"Okay, Jess. Autumn told me the situation. We can pull this off, but it isn't going to be easy. We don't have enough actors, so we'll definitely need to recruit from other cliques to fill all the roles." said Carlos
"I'll call everyone together for a meeting. I bet we can find some people who are willing to help!" Jess calls her friends over
"Thanks for coming, everyone." said Jess
"Of course. Just let us know what we can do to help." said Payton
"Yeah, I'm in." said Mia
"And my axe!" said Nishan
"Uh, yeah... and you can count on me. Whatever it takes." said Julian
"Aww! Thanks, guys! Julian, I didn't picture you as the drama club type." said Autumn
"Well, I'm a sucker for a good fight, and if protecting our school from Max's plan means putting on girly tights and prancing around, I guess I'm in. I'm uncomfortable, but I'm in."
"This is going to be fantastic!" said Carlos
"But... what play should we perform?"
"I heard that Kernsprickle LOVES Shakespeare. He was even spotted tearing up at a recent production of 'Romeo and Juliet'." said Autumn
"Then that sounds like our play." said Jess
"'Romeo and Juliet' will be perfect! Mia, you can help direct the actors." said Carlos
"Sure. I love bossing people around." said Mia
"Julian, you can be our fight-scene coordinator. I bet you can choreograph a cool sword fight."
"I'm on it." said Julian
"'Romeo and Juliet' has amazing opportunities for backgrounds and costumes." said Carlos
"I can get started on those! But... I need some room to paint, some funding for supplies, and a little artistic backup." said Autumn, Jess added a plot of land, provided funding for supplies and Michelle a back up artist "Awesome! The set are really coming along. See this balcony? As of today, it can actually hold an actress without collapsing!"
"That seems... important." said Jess
"And I'm going to drape it with some flowering vines... perfect for yonder light to break softly through!"
"Nice! Hey, Julian. How's the fight scene coming?" Jess asked
"Awesome! I just need some stuntmen who aren't afraid to bleed a little." said Julian
"Well, I'll help you find people, but let's not phrase it that way." Jess called the jock Emily and Danny over
"So, um, these swords aren't sharp, are they?" Emily asked
"Of course they're sharp, that's the whole point. They're swords." said Julian
"Uh oh.." Chad face turned pale
"Julian, just try not to damage any of the cast..." said Jess
"No promises! Julian parries Chad's slash and plunges his sword under Emily's arm."
"Avast, matey! Yee've breathed yer last!" said Julian
"Um, that's a little more pirate... but this fight looks awesome." said Jess
"Jess, there's something off about the acting for the play. It's just not filled with enough romance and heartache and longing! 'Romeo and Juliet' is supposed to be about an eternal, passionate love... and the total tragedy of losing that! Do you understand what I'm saying?!" Mia asked
"I get it, it's serious stuff. But what can we do?" Jess asked
"Have you ever heard of 'method acting?' It's when actors immerse themselves in the roles they're trying to portray. What these actors need is some real-world love and despair!"
Two couple Rebecca and Brad (artist and filmmaker) broke up they were shouting at each other because Brad spend too much playing mobile phone games.
"That was some major drama! But I was right about the actors. Have you seen the latest rehearsals? The actors are delivering their lines perfectly! You can really believe everything they say!" said Mia
"Hey! Jess, what's the deal about this Shakespeare guy? I thought this was supposed to be a love story, but how can you make any sense of it? 'Cast by their grave beseeming ornaments, to wield old partisans, in hands as old, canker'd with peace, to part your canker'd globbity barble gloop blargh!'" Payton struggle to understand the script
"Payton, that's just how people talked in Shakespeare's day." said Jess
"It's all 'thee' and 'thou' and biting thumbs at people! It's like these people don't even know how to speak English. OMG, totes ridic, am I right?"
"It IS English, but you do have a point. Maybe we can find an actor to help explain it." Jess calls Carlos over to help Payton
"Hey, I heard you're having some trouble understanding the works of the Bard..."
