"Mia! There you are. I'm in desperate need of your assistance." Bridgette called
"I didn't know you were back from your trip to Paris! What's wrong?" Mia asked
"My school, Athena Preparatory Academy, hosts an amazing annual talent show... since we're a small school, we have an arrangement with Hearst High to rent out their gymnasium. But at the last minute, they cancelled on us! Apparently, their school is having enough problems of their own with the Principal being suspended." Bridgette explained
"Oh no! So you've got nowhere to put on your talent show?" Mia asked
"Well, I think we can help you out with that!" said Jess
"Yeah! Why don't you host it here?" Payton suggested
"Thank you! Mia always tells us of your generosity. I see now that she wasn't exaggerating!" said Bridgette
"And if we hosted this show, we'd get to participate, right?" Payton asked
"I don't see why not!"
"Squee! Totes fun!" Payton squealed. "I'll be singing."
"Payton really good." said Jess
Payton sings All by myself Bridgette claps. "That was really good Payton your in. Now all that remains is to return to Athena Academy's student body president with your kind offer. Would some of your classmates like to come? There will be some talking to do in terms of settling everything!"
"We should form a committee to help plan everything! We'll need someone organized... and it would be good to also get someone excited about performing at the talent show." said Autumn
"And someone cool, so we make a good impression on Athena Academy!" said Mia
"That shouldn't be too hard to find." said Jess
"Oh dear, and there's one last thing I should mention. Athena Academy is strictly an all-girls school. No boys are allowed on the grounds. That won't be a problem, will it?" Bridgette asked
"Where are my binders? Jess, hand me that stack of papers!" said Jessica
"What's all this?" Jess asked
"We need to be prepared, don't we? I've got charts for all the best places on school to hold the talent show, diagrams of our parking lots, and a roster of potential participants!" said Jessica
"You can count the drama club in. We've been waiting for our chance to get back in the spotlight!" said Sarah
"Easy, girls! Play it cool. You don't want to scare them off. Let's just start with. Hey, we heard you need some help." said Olivia
"That sounds reasonable. Now come on, Bridgette's going to drive us over to Athena Academy!" said Jess
At Athena Academy
"Ladies! Welcome to Athena Academy!" said Bridgette
Jess and her friends walk down a pristine garden path, through a marble archway, and onto the grounds of Athena Academy. Jess spot statue gardens and flowing fountains surrounded by flowers and shrubs.
"Whoa! This place is swanky! Is that a peacock?" Jessica asked
"This would be the perfect place for a performance of The Odyssey!" said Sarah
"Ooo! Are those all-organic fair-trade berries in the snack stand? Okay, now I'm impressed." said Olivia
"Hee hee! I'm glad you like our campus. Oh, there's Lacey! She's our class president." said Bridgette
"We met at the party." said Lacey
"These are my friends. We heard you were having some trouble with your annual talent show." said Jess
"Uh, yeah? Those flakes at Hearst totally bailed on us!" Lacey grit angrily
"Well, we'd be happy to let you use our facilities." said Jess
"Seriously? That would be, like, the BEST ever! You do have a big enough space, right?" Lacey asked
"Of course! If you'll look here, you'll see that I've designated the ideal locations for a talent show." said Jessica
"And on behalf of our school, I know we'll have a lot of people interested in participating!" said Sarah
"I'm impressed! Hearst never showed this kind of interest in what we were doing they barely even bothered to come to our performance! But we WILL have to approve all the acts from your school. That's just how things are done here." said Lacey
Of course." said Jess
"Great! Then we'll drop by later to check out your school, make sure your space is big enough, and watch the acts!" said Lacey
When Jess arrive back at Berry High, Jess find the front lawn crowded with dancers running into each other!
"What's going on? Are people practicing for the talent show already?" Jess asked
"I might have sent out an email blast in the car on the ride back." said Jessica
Jess phone beeps! She look at the text from one of her dancer friends Willow: 'Need help choreographing for talent show. Come quick and bring help!'
