Flashbacks

September is over and the auditions' results are about to be released to the students of Ward University, who actually seem to be all focused on something else entirely, at the moment.

## Plot

Judith Ward announces to the students that the auditions have concluded, and the results will be revealed the following day. She then informs them about the upcoming Halloween Dance, requesting that attendees forgo costumes in favour of formal attire. Kaci mischievously proposes to Cleo and Erika that they swipe something from Judith's office as a prank, as punishment. Candy visits her mother, Judith, in her office for a conversation. While Kaci narrowly escapes getting caught in the act of pilfering, Candy and Judith discuss Ryan Flint and Candy's connection with him. They consider the possibility of Candy pursuing Ryan romantically and inviting him to the dance, all while Kaci remains hidden, relieved not to be discovered.

Gideon inquires about "that thing" with Ryan, but Ryan instead shares his audition experience with him and Jasper. He explains that it's easy to sing in tights for one night to avoid taking his exams. Ryan departs, telling Gideon he'll see him that evening for "that thing" at Derek's place.

Hilda Richter addresses her class regarding the auditions, emphasizing that she expects no disappointments from them. In contrast, other faculty members offer encouragement, reminding the students to be proud of themselves regardless of the outcome. They also discuss the Halloween Dance, hinting that everyone should be looking forward to the event. Travis, Ezra, and Charlie discuss the upcoming dance. Travis ponders whether he can bring multiple partners to the event, given his polyamorous lifestyle. When Travis inquires about Ezra's dance partner, Ezra experiences a flashback involving his past relationship with Venessa.

Fatima finds it absurd that everyone seems more preoccupied with the Halloween Dance than the audition results. While Cleo naively believes people are just seeking a distraction, Kaci implies that excitement over potential romantic encounters is the real reason. Concurrently, Erika and Raymond discuss Raymond's growing attraction to Fatima. Erika then receives lessons on how to behave around boys from Lori, Mei, and Drusilla in Candy's room. However, Charlie intervenes, pointing out the insincerity of the girls' advice and urging Erika to leave. Lori provides Erika with unhelpful guidance.

A brief montage depicts Gideon and Lori's blossoming relationship, but it comes to an abrupt halt when Lori declares she won't take Gideon, whom she refers to as a "fucking loser," to the Halloween Dance. Later, Charlie questions Candy about why she isn't roommates with Lori. Candy explains that, even though Judith is her mother, she can't always get what she desires. They engage in a debate about acting versus creating music and Candy's texting habits. Charlie's harsh and abrupt manners cause Candy to storm out, upset. Candy feels disheartened that Lori doesn't want to be her roommate. All the while, Erika, Cleo, Kaci, Raja, Tia, and Fatima enjoy a sleepover together. Kaci inquires about the advice Erika has been receiving from the other girls. Raja opens up about her concerns regarding her relationship with her parents. Erika wonders why Cleo doesn't have a boyfriend, given her beauty. Cleo admits to feeling attracted to someone who, unbeknownst to them, is Ezra. Ezra has a phone conversation with Travis about finding a singer for their band. When Travis suggests that Ezra give it a shot, he declines. Later, Ezra sings to himself in his off-campus apartment, and Raja hears his voice through the walls.

Back on campus, Lori is thrilled to have landed her desired role. Cleo, Raymond, and Erika have also secured parts in the show. Cleo calls her sister to share the news, but sadly, none of her family members can attend the performance. Raymond invites Cleo to lunch, but she declines, preferring some alone time. Despite this, Raymond and Cleo discover they have a lot in common, and Cleo ultimately agrees to join him for lunch with the gang.

In the meantime, Lori, Mei, Candy, and Drusilla accompany Erika as they shop for outfits. While Erika is out of earshot, they gossip about her. Later, they all go out for drinks. Concurrently, the news reports that the missing Thorne Bailey has been in contact with Judith Ward in the past. Judith releases a statement detailing their conversations and is swarmed by reporters. Charlie, Travis, and Ezra discuss Thorne and Judith in a park, unaware that Ezra's father is Thorne Bailey. Travis comments on how easy it is to get canceled these days, citing Diego Lobo's cancellation for not tipping a waitress. Ezra experiences another flashback, this time involving Venessa and Diego kissing, and abruptly leaves, leaving Charlie and Travis puzzled.

During rehearsals for the show, Professor Drawn expresses dissatisfaction with Cleo's performance and suggests she move to the back. Ezra and Travis discuss the tense auditions, mentioning how the professor harshly criticized Cleo in front of everyone. Travis also deduces that Ezra has feelings for Cleo.

At Derek's house, Jasper relaxes in his room while Gideon informs him that Ryan will arrive soon. Jasper and Gideon discuss Tia's recent comments, with Gideon agreeing with her. Gideon questions why Jasper and Tia never became a couple. Jasper admits that the situation is complex, but he has never considered Tia in that light. Ryan arrives and encourages them to be more upbeat. When Gideon asks about his tardiness, Ryan reveals he was with Lori. Ryan goes downstairs and asks Derek what's bothering him. Derek confesses that it's difficult to live with Jasper at the moment, as he has been using drugs that Derek is supposed to sell. Derek wonders what they'll do if his parents discover the truth and stop sending him money. Ryan assures Derek not to worry, even saying he will pay for Jasper's drugs, and then hands Derek the drug order for the Halloween Dance.

## Cast

###### Main (in order of appearance)

* Diana Heslin as Judith Ward
* ConnorTheVGFan78 as Raymond Stainfield
* Andy Jordan as Tia Frost
* Zarii Arri as Erika Bell
* Bri Storm as Kaci Reign
* Alyssa Shadow as Cleo Harper
* Allie Goodell as Candy Ward
* Mitch Xander as Gideon Jones
* Tyler Velazquez as Ryan Flint
* HeyAndreYT as Jasper Bell
* Phoenix-Artisan as Travis Lockhart
* Serendipitia as Charlie Zimmer
* Skyler Gilbert-Allen as Ezra Hunter
* EClassy as Fatima Antar
* Casey Sara as Lori Caberera
* Cresmeré as Raja Banerjee
* Dale Drau as Derek Fraser

###### Supporting (in order of appearance)

* Mitch Xander as Reporter
* SimsBerrry as Mei Ji
* letsplayshay as Drusilla Clemonte
* SatiSim as Professor Hilda Richter
* Hannah Okosisi as Professor Yartiza Mabry
* Richard Camfield as Professor Lex Reaves
* Richard Camfield as Newscaster
* Simmer V as Bonnie Harper
* Simmer V as Journalist
* MLJonesVO as Professor Eva Drawn
* MLJonesVO as Journalist

## Notes and Trivia

* Words
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