HeartBLOOD

Chapter sixteen

Alec, Maia, Simon and everyone else had gathered on the floor of the audition- to their surprise, apparently Valentine, Luke and Helen were to announce their decision shortly after the end of auditions, which wasn't typical. Judging by the waiting time, they did give them quite something to think about, or that's what they assumed. Alec had sprawled himself onto the floor, an icepack on his knee, just like he promised himself, breathing heavily. Sweat ran down his face as he stared at the ceiling. Apparently his face was competing with a tomato- he had been the last one to go, so whilst everyone else had almost gathered themselves again, he still was exhausted. Magnus sat next to him, his hand on Alec's. It went well for everyone, or so he was told. Suddenly, the door flew open and a few younger students stormed in. "Whoa, this is our space.", Aline barked. Alec couldn't help but grin- Luke's "Be kind to the younger ones- speech" clearly didn't fulfill its' purpose for Aline. "Mister Morgenstern said we could come in here to ask some questions!", A boy with bright red hair and a freckled face stepped forwards. It was cute, Alec thought. He remembered how he used to feel about the seniors- like they were some superheroes, invincible human beings, somewhere untouchable. Well, that impression was wrong. To some extend it calmed him that this year's year one seemed to feel the same way, though. "Don't be so sensitive, let them in already.", Maia replied and Aline moved aside. Clearly, she wasn't happy to answer any questions- not that anyone dared or wanted to ask her any after the way she just acted. "Hey!", Alyssa and Piper approached them. "Hey! How are you doing?", Maia smiled and made space for them to sit down. "Good!", She replied, smiling. "Alec, are you okay?", Piper asked- it was only now he realized how he looked right now. "Oh, yeah, don't worry.", he chuckled and propped himself up and against the wall, "Precaution measures.", he added, pointing at the ice, which even turned out to be more right than wrong. "I'm so glad we got to watch all of you.", Piper smiled, "I wish I was as good." "You'll be sooner than you can imagine.", Simon replied, smiling. He seemed to be taken aback as well. "Exactly. Just keep up the good work and don't do anything stupid.", Alec replied with a grin. "We're trying.", Alyssa laughed, "But, and I know those were only auditions, you performed incredibly. All of you. How do you do that, aren't you nervous?" "Oh we are."; Maia laughed, "I was a mess beforehand. But somehow, as soon as I step on stage it feels as if I can turn all of that nervousness off." "Oh to have that ability."; Piper laughed, "But we'll try." "It comes with time.", Magnus said, "You'll get used to it in a few months, just be patient with yourselves." "Let's hope so.", Alyssa sighed.

"The decision has been made.", Valentine proclaimed as he stepped inside. Immediately, all the murmur stopped and the room went completely silent. Everyone was dying to know the results, after all they had been promised them almost right after the auditions but turned out having to wait almost two hours. "It has not been an easy one.", Luke said, "But in the end Valentine and I were on the same page. Please respect our opinion- remember, we're learning how to act professional, I hope I needn't say more." "But, you've been waiting for some time by now, we might as well get into it. Our main role, Clara, goes to Camille Belcourt.", Valentine grinned and everyone applauded. It was an obvious choice, Alec knew that. If it hadn't been Camille, he wouldn't have had any idea who it could be. When Camille danced, it looked as if she was floating, she was flexible and her technique was incredible. As much as he disliked her personally, he needed to admit that she was a fantastic dancer. "Now that we have our female lead, let's get to the main lead. The Nutcracker himself is going to be portrayed by Alec Lightwood, well done.", Valentine said. Alec couldn't help but grin- he knew it could not have been easy for Valentine to give him that role, but he felt deeply honored. It showed that after all, if you were a good dancer, no personal prejudice could destroy what you have worked for. Secretly, he hoped he had outgrown Valentine's picture of him, and getting that role was a hint in the right direction. "Drosselmeyer goes to Magnus Bane, congratulations.", Valentine continued, leaving no space for talking. Alec shot a gaze in Magnus' direction, who smiled. He formed the word "congrats" with his mouth and Magnus seemed as if he managed to read it, as he smiled widely. "Not to forget, our darling Sugar Plum Fairy.", Valentine said and seemed to take an extra-long break. Maia fidgeted for Alec's hand and squeezed it as Valentine pronounced her name and congratulated her as well. "Told you.", Alec whispered with a smile. She deserved it more than anyone else did, and he was so happy for her. He knew they were going to celebrate tonight. "Last but not least, we have the mouse king left.", Valentine finalized. Suddenly it hit Alec- one of their friend group wouldn't get a solo. The mouse king was either going to go to Raphael, Simon, or Jonathan. "Raphael Santiago. Great job.", Valentine said and Alec breathed out- even though he was ecstatic for Raphael and thankful for not having Jonathan around again, he still felt sorry for Simon. He would have deserved the recognition. "Camille, Alec, Magnus and Maia, you get to appoint your alternates tomorrow. The dancers available are Gretel, Jonathan, Simon and Aline. Please discuss your choices with one another and announce them tomorrow. Raphael, the mouse king alternate will be Julian Blackthorn from year two- he had improved incredibly and has danced that role before multiple times. Thank you, congratulations!", Valentine said and sent them off.