A/N 1 - hey guys! I know I just posted chapter 17, but I wanna get chapters 18 & 19 posted this week, b/c next week is gonna be kinda crazy.
A/N 2 - only one more chapter until this story is finished. Thanks to everyone who left a positive review - you guys are the best!
A/N 3 - I don't own the rights to the song It's Time To Dance or any dialogue from the song. It belongs to its respected owners.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
(chapter title - It's Time To Dance)
Before everyone knew it, it was the last day of camp. Tears were shed as the friends spent one last day together before getting ready for the show.
"I'm gonna miss all of you" Gretchen said from her makeup chair.
"Same" Phoebe, Rachel, Monica, Lily and Robin said in unison.
"Promise me we'll stay in contact after camp ends" Lily said.
"Promise" the girls said in unison.
Act One had finished and now, everyone was getting ready for Act 2.
"Did anyone see Bruno in the audience?" Barney asked as he and the guys got ready for Act 2.
"Yeah, along with Carrie Ann, Julienne, Derek and Alfonso" Joey said.
"They're right in the front row - how could anyone miss them?" Chandler asked, getting his costume on for Act 2.
It was now time for the final song of Act 2.
"I just wanna dance with you
Let the whole world melt away
And dance with you" Lily sang, holding Monica's hands in hers.
"Who cares what other people say
And when we're through
No one can convince us we were wrong
All it takes is you and me" Monica and Lily sang in unison.
"And a song" Monica sang, smiling as Lily twirled her.
"I just wanna dance with you" Lily sang as she danced with Monica.
"Let the whole world melt away and dance" Monica sang as she and Lily danced, remembering Carol & Bruno's choreography.
"I just wanna dance with" Lily sang.
"You" Monica sang, hugging Lily.
Lily smiled as the rest of the cast entered the decorated gym backdrop where Prom was being held.
"One thing you've taught me
Is how much people enjoy a show
And so you've got me
Debating how this whole night should go
Kids will be watching
To see who every guest is
And so my only request is" Monica sang as she walked from Barney to Rachel to Joey to Phoebe.
She then faced the audience as she sang the next verse.
"Build a prom for everyone
Show them all it can be done
If music blares and no one cares
Who your unruly heart loves" Monica sang, feeling the cast move around her as they danced.
"Build it now
Make people see how the world could one day be
It might come true if we take a chance
But til that day comes
I say cue the drums
It's time to dance" Lily and Monica sang in unison.
"I just wanna dance with you" Rachel sang to Marshall, letting him lead her to the dance floor.
"I just wanna dance with you" Barney sang to Gretchen as they walked to the dance floor.
"And now we're dressed up" Joey sang, looking awesome in his aqua blue suit.
"You are a vision in aqua blue" Barney told Joey, looking spiffy in his purple tux. He smiled as Monica walked over to him.
"It's time we fessed up
This year, our prom queen will be you" Monica told Barney, smiling as Lily placed a crown on Barney's head.
"Maybe I'll wear a tiara
When it's go time" Barney sang.
The entire cast looked into the audience and moved around the stage as they sang.
"Get ready folks,
Cause it's show time
Build a prom for everyone
Show them all it can be done
If music blares and no one cares
Who your unruly heart loves
Build it now
Make people see how the world could one day be
It might come true if we take a chance
But 'til that day comes
I say cue the drums
It's time to dance" the ensemble sang, moving to the side so Lily and Monica could have their duet.
Rachel tapped Lily's shoulder. Lily turned around and saw Robin, who was in a patterned dress of blue, pink, purple and yellow.
"Is this a dream? Why are you here?" Lily asked, a confused look on her face.
"There's a lot to talk about. But I'm here because there's one thing that matters to me more than anything" Robin said, feeling actual tears in her eyes, "You. You are my daughter and I've loved you from the moment you were born. And that will never change - ever."
Robin and Lily hugged for a long moment.
Marshall walked over to Rachel, smiling.
"Which would you prefer - orchids or gardenias?" Marshall asked.
"For what?" Rachel inquired.
"Your corsage" Marshall said.
"Oh. Gardenias. Thank you" Rachel said, watching Marshall start to leave. He then turned around and kissed Rachel's cheek. He then kissed her passionately. He then exited the stage, leaving Rachel looking smitten.
