New Girl in Town Pt. 25

"He's got you there, Jess," Ms. Simpson said. "Now go sit down in your seat, it's the one over there beside Jessica so you don't go the wrong way, before you turn this into harassment."

"I promise to wait until I've read over the script before there's any harassment," he said.

He started to walk away from where Jessica sat, stopped then pointed over at her, nodded then turned to join her.

"That's what I get for harassing you, huh?" Ms. Simpson shook her head. "Now those of you that are new to this process, I know that you've all picked out your scenes to audition with so feel free to pull any of the others that are in the scene with you and have them help you out. I'll read out your stage cues so you know when to come in and such. Also since our two leads are already set feel free to utilize them as well. You didn't think that I was going to take it easy on you did you, Jake?"

"I mean, I kind of did for a whole two-minutes there," Jake answered as he looked over the rest of the club. "I'm just hoping that no one asks me to sing."

"Sweetie, I hate to point this out to you but..." Jessica said as her finger tapped the front of the script on the spot where the word musical was.

"Okay, I know," he said. "I just meant for today. Especially since we don't have to audition since no one signed up against us."

"Are you sure you don't want to sing, Jake?" Bobby asked. "I've got Rime of the Ancient Mariner all lined up and ready for you to belt out."

"If you think I'm going to try to belt out a thirteen-minute long Iron Maiden song, you're crazy," Jake said. "Besides, it's not in Footloose."

"Yet, Jake. It's not in Footloose, yet," Bobby said. "Besides every movie needs more Maiden."

"Can't argue that logic," Jake chuckled as he flipped through the script. "Ms. Simpson?"

He raised his hand just like he would in class and she couldn't help but shake her head at him.

"We are not adding a thirteen-minute long song, Jake," she told him.

"No... not that. I do have an actual question," he answered. "I just looked over the song list and..."

"My apologies to the metal gods, Jake, but we're not adding any Iron Maiden or Guns N Roses or Dio or..." she started as Bobby's laughter cut her off.

She paused for a second then glanced down at the disk that Jake was sent to retrieve. She held it up and waved it slightly.

"Jake, if you substituted a metal CD into this..." she paused and let the warning linger in the air.

"I didn't," he said as he held up his hands. "Sad that I didn't because that would have been a great prank but I didn't think of it. It's the Footloose soundtrack. Cross my heart."

"It had better be, buster," she grinned. "If I start this and The Trooper starts blasting out of my speakers I'll have Jessica deal with you."

"It won't. I promise," Jake said. "Now, Dance of Death... that would totally fit the Footloose vibe."

"Jake," Jessica warned him with a playful nudge.

"Right. Sorry, Ms. Simpson," Jake said. "I was wondering if we could switch out Dancing is Not a Crime with Never?"

"And so it begins," she sighed. "Make me a deal, Jake. Work up both, show me and the club. Then we can decide. Deal?"

"More singing," Bobby chuckled. "I gotta film this for Rox. She's gonna love this!"

****

"You really decided to not go out for the role of Chuck?" Marie asked Jamie as the pair chatted on the phone that night.

"There were a few too many scenes where I would be kissing Jessica and I couldn't do that to you," he said. "Or to Jake for that matter."

"Babe, it's only acting," she said then paused. "I do appreciate that though. I'm not sure I'm ready to see you onstage lip locking with her tall, blonde, smart and sexy self."

"And I'm not ready to see if I'm as good at dodging a football thrown at my head as I was at dodging Jess's volleyball," he laughed. "I barely think I'm ready to dance onstage much less singing. I'm glad that you gave me a heads up on that."

"Babe, you're going to do fine," she said. "Jake will be right there practically singing along with you."

"Very true, poor Jake is on stage for nearly every song," he said. "As Willard I just gotta dance like I've got two left feet."

"And sing," she reminded him. "Don't forget that part."

"Oh I won't be," he sighed. "We've got rehearsals all next week for just the songs that we need to sing. Ms. Simpson wants to be sure that we have them down before we go into the regular parts of the play."

"Please tell me that someone is going to be recording that," she asked. "I am in need of every sneak preview of you singing your heart out."

"Not happening, gorgeous," he said. "Bobby said he's going to record Jake so Roxie can see him singing. That's the best I can offer."

"I'll take it," she said as Jamie's phone chimed that he had a text. "I may be able to hear you in the background if I'm lucky."