"Sounds like they could use some choreography!" said Jessica
"Are you volunteering?" Jess asked
"I'm going to have my hands full organizing the logistics for the show... and dancing isn't exactly my speciality. But I bet a cheerleader could help. They're experts at planning big dance numbers for pep rallies and halftime shows!" said Jessica
"What are you doing? It's my turn to do a solo!" William argued
"Please, you've been hogging center stage all day! Let someone else have a turn!" Willow argued
"Hey! I heard you have a problem over here. What's wrong?" Jess asked
"Jess! Like I said in my text, it's not going well. We've got good dancers, but the teamwork is lacking." said Willow
"I think I've got a solution." said Jess
"The cheerleaders are here to save the day!" said Chad
"Ugh. Are we really going to have to take dancing advice from Pom-Poms over here? Cheerleading is just jumping and shouting!" Willow complained
"Hey! I've choreographed dance numbers with over fifteen cheerleaders! If you give me a chance, you might just find that I know what I'm talking about." said Chad
Jess clapped her hand getting the dancer attention "Besides, there's no way the Athena Academy girls are going to approve your routine the way it is so if you want to be in the show, you better listen up!"
"I guess it's worth a shot." said William
"Trust me. I've got this." said Chad
And so, the Athena Academy girls arrive at Berry High just in time to see the dancers and cheerleaders perform.
"That's it! Twist, twirl, kick, and jump!" said Chad
The cheerleaders and dancers bound across the performance area, shimmying and spinning to the beat of the music.
"It's working! It's really working!" Willow smiled
"Who knew cheerleaders could be so useful?" William cheered
"Wow, Jess. Not bad! I'll approve it for the talent show!" said Lacey
"Awesome!" Jess cheered
After the performance, Lacey, Brigette, and a new girl come up to Jess.
"We're ready for that tour! Oh, and I don't think the two of you have met. Jess, this is my personal assistant er, I mean the student body secretary, Katherine." said Lacey
A pretty girl timidly steps forward and smiles shyly.
"Um, hello! Nice to meet you. I really wanted to say that your school's just so beautiful, and..." Katherine was cut off
"Okay, Katherine, I'm sure Jess is very busy. We should get on with the tour." said Lacey
"Oh! Right! Of course." said Katherine
Over the next hour, Jess gives the Athena Academy girls a tour of your school. "And over here we've got the classrooms and here's where our sporty classmates like to hang out."
"Magnifique!" Bridgette smiled
"Thank you, Jess. This school... you guys are really something special, you know that? No one's ever been this nice to us." said Katherine
"Just glad we could help." said Jess
"Hey! Jess! We've got a problem." Wes called
Bridgette elbows you and whispers. "Jess! Who IS that? He's... he's SO hot! Is he available?"
"Er, Bridgette, Lacey, and Katherine, meet Wes, our resident troublemaker." Jess greeted Wes
"A pleasure!" Bridgette shakes hands with Wes
"Er... hello." Katherine shyly replied
"He doesn't look like he's THAT much trouble." said Lacey
"Oh yeah? Just wait til you get to know me." Wes smirked
"Um, you had a problem?" Jess asked
"Oh, right. Can we talk?" Wes pulls you away from the Athena girls. "I didn't want to say this in front of our fancy visitors. I know you're trying to impress them but the skaters are all worked up over your talent show. They're practicing in the slacker Hangout right now, and they're terrible! It's all running into each other and endless squabbling over who gets to use the ramp."
"Sounds like they need someone to organize a schedule for them. But what about the Athena Academy girls?" Jess asked
"I'll keep your girls busy with a tour of the school's most historic drinking fountains. We'll have a grand old time. You find a way to take care of the skaters." said Wes
Jess finds the skaters squabbling
"Out of the way! I'm in the middle of a run!" John argued
"You've been using the half-pipe for the last hour! Give someone else a turn!" Nate argued back
"Ahem! It looks like you're in need of some organization!" Brianna called
"Ugh, you sound just like my mom. And Mr George. And the guy at the DMV." said John
"I promise this won't be as bad. Now, if you'll just step right up over here, I've organized and color-coded some spreadsheets." Brianna put up the spreadsheet
While later
"Huh no more arguing. I guess whatever you did must've worked." said Wes
"I had the skaters all sign up for time slots! Now everyone gets a chance to practice! In fact, some of them even decided to work together!" said Brianna
"The only thing better than ONE wicket skateboard trick." said John
"Is two!" said Nate
As Jess and the girls from Athena Academy watch, the skaters put on a spectacular show with jumps, tricks, and flips!
"That. Is. So. Cool." Katherine claps
"I know, right?" Bridgette asked
"Um, YEAH! We don't exactly have skaters at Athena. This act is going to seriously kill!" said Lacey
As Jess leave the slacker Hangout, Nishan runs up to you!
