This story was created during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the hard work of SAG-AFTRA, as well as the work of the WGA who, as of September 27th, 2023 have reached a deal with the AMPTP, the world of High School Musical The Musical The Series wouldn't exist. For more information about how you can help with the SAG-AFTRA strike, please refer to the link you can find on my profile.

Pre-Chapter Authors Note: The following songs are used throughout the course of this chapter:

Life Is A Highway - Rascal Flatts

A Whole New World - Aladdin

Now Or Never - High School Musical 3: Senior Year

Lift Me Up - Rihanna

With that, please enjoy.

"Me (singing): Life's like a road that you travel on / When there's one day here, and the next day gone / Sometimes you bend, sometimes you stand / Sometimes you turn your back to the wind"

"Gina (singing): There's a world outside every darkened door / Where blues won't haunt you anymore / Where the brave are free and lovers soar / Come ride with me to the distant shore"

"Me (singing): We won't hesitate / To break down the garden gate"

"Gina (singing): There's not much time left today, yeah"

"Me & Gina (singing): Life is a highway / I wanna ride it all night long / If you're goin' my way / Well, I wanna drive it all night long"

"Me (singing): Through all these cities and all these towns / It's in my blood, and it's all around / I love you now like I loved you then / This is the road, and these are the hands"

"Gina (singing): From Mozambique to those Memphis nights"

"Me (singing): The Khyber Pass to Vancouver's lights"

"Gina (singing): Knock me down and back up again / You're in my blood, I'm not a lonely man"

"Me (singing): There's no load I can't hold / A road so rough, this I know"

"Gina (singing): I'll be there when the light comes in / Just tell 'em we're survivors"

"Me & Gina (singing): Life is a highway / I wanna ride it all night long (whoo!) / If you're goin' my way / I wanna drive it all night long (all night long) / A-gimme, gimme, gimme, gimme, yeah"

"Me & Gina (singing): Life is a highway / Well, I wanna ride it all night long, mmm, yeah / If you're goin' my way (if you're goin' my way) / I wanna drive it all night long (all night long)"

"Gina (singing): There was a distance between you and I"

"Me (singing): (between you and I)"

"Gina (singing): A misunderstanding once"

"Me & Gina (singing): But now we look it in the eye, ooh, yeah / Mmm, yeah (whoo!)"

"Me (singing): There ain't no load that I can't hold"

"Gina (singing): A road so rough, this I know"

"Me & Gina (singing): I'll be there when the light comes in / Tell 'em we're survivors"

"Me & Gina (singing): Life is a highway / Well, I wanna ride it all night long (all night long, yeah) / If you're goin' my way / Well, I wanna drive it all night long / A-gimme, gimme, gimme / A-gimme, gimme, yeah"

"Me & Gina (singing): Life is a highway (life is a highway) / I wanna ride it all night long, whoo, ooh, yeah / If you're goin' my way (if you're goin' my way) / I wanna drive it all night long (all night long, yeah) / C'mon, gimme, gimme, gimme / Gimme, gimme, gimme, yeah"

"Me & Gina (singing): Life is a highway / I wanna ride it all night long / (Yeah, I wanna drive it all night long, baby) / If you're goin' my way (if you're goin' my way) / I wanna drive it all night long (all night long)"

This is what the entire road trip has been. Karaoke, having fun, sleeping with each other. All sorts of fun stuff…

Yeah, it's been a lot, but it's been a lot of fun. We're making this work as well as we can, given the cards we were dealt. And then, at long last, we've made it! DC here we are! To the state's credit, it looks really nice down here. It just feels, I don't know, weird to be out here, away from everyone at East High…

I knew what I signed up for when leaving with Gina, but I'm feeling conflicted…

"Bae, you said that out loud." Gina says.

This is why I keep my inner thoughts to myself and/or my journal 99% of the time.

"I didn't mean to say that out loud, but it's true, I have conflict within me about the whole thing. I know that, deep down, I made the right decision that I wanted to make, but…" I began to confess to Gina.

"You're now having conflicting feelings about the whole thing?" Gina asks.

"Exactly." I confirmed.

"Bae… do you remember Miss Jenn's golden rule?" Gina asks.

"Of course. "Trust the process" is what she always says." I replied.

Oh… I see where this conversation is going.

"That's what you need to do right now bae. Trust the process. I know this feels weird. Believe me, I know. I've done this so many times. After a while, you'll get used to the new surroundings, and then it will feel at least somewhat okay." Gina tries to reassure me.

"You're right, as always." I said in response.

"I've been trying to get better… because of you." Gina says with a smile.