"Now I gotta preview them before he can show you," he chuckled as he looked at his phone to see who messaged him. "Can I call you back in a few? I just got a message that I need to respond to."

"Hmm, let me call you back," she said. "I've got a butt-load of homework that I've just barely made a dent in."

"Same here and since I added drama, I really have to knuckle down if I want to keep my grades up," He said. "I do have a question though. Is this butt-load of work you have as cute as your butt?"

"Not hardly," she said as her phone muted for a moment. "That's probably Jenny needing help with her biology homework. Call you back in a bit?"

"Sounds perfect," he said. "Love you."

"Love you too, babe," she responded. "Talk soon!"

"Not soon enough," he said. "Bye, gorgeous."

Jamie hung up then checked his message again. He sent a response and a few moments later his phone rang.

"Hey," Jamie said warily. "How's it... going?"

"I'm getting by," Patrick answered. "Thanks for taking my call. I appreciate it."

"We go back a long ways, Patrick," he said. "How's your mom doing?"

"She's good. Better honestly now that dad's not here," Patrick answered. "It's like dad being gone has lifted this dark cloud that we were all living under."

"That's great to hear," Jamie said. "So what's up?"

"I just wanted to check in, ya know?" he asked. "How was your spring break?"

"It was... ya know... good," Jamie answered hesitantly. "I went down to Florida if you can believe it."

"That's great, man! That's your first trip out of the state. How'd you like it?" He asked.

"It was good," he answered.

"Come on, Jamie," he said, "I'm sure those recruiters from Florida State pulled out all the stops to show you more than just a good time."

"It wasn't a..." Jamie realized there wasn't a point in denying it any longer. "Okay, yeah, it was a recruiting trip and it was really freakin' awesome. Man, are you sure that you're up for hearing about this? It feels weird. Like I'm rubbing your face in it or something."

"It would only be like that if I didn't ask you to tell me about it, right?" Patrick asked. "Besides, I know that you aren't like that."

"I guess so, as long as you're sure," he said then proceeded to tell him about his visit to Florida State.

"Wow, sounds like you had a really great time," Patrick said once he concluded. "Man, they might boot me out of Kenan Memorial when I'm yelling for you, come next season huh?"

"Hey, Patrick, I..." he started to say but was cut off.

"No, don't apologize to me, man," Patrick told him. "If anyone's apologizing here then it's me. You were the loudest voice telling me to cut the stuff with Jake this year and I didn't listen. Didn't want to hear it. I thought I knew better than anyone and I damn near killed him. Him and Jess both."

"If it weren't for Jake's leg brace, you'd barely know that either of them were in that wreck," Jamie said. "They went out to UCLA over spring break and Jess got to play with the varsity team. She tried to play it off like it wasn't a big deal but UCLA had clips of the match up on their website the same day and the whole thing is on their YouTube channel. They are really hyped to have her there next season. You should check it out."

"Wow, they do sound hyped to have her. I'll have to check it out," he said. "I'm glad that she's doing so well. What about Jake? You said he's in a leg brace? That's not permanent is it?"

"Nah, he'll probably be out of the thing by next week at the latest. His leg gave out on him when he got back home from spring break and he almost took a header down his stairs. He can't take a knock to that head of his again. No more football and such but that's the only permanent thing I know of," Jamie answered.

"Damn, I took that away from him," He shook his head.

"Yeah, but he doesn't seem all that down about it which is kinda weird I guess. I don't know, you gotta know Jake to know that it really doesn't matter to him about that. He's more worried about having to try and dance in front of the school with his brace on. After next week he should be out of that thing and ready to teach me to dance up a storm."

"Teach you to dance?" Patrick asked. "You guys planning on putting some real moves on the dance floor at prom or something?"

Jamie laughed then told him that the drama club was putting on Footloose and how Jake is the lead.

"No one else would sign up for either lead once Jake and Jess signed up to try out for them," he explained.

"Man, they were set up big time, huh?" Patrick chuckled. "I really wish I could see it in person. I guess that I'll have to get someone to grab me a DVD of it when they start selling it in the school store."

"I mean, I could probably grab you one when they go on sale," Jamie said.

"With you going out for a part, I gotta see it so I'd appreciate that," Patrick said. "I mean you never seemed interested in that sort of stuff."

"I always thought that if I tried out for something and, I dunno, sucked then I'd never hear the end of it. Now, it's like they all want me to succeed, but if I mess up then they're right there being encouraging and helpful. With that kind of backing I felt like I had to try out or I'd be letting them down." he said. "I also didn't think that I'd fit in that well."

