#i have a few capri that im probably not going to share on here but the YOI ones i will

[thelespermafae]

I was writing down some dialog for a fic I've been thinking about i was going to bring up the Dracula ballet (in reference for program music) just to see close up of Ilia Malinin's costum to the program I'm two+ weeks late to watching. . .so everyone's going to think i used it for inspiration now, lol

[rickyxginaa]

a wildcat summer

A/N: hello my lovely rinas, i was bored and wanted to make a rina fanfic because im delusional. this is set after season two and i havent gotten my invitation from ao3 yet so i thought i’d post it here. hope you like it !!

CHAPTER ONE

RICKY

“Two months?!” 

Ricky exclaimed as he couldn’t believe what was coming from his best friend’s mouth.

Big Red rolled his eyes, popping another Cheez-It into his mouth, “Yeah dude, did you not read the fifty billion page pamphlet Carlos handed out to us like weeks ago?”

“If I read it, I definitely wouldn’t be sitting on this bus right now.” 

“Well, that’s what you get for letting Lily fill out all of your paperwork.” 

Ricky winced at the mention of the girl who everyone assumed he was dating. To be honest, he didn’t even know what they were, but whatever they had was most certainly not a relationship. But would he really be Ricky Bowen if he had any clue about what was going on in his love life? 

The brunette shifted his body towards the window and watched the blurs of green trees. 

Two months. 

Two whole months?? 

Ricky thought it was absolute insanity. Big Red was right, he should have paid a lot more attention when Lily was signing him up for the summer camp that Miss Jenn continuously shoved down the theater kids throats. The only reason he agreed in the first place was so he could have some space from Lily. 

She was just so… clingy. 

Ricky knew he shouldn’t even be complaining considering how exceptionally clingy he was with Nini after she came back from YAC. But if he truly acted like how Lily acted towards him, then he owes Nini another apology.

He shook his head, Nini and Lily were the last people he wanted to be thinking about right now. 

“So, what exactly did I sign up for?” Ricky asked a little too loudly. 

Carlos popped his head over the seat, by looking at his face you would’ve thought Ricky said he committed mass murder or something. 

“Did you seriously not read my very extensive and thorough pamphlet that literally described every single thing about where we’re going?” Carlos was fully standing up out of his seat with his hand clutching his chest. 

Dramatic.

“Carlos, that thing wasn’t a pamphlet, it was a fucking novel.” 

“Whatever. I don't know why I’m surprised. I forgot you have the reading level of a second grader.” 

Seb gasped and tried to pull Carlos back down to their shared seat. Ricky furrowed his eyebrows, confused at where this sudden hostility spurred from. Sure, Carlos tends to throw a snide remark at him here and there but it was mostly about his dancing skills. Rightfully so, he might add.

“Um, is something wrong Carlos?” Big red chimed in. Ricky noticed Carlos glance over to the other side of the bus for a few moments before he composed himself. 

“No, nothing’s wrong. Sorry.” And he slowly disappeared behind the seat. 

Ricky and Big Red exchanged a look. 

The redhead shrugged his shoulders, “Don’t worry about it, he’s probably just stressed about all the work he’s going to have to do this summer.” 

“Can you please explain what we’re doing then?”

“Bro, we’re going to a musical summer camp. Basically like regular summer camp, just a lot more singing and a lot more dancing. I guess Miss Jenn wanted us to bond more? I agree two months is a little much but it beats slaving away in a pizza shop back in the most boring town on the planet.”

Ricky slightly nodded his head, he was still a bit lost but he was just going to have to deal with it until they got there. Big Red went back to scarfing down his Cheez-Its and playing some random game he’s been obsessed with on his phone. 

Some time passes before he realizes that he had one too many Capri-Sun’s earlier. He nudged his friend to move out of the way so he could get through, which was met with multiple complaints that Ricky ignored. 

