Scars [An Exclamation Point Fan Fiction]

PART 32

Back at my house we celebrate the victory. Unfortunately it doesn't last long. After a couple of hours I have to pack for LA. The next day Paul Danny and I leave. I practice my final routine for auditions countless times. I chose the song Turn Your Face by Little Mix. Saturday comes and it's my turn to perform. Mrs. Michaels smiles at me as I finish. She leaves the room to make her decision. While she's gone I call Paul.

"Hey have you heard anything yet?" He asks.

"Not yet she's still deciding." I look around and see people look at me then start to whisper. "Everyone's staring at me Paul. I feel like they're all talking about me."

"Don't let them get you. They just don't understand what's going on."

I sigh. "Why can't I be as easygoing as you?" I ask.

Paul chuckles. "Just stop worrying about everything and you'll be fine."

I groan. Paul laughs again. Mrs. Michaels walks through the door. "I gotta go. She's back. Love you bye."

"Love you too."

*click*

"Ok everyone gather around." She says. "This decision was very difficult. All seven of you belong at this school. Unfortunately two won't be continuing. The five I've decided to keep are, "Elizabeth Wood, Michael Frazier, James Harper, Doug King, and Nikki Garner." James hugs me as Mrs. Michaels congratulates everyone. "Now in a week we'll have our first performance. You will work with a partner and choreograph a routine." She pauses and looks around at us. "I hope you don't have stage fright, because the auditorium will be filled with tons of people." A group files into the room. "These are my other students. There's an even number so everyone will have a partner." She starts pairing us with people. Luckily I get to work with James again.

The next day while Danny and Paul are in the studio James and I practice.

"So I had an idea." He says. "I know you're from Texas, so I think we should do a mash up of something contemporary with line dancing. What do you think?"

"I love it James!" I say. "Luckily I know a few line dances, and some good country songs."

After a week of long rehearsals its show day. Paul and Danny are siting in the front row. I'm backstage with James, and we're about to perform. We take our places on stage. The music starts as an old country song, and becomes Fake ID by Big & Rich. The crowds cheers as we stomp our boots and dance. The song finishes and everyone stands cheering for us. James hugs me, and we both bow before walking backstage. Once the show is over Paul and Danny walk backstage, Paul holding a beautiful bouquet of flowers. He hands them to me before wrapping me in a hug and kissing my cheek.

"Thank you!" I say smelling the flowers. They're so beautiful!"

"You're welcome. You did incredible." He says.

"Thanks, but it was actually James' idea to do the country theme." I say. "Hey James come here!" I wave him over. He gets to my side. "James this is Paul and Danny."

"I'm finally getting to meet you guys. She talks about you nonstop." He says.

"That must be so annoying." Danny says sarcastically. I look over and make a face at him, which makes him laugh.

James laugh too. "Eh it's not that bad..sometimes anyway." He says laughing.

We stand backstage talking for a little while, before Paul and I go back to the house. Danny met a girl named Hayley, and he's going out with her. Back at the house I take a shower while Paul sets up a movie. I put my damp hair up in a ponytail as I walk to our room. We watch the movie for a little while, before we get distracted and start kissing. Things start heating up between us. Paul moves his hands from my neck and my hair down to my hips. His hands start sliding underneath my shirt before quickly moving them. He pulls back.