"How about now?" He asked. "Feel like you're fitting in?"

"With Jake and them there? Everyone fits in," he chuckled. "Even when it's work, everyone is having a laugh at something or another."

"That's... really great," Patrick said. "You're going to knock it out of the park, Jamie. I know that you will."

"That doesn't really sound like the old Patrick at all," Jamie pointed out. "Not that I don't appreciate it but, I don't know, it sounds odd to hear."

"I know what you're saying," Patrick said. "I don't want to be that person any more, ya know? I'd like to think that I buried him that day I saw what I did to Jake but it's a process and I'm trying to focus on being a better person."

"It's working," Jamie said. "I'm proud of you, man."

"You'll have a lot of fun in the play," Patrick said.

Jamie could tell by the shift in tone that Patrick didn't feel he was worthy of the praise. This was new for the both of them and Jamie wasn't sure how to respond so he let it go for now.

"Once you get the songs down everything else will start falling into place," Patrick continued. "Your... uh... girl will be really impressed with your performance. I'm guessing that you're still with her?"

"Marie, and yes, we are," Jamie answered. "I don't know if she'll be impressed but she's thrilled. Not sure if it's because I got the part or because I have to sing and dance. Either way, she's excited about it."

"You'll do great," Patrick said.

"I'll try," Jamie said. "Did you get to do anything for spring break?"

"I got to work my ass off," Patrick chuckled. "UNC is reviewing their scholarship offer so I've had to really work hard to get my grades up."

"I can relate to that," Jamie said. "My grades have jumped up now that I'm hanging out with Jake and the Misfits."

"Look at you go," Patrick said with a hint of sadness. "Grades improving, great girl on your arm and headed to Florida State."

"Crazy year," Jamie said.

"Yeah," Patrick said then sighed. "Jamie, I'm sorry, man."

"Sorry for what?" he asked.

"Sorry that I was holding you back," he said. "I'm sorry that I wasn't the person that could lift you up to your potential that seems so obvious to others. I'm sorry that..."

"Hey, enough of that, Patrick," Jamie interrupted him. "I wasn't exactly pulling away from you back then."

"No, but you were the one that told me to drop the stuff with Jake and I was too hard-headed to listen," he said. "I thought that I had to be the best and that everyone else was out to knock me off my perch given half the chance."

"Who does that sound like to you?" Jamie asked.

Patrick managed a chuckle.

"That's got your dad written all over it, man. I heard all his so-called pep talks a time or two," Jamie pointed out.

"My therapist seems to think so as well," he said, "but she also says that I need to acknowledge my part in it as well. No more spreading the blame and looking for excuses. I know, I know. Seeing a therapist and admitting weakness..."

"Is pretty freakin' great, Patrick," Jamie said.

"What?"

"Man, as long as it's helping you then I'm all for it and I'm sure some of your old friends would be as well. That's really awesome that you're seeing someone that can help you out. It's working well for you."

"Some days, yes. Other days... others it's kinda hard to look in the mirror," he admitted. "I was that guy for so long, you know? I was this first class asshole to everyone and I mean everyone."

"Keep putting in the work, Patrick," Jamie said. "I was right there where you were... the old you I mean, but now I've got support behind me. People showing me that it's okay for me to just be me. You've got support now too so it's going to be easier for you to put in the work."

"That sounds a lot like one of Coach Pennington's motivational speeches," Patrick laughed. "Well one of his or one of Jake's. I still can't believe that after all the crap I gave him all these years he still tried to coach me up in that playoff game."

"Dude, he and I nearly came to blows a few times through the years and now I'm hanging out with him and the rest of the misfits," Jamie said. "Like I said, it's a been a crazy year."

"No argument from me on that," Patrick said.

The pair chatted a little while longer until Marie's call came in. With a promise to chat soon Jamie ended that call and picked up with her. He told her all the pair had talked about. Once he had finished she had a question.

"You'll check with Jake first right?" Marie asked when she heard about the agreement to get Patrick a copy of the play.

"I didn't really think about that at the time but I guess that I really should, huh?" Jamie asked. "Do you think he'd mind?"

"I guess that would depend on if he's a bad singer or dancer," she giggled then turned serious. "For real though, knowing Jake, he probably won't have a problem but I think it would be fair to him if he knows that you plan to share it with Patrick."