As he finally moved past Red, he accidentally stumbled into someone once he made it into the aisle. After he saw exactly who he bumped into, he immediately wished he just held it. 

“Um, I’m s-sorry” Gina mumbled. 

Shocked was an understatement. 

He may not know the basic details of their home for the summer but he did know that Gina was supposed to be in New York with her mom right about now. At least, that’s what Red had told him when Ricky had not so subtly asked him to confirm with Ashlyn that the girl standing in front of him was not going to be present at their knock off Camp Rock experience.

“No, I’m sorry. I should’ve watched where I was going.”

Ricky stepped back into his row, this time with Red throwing him a few curse words. Seriously, how big of a deal is that game to him?

Without another word, Gina pursed her lips and quickly made her way to the bathroom. 

Even though their interaction couldn’t have been more than a few seconds, Ricky felt his heart pounding against his chest. Ever since their spring musical ended, the two had no communication whatsoever.

No texts. No phone calls. He’s pretty sure she even had him blocked on all forms of social media. 

Ricky couldn’t stand it. Nor could he understand the reasoning.

It took him longer than he’d like to admit, but eventually he gave up on any hope that they would magically reignite that spark that once burned between them. Especially when she started dating EJ, of all people. If anything, losing Gina hurt more than both breakups with Nini combined. 

But he would never say that out loud. 

He sat back down in his seat, mostly because he needed to avoid seeing the pretty brunette again.

“You alright? You look paler than me.” Red mentioned.

Ricky felt stupid for being so disoriented from a meaningless encounter where Gina barely looked him in the eye. She probably thought nothing of it. He doubted Gina thought about him at all. 

Which is why he needs to stop thinking about her. There was no logical explanation that he should be on the verge of a cardiac arrest when they haven’t spoken for months. 

“I thought you said Gina wasn’t going to be coming to camp with us?” Ricky angrily whispered, giving Red a punch on the arm.

“First of all, ouch. Second of all, ouch again because that actually hurt. Third of all, she wasn't. But I saw her running to the bus this morning so I guess something changed at the last minute.”

“And you didn’t tell me?”

Red huffs and finally set his phone down, squinting his eyes at Ricky, “I thought you were over her.”

“What? What are you talking about?”

“If you really think I didn’t know how much you were pining after her until the musical ended, then as your best friend, I am highly offended.”

Ricky shushes Big Red as he looks around to make sure no one was listening. He wasn’t too fond of the idea of someone like Carlos or Natalie coming up to him later trying to pry into his love life.

“Okay whatever, we will talk about this when we aren’t around the entirety of the drama club.”

“Fine, but I’m only doing it with weed involved.”

“No way, you brought some?”

“Duh, did you forget who I am?.”

As Red responded, Ricky caught Gina walking past the two of them to her seat with who he assumed was with Ashlyn.

Somehow she looked better than she did five minutes ago, if that was even possible. 

“And it looks like you’re gonna need it.” Red thankfully interrupted Ricky’s gaze.

This was going to be the hardest two months of his life.

At least now he can go to the bathroom.

*****

It felt like an eternity but they had finally made it to whatever corny name Miss Jenn calls their camp. Thank God, because Ricky was starting to cramp up from sitting down for literally four hours. 

From looking outside the window, he could only see enormous trees everywhere. He wondered if this was their drama teacher’s master plan to kidnap them all for weeks. He definitely wouldn’t put it past her, or be surprised for that matter.

Ricky grabbed his suitcase and duffel bag out from under the coach. Of course, that was nothing compared to everyone else’s plethora of bags they were carrying. But when he only had a limited amount of outfits and wore the same three pairs of Vans every day, there was no other choice than to pack light. 

His eyes frantically searched for Big Red, it was kind of pathetic but he was the only person he was truly friends with. 

There’s Seb and Kourtney. 

Natalie, Rico, Steph. 

Found him.