"That's nice bae. Now as much as I'm here to help you, you're going to need to help me with this entire transition to a new place and all that. I know I've already done it once myself, but I'm still going to need help." I requested.

"And I'm going to be here for you, just like you're going to be here for me." Gina reassures me.

"Thank you my love for your support, as always." I said in response.

"Of course." Gina says with a smile.

We then arrive at a town community center. Ms. Porter drops me and Gina off while she goes and confirms our housing situation here in D.C.. Honestly, I'm grateful she dropped us off, because now, I don't have to worry about anything except me and Gina.

"We can have some fun for a while." Gina says.

"I hope that's the case." I said in response.

We walk inside, and we find a decent amount to do. It's a multi-purpose community center. There's an e-gaming area, a recreational sports area, and then, we both look up and see a musical theater area.

"This for us?" Gina asks.

"Damn right it is." I replied.

We walk into the auditorium, and we see a group of teenagers, singing one of the best songs from Aladdin, "A Whole New World". Oh my god it's one of my all-time favorite Disney songs.

"Zachary Brooks (singing): I can show you the world / Shining, shimmering, splendid / Tell me, princess, now when did / You last let your heart decide?"

"We really shouldn't be starting until Lexie shows up." Paige Lane says.

"Didn't she say she wasn't going to be here on time?" Robert Booker asks.

"Oh yeah, that's true. She did say that." Paige replies.

"The director says we need to practice and nail these songs since he hasn't been all too impressed with us lately for some reason ahead of the show at the end of the week, so we can't lose any unnecessary time, since time is a virtue, and we need to utilize all the time we have." Sara Allen says.

"I just wish we had an extra girl or two, but not as many people were interested in auditioning this cycle as they were for The Little Mermaid last time." Archie Wells says.

It is then that I look at Gina, and Gina then looks at me. It appears we are both thinking the same thing.

"Go for it Em." Gina whispers.

Okay, or maybe we aren't thinking the same thing.

"You sure?" I asked.

"Yes. This is your moment." Gina replies.

I wasn't exactly saying that I should be the one to help these theater kids out, but ya know what, Gina's right, I have to stop doubting myself and my abilities.

It's something I've been thinking about for a while. I need to stop doubting myself. I am talented. I am worthy. It's time that I finally see this for myself, and just put myself out there, like Nini, Gina, and everyone else has been telling me to do for ages now…

"I can help you guys out if you want." I stated, trying not to push my limits when it may not be warranted.

The group turns, and there are many shocked faces, almost like they're in disbelief that I'm standing right in front of them…

"The Emma Wood is here, wow…" Paige states.

"We just got a blessing in disguise." Archie says.

"And she has her talented girlfriend Gina with her." Robert remarks.

"But the real question is… what the hell are they doing here?" Zachary asks.

"I think that's a question for another time. Right now, we need to make sure that all of you are on top of your game, so that you can save your show and make it something truly special." I replied.

"For me, Sara, and Paige, we're all seniors, so every show with our school we do this year is just that much sweeter." Robert says.

"What the hell are you guys using this theater for if you're doing a school production?" Gina asks.

"Bae, not the time to question that." I requested.

Anyway, turning my attention back to the D.C. theater kids, especially the three seniors…

"Me (singing): The way you play tonight / Is what you'll leave behind"

"Paige Lane (singing): (That's right)"

"Me (singing): It all comes down to right now, it's all up to you"

"Robert & Sara (singing): (Let's go!)"

"Me (singing): So what are you gonna be?"

"Others (singing): T-E-A-M, team!"

"Me (singing): (Yeah) / Gotta work it out, turn it on, come on"

It was then that their friend who was running late, Lexi Jones, shows up, and man she brings the talent and the heat…

"Lexi Jones (singing): This is the last time to get it right / This is the last chance to make it your night"

"Me (singing): (Yeah)"

"Lexi Jones (singing): You gotta show what you're all about"

"Me & Lexi (singing): Work together"

"Others (singing): This is the last chance to make your mark / History will know who you are / This is the last game, so make it count / It's now or never / Yeah"

"Me (singing): This is the last time for you to get it right"

That felt really good. I still got it. The world can throw all the pain that they want at me, but through the power of theater, music, and singing, I will always stand above the noise and prevail.

"So… can we address why you're here now, and can we have your legendary talents for our production of Aladdin?" Lexi asks.

"I'm here for my girlfriend. She had to move because of her mother's job again, and this time, with me being in her life, there was no way that I wasn't going to be there for her. It only felt right." I stated, confidently.

"Well that's nice, but can we seriously have you join us?" Sara asks.