"Sooo about this talent show. I have a minor request for some supplies." said Nishan
"Er, what." said Jess
"Shh... shh... don't ask any questions... all will be revealed in time!" said Nishan
Potted plants, park benches and tree are set up
"Potted plants, benches, and trees? Do I even want to know?" Jess asked
"A good magician never reveals his secrets!" Nishan smirked
"Well, this magician is going to have to. No one gets into this talent show without our approval." Lacey glared
"Ladies, ladies... a small demonstration will perhaps suffice? I just need a volunteer from the audience, any volunteer at all... ah, Jess, pick a card, any card."
Nishan fans out a deck of cards and holds them out to you. Jess pull one from the middle and hold it up... the seven of hearts. "And now, if you'll memorize that card and put it back in the deck... and prepare to be amazed!"
Jess replace the seven of hearts in the deck, and Nishan shuffles the cards. "Now, Jess, can you tell me... was this YOUR CARD?"
With a flourish, Nishan pulls out the five of clubs and holds it up to you.
"I had the seven of hearts." said Jess
"What? It's not?" Nishan exclaimed
"Oh, please... this magic trick is lame city." Lacey groaned
"Well how can I be expected to find Jess's card when someone here already stole it?" With a flourish, Nishan waves his hand and pulls the seven of hearts out of Katherine's shirt pocket!
"What... how..." Katherine exclaimed
"Would you believe me if I said magic?" Nishan asked
"Save it for your act. You're in the show." said Lacey
"Hey! Jess!" Autumn called "Do you have a minute? Some people are trying to organize a spoken word reading, but it's not going so well... They could really use some help."
"What's the problem?" Jess asked
"Well, there's a hipster and an emo kid working together, but neither of them is exactly used to public speaking. I watched them practice, and I could barely hear a word they said!" Autumn explained
"Sounds like they need help from someone who knows how to project! Maybe an actor could help." said Jess
Jess walk up with Autumn and Sarah to find Nathaniel and Olivia practicing.
"Mmumble framble..." Nathaniel and Olivia mumbled
"Um. This is your performance?" Jess asked
"It's called Mumblecore, Jess. And it's really hot right now." said Olivia
"I don't think that's exactly how it's supposed to go." said Autumn
"Autumn's right! Mumblecore is all about natural improvised dialogue! Not actual mumbling." said Sarah
"WHAT?" Nathaniel asked
"Here, let me give you a crash course before the Athena Academy girls come by!" said Sarah
"Hey! We heard there's another act. You guys want to audition?" Katherine asked
"I think we're ready... in this scene, we're neighborhood friends reminiscing about Nathaniel childhood pet dog. And begin!" said Sarah
"It's weird, right? I mean, isn't it weird to think... that we had this... little... animal? Who was just totally into everything we did." said Nathaniel
"That's kind of the whole point of a dog, right? They're enthusiastic, they're... loyal." said Olivia
"Not like people. You know? People, they... they let you down. I mean, not like they mean to. But people are just more... complicated. Everything we do is complicated. A dog, now a dog is simple." said Sarah
A few more minutes of the performance, and the scene ends!
"That was... actually kind of deep." said Lacey
"Kind of like found poetry." said Katherine
"You're in." said Lacey
"Great! I think that's the last act that was waiting for approval." said Jess
"Nice. We'll just head back to Athena Academy and get ready for our own performance." said Lacey
"You're going to be in the talent show? What's your act?" Jess asked
"Well, let's just call it a surprise for now..." Lacey smirked
"This talent show is going to be a hit! And we've done it all TOGETHER." said Katherine
"Alright ladies, we'd better go practice for our acts. It's almost time for the show!" said Lacey
"Hey, that reminds me... Jess, what's your talent?" Katherine asked
"Um... recruiting people to this school." said Jess
"Very funny." Katherine chuckled. "I mean what are you going to do for the talent show. You're going to perform, aren't you?"
"I haven't auditioned yet" said Jess
"Well, you should! I know the girls will bend the rules a little and let you go on without an audition. After all, this talent show wouldn't be happening without you!" said Katherine
"I'm talented at singing."
"You can sing too?"
Jess chuckled. "Heh full of surprises."
"Kat! Let's go." Lacey called
"I... I better go. Anyway, thanks again, Jess. I'll see you at the talent show!" Katherine leaves
The talent show came it was held in the auditorium. Max and Kara bailed
"I'm off chumps talent show aren't our thing I'm on a date with Kara." Max smirked, Kara hops on Max car they drove off
"Hey, Jess! I hope you've been practicing your act. I can't wait to see it!" said Autumn
"Well, you have to. Jess's performance is going to be the finale." said Lacey
"It is?" Jess asked
"Our little way of saying thank you! Now, are you ready for this talent show?" Lacey walks to the front of the stage, and a spotlight snaps onto her. "Well, hello! Welcome, everyone, to Athena Academy's annual talent show!"