He was with Ashlyn, being the cheesiest couple as per usual. It was sickening to the point that Ricky had developed a personal vendetta against any romantic couple purely as a result of watching those two make kissy faces and be lovey dovey 24/7. Don’t get him wrong, he’s over the moon that Red scored himself his first girlfriend. Though he couldn’t help but feel the loneliness start to kick in. Red was inevitably going to be spending an absurd amount of time with Ash. 

Maybe this is a sign for him to make an effort with the others.

“What’s up Ricky?” EJ came up and slapped his hand against his back.

This was not what he had in mind.

“Uh, hey man. Nice to see you again.” Lie #1.

“I’ve barely seen you since rehearsals ended, how have you been?”

“Pretty good, just been busy.” Lie #2.

“Well, I’m stoked you’re here. I’m in desperate need of some bro time this summer before I head off to college.” 

Why EJ wasn’t spending his last few weeks of freedom with people his own age was beyond him. He wasn’t sure why EJ thought they were “bros” considering Ricky had made it clear there was still some lingering hatred from the past year. Nevertheless, Ricky needed friends. So, he begrudgingly put aside his annoyance of EJ’s trend of going after the girls he has feelings for.

“Same here, we’re gonna make this summer count.” 

EJ gripped Ricky’s shoulders with both hands, “That’s what I like to hear Bowen. Now, where are Jenn and Benjamin? We should be on a first name basis since I graduated, right?”

Ricky was growing tired of this conversation so he started to tune out whatever EJ continued to ramble on about. He’ll just make more of an effort later. He was also curious about the whereabouts of their chaperones, they were there this morning to take attendance but disappeared shortly afterwards. Regardless, if he didn’t go somewhere with air conditioning soon, he would most likely pass out from a heat stroke.

The hundreds of trees surrounding him offered no shade whatsoever and he could feel tiny drops of sweat roll down his forehead. Flies buzzed near his ear and the noise of all wildlife was deafening. Sure, in a parallel universe Ricky adored nature and the outdoors. Unfortunately in this reality, that was not the case.

He assumed EJ either got the hint or talked himself to death since he is now striding towards the group. Wonder who his next victim is going to be. The former water polo player made an attempt to speak to Gina but she immediately immersed herself in a conversation with Carlos, completely ignoring him. 

That’s strange. 

Normally, being as nosy as he is, he would’ve tried to ask around to figure out what’s going on. But that didn’t seem good for his mental state. He’s already had to stop himself from throwing up on one too many occasions when he found out EJ and Gina kissed.

They kissed. Like not even a cheek kiss or a peck, a real kiss.

And EJ was her first. 

Ricky felt his heart ache.

Needless to say, Ricky needed to stay out of anything that concerned those two together. So, he left it alone.

Suddenly, a minivan blaring “We’re All in This Together” from its speakers stole his attention. The car drove in a circle around the students as Miss Jenn appeared out of the sunroof with a giant smile on her face.

“Hello my lovely Wildcats! Your amazing chaperones have arrived, and in style!” She shouted and popped a confetti cannon that she pulled out of thin air. Very on brand for her. Everyone clapped and cheered and she took a bow as if she was accepting a standing ovation on Broadway and not from sixteen teenagers stranded in a forest. 

Mr. Mazzara parked and stepped out of the driver’s seat, “Good afternoon students. No, I did not choose to be here, I am here against my will.” 

Poor guy. Miss Jenn has him on a leash and she doesn’t even know it. Or maybe she does. Or maybe she just romanticizes the idea of being in a constant love triangle with Mr. Mazzara and his father. Either way, that was none of his business. Last week, his dad droned on and on about all of the dates he’d been on with her and how he was contemplating making it official. And now she’s spending the next two months with a guy who confessed his feelings for her. Again, not his business.

Carlos rushed over to Miss Jenn’s side. Most people would find it odd how close they were, Ricky thought it was kind of endearing. It does suck when they join forces to criticize him in practice but that’s besides the point. 

