Last Dance

chapter one

My alarm woke me up with its high-pitched beeping at the usual 6a.m.

I hate this. I hate getting up at the asscrack of dawn every weekday. I thought I would get used to it after a while, but it's been six years and here we are: still hating it.

"Only one more day." I remind myself, looking in the mirror.

I packed my duffle and headed to rehearsal.

"Jacie!"

"Hey Val. What's up, buttercup?" I asked my best friend before giving her a kiss.

"Just wondering if you're nervous."

"Not a bit. Just ready for tomorrow night to finally be here." I found myself smiling from ear to ear. My smile, I knew, was not only because tomorrow night was the night I had been waiting for my whole life, but also because Val is my favorite person in the world.

Val and I moved out here from the smallest town in Illinois when we were fifteen. Her parents pretty much support any decision she makes. While mine.. well, mine were the opposite to say the least.

We have been dreaming of dancing at music festivals and concerts for our favorite artists since we were kids making our own choreography at sleepovers. Val has been there for me like nobody else has, and I owe her my life. I'd do anything for her.

"That's my girl!" She swung her arm over me. "Jacie Grace and Valerie hitting the stage at the Glen Helen Blockbuster Pavilion." She dramatisized with her other arm setting the scene.

"I can't believe it." I turned to look at her. "I love you so much, Val."

She took my hands, "I love you too. I'm so proud of you."

"I'm proud of us."

"Well duh, but you know what I mean head dancer."

-

After rehearsal was over and I changed into my usual black shirt and jeans for work, I started my shift. Of course tonight of all nights when I should be getting a good night sleep, I'm working a 9pm-2am shift.

"Hey Jacie."

I was bent over the table when I heard my name and stood up quickly, knowing who it was.

"Michael." I acknowledged.

Of course I gave him the bare minimum being that he's a pervert. He's been flirting with me since I got this job when I turned sixteen. He's my boss and he's a creep.

"Are those new jeans?"

"Nope, same old jeans, Michael." I tucked the rag in my back pocket and tied on my apron.

"A bunch of us are staying after close to have some drinks. You should too." He said, looking at me as he slipped a note pad into my apron pocket.

"Thanks, but I can't. I have a big night tomorrow and I need as much sleep as I can get."

"Please. For me." He pouted.

Barf.

"Sorry. No can do. Gotta go sweep the stage." Or do pretty much anything else but stand here getting oggled by you, I thought to myself.

"Shoot." My tips fell out of my apron and I leaned down to pick the cash up.

"Lemme help you." A voice says, grabbing the dollars and handing them to me.

"Thanks."

"Owen." He says, putting his hand out. I quickly shoved the bills back in my apron to shake his hand.