"Woo!" Kate cheered
"First, a special thanks to our friends here for hosting us in our time of need. Jess, none of this would be possible without you." Lacey smiled
"Thanks, Lacey..." said Jess
"Yeah! Go Jess!" Autumn cheered
"And now, it's time for the talent!" said Lacey
"Let's get this show started!" Nathaniel cheered
"Our skate tricks are going to rock." said Nate
"Break a leg, everyone!" Kate cheered
And so, the talent show begins. The dancers and cheerleaders put on an incredible dance display!
"Woo!" Willow cheered
The skaters show off ridiculous aerial tricks on the half-pipe.
"Yes! Nailed it!" Nate cheered
And the Mumblecore performance is a hit! "I guess I learned a lot that summer more than I realized, back then, when it was all just happening, you know?" Nathaniel performs
And then it's time for more performances! Nishan's magic show astounds and amazed, with Mia acting as his lovely assistant.
"And now, I shall saw my lovely talkative assistant in half." said Nishan
"If you screw this up, you'll be hearing from my lawyers." Mia yelled
"Wait a minute if this is your trick, why did you need all those plants and benches?" Jess asked
"Misdirection!" Nishan smirked
Payton sang All By Myself everyone clapped at Payton
"Who knew Payton can sing?!" Lacey gasped
Maddie, Fiona and Ezra performed an original song Ezra wrote Without You on stage together. Ezra was playing the electric guitar, Maddie drum and Fiona singing.
"Wow that was gorgeous and haunting." said Bridgette
Autumn, Julian and Wes put on a dramatic re-enactment of the Battle Against the Worst of Hearst.
"Grrr! You loserly losers won't ever be free of my bullying! I'm Max Warren, and I'm just awful!" said Wes
"Sorry, Max, you might use every under-handed trick in the book..." said Julian
"But you'll never defeat our spirit!" said Payton
The crowd applauds. Jess overhear Lacey whispering to Bridgette.
"Did you see that Julian guy?" Lacey whispered
"How could I look at anyone else?" Bridgette asked
"Don't get any ideas. I'm calling dibs." said Lacey
Later, the girls from Athena perform a trio of Athena girls model Bridgette's dress designs.
"Theses are the same designs that were featured in the Paris Fashion Week!" said Bridgette
"Gorgeous as always, Bridgette!" Mia cheered
Katherine plays a slow, haunting melody on her violin. When she's done, everyone breaks out in applause! "Aw, thanks, everyone!" Katherine bow
And Lacey does an acrobatic gymnastics routine on the balance bar that ends with a double backflip dismount! "Whew! Perfect landing! We're just about ready to end this talent show... but don't worry, we've saved the best for last! Jess is going to astound us with a secret, never-before-seen talent!"
"Are you ready for this, Jess?" Autumn gasped
"Yeah.." said Jess
The curtain pulls back. The spotlight hits Jess, and it's time to perform! "Here goes..." You take a deep breath and begin to sing! "I have been looooving you... aaalll, aaalll of my daaays. But I've gotten so lost, forgotten all of my little waaaays."
The crowd bursts into applause!
"Who knew Jess could sing?" Lacey gasped
"That was beautiful!" said Katherine
"Wow, Jess! You could be a professional singer!" said Henry
"Heh. Maybe some day." Jess chuckled
Jess and your friends take a bow as the talent show comes to a close.
"The talent show was a huge success!" said Lacey
"This is WAY better than when we had it at Hearst." said Bridgette
"Yeah... and we owe it all to Jess." said Katherine
"It was fun!" Jess smiled
"I feel like we owe your entire school big time... oh, I've got an idea! Our annual Cotillion is coming up!" said Lacey
"It's the highlight of the year, and elegant formal ball for the entire school!" said Bridgette
"Would your school like to be our guests of honor?" Lacey asked
"A Cotillion! I can FINALLY wear my limited-edition crystal-encrusted drop-waist ball gown!" Mia squealed
"Ooo! I can wear my chiffon one-shoulder princess-cut dress!" Payton squealed
"And I can go shopping too." said Autumn
"Fun!" Bridgette smiled
"So we all agree! You'll be our guests for the annual Cotillion." said Lacey
"We'd love to." Jess smiled
"Now that that's settled." Lacey turns to Julian, resting her hand on his chest! Julian... I've picked YOU to be my date!"
"I... uh..." Julian stuttered