“Gather round children! You are about to see the place that is going to be a life changing experience, not only for your musical careers, but for your souls.” Miss J took an awkwardly long pause while she stared out into the distance. It’s safe to say that he and the rest of the group never knew how to react when she had these out-of-body moments. 

“Okay then, follow me everyone. Oh, and leave your belongings, someone will be bringing them to your cabins shortly.” She turned and marched forward, leading us to a dirt path with Carlos not too far behind her. 

Ricky set down his luggage and followed the crowd. The heat was worsening by the second, and heat brought mosquitoes and Ricky was actively swatting at any that invaded his personal space. He prayed that he packed bug spray.

It wasn’t long before they entered an open field where they were exposed to newly built wooden structures, a sparkling lake, horse stables, tennis and volleyball courts, even an outdoor amphitheater. This place was definitely leaning more towards a five-star resort than an average campground. Not that it mattered to Ricky, it just meant that there was bound to be some sort of air conditioning system somewhere. 

Gasps of astonishment and excited murmurs filled the air as everyone took in their surroundings. Ricky was genuinely impressed, he hated that their school’s summer camp was the nicest place he’s ever been to. Seriously, everything looked as if it came straight out of a movie. 

“Welcome… to East High Acres!” Miss Jenn announced and popped yet another confetti cannon. Where does she keep getting those? That can’t be good for the environment.

“Miss Jenn, this is truly incredible.” Ashlyn said.

“I’m speechless. Speechless!” Carlos added on.

“Are we really staying here?” Gina asked, her sweet voice full of innocent disbelief.

Miss Jenn nodded her head, “Yes my dear thespians, this is your temporary yet beautiful home. Take a moment to treasure what’s in front of you.”

“Um, Miss Jenn? I thought the drama department didn’t have any money, how exactly did you afford all of this?” Seb inquired.

Valid question.

Miss Jenn glared at the blonde piano player and let out a sigh, “It’s true, our department is financially challenged,” A fancy way of saying broke. “But a secret pair of benefactors were generous enough to create a campground exclusively for the theater club. Wait until you see the recording studio and auditorium. Ugh, I could burst into song right now-”

“No!” Ricky and his peers interjected.

She scoffed, “Fine then. Anyways, the show must go on. Come on Benjamin, let’s give them the tour.”

*****

Whoever the secret benefactors were must be millionaires Ricky concluded. There was no other explanation for how ridiculously luxurious East High Acres was. Funnily enough, his personal favorite had to be the dining hall. There were so many different food stations and there were people wearing those fancy white chef hats, so he knew he was about to be eating like a king. It was going to be a nice change from the usual frozen pizza and takeout he and his dad ate every night back home.

An honorable mention goes to the Wildcat shaped pool next to the cabins. He was sure a lot of his time was going to be spent there or at the basketball court. Don’t judge but being Troy last year unlocked his newfound hobby of playing basketball. Especially since he couldn’t skateboard all summer, he might as well work on his jumpshot. 

However, there was one thing Ricky did not particularly like. The horses. He was not a fan. Like at all. He made sure to keep his distance when the tour made its way to the stables and everyone else was petting the camp’s horses. Sure, they’re “cute” until they jump over the fence (which was dangerously low by the way) and trample over you or kick you into the lake. He doesn’t know what childhood trauma caused him to be severely afraid of horses but he won’t be overcoming his fear anytime soon.

Mr. Mazarra and Miss Jenn brought them to the camp’s firepit with red and white benches. The fresh paint smell was overbearing to say the least. During the tour, he eventually reconnected with Red so they sat together on the bench next to Ashlyn and EJ. 

Miss Jenn waited until they quieted down, “I hope you all enjoyed the tour, I am so excited for what’s to come. But I’m sure you guys are tired from the bus ride and this annoying heat wave. So, Mr. Mazzara will read out your cabin assignments and you all are free to take a quick nap, shower, change and explore. However, you must meet at the dining hall at 6:00 sharp for an important meeting to discuss expectations and rules for the upcoming weeks.” 

