Dance Til Dawn

Tap,Tap,Tap

Mike and Brittany stood in front of the mirror trying on their costumes for their upcoming recital. There were two hats in the box one was a black hat with glitter and the other was plain black. Mike grabbed the glittered hat and put it on his head as Brittany grabbed the plain black one.

" No Michael. Give Brittany the one with glitter you are not wearing that" Mr.Chang said sternly 

Mike looked down as he took the hat off and passed it over to Brittany who frowned before switching the hats as per Mr. Chang's request. 

They decided to have a dress rehearsal to ensure their costumes fit properly. As they practiced their tap number their parents stood and watched them. 

" Arent they just the cutest" Mr.Pierce gushed 

" They sure are" Ms.Chang agreed 

" I can definitely see them together forever" Ms.Pierce chuckled 

" I mean, they have been dance partners since they were 2. It's been 9 years" Ms.Chang smiled 

" Well, not for much longer. After this routine, Mike will no longer be dancing" Mr.Chang spat

" Why not? Does he not want to anymore?" Mr.Pierce questioned 

" No. I just think dancing was okay as a young boy but now that he's older I want him to focus on his studies. Maybe play some football. He won't have time for dance anyways. It's silly. It wont get him anywhere in life" He explained 

" And football will?" Ms.Pierce asked 

" Football scholarships are great" 

//

"Mike stay still I want a picture. You look so cute with those suspenders on" His mom called 

" Enjoy it, Michael. It's your last performance" Mr.Chang warned 

" What? But the season isn't over for another 2 months!" Mike panicked 

" I don't care. No more dancing." 

" But dad. I-"

" The decision is final Michael. Nothing will convince me otherwise" 

Mike sighed but said no more words. He knew nothing would change his father's stubborn mind. 

As Mike held Brittanys leg over his shoulder helping her stretch he had a sad look on his face. Brittany noticed 

" Whats wrong Mikey?" she asked 

" This is my last time dancing. With you" 

" I don't understand?"

" My dad said no more dancing after today. He wants me to do football" He frowned 

" What no. Thats not fair. You like dancing" She frowned 

" I know but he said no." 

On that stage Mike danced with all the passion he had. Knowing it was his last time ever feeling that joy he felt as he danced saddened him. He kept a smile throughout the number. He noticed his father with a straight face in the audience,beside him was his mother and brittanys parents who looked extremely proud. 

After their performance Mikes father went off to work as Mikes mother,and brittanys parents took the two out for a celebratory lunch for placing first. They stopped to get some pizza.

" Are you sure there's no way Mike can keep dancing?" Ms.Pierce asked 

" Michael is very stubborn about Mike not dancing anymore. Nothing will change that" Ms.Chang explained " I love when Mike dances and would love him to continue but his father will no longer pay for his lessons and expects him to be at football practices "

" What if we payed for his lessons and we would drive him to and from"Ms.Pierce offered 

" I don't know..."

" Oh look at him. Dancing is his entire world. " 

Ms.Chang looked over at Mike and Brittany who were playfully fighting over the last dinasour themed plate. 

" Alright alright. Ill allow it" She smiled 

With that Mike continued to dance. When his father would drop him off for football practice he would wait to be picked up by Brittanys mother and taken to dance. He continued this for 2 more years until his father found out and made sure he was staying at football practice by staying and watching the entire time. 

He continued to dance in the privacy of his own room,as the years went on he continued to hide that part of him out of fear of not fitting in.