Sous-Sus: Premier Jewels

Chapter Two: Widley Inapporiate

ILSE

"So dance class today... are you excited?"

I cast the slightest glance at my oldest brother, Joah, before going back to my phone. "Not really. It's a dance class with cameras. So it's honestly not a big deal."

I saw my second oldest, Neil, brother glance up from the book from the corner of my eye. "I'm surprised that you agreed to it. You were adamant that you weren't going to be part of the documentary."

"I know, but Myla's Bambi eyes got me," I groaned. "And Mom was on my case about it. 'How can you not be in a documentary about my studio when you're my daughter? This makes no sense.' And I was just like whatever. I give up. I'll do it."

"Why are you complaining about this?" Joah asks me, turning to face me at the red light. "It's a few months. Then you're done. You love dancing. It's your life."

"Yeah, that's when it doesn't take over the rest of my life and when I'm dancing with girls my age. Brooke is the only one older than me, and even though I'm a year older than Paige, we aren't on the same level."

"Cocky much," Neil chuckles.

My eyes roll. "No. I love the other girls- they're the sweetest people ever. But Mackenzie's not gonna dance to my level. She can't. I like to dance because of the challenge, yet now I have to dance down."

"You'll be fine," Joah tells me, pausing at the front of the studio building. "Bye, Ilse."

"See you in five hours," Neil tells me.

"Bye," Pulling my bag over my shoulder, I step out of the Camry.

"You're a week late," Mom said as soon as I stepped through the door.

I roll my eyes. "Yeah, well, I didn't think I would be doing this. Everybody's already here?"

"Why didn't Myla come with you?" she asks me as I walk behind the desk to hug her.

I snort. "You argue with Dad, didn't you?" At her look, I sigh. "Because Myla is a daddy's girl, and she wanted him to drop her off. I have no control of that."

"Okay," she pats me on the back. "I'm glad you agreed to join the team."

"Well, with you and Myla beeeging me. How could I not?"

She smacks me on the bottom. "Go. Go get ready."

Chuckling slightly, I turn to open the door, only for Ariadne to come out before I could. "Oh, look who's here. Miss Ilse. What changed your mind?"

I didn't dignify her with a reply and continued my journey to the den, leaving her to chuckle.

"Ilse!" Of course, Melissa is the first one to notice me. "Myla said you were joining the team today, but we were starting to wonder if you were ever coming."

"Well, here I am," walking further into the room, I began changing into my dancewear. "You should always believe Myla. Lying isn't in her bones."

Myla waits until I'm in my bra top and shorts before skipping over to hug me. "What?"

"Nothing," she shakes her head. "I'm just glad you're here."

Fondly I ruffle her hair, causing her to pout at her ruined ponytail.

"Hey guys," Gianna walks into the room. "Abby's ready for you guys."

Walking into Studio A, I stare in bewilderment at the chalkboard Mom stood in front of. Finding Ariadne, I mouth, "Really?"

She shrugs and sends me an amused look. Then, shaking my head, I took the spot in the back beside Brooke. It's one thing to hear about the chalkboard; it's another thing to see it. I'm surprised the other mothers haven't started a riot.