Spotlight on the Mirror

Chapter Twenty-Three

Holliday awoke when she felt someone lightly shaking her. She opened her eyes and saw Natasha staring back at her. Holliday immediately felt worried and sat up to address her.

"Natasha, what's wrong? Are you feeling ok?"

"Umm... I'm not sure... But what are you guys doing in New York? Why am I with y'all? How did I get here?" Natasha asked in a small voice. She then folded her arms across her chest and appeared guarded.

"It's a long story but first I want you to get comfortable."

"Why? I can't stay anyways. My manager will be pissed since I'm sure she doesn't know I'm here." Natasha started looking around the room for a clock and seemed fearful.

"Who, Wanda? Don't worry about Wanda right now. We can deal with her later."

"I can't! She's going to kill me. I have to leave. Where is my stuff?" Natasha stated while frantically trying to undress and looking for her belongings.

Holliday shook Madison to wake her up as well then slowly walked towards Natasha.

"Natasha, I need you to calm down because what I'm about to tell you will change your mind forever so I need you to chill out for a minute."

"That's the point, I can't chill out. You don't understand! I. Have. To. Go. Right. Now." Natasha screamed.

"If you let me explain, I will tell you that I do understand and that I know, Natasha," Holliday slowly but calmly spoke to her.

Natasha stopped her search for her purse and faced Holliday. "How could you possibly understand anything about me and you don't know shit!"

Before Holliday could answer her, Madison jumped into the conversation. "Listen here, Natasha. I know you're​ freaking out but don't be coming at us like this. We flew all this way to save you so at least let Holliday explain before you disrespect her," Madison shouted with an attitude.

Natasha looked confusedly between the two before slowly sitting on the bed. She hugged herself then quietly asked, "Why are y'all here to save me?"

Holliday silently thanked Madison with a nod in her direction then went over by Natasha. Holliday didn't know where to start but she knew that she had to say something.

"What I'm about to tell you may seem very unreal and an invasion of your privacy but it happened and I only want to help you."

Natasha looked up and stared into Holliday's eyes. She looked so lost and broken. Holliday just wanted to reach out and hug her but would never touch her without permission. Natasha then nodded her head for Holliday to continue.

Holliday took a deep breath and started with, "Due to you being here in New York City and me being your understudy, I was set to dance Giselle. During rehearsals on Friday, I fell..."

****

Holliday had just finished telling Natasha how she ended the switch while Natasha cried uncontrollably.

Through her tears, she said in a weak voice, "That can't be true! But how would you know about my secrets and my diary? I'm so lost. I can't believe it..."

"I'm sorry, Natasha. I never meant for any of this to happen. And I'm definitely sorry for knowing about your business without your permission."

"Don't apologize, Holliday. It's not your fault," Madison whispered.

"I know, Madison. But I still feel bad," Holliday whispered back.

Madison nodded in understanding then left the room to give them some privacy.