"We could really use your help." Paige remarks.

"Well, that depends." I stated.

"On what?" Robert asks.

"If you think I absolutely nail A Whole New World." I replied.

I don't even give them a chance to respond back to me before I just do what I always do…

"Me (singing): I can show you the world / Shining, shimmering, splendid / Tell me, Princess / Now, when did you last let your heart decide? / I can open your eyes / Take you wonder by wonder / Over, sideways and under / On a magic carpet ride / A whole new world / A new fantastic point of view / No one to tell us no / Or where to go / Or say we're only dreaming"

Gina then starts helping me out. What a helpful and nice girlfriend.

"Gina (singing): A whole new world / A dazzling place I never knew / But when I'm way up here / It's crystal clear / That now, I'm in a whole new world with you"

"Me (singing): Now I'm in a whole new world with you"

"Gina (singing): Unbelievable sights / Indescribable feeling / Soaring, tumbling, freewheeling / Through an endless diamond sky"

"Gina (singing): A whole new world"

"Me (singing): (Don't you dare close your eyes)"

"Gina (singing): A hundred thousand things to see"

"Me (singing): (Hold your breath, it gets better)"

"Gina (singing): I'm like a shooting star / I've come so far / I can't go back to where I used to be"

"Me (singing): A whole new world"

"Gina (singing): (Every turn a surprise)"

"Me (singing): With new horizons to pursue"

"Gina (singing): (Every moment red-letter)"

"Me & Gina (singing): I'll chase them anywhere / There's time to spare / Let me share this whole new world with you"

"Me & Gina (singing): A whole new world / That's where we'll be"

"Me (singing): A thrilling chase"

"Gina (singing): A wondrous place"

"Me & Gina (singing): For you and me"

We still got it. Our chemistry is really unmatched and I'm so unbelievably thrilled that we can still do this, and do it together.

"Damn, that was awesome." Lexi says.

"I'll say. Chemistry is through the roof." Paige remarks.

"Which is precisely why we can use them for the benefit of our show." A male voice says.

Enter the director of this school's production of Aladdin, Alex Young. A tall and seemingly caring younger man and he's clearly interested in our talent.

"My cousin Derek speaks very highly of you Ms. Wood.." Alex reveals.

"Please, call me Emma, and I appreciate that very much. Derek would always talk about how I was one of his favorite people to work with, even though in every production of his I never scored a leading role." I remarked.

"Well, Emma, while that will once again be the case here, your talent is exceptional. Right now, we need that kind of exceptional talent wherever we can get it." Alex states.

"Time to show us how you feel!" Lexi exclaims.

That seemed like a forced reference, but it's something I welcome. Anything that can help put my mind at ease while I'm still feeling uneasy about this whole move.

Oh yeah, while we're on that subject, let's talk about the move as a whole. This is my second move within a few months. Obviously, I made the move from Atlanta to Salt Lake City, but that move was out of necessity, since my parents were dead and I didn't have any other family members in the city, or the state for that matter, and when I saw the chance to move and be near Nini and her family, I didn't hesitate for a second. However, this second move from Salt Lake City to Washington D.C. is different. This time, I had a choice between staying in Salt Lake City or going with Gina and her mother to D.C., and I chose to move again. I get it that Gina's moved like sixteen times or something like that and has it a lot harder than I ever have had it, but still, it's different this time and it's difficult.

I made the decision to move with Gina, because she needs me now, more than she ever has, but I fear that my mental health has taken a toll as a result of my decision, and I need to offset that by doing all of these references and do whatever it takes to keep my musical theater game as close to the top talent-wise as possible, and this certainly is going to help, getting involved in this local high school's production of Aladdin. I think I'm going to love it around here…

The director then excuses everyone for the day, but then pulls me aside. I request for Gina to wait for me outside, and then, we begin discussing my time in the theater, and more.

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't you the girl that is playing the first original superhero to the MCU, Daniella Jones?" Alex asks.

"Yep. I was homeschooled from 2015-2019 while shooting several movies as the character. I'm in Captain America Civil War, Spider-Man Homecoming, along with Avengers Infinity War & Endgame, and Spider-Man Far From Home. Then there's the two films I'm most excited about, which are the Black Widow movie, as well as the first Daniella Jones solo movie which came out this past summer. Plus, on top of all of that, I've got some streaming shows for Disney Plus coming up I got some recurring roles in, including The Falcon and Winter Soldier which debuted in August, and WandaVision, which debuts in December. It's amazing I've been able to get all of this done while also having time for in-person schooling." I remarked, proudly and confidently.

"That's really cool. How big is your popularity right now?" Alex asks.