"Don't let me destroy him" Rachel said to Barney.
"I'll do my best" Barney said, smiling.
"So, is this what not falling feels like?" Rachel asked.
"I think so, yeah" Barney answered, smiling, "pretty good, yeah?"
"Yeah" Rachel said.
Monica and Lily smiled as they watched everyone interact.
"This is more than I dared wish for
It's epic and what's more
Tonight, there's room for anyone
So everyone on the floor
Get on the floor" Monica and Lily sang to the ensemble.
The entire ensemble did an awesome dance routine, then turned to the audience, clapping in rhythm.
"It's time to build a prom for everyone
Show them all it can be done
If music blares and no one cares
Who your unruly heart loves
Build it now
Make people see how the world could one day be
It might come true if we take a chance
But 'til that day comes
I say cue the drums
And take to the floor
That's what the floor's for
It's time to dance" the ensemble sang as they clapped and danced around the stage.
The audience joined in the clapping, stopping when the actors on stage did.
"It's time to build a prom for everyone
Show them all it can be done
If music blares and no one cares
Who your unruly heart loves
Build it now
Make people see how the world could one day be
It might come true if we take a chance
But 'til that day comes
I say cue the drums
And take to the floor
That's why the floor's for
It's time to dance" the ensemble sang and danced on stage.
"I just wanna dance with you" Lily and Monica sang in unison.
"It's time to dance" the ensemble sang.
"I just wanna dance with you" Lily and Monica sang in unison.
"It's time to dance
Dance
Dance
Dance
It's time to dance" the ensemble sang, striking end poses.
The audience cheered and applauded as the curtain fell, then rose so the cast could take their final bows.
The audience clapped as the cast took their bows.
First was Gretchen, Mollie, Savanna & Ted, followed by Barney, Marshall, Rachel, Ross, Joey, Robin & Phoebe.
There was a standing ovation for Monica and Lily as they took their bows, hand in hand.
Once everyone took their bows, the curtain fell and the stage lights went dark as the house lights came up.
"I just want to say a few words before you all go out to see your friends and family" Carol said, "first, I am so proud of each and every one of you - you really brought your characters to life.
Secondly, tonight is the last night of camp, so make sure you get everything. Third, Bruno and the cast from Dancing With The Stars want to see the following people - Monica, Lily, Marshall, Robin, Rachel and Chandler. The rest of you can go see your family and friends, after you guys change out of your costumes. Before you ask - yes, you may keep your costumes."
Everyone went to the dressing rooms to take off their makeup and put on their street clothes.
The audience mingled in the Performance Space, waiting for the actors and actresses to make their appearances.
First out were Barney and Gretchen, holding hands.
Mrs. Stenson smiled as she saw Barney, "Barn!" She called.
"Mom!" Barney said, leading the way to where his mom was. He gave her a big hug and kissed her cheek. He turned to Gretchen, "mom, this is Gretchen - my girlfriend. Gretchen, this is my mom Loretta."
"It's so nice to meet you" Loretta told Gretchen, smiling.
"You too, Mrs. Stenson" Gretchen said.
"Is your family here, dear?" Loretta asked Gretchen.
"Yeah - they should be here somewhere" Gretchen said, looking for her family.
"Gretchy!" A familiar voice called.
Gretchen turned around and saw her mom, Hannah, coming towards her, "mom!"
Hannah smiled and hugged her only child before looking at Loretta and Barney, "is this Barney?"
"Yup and his mom, Loretta" Gretchen said, feeling Barney hold her hand, "we're also dating."
Loretta and Hannah hit it off right away, which Barney and Gretchen were relieved about.
"Let's go pack up, since we're leaving tomorrow after breakfast" Gretchen said to the girls once everyone was together.
Everyone nodded and headed to their cabins to pack and relax until the following day.
The parents stayed in the unused cabins.
The following day after breakfast, everyone packed their suitcases into their cars.
Barney and Gretchen hugged.
"I'll visit your FaceBook profile every day" Barney told Gretchen, "well, not every day - that would be creepy."
Gretchen giggled and kissed Barney's cheek, "I'll text you when I get home."
"Same here, my Elphie" Barney whispered in Gretchen's ear before kissing her passionately.
Gretchen knew she would see Barney again - it was only a matter of time.