have been!"
"It doesn't sound like you to be romantic" Esmeralda observed, "But I agree. He'll never do it for himself" The three seniors were decided, and they turned and headed for the five junior girls.
"Hey!" Flynn jumped in their faces and they all grimaced a little,
"You again?" Jasmine asked and Esmeralda winced. She pushed at Flynn to move him out of the way, "Hey guys, I'm Esmeralda, you're Juniors?"
Jasmine's demeanour relaxed more, she seemed more at ease with Esmeralda "Hi"
"You guys had a brilliant audition by the way! I know it can be scary" Esmeralda added friendly to Ariel and Mulan who smiled and thanked her.
"Listen... it's Jasmine, right?"
Jasmine nodded, her eyes narrowed a little.
"Our friend Aladdin has a huge crush on you" Esmeralda declared, and Jasmine immediately sighed, "I can see what you're trying to do but- "
Phoebus interrupted her "He's a nice guy, he's genuine"
"You don't find many of those around here" Esmeralda half laughed, with a point at Flynn who had been staring at Rapunzel unnoticed.
"I'm not a snob" Jasmine stated, holding her head high "I know you think I am but I'm not, I'm just not interested"
Esmeralda wouldn't have said it aloud, but she did think Jasmine was a snob... at least she did before she spoke to her. Talking to her, looking at her friends and listening to her talk, she wasn't any different from her. A normal teenage girl.
"We don't think that... I get it. Guys are annoying and you have you be fussy but can't you hear us out?" she tried again
"I just have to meet a certain criteria for guys, not just for me but for my dad. He'd never late me date just anyone"
"Criteria?" Phoebus grinned "What's better than handsome, rich and perfect grades"
"He's rich? Perfect grades?" Jasmine tilted her head
"Sure, why shouldn't he be?" Phoebus asked. Esmeralda didn't like where he was taking this now. Aladdin was handsome but rich? Perfect grades? He was clever but his grades only showed his laziness.
"I just thought- well... I don't know" Jasmine said sheepishly,
"Well if you assume things maybe you don't deserve him" Phoebus exaggerated. His plan was working, but Esmeralda wasn't behind it.
"Rich? Oh Phoebus don't exaggerate!" she tried
"Come on, Es we know Al doesn't like people knowing but Jasmine has criteria!"
Esmeralda groaned a little bit, why was he being the world's biggest idiot? One audition and he was the most dramatic guy ever.
"OK ignore him, but how about it? One date?" Esmeralda said.
Jasmine considered and Ariel stood, giddy behind her, "Oh, go on Jasmine! He is cute!"
"What harm will it do?" Anna agreed
"Fine!" Jasmine shook her head, but had a hint of a smile "One date. And he has to ask me"
Esmeralda grinned triumphantly "You won't regret it!" she said goodbye and headed out... but Esmeralda was wrong, she didn't believe herself, not after the lie Phoebus had told... maybe they'd all regret it.