"Honestly, it's not that much. Sure I had an arguably breakout performance as Daniella in Avengers Endgame, but my popularity online isn't as high as, say, Chris Evans or Robert Downey Jr., or someone else like that, but I enjoy a decent bit of it." I replied.

Before we go any further, I just want to talk about for a minute, and answer the obvious question that you guys may or may not have: Why the hell have I not mentioned the fact that I play Daniella "DJ" Jones in the Marvel Cinematic Universe before now?

First off, who the hell is Daniella "DJ" Jones? She's an original character created exclusively for the MCU. She's a teenage queer superhero who's the heir apparent to the Black Widow mantle from her late mentor, Natasha Romanoff, who gave the ultimate sacrifice in Avengers Endgame to help save the half of the universe who got snapped away. "Following the Avengers Civil War, and Romanoff's betrayal, Jones chose to remain with the Avengers and not go on the run, which resulted in Jones earning a lot more respect from Tony Stark, who two months after the Avengers Civil War, gifted her with the Iron Widow Mark I Armor." (That's taken directly from her wiki page before anyone asks). From there, Daniella has grown into a very strong, very capable, but also very independent superhero, who just so happens to be a prominent member of the Avengers. It's pretty cool playing such a badass character, especially when she's queer just like me.

Now, back to the original question. The answer is rather simple. I don't want to gloat about myself or my accomplishments. Besides, it's not that big of a deal that I happen to star in one of the most successful franchises that Hollywood has ever seen. I don't like building myself up like this, so that's why I don't bring it up. Anyway, moving back to the conversation with Alex now…

"Awesome. Now, how'd you get into musical theater?" Alex asks.

"I'm not entirely sure to be completely honest with you. I think it was just my love of singing, acting, and music as a whole that led me down the musical theater route. Theatre combines a lot of things that I love to do, so it ultimately just made sense." I replied.

"That's amazing. You seem like such a humble and loyal individual that does whatever they can for the benefit of the entire group. You never build yourself up at the expense of others. In fact, you do the exact opposite some of the time. That's something that is truly admirable." Alex remarks.

"I always do the very best that I can in order to ensure that my friends have the best time possible, all day and every day." I stated, proudly and confidently.

"Like I said, admirable. You are exactly the kind of person that I want on my cast, in whatever way possible. I'm so unbelievably excited that you're here now. You'll uplift this production to new heights that I'm so thrilled to watch unfold. I can't wait to get you in with your now fellow Aladdin cast members so you can learn the songs and all the choreography and all that. You're a fast learner right?" Alex asks, with a great deal of excitement.

"I would say I am, especially when it comes to dance." I replied.

"Then I can't wait to watch it all unfold." Alex states, with more excitement than before.

We then exchange goodbyes for now, leaving me as the last person in the community theater, to contemplate everything that he said in our conversation. This is a lot of praise, and it's something I always hold dear to me, but it's something that I wish would be enough for me to finally get a leading role from day one, but ya know, it's whatever. I'll find a way to do it someday. I just need to figure out how…

"Me (singing): Please lift me up / And don't hold me down / But keep me close / Safe and sound

"Me (singing): Burning in a hopeless dream / Hold me when you go to sleep / Keep me in the warmth of your love / When you depart, keep me safe / Safe and sound"

Gina then peaks her head into the door.

"Hey, my mom's parked out front. She wants to take us out to dinner. You game?" Gina asks.

"I'm game." I replied.

"I can't tell if you singing like that is a good thing or a bad thing." Gina says.

"I think I'm just trying to understand what my place can be in this new place." I revealed.

"You'll find your place, like you always do." Gina reassures me.

"Thanks Gina." I said.

"Of course. I'll give you some space if you want to think further. We'll be waiting in the car for you." Gina says in response.

"Sounds good. I'll be out in a minute." I stated.

Gina then leaves (gotta give her props for allowing me some space to think for a little while).

Honestly, I don't even know what to think anymore…

I've gone from my home in Atlanta, Georgia to Salt Lake City, Utah to Washington D.C., all in the span of a few months, and I guess I never really stopped to ask myself how this was all hurting me mentally. Maybe I need help. Maybe I don't need help. I'm not entirely sure right now. What I do know is that I have to be here for Gina and make sure she gets the support that she deserves.

I then open the door to leave the community center, and then to enter the car to go out to dinner with Gina and her mother.

"You feeling better?" Gina asks.

I'm not entirely sure to be honest…

"I don't know. Something's definitely changed. I'm just not sure what." I replied.

"Well whatever it is, we'll figure it out, together." Gina reassures me, confidently.