Mr. Mazarra cleared his throat and grabbed a piece of paper out of the binder he’s been holding, “There are four cabins, sixteen students. That means there will be four of you in each, simple mathematics. Alright, in cabin #1: Kaden, Rico, Kaison and Buddy. Next, with a special request from Sebastian, in Cabin #2: Kourtney, Ashlyn, Gina and Seb. In cabin #3: EJ, Big Red, Ricky and Carlos. Lastly, in cabin #4: Steph, Natalie, Adeline and Lauryn. Okay, so uh, action! Or whatever it is you all say.”

They all entered their assigned cabins. Once inside, the cool air hit Ricky’s face and he couldn’t be more relieved. Sweat seeping through his t-shirt wasn’t his most attractive look. 

He scanned the room. He noticed all of their luggage was neatly placed in the middle of the room. There were four twin-sized beds, two on each side. Similar to the benches, the bedsheets had a white, gold and red color scheme. It wouldn’t be East High if they didn’t force its school colors into everything. 

“Ricky and I call this side!” Big Red shouted as he plopped down on one of the beds on the left of the room. Ricky let out a chuckle.

The ample amount of space allowed enough room for a dresser and desk on either side of each bed. On the back wall, there were two doors that he assumed were their bathrooms. Although he was grateful they had more than one, he’s been an only child his whole life so sharing a bathroom at all was a foreign concept to him. Speaking of bathrooms, the shower was practically calling his name.

“I think I’m gonna hit the shower.” Ricky started to grab his toiletries out of his bag. 

“Shouldn’t we discuss who’s sharing a bathroom with each other first?” Carlos asked, his arms were crossed whilst sitting on his bed. He clearly did not want to be bunked with them.

“Obviously, Red and I are sharing a bathroom.” Ricky answered.

“Umm, no offense dude, but I think I’m going to share with Carlos.” Red scratched the back of his neck.

Ricky frowned, “What? Why?”

“Well, you’re not exactly the cleanest person. And you know I’m a clean freak. It’s no biggie though, we’re still sleeping next to each other.” That was Red’s failed attempt at making himself not sound like a complete dick.

Carlos let out a laugh, “So you’re a slob, go figure. It matches your whole lazy, homeless look. I’m starting to think you don’t even know how to work a washing machine.”

Yeah, Ricky’s room isn’t spotless but that doesn’t mean he’s dirty. And his “look”, Ricky shows up to school in pajama pants like twice and Carlos apparently thinks he lives in the freaking dumpster. He didn’t know what Carlos’ issue was but if he’s going to keep throwing jabs at him like that then Ricky might end up throwing him in the lake. 

“Do you have a problem with me, Carlos? Because if you do, you can just say it instead of insulting me for no reason.” Ricky fired back.

“Guys, guys. Reeeelaaxx. I think the heat is getting to us so let’s just cool off and get ready for tonight, yeah? Besides, Ricky, I'm fine sharing a bathroom with you, I can handle a little mess.” EJ spoke, trying to ease the tension in the cabin as he wrapped his arm around Ricky’s shoulder. 

Whatever. Ricky didn’t have the energy to bicker with Carlos or be fake nice to EJ. He just wanted to shower and take a nap. He proceeded to grab his toiletries with a change of clothes and enter the bathroom. The brightness of the white tile and golden rain showerhead was enough to distract him from what’s going on opposite the door. The bathroom was nicer than his entire apartment and he felt wildly out of place. But that didn’t stop him from taking a forty minute shower.

Carlos and EJ were gone when Ricky exited the bathroom, and Red was snoring away on his pillow. Same as the redhead, he settled into his mattress which basically swallowed him as he lay down and shut his eyes. Not before setting an alarm for 5:45 p.m. to avoid Miss Jenn biting his head off. 

*****

“Ricky, we know you don’t have that many friends here.” Ashlyn said. 

