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The auditorium is packed by the time the curtain goes up.  The families and friends in attendance make a thundering roar of applause as the various acts come and go.  There is plenty of energy in the air as the performers take the stage.

Sammy feels like she's hitting every note perfectly as she sings her heart out.  She's not as happy with the dance movements, but there were no serious flub ups and the audience went crazy at the end.  As they turn to take a box Nick says softly, "See, told you.  Peice of cake."

She grips his hand tightly with her own sweaty palmed hand as they take their bow.  "Easy for you to say," she murmurs from behind a big stage grin. "You're the one who remembered the dance steps."

Nick chuckles slightly, "I thought I had screwed it up."

Sammy bows.  "No way.  You were perfect.  Like always."  She smiles and waves at where she thinks her family are sitting.  She squints against the lights to seek out friends in the crowd.

Colin is obviously there, smiling and taking stills of their memorable performance.

The show comes to an end, and the entire cast takes the stage one last time to a thundering applause.  As the applause subsides some the principal waves the performers and crew into a tight huddle while the audience makes their way out of the auditorium.  "In about an hour there will be a little celebration here.  As many of you know Elrod Janush was going to be throwing a party at his home.  Recent circumstances have made that not possible.  He called me this afternoon though and asked if he could have the caterers bring the refreshments here for the cast and crew and their families.  So, get changed, and let your families know."  As people start to move away Mr. Landis calls to Sammy.  "Ms. Jameson.  Mr. Janush wanted me to tell you the invitation extended to your friends as well.  He wanted to make sure that you all got a chance to celebrate."

Sammy looks really surprised.  "Um, okay... Are you sure?  I mean, I can let other people know, but are you sure you want me around?  Last time I checked, I was still waiting for the police to decide I'm innocent after all."

Mr. Landis smiles.  "Last time I check the United States had this thing about innocent until proven guilty.  We'll go with that.  Besides, Mr. Janush insisted I insist you attend."

I thought he thought I was guilty too.  Didn't he?  and "Mr. Janush".  Heh.  I guess Mr. Landis is hoping for a generous gift from "Mr. Janush" after he graduates.  Money talks...

"OK," Sammy says.  "I'd better run then, so I can catch people."  Still in costume and makeup, she dashes out to the lobby in the hope of catching folks as they mill around the punch and cookie tables after the show.  Colin is easiest to spot; he's still taking photographs.  She weaves her way through the crowd and says to him and anyone who happens to be near him, "Colin!  El sent the caterers for his party over here instead; there'll be a party starting here for the cast and crew and their families in about an hour.  Could you tell the group?  You're all invited."  She grins, finally starting to relax.  "You're family."

Colin nods with a smile and fires away messages for all the others who are not already there at the concert.

"Thanks!"  Sammy excuses herself and goes to find her parents, stopping and starting as she exchanges quick greetings with friends and well-wishers.

Mom and dad are easy to find, sis is off with friends but waves and gives you a hug when she sees you over near the parents.  "Honey, you were incredible."  Mom says holding her for a minute.

Dad gives her a hug and a smile. "Very nice.  You looked good up there."

"Thanks guys."  Sammy tells them about the party plans, and that they are all invited.

Donnie sits with his mother, playing scrabble. Normally, he would be at the concert with Sylvia, but with all the wierdness going on, police suspected involvement with Sammy, and the threat on his life, his mother (and mob-lawyer) suggested he not go. His phone beeps and he pulls it out to check who was messaging him.

"Huh. Colin says we are invited to the afterparty for the Winter Concert. Should I go?"

Donnie's mother seems to consider things for a moment.  "Yeah."  She says with a nod.  "I think you should.  Do you want a ride or will you ride over with..."  She pauses for a moment as though she's not sure what to say, "Someone?"

"They invited families, so why don't yhou come too?"

After all, she picked him up from jail. He ought to be nice in return..

Donnie isn't sure what expression crossed her face.  It was fleeting and when it was gone there was a smile.  "I'll get my coat."

A few minutes later they're driving towards the school.