Arcane ~ ONGOING

~Chapter Twenty-Three~

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"Alright everyone, gather round," Miss Alexandria shouted as we left our positions from the formation to walk over to our teacher. Ellie propped up her elbow on my shoulder and put all of her weight on her left leg. "So, tomorrow is our first competition of the the season and since it's in the same city, we're not going to rent a bus, you need to reach there at 12 pm sharp. There will be a couple formalities since it's the first competition so better to arrive early. The competition begins at 4, so we need to be ready by 3, the rest of the time will be for practicing. Make sure you have your costumes altered. Lucas, you especially, we do not want what happened last time. Keep your costumes in your bag tonight. That's pretty much it, just bring your ID verification and go out there and win it." She said dismissing us. Everyone dispersed to the changing rooms and dancers lounge. Ellie, Tessa and I hung back discussing more about how we're going to get there and what we have to bring.

"Astria," Miss Alex called, walking towards us, "Tomorrow is your first competition with us. Eventhough you have settled quite nicely with us, I do want to remind you that you still are on probation. It will end after I see your performance tomorrow. So, best of luck and I do have faith in you, so don't prove me wrong," She nodded with a strict smile on her face.

I smiled softly and give her a nod, "I assure you, I'll try my best," I said.

"And Astria, usually the mothers of the minors come with them early to do their hair and makeup so we get the work done quickly. Is someone else coming with you or are you going to do everything on your own?" Carrie, one of the assistant choreographers asked me.

"Oh um, actually, I will come on my own but Ellie and Tessa's moms said that they're fine with helping me. I just need help for the first few competitions, I think I'll be able to do that on my own from then on," I replied.

"Alright then," She muttered as everyone walked out of the changing room, "Everyone, make sure to collect your invitation cards from James. He's at the front desk today. If you don't have them, no family will be able to get a seat in the audience," She announced. 

Everyone muttered a few 'okays' and 'alrights' before walking out towards the front desk. Tessa, Ellie and I quickly throw on some joggers and sweatshirts before joining everyone at the front desk.

"Are you sure you don't want me to pick you up? I don't mind doing that," Blake said, joining my side. She was seventeen so she could drive and her mother wasn't free, so she was driving herself over. In the process she handed me a beige card which I recognized as the invitation card.

"Don't worry, I've talked to Mr. Hans, he's alright with dropping me there," I replied with a smile, "Thank you anyways."

"And your brothers will bring you back home?" She asked.

"Not sure about that one. I don't think they'll be attending the competition at all. They're always busy, you know their business stuff. So, I just need to figure it out if Mr. Hans will be free or I'll have to do something one my own," I said.

"Okay, so if you can't figure anything out, just tell me. I'll drop you back home," She said with a soft smile as James asked us to clear the reception area. Everyone walked outside to their cars or their family members. I bid everyone goodbye before hoping in with Mr. Hans.

"Good evening Ms. Crawford," Mr. Hans said with a small smile, looking at me through the reflection of the rear view mirror. I gave him a soft smile wished him back. "Ms. Crawford, I would like you inform you that I will be going on a two week leave from tomorrow. I’ve talked with Mr. Crawford, I just thought it would be better if I informed you as well," He stated as we pulled out of the parking lot.