HeartBLOOD

Chapter fifty-five

Those fouettés looked great! Good job, Vicky!, Alec exclaimed, standing at the front of the training room at BDA.

In front of him stood all his teenage students, perfectly aligned in 5th position. He had given them a simplified version of a turning variation that they used to do at NYABM, which they managed to perform better than expected.

Remember to keep your spot, some of you guys are behind on that., he added, checking everyones posture, Chin up, Maddie.

Come on, as if the audience sees whether my chin is up or not., she talked back- today, she was very on-edge.

The audience might not acknowledge it, but judges or scouts for sure will. Besides, its all about that overall impression. Your job is to look pretty whilst making the hardest things look easy.

Whatever., she scoffed.

Not commenting that remark, Alec went back to the stereo station and let them do it again- although he didnt appreciate Maddie giving him attitude, he decided not to start any drama- everyone sometimes had a bad day, after all. Besides, you never know whats going on in another persons life, so in his opinion, there was no need for harshness. Still, as a coach, he felt like it was his responsibility to make sure the dancers learned something about respect and discipline- he knew that behavior like hers wouldnt fly at NYABM: You never question or mock your coach. That was basic hierarchy.

Okay, lets see that again before we move on to high legs at the barre., Alec said before clapping his hands a couple of times to speed them up a bit.

Watching them, he went over all of the students- lucky for him, there was nobody missing today. He had a big announcement to make at the end of the lesson, so he was happy that everyone showed up.

Okay, that was good., he said, We definitely have to work on the pirouettes a la seconde, but thats okay- good job, everybody. Drink a sip of water and go to the barre.

Using the break to drink some water himself, he realized how tired he was- he could definitely feel his last sleepless night deeply in his bones. Though Isabelles breakfast this morning had been good, he could definitely feel that he hadnt had lunch yet- Alec still struggled with adapting his diet to his current workout schedule, so at the moment, it was all over the place.

Okay, I hope you guys remember the grand battements weve been doing the past weeks. Fifth position, five, six, seven, eight!, he commanded and proudly realized, that at least most students appeared to have a clue about what they were doing.

Try to keep your hip down when throwing your leg to the side., he said, walking past Vicky- he could see that she was trying really hard to apply his remarks to her dancing, so it didnt feel like his efforts faded into thin air with her.

Oh my god, Maddie is bleeding!, Ricarda suddenly exclaimed, pointing at the girl in front of her.

Indeed, a bloody smear covered the inside of her left leg, revealed by the grand battements to the side. Her pink tights were colored red, the stain appearing to be quite fresh.

What?!, Maddie exclaimed, looking down at her white leotard, stained dark red at the seam between her legs.

Okay, calm down- its probably period blood., Alec stated neutrally- growing up with a younger sister taught him a whole bunch about the menstrual cycle, and it had definitely normalized blood stains for him.

Ive never had my period before!, Maddie exclaimed, panic on her face.

Well, then, congrats on womanhood, I guess., Alec chuckled, trying to ease the situation, Does anyone of you girls have some period products with them?

Ive not started my period yet, either., Vicky said insecurely, everyone else nodding in agreement.

Okay, uhm, thats unfortunate., Alec stated- this was incredibly awkward.

I need to go back to school after practice, I cant be bleeding into my jeans!, Maddie kept panicking.

Okay, can your mom bring some pads when she picks you up?, Alec suggested, knowing that Cat was at an appointment with a costume designer in Soho, which meant she wasnt going to be able to help them, either.

Shes on a work trip., the girl said, blushing whilst fidgeting her leotard into place, trying to cover the incident.

Hey, theres nothing to be ashamed of- its totally normal for girls your age to start menstruating. No need to feel embarrassed. You know what, let me call someone and see if I can get some pads in here., Alec said and fidgeted his phone out of his pocket- during breakfast, Isabelle said that shed be in Brooklyn to shop for some groceries, so maybe she could step by with some sanitary products.

Hey, Iz, weve got a situation., he said, stepping to the side, A girl in my class just started her period, and nobody has pads. Are you by any chance close to BDA and can drop some off?

For sure., he heard her laugh from the other side of the line, Ill be there in a minute. I needed to get some for myself, anyways.

Youre the best., he smirked, only now realizing how bizarre the situation was- who would have thought hed ever have to make a call like that?

Okay, well have pads in a few minutes., he grinned to the group, Maddie, your timing was on point.

Thanks, I tried., she giggled, slowly getting over her initial shock.

Your facial expression when you figured out what has happened was priceless, Alec., Vicky laughed, Ive never seen you that lost.

Its not an everyday situation for me, thats for sure., Alec laughed, But, as I said, its completely normal. So, whilst we wait for our emergency hygiene kit, gather around- I have to tell you something.

Curiously, the students walked away from the barre, most still giggling- it had been a bizarre situation, that was undeniable. But he wasnt mad at it- at least it broke the ice.

I want you guys to know, that theres a competition Cat and I signed you and the seniors up to. Thats why, starting off next week, youll be going into performance-mode. In two months from now, youll be killing it on the city stage.

Thats so exciting!, Maddie exclaimed, a smile lighting up her face.

Im thrilled to work with you guys., Alec grinned, interrupted by a knock at the door.

I have a special delivery!, Isabelle smiled, walking into the door, a box of pads in her hand, Whos the lucky girl?

Thank you so much!, Maddie blushed, taking the box, You saved my ass. Literally.

No problem., Isabelle laughed alongside everyone else, Us women have got to stick together, right?