Everyone was really speaking their mind today, Ricky must’ve missed that memo.

Him, Ashlyn and Big Red were sitting together at one of the booths in the dining hall, awaiting the lecture from their chaperones.

“So, we wanted to make sure you knew that you are always welcome to come to my lovebug and I.” Red followed up, grabbing Ash’s hand in his. 

“I know and thanks, but I’d rather not be a third wheel. I’ll make other friends.” Ricky reassured both of them. He honestly didn’t want to impose on Red and Ashlyn, as much as he missed having his best friend by his side every second of the day, he didn’t want to be selfish. They needed their alone time. Come on, they’re teens in love at a camp resort, that’s gotta be the plot to some rom-com. 

“Okay… I’m always number one though right?” Big Red’s eyes widened as he stared into Ricky’s soul. 

Ricky shook his head in amusement, “Always babe.” He blew him a kiss which Red eagerly caught in his spare hand. 

He pulled out his phone to check his messages. Two from his dad, too many to count from Lily. He was kicking himself for not being honest with her. They only hung out a couple times and she did most of the talking. And right before he left, she had very clearly tried to kiss him but he started a fake coughing fit to get himself out of it. Not his proudest moment.

Ricky knew he couldn’t wait until he returned from camp to officially break things off, his conscience won’t allow it. In his defense, Lily refuses to take ‘no’ for an answer which is how he got in this mess in the first place. Still, he should've just gone to therapy instead of depending on yet another relationship. 

hey lily, i'm so sorry but i dont think this is going to work out. i wish you the best, have a great summer x 

And send.

In times like these, Ricky wonders if maybe he’s the problem. 

“Attention Wildcats! Attention!” Miss Jenn yelled over the indistinct chatter.

The rules Miss Jenn discussed were straightforward. No one is allowed out of their cabins after their midnight curfew, no leaving the campground, participating in all activities, performing some sort of musical number each week, blah blah blah. 

Their chaperones went back and forth for an hour discussing guidelines, what a typical schedule would look like and other expectations that needed to be met at East High Acres. Ricky thought it was a little excessive considering it was only two of them watching over multiple students. He’s glad he doesn’t have that weight on his shoulders.

“Now that we covered all of the boring stuff, there is something else I'd like to announce. Drumroll please!” 

Leave it to theater kids to create the loudest drumroll in an instant. 

“Our first talent show! This Saturday, we will be hosting a talent show to kick off our summer. Everyone can showcase any of their talents, solo or with a partner. The best act will be determined from anonymous judges who also have a very special surprise up their sleeves.” 

The dining hall erupted into enthusiastic conversation. A talent show? Anonymous judges? He doesn’t know who they could possibly be because what important person would come out to the middle of nowhere for a high school talent show.

“Guys, guys. I can finally show everyone my tap dancing skills.” Red exclaimed.

“Oh, I can’t wait for them to see your talent, my love. And I can sing one of the songs I’ve been messing around with.” Ashlyn clasped her hands together, the sparkle in her eyes evident. “Ricky, what about you?”

“Er, I’m not sure yet.” Ricky mumbled. 

“Well dude, you can perform with me. I brought an extra pair of tap shoes.” Red wriggled his eyebrows. 

Ricky pursed his lips, “I’m good.”

Red shrugged, “If you change your mind, you know where to find me.”

Ricky was 1000% sure he was not going to change his mind but whatever helps Red sleep at night. 

“More details to come but for now, eat some dinner and then head to the fire pit for s’mores to celebrate our first night.” Mr. Mazzara informed. 

 He only had a Pop-Tart this morning before he got on the bus so you can imagine what the delicious aromas of food was doing to his stomach right now. Ricky couldn’t jump out of his seat fast enough.

*****

“Dude, your marshmallow is literally black. Take it out already.” Red joked.

The Wildcats had eventually moved to the fire pit to make their s’mores. They all sat in a circle around the bonfire and laughed over Mr. Mazzara struggling to start the fire for the first fifteen minutes. 

