Blandview High Musical

11. Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend

"Try it again! Ready? Five, six, seven, eight!" I could hear shouting from outside the dance studio. I took a deep breath. As much as I don't want a part in this musical number, Ms. Rod was most insistent. So here I am, standing outside the school's studio dressed in...comfortable clothing I guess. My fingers tightened around my backpack strap as I rocked on my heels. I don't know anything about dancing. I can sing somewhat...but I wouldn't exactly call it talent. I heard a scuff of tennis shoes behind me and a voice that followed. "You do realize that you have to go inside the studio to practice, right?" The person asked. I turned to see Matt Johnson standing there. This was our first day of practice together. Shayne had been a little stand offish about it. I don't know what kind of history he has with Matt, but he tried to appear not so keyed up about it at lunch. Shayne and I were not officially a thing, but I tried to be empathetic about his jealousy. I just let it go. Maybe if I left him alone, he could blow off some steam.

            My attention returned to Matt. "Sorry about that, I'm just a little nervous. Like I said before, I know nothing about dancing." "Well, it's not hard. I can help you." He offered, his hand falling to the small of my back. I sighed, just giving into my defeat. "Alright. I'll trust you." I said. We stepped forward into the studio. The people inside of it seemed lined up in a formation. "Just watch them." He said, pulling me against the wall. The introduction to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" started. "I don't know if you've ever seen the music video, but this isn't exactly how it goes." He said. I just shook my head. I had heard the song on the radio a couple times, but never delved any deeper. They skipped the music ahead to a break as the instructor was walking them through what would happen. "So when do we get to practice?" A familiar voice rang out. I looked past the various faces that I didn't recognize to find Jade's on the other side. "You'll practice until the time comes." "That's not what I meant. I mean how many times do we practice here, on stage and in costume?" Jade asked, her hands were resting on her hips.

            The instructor turned her attention towards the two of us. "You'll practice twice one week here in the studio. The following two weeks, we practice every day on stage. Then the week of the play, we practice daily in costume." She said. "Sounds like hard work." One of the other student said. It was a guy. He was dressed in track shorts and a crop top. This entire high school is just stuck in 1980. "Why don't you quit if it's so hard, Dale?" A girl asked. "Maybe because I have to do this." He snapped. "Knock it off you two." Jade said. "If this is going to work properly, we'll work together, no exceptions." She said. "Who put you in charge, Tondre?" "You did, when you wanted someone who was experienced in dance. We do things my way, or you find someone else to choreograph." She snapped. The students exchanged glances. "Same page?" She asked. They all nodded their heads. "Good." She said. That's something I really enjoy about Jade. Her ability to command a room even with her presence alone, it was like she didn't have to say anything.

            She came walking over as the students dispersed to gather their things. "Hey Matt. Long time no see." She said. She reached down grabbing her bag. "Did you have a nice time away?" She asked. "Is juvie ever nice?" he asked. "Guess not. I see you've met Gill." "We did meet the other day. She's the counterpart to my Michael Jackson." Jade laughed. "How do you feel about that?" She asked me. I swallowed. "Quite honestly? I'm a little nervous." I admitted. "You'll do fine. Practice makes perfect, trust me." She said. "Are you just choreographing or are you going to be in the musical with us?" I asked. "I'm actually in the musical. It's just easier for me to play wrangler with everyone rather than act dumb." "I'm going to go get set up." Matt said, excusing himself from the conversation. "How have you been?" I asked. "Good. Mom and dad left for Maine last Friday so I'm back home in my own house." She said. "I'm sorry I couldn't be there." I said. In truth, I really did feel guilty about not being able to talk to her. I got so wrapped up in myself thinking about Shayne.