"Considering the history, I know what you mean," he agreed. "I'll check with Jake tomorrow at lunch or at the club meeting since a few of the other cast members might not be too thrilled with idea either. I might be the loudest objector if I suck."

"You are not going to suck!" she objected. "We'll just have to take more time over the weekend working on your singing."

"Hey, I didn't agree to that," he said.

"Don't make me pout, Jamie," she said with her overtly sad voice but threw in a slight giggle as well.

"You're doing the puppy dog eyes aren't you?" he asked. "I can't even see you but I can still feel those."

"Working aren't they?" she grinned.

"So well and we're only talking on the phone," he laughed. "In person, they're just devastating."

"Better not make me pull them out on you this weekend then," she warned playfully.

"Fine, gorgeous," he agreed. "Some singing this weekend then fun time? Just don't be too hard on me if I suck."

"Fun time for sure," she answered. "I plan to make something very hard on you if you sing to me. Then you'll be one worrying about how well I'm sucking."

"I can start singing right now," Jamie said enthusiastically. " Now, I gotta cut loose, Footloose... "

"Oh my god," Marie squealed. "Save it for this weekend, buster!"

****

Wednesday

"So we're all agreed then?" Staci asked as the group sat in their usual spot out in the stadium.

"PROM DRESS WEEKEND!!" the girls threw their hands up and shouted.

"That was right in my ear," Ray said. "Both ears thanks to you, Jess."

"What was that, Ray?" Jake said slightly louder than normal. "I can't hear a thing."

"Oh stop," Jessica said as she nudged Jake. "Any hearing loss of yours you can blame on cranking Iron Maiden on that sound system that you installed in Cheryl ."

"Don't act like I haven't caught you headbanging along with Hallowed Be Thy Name, Jess," Jake grinned.

"Yeah, yeah, I know," she said then threw up the horns with one of her hands and shouted, "UP THE IRONS!"

"Hell yeah, Up the Irons!" Bobby shouted back as he too threw up the symbol. "Jake..."

"I know, Bobby, marry her," Jake laughed.

"Damn straight," Bobby laughed.

"If you metal heads are done, can we decide on a time to meet up this weekend?" Staci asked.

"Are we thinking this should be an all-day thing?" Shelly asked. "I'm good with that but some of you might have other plans."

"There's gonna be, like, nine of us going, Shelly," Jessica said. "It's gonna be an all-day thing no matter what."

"Well, when you point it out like that," Shelly said then paused. "Wait? Is there really going to be nine of us?"

"You've got me, you, Staci, Jody, foxy Roxie, C.C. and Marybeth," she listed.

"Marisha and Twanda are meeting us there," Staci jumped in.

"Somer, you're welcome to join us if you don't have plans," Jessica told her then looked at Jamie. "I've already talked to Marie and she's going to meet up with us as well. She might bring along Jenny but she wasn't sure."

"Marie was pushing me for a preview of the singing from the play so her ears and my ego thank you for inviting her along, Jess," Jamie joked.

"You guys, I swear," Jessica shook her head. "You're all so worried about having to sing but I'm more concerned about the dancing."

"Oh you'll be dancing with twinkle toes there for the most part, Jess," Roxie said. "His bad dancing will have everyone staring at him. You'll be fine."

"Thanks a lot, Rox," Jake sighed. "I should take my brownie back."

"But you won't cause you loooovvvvveeee me," Roxie giggled.

"Just kiss and get it over with you two," Jessica teased.

"You love me too, Tall girl," Roxie said. "You come and get your smoochie too!"

"Later, Foxy Roxie," Jessica grinned.

"Thanks for inviting me, Jess," Somer said before Roxie could respond. "I'd love to come along. Are we hitting the mall or what?"

"I think the plan is to start at the mall but who knows where we might end up with this group," Jessica answered. "We could end up in Greensboro or Salisbury or maybe even back in Charlotte and I can show y'all all my old haunts."

"Ooo, lots of good shopping down in Charlotte," Staci grinned. "Or so I hear, Jess. Nudge nudge, wink wink."

"So subtle, Staci," Jessica shook her head. "Yes, we'll go to Charlotte."

"Jake, kiss her for me," Staci told him.

"Gladly," Jake leaned in and kissed Jessica briefly.

"I'm surprised that you didn't think to kiss him first and tell him to pass it on," Jessica pointed out.

"Ooo, yeah, let's do that!" Staci grinned. "Come here, Jake."

"I'm sorry, Staci, but that window of opportunity has closed," Jessica announced.