Red sat to the left of him with Ashlyn cuddled up against him, and Gina surprisingly took the seat to his right. Yeah, that was the only available seat left when she walked out of the dining hall and she was still avoiding eye contact at all costs, but it was a win in Ricky’s book. 

“Red, you just don’t know how to roast a marshmallow. The more burnt it is, the better it tastes. You see-”

Plop.

His marshmallow fell into the fire. Perfect.

“Shit.” Ricky cursed, staring at the fire consuming his marshmallow.

Big Red and Ashlyn fell into a fit of laughter and he even heard a few giggles escape from Gina.

God, he missed hearing that sound.

Ricky turned towards her,  “You laughing at me Porter?”

Gina cleared her throat and offered him a tiny smirk, “I just think your marshmallow theory is a bit flawed Bowen.” 

“Oh really? You think you can roast a better one?”

“Well, considering yours is disintegrating right now, I think the answer is pretty obvious.”

“Ha ha ha, hilarious. Let’s see then. Who can make the better s’more?” 

Gina eyed him for a few moments. Her face was lit up by the warm flames in front of them. A few strands of hair were set loose from her ponytail and all the times he used to move her curls behind her ear flooded his memory without his permission. 

She’s so pretty.

He was supposed to be over her.

He is over her.

Gina placed a marshmallow on her skewer and when she opened her mouth to respond, Carlos’ voice came out. 

“Gina, come get in this picture with us!” 

Ricky and Gina broke their gaze and shifted it to Carlos, who was shooting death glares towards Ricky. 

Gina left to join Carlos and Seb without another word and Ricky felt a wave a sadness wash over him. 

Stop it, Ricky told himself.

There was no reason for him to be feeling the way he did. An accidental run-in on the bus and a little fire pit banter should not be enough for him to think that there was even the slightest chance the old Ricky and Gina could come back. 

He watched her take selfies with her friends, acting completely normal. He wondered if anything that happened over the last twelve hours affected her the way it affected him. 

What was he thinking? Of course it didn’t. 

They were just friends. Barely even that. 

He decided it was best to not entertain it anymore, his focus would be strictly on singing a note and enjoying his summer camp experience. No point in dwelling on the past.

“Um guys, you should see this.” Natalie interrupted. Her eyes were trained on whatever was playing on her phone. Everyone gathered around her to see what she was referring to.

The North High’s theater Instagram page was on the screen. Natalie pressed play on their newest video that was posted five minutes ago.

Ricky’s eyes widened as he saw Lily and Antoine walk in the frame. 

Lily: “Long time no see, we know you missed us. Now, you’re maybe wondering why we’re making this video when school let out for break two weeks ago. Well, as we all know, the East High Wildcats are away at their mediocre summer camp.” 

Antoine: “Where they’re probably making friendships bracelets and singing kumbaya around the campfire instead of working on their acting skills.”

Lily: “Hahaha, they need to work on much more than their acting Antoine. I am curious to see what progress they make over the summer, if they make any at all.”

Antoine: “If only there was a way we could see that. Is there Lily?”

Lily: “Another competition of course. We challenge East High to compete alongside North High at the annual Musical Theater Festival in two months. Everyone in Salt Lake City is bound to be there and we’ll really see which school represents our city.”

Antoine: “Unless you are scaredy cats. Ha! Get it Lily, because they are the Wildcats!”

Lily: “Enough Antoine.”

Antoine: “Sorry mademoiselle.”

Lily: “Anyways, originally, we weren’t going to not interfere with East High anymore but this is what happens when you break up with someone over text, Ricky Bowen. We suggest you sleep with one eye open Wildcats, don’t forget we know all of your weaknesses and where your stupid little camp is located.”

Antoine: “May the best school win.”

The video ended and the screen went black.

Ricky felt his stomach churn as everyone turned to look at him.

Maybe he shouldn’t have sent that text.