"Okay guys. We're on in five. Put your jackets on now." The stagehand said. Christina slipped her arms into her jacket and pulled it around her. As she gazed in the mirror, she ran her fingers across her name, which had been embroidered on in pretty letters.
"Places kids." The stagehand yelled. Christina ran to her spot and tried to breath easier. Justin ran up behind her and grabbed her hand. He looked about as scared as she felt.
They were about to start the first show in front of a studio audience and all the "newbies" looked terrified. The old cast looked nervous too but they already knew what to expect. The others weren't too sure.
"Here we go guys!" The stagehand called out. "5-4-"
Justin still grasped Christina's hand. "This is it." His voice sounded shaky and his hand was sweaty but he was grinning ear to ear.
"3-2-." Christina took one last deep breath. "1-GO!"
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
"And...Cut! Great job everybody!" The director clapped his hands. Christina let out a big breath she didn't know she had been holding as everyone clapped for the end of the first show of the season.
"My Gosh! That was so much fun!" Britney exclaimed, hugging Christina.
Christina nodded her head in agreement as she slipped out of her club jacket and changed into her regular clothes. As Christina and Britney left the dressing room Justin and Ryan ran up to them still talking about the show.
"Hey Girlies." Justin said. "Let's go to that diner on the corner. I think it's called Lollie`s or some kind of candy."
They all laughed and chatted away as they walked slowly to the restaurant.
When they got to the diner (which was called Lalie's) they chose a booth in the corner.
Christina opened her menu and her eyes lit up.
"Mmm. It all looks so good!" She laughed, not sure of what to order. But when the waitress came she did. "I want a double bacon hamburger with cheese, large fries, and a large Pepsi."
"Are you sure you will be able to eat all that?" Justin laughed.
"I have a fast metabolism." Christina pouted. The others ordered and the waitress brought them their drinks.
Britney took a sip of her diet coke and folded her hands in front of her. "So how do ya'll think the first episode went?"
"It all happened so fast. It's so exciting!" Christina exclaimed.
"But I bet you can't wait to get some actual roles." Ryan said to Christina.
"We all can't wait to get some actual roles." Justin joked.
"I can already tell this tv thing is going to rock!" Christina decided aloud. Just then the waitress came back.
"Soup and salad for you," She set the food in front of Britney. "Hamburger and fries with everything." She set the plate in front of Ryan. "Cheeseburger no onions." She gave Justin his. "And a Double bacon cheeseburger with fries for you." Christina bit heartily into her hamburger. Britney looked at her jealously.
"How can you eat like that and stay so thin?" She asked.
Christina looked up, a bit surprised, then looked thoughtful for a moment. "I don't know." She shrugged. "It's always been like this. Mama says it has to do with my metabolism. Whatever it is it's fine with me." She took another big bite.
"So what are you guys doing later?" Britney asked.
"I was going to reorganize my underwear drawer." Ryan said, taking a sip from his Dr. Pepper.
"Well we really hate to tear you away from that!" Christina responded back.
Ryan laughed. "Honestly my parents came down all this way for a just a day so they could take me and my sister out to celebrate." He said making a face.
"Mine, too." Britney said. "But I might be able to get them to take me shopping too. To celebrate of course." Her face glowed with excitement.
"Ours already did all that." Christina said, speaking for Justin too.
"Except for the shopping part." Justin added, he turned to Christina. "No plans at all then, Chrissy?"
"No but that shopping idea doesn't sound to bad. She said. Justin's face fell and Christina laughed.
"I was joking, silly. My plans are yours."
"Cool." They all finished eating and parted ways. Justin and Christina (who ended up going to the mall) walked to the mall side by side in comfortable silence.
"It's great you know," Christina said quietly.
"I know." Justin smiled.
"You know?" Christina looked up. "You don't know what I meant yet."
"You mean everything that has happened for you lately. Getting cast on the show. Your dreams are finally being fulfilled. The things you've been wishing, dreaming, hoping for are finally happening. The thing you love so much is here. The thrill of performing, just get up on the stage, open your heart, your soul. What you want so much, your first love-."
"To sing." Christina finished with him.
They stopped and Justin looked straight into Christina`s clear blue eyes. " Yeah, Chrissy. I know." Christina`s eyes widened and tears sprang into them, which she quickly blinked away.
They started walking again and Justin grabbed her hand. Christina held to it tight. And Justin held tightly back.
And there they walked hand in hand, best friends from then on.