"Uh, if you mean this script, yeah, it's written all wrong." said Payton
"Perhaps I can shed some light on this situation. Three civil brawls, bred of an airy word, by thee, old Capulet and Montague, have thrice disturb'd the quiet of our streets."
"And that means what now?"
"Capulet and Montague have been fighting over insults, and the Prince is sick of it!"
"Ohhh! Like when a girl overhears a cheerleader calling her shoes ugly, so she calls the cheerleader out in front of everyone at lunch the next day, and the two of them get in a fight, and she ends up throwing mashed potatoes in the cheerleader's hair?"
"That's... oddly specific... but yes. Close enough."
"I think everyone's ready..." said Jess
"The sets are done, Julian's fight scene is ready, and everyone knows their lines. What's left?" Autumn asked
"We still need some nice decorations to use as a set!" said Carlos
Jess decorated the set with balloons, brick path and tree
"How's the set working out?" Jess asked
"It's perfect! And not a moment too soon. Mr. Kernsprickle just arrived, and he's in the front row! It's time for the show!" Not long the audience gathered to watch "Every seat in the house is filled!"
"Are we ready for the curtain to go up?" Jess asked
"Just about! We only need to make sure Romeo and Juliet are in their places!"
Greg and Madison are in their place ready to perform
"I'm so nervous! I can't believe it's time!" said Madison
"We'll be fine... All right, the curtain's coming up! Let's go!" said Greg
"O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo? Deny thy father and refuse thy name. Or, if thou will not, be but sworn my love, and I'll no longer be a Capulet." said Madison
"I take thee at thy word: call me but love, and I'll be new baptized; henceforth I never will be Romeo." Greyson passionately kisses Madison! The audience applauds!
Later, at intermission...
"Well, we made it to intermission... and everything's going great!" said Jess
"Actually... we've got a crisis! Some people were sitting next to Kernsprickle, and he as complaining about how much he prefers MUSICALS!" said Autumn
"What?!" Jess exclaimed
"We've got to add some music in, fast!" said Payton
"We can do this. They do it on Glee, don't they? Go find some music. I'll get some dancers to help choreograph a new finale!" Jess rushed to gather 2 dancers Kelsey and Sam
"Well, intermission's over..." said Autumn
"Time to see if we can pull off this big musical number." said Payton
"With no rehearsal time and a packed house? What could possibly go wrong?" Jess gather Carlos and Kelsey "The curtain's going up!"
"Let's go!" said Carlos
The curtain parts, revealing the bodies of Romeo and Juliet, lying tenderly side by side... When a resounding, big band orchestra kicks in, playing a jaunty musical tune! Danny and Carlos burst into song, as a chorus of dancers emerge from behind the curtains!
"Romeo drank poison, and now he's dead!" said Carlos
"And next to him, Juliet's blood's shed!" said Jess
"So much for that guy's cocky swagger!" said Carlos
"Who gave that crazy girl a dagger?!"
"You've never heard more a tale of woe..."
"Than Juliet and her Romeo!"
Willow twirls onto the stage with a series of epic flips! Jess lunge into her final poses, and the crowd bursts into applause!
"So I know this last-minute finale was stressful... But it paid off! I heard from someone sitting next to Kernsprickle that he loved it!" said Autumn
"Wanna do it again? maybe they should be singing and dancing involved." Carlos joked around
"Thank but I'll stick to art."
Everyone chuckled
"Awesome!" said Jess
"He said he wished more schools would follow our example and create new interpretations of the classics!" said Autumn
"That's the best news ever! Let's celebrate at the after-party!" said Payton
"After-party?" said Jess
"Um, yeah! Of course! Every play has an amazing after-party. That's the only reason to be in a school play!"
"I don't think that's the ONLY reason."
"Didn't you hear me? I said PARTY!"
Jess throws an party inviting all the cast everyone had a great time they were singing and dancing at the same time
"That party was epic! Now, if only there was an 'after the after party' party." Payton danced to the music
"Payton, you're on your way to an infinite party loop, aren't you?" Autumn asked
"Infinite parties?! Oh, if only."
"Well, that's at least one member of the board that we've impressed."
"One down, two to go." said Jess
"Hey, just remember that even if we only get two on our side, that'll still be enough to take the vote! And I've got even more good news... my dad's out of town for the weekend, and he's letting me have friends over for a slumber party!"
"Oh. Em. Gee. I am SO in! I'll buy matching pyjamas and everything!" Payton squealed
"I'm always down for a good slumber party." said Mia
"How about you, Julian? Want to come over?" Autumn asked
"Uh, are you kidding? What are we going to do, sit around doing our nails, having pillow fights and talking about our feelings? Besides, I'm hitting up a horror movie marathon with Nishan." said Julian
"Yes. That is a thing we are doing. Of our own free will." said Nishan
"Your loss. How about you, Jess? Want to come?" Autumn asked
That night at Autumn's house, everyone crowds into Autumn's bedroom...
"I'm so excited! You guys actually showed up!" said Autumn
"Um, yeah, you promised this would be epic!" said Mia
"OMG! Slumber partyyy! What are we doing first? I brought matching pyjamas." Payton squealed holding up matching pyjama. The girl get changed to their pyjama"
"I was thinking we could bake some cupcakes." said Autumn
"Um, baking? You mean this party isn't catered? Baking is what you pay someone ELSE to do for you." said Mia
"Catered? I'm just lucky my dad said you could come over while he's gone! Besides, I thought it could be fun to decorate them. We could put little heart shaped sprinkles on them, or make frosting flowers!"
"Wow, what are we, five? You know what's fun at a HIGH SCHOOL slumber party? Truth or Dare? Makeovers!"
"Ooo! I could totally use a mani pedi." said Payton
"I'm in for having someone else paint MY nails." said Mia
"I don't... um... actually own any nail polish." said Autumn
"WHAT?! Okay, I know you're all quirky and whatever, but come on... you've NEVER painted your nails?"
"Don't worry! I never leave home without my overnight kit!" Payton pulls out a huge duffle bag full of nail polish, makeup, and hair products!
"You bring that with you every time you stay somewhere?" Jess asked
"Of course! I've got all the essentials. Grab what you want, and let's get this party started!"
"Payton, I want you to do my nails. Autumn's never done this before, and there's no way my beautiful nails are going to be baby's first coloring book!"
"Hey!" Autumn exclaimed
"She didn't mean that. Autumn, you can paint my toenails while I do Mia's." said Payton
"Are you sure you want me to do this, Payton?"
"Totally! Mia was kind of right about the coloring cook thing. This is basically just art, right? Just think of the nail polish brush as a tiny, tiny paint brush. And think of my toes as tiny, tiny canvases!"
"You know... that actually makes a lot of sense."
"Autumn! You're a natural! Are those tiny cat paw prints on my nails?"
"Yeah... I know hoe much you love animals, and I thought."
"You thought awesome! This is so cool!"
"Are you serious? Your nails look like abstract kitten art." said Mia
"I know! I love it! I've got to post a picture RIGHT NOW." said Payton
"How about you, Jess? Want me to paint your nails?" Autumn
"Sure I'll have my nails ombre." said Jess
One hour later
"So can we bake the cupcakes now?" Autumn asked
"Ugh, I thought we decided to ditch that lame idea. Besides, we can't bake while our nails are drying! What we need is some mindless entertainment." said Mia
"I brought over my top five cutest rom-coms!" said Payton
"How about this one where the popular guy falls in love with the quirky girl?" Jess asked
"Awesome! I love that one!"
"If we're doing this, we're going to need popcorn, hot chocolate, and enough pillows and blankets to cover the entire floor!" said Mia
"I... I think I can get that stuff. Can you guys give me a hand?" A little while later, the floor is covered in pillows and blankets. In the center is a big bowl of popcorn and mugs of hot chocolate.
"Everyone gather around! It's time to find out if the adorable couple will overcome their differences and get together in the end!" Payton called
"Is that really in question?" Autumn asked
"Less talking, more watching!"
In the movie, the popular boy leans in and gives the quirky girl her first kiss!
"A first kiss in Hawaii under a rainbow... so romantic! In real life, first kisses are NEVER that perfect." said Payton
"Oh, yeah? What was your first kiss like?" Autumn asked
"MY first kiss was totally lame. We were at a school dance. We both closed our eyes as we leaned in... and I guess we were moving too fast, because my forehead hit his nose, and suddenly there was blood everywhere!"
"Ha ha ha! You gave him a bloody nose? That's so funny!" Mia laughed
"Yeah, well, at the time it was more like traumatic... Of course, my SECOND kiss later that night was way better."
"He was brave enough to try again?" Autumn asked
"Oh, no. He went home. But the lead singer of the band playing at the dance was totally hot, and..."
"You kissed TWO guys in one night?"
"Oh, come on. More scandalous things have happened. Don't get all judge-y! How about you, Jess? How was your first kiss?"
"It was magical. Everything was just right." said Jess
"Oh, look who's all smug." said Payton
"Mia, what's your story?" Jess asked
"Well, I was totally crushing on someone my dad didn't approve of. He had this idea that Max and I shouldn't date anyone from other schools. But we were at this cheerleading competition facing off against each other... I admitted I was really nervous, and... well... it was a kiss for good luck. Anyway, what about you, art girl? Time to share. First kiss. What was it like?" Mia asked
"Me? Um, well... it's kind of a long story. He's not exactly the nicest guy. He's kind of a jerk sometimes, in fact. But there was something about him. I could just tell that there was more to him. He tried to look out for me, in his way." Autumn explained
"Yeah, yeah, he was tender and caring but a bad boy on the outside. We need details! What was the kiss like?" Mia asked
"Well, it was, um... unexpected."
"Ooo, surprise kiss! Sooo romantic! But where's this guy now? I guess things didn't work out?" Payton asked
"It's complicated. HE'S complicated."
"Sounds like someone can't get over her burning passion for this mystery guy." said Mia
"What? I... um. Er. Enough about me. That was a long time ago!" said Autumn
"Okay, okay. The movie's over, anyway! Time to do something new!" said Payton
Suddenly, something crashes against the side of the house! The girls run to the window!
"What was that?!" Autumn asked
Two guys with hideous wolf heads jump out of the bushes and slam up against the glass.
"Eeek! Werewolves! And not the sexy kind with nice abs, either!" Payton shrieked
The guys growl and run off!
"Wait a minute... I recognize those shirts! That's Nishan and Julian!" said Mia
"They're trying to prank our slumber party!" said Autumn
"They're not going to get away with this! Let's go!" said Payton
Rushing out of the house, Jess and the others spot Julian and Nishan running away!
"Stop right there! You're going to be in SO much trouble when we catch you!" said Autumn
"Should we stop? They said to stop." said Nishan
"No way! Keep running! I thought you were supposed to be smart. Someone tells you to stop, RUN FASTER!" Julian ordered
You race after Nishan and Julian! They leap over a bush.
"Careful!" said Autumn
Jess leap gracefully over the bush and land on the other side!
"They're gaining on us!" Nishan and Julian climb up the chain link fence separating Autumn's back yard from her neighbor! You reach out and make a grab for Julian, knocking his cell phone out of his pocket! Julian and Nishan drop down on the other side of the fence.
"Why are you guys here anyway? You said slumber parties were lame. I thought you'd be busy with your horror movie-a-thon." said Autumn
"Payton's been live-tweeting the whole night. Turns out your party was more fun than we anticipated." said Nishan
"Yeah, especially when nerd-brain here wimps out after the first five minutes of our horror movie marathon." said Julian
"I wasn't prepared for such a realistic depiction of soul-eating ghost children!"
"Blah blah blah. All I hear is that YOUR horror movie turnout out lame, so you wanted to prank OUR party. And since you party crashers are here uninvited, I say you need to be taught a lesson." Mia picks up Julian's phone.
"You don't have the guts to do anything!" said Julian
"Oh yeah? I say we make a prank call! How about we dial up the number labeled 'Hot Cheerleader - Blonde'?" Autumn asked
"Ooo, or we could go through his text messages! I bet there's lots of juicy stuff there!" Mia exclaimed
"Maybe that's not a good idea." said Autumn
"Jess, what do you think?" Payton asked
"Prank call!" said Jess
"Ooo, I bet I can do a really good Julian impression! Give me that." Payton grabs the phone. "It's ringing!"
"I can't believe this is happening." said Julian
"This is kind of funny. Just a little. Right?" Nishan asked
"No!"
"Voicemail. Time to get into character. Ahem. 'Uh, hey babe. This is Julian. Y'know the football star? Super-awesome big muscles quarterback? Most goals made this year?" Payton asked
"Every part of that is wrong!" said Julian
"Aaanyway, I'm kind of a big deal. Just thought you should know. Babe. Let's make out some time. With my mouth. Laters." Payton hangs up the phone, and the girls burst into laughter. The girls head back into the house. "I can't believe they were so jealous of our slumber party!"
"It HAS been really fun." said Mia
"Really? I thought you said it was lame." said Autumn
"I didn't REALLY mean it. Look... I'm sorry I gave you a hard time. With Kara and the other girls on the cheerleading squad, that's just how we talked to each other. Honestly, I didn't think you'd get all upset. I mean, it's just a slumber party." said Mia
"I... I guess it was really important to be that it be fun. Ever since my mom passed away, I haven't really gotten to do girly stuff. The only thing I really remember doing with her is baking. We both had matching aprons, and she'd make these amazing vanilla cupcakes with cream cheese frosting... I remember having so much fun... I just thought we'd have fun doing it too. I wanted tonight to be perfect."
"Autumn, the truth is, you don't NEED to try so hard. We're friends. Whenever we get together, it's GOING to be fun. Anyway, it's only midnight... if we stay up, we totally still have time to make those cupcakes!" said Payton
"Eggs, flour, sugar... and an extra dash of vanilla. I think we're all set!" said Autumn
"Let's get some cupcakes in the oven so we can eat! I made a cupcake that has a kitten playing with a ball of yarn on it!" said Payton
"That's adorable!" said Autumn
"I made one with flowers. Well, they're supposed to be flowers. I guess they're really more like sad lumps of frosting, but whatever... still tastes good." said Mia
"That's what my mom always said was the best part about baking... you get to eat all of your mistakes!" said Autumn
"What did you draw, Autumn?" Jess asked
"I drew a cupcake on my cupcake. Kind of meta, right?" Autumn asked
"It is TOO early in the morning for you to be making meta cupcakes." said Mia
"Yawn! You're right... I can't believe we stayed up all night!"
"Mmm, how else were we going to finish making and decorating all those cupcakes?" Payton asked
"Well... thanks. I really appreciate it, everyone. And now, it's time to enjoy all of our hard work." said Autumn
"Everyone, raise a cupcake! Cheers to Autumn!" said Mia
"The sweetest friend a girl could have!" said Payton
"Aww... Do you girls think... we could take a group picture?" Autumn explained
"Um, yeah. We have to remember Autumn's first slumber party." said Mia
"Everybody smile and say... 'best slumber party ever!'" The girls gather to take a photo" said Jess
"Aww... thanks, you guys. Really." said Autumn