Lost in Paris

6: Lost in hip-hop

Song recommendation: Center stage by Zauntee

    Ines and I make it to the Block Audition with time to spare. The Auditions are being held on a rooftop. There are several people all huddled in a circle with space in the center. I am not sure if this is how it will remain but if it is I am unaware as to how the audition will work.

    "Let's get a better look at the dancers." Ines says to me, and she grabs my hand and leads me as far to the center as she can that still allows the center to be open and clear. I can hear the others talk and mingle among themselves.

    "How does this work?" I ask Ines, still very confused due to the fact that this is unlike any audition I have ever done before.

    "It's hard to explain but when it starts you will get the hang of it."

    "But there is nothing to hang onto." I am somehow more confused than before.

    "It means it will make sense." Ines says in a humored tone. "It's not as scary as it looks. Trust me you will do great." The music begins to play. The beat is similar to the song Ines was teaching me to dance to already that day. Max steps into the center of the circle to speak.

    "Welcome to the Block auditions. All of you have been selected based on your skills, so I expect the best from each of you. Not everyone gets in, so I want to see you dance with all you got. With that. Lets dance!" Max said with great enthusiasm and the crowd erupted in cheers. Max then begins to dance in the center of the circle. Everyone seems to be observing him. I can see why. He dances with such spirit. I can see the way the music touches him the more he moves.

    "He is very talented." I whisper to Ines as another person steps in and Max steps out of the center. This action continues and I begin to understand the pattern. The movements are unformal and the time between dancers varies, but as time goes on, I feel more comfortable with the motion. Thea then steps into the center. She is a very talented dancer, and it is clear in the way she moves that she knows that to be true.

    "Hey." Ines said front beside me catching my attention "Watch out I think Thea is come for you, Lavender." I turn to see Thea walk toward me. Her dance moves become more direct and pointed. Like she is telling me to step into the center. I turn to Ines, and she nods, telling me to dance in the middle, so I take Thea's place.

    I feel my nerves begin to build. I want to turn and run. I feel this way every time I dance. But I don't run. I start with some of the move Ines had shown me earlier that day. Slowly the fear and the noise of the crowd disappears. The only thing left is me and the music. I began to do hip-hop dance moves I have never seen before but it feels right in the moment and I am starting to truly enjoy it. I hear the crowds cheers get louder. I come out of my daze to see everyone looking at me. I walk back into the crowd and Ines takes my place.

    "I didn't even know you knew how to dance hip-hop, so I definitely didn't know you were amazing at it." I turn around to see Jeff talking to me.

    "I didn't know either." I mumble to myself.

~

    "I thought you said you didn't know what you were doing when it came to Hip-Hop." Ines tells me as we are walking back to our room.

    "I don't. you must have been a better teacher then you thought." I say clearly confused on how that could have possible happened.

    "Well, what ever it was it definitely got you into the block."

    "Thank you, but I don't think it was anything but one decent attempt." We arrive at our room to get ready for bed. "If only one person there could get in it would be you, Ines. You did amazing."

    "I hope so. I didn't get to go late year, but I feel like I really improved this year." Ines says grinning with excitement.

    "There is no way that you don't get in. no one there was nearly as impressive as you."

    "Thanks." Ines says before we both drift off to sleep.

~

    "Lavender, wake up" Ines is shouting as she shakes me awake. "I got in! look!" she continues with the same enthusiasm. She then pulls out a small card. Showing the image that appears on it. You could almost feel the joy she is admitting.

    "Ines that is wonderful. I am most exceedingly happy for you." I say with great joy as I stand up. To join her in her excitement.

    "Oh, Lavender, I didn't see a card for you. I'm sorry so. I don't think you got in." all of Ines' joy seems to slip into guilt and sadness.

    "Ines, there is no need for you to apologize. I truly didn't go to get in. and I am truly just happy that you are happy." I assured her. I truly was not sad, maybe the smallest amount disappointed, but I truly just want Ines to get in. My own success was the last thing on my mind at such a moment. "We should get dressed and go for breakfast before we have to go to our classes."

    "you're right. And really you shouldn't worry about The Block. You're still new and I think you did amazing." We began to grab our clothes and get ready to leave.

~

    We made it into the corridor and started to grab our food. We both see a table that is completely empty and walk over to it.

    "Lavender!" I hear a voice from behind me. I truly didn't need to turn around to know who it was. Even in such a short time I had still come accustomed to the voice of Max. I started to realize that I would know that voice anywhere. As if that voice and its words have been forever placed in my mind. Like I had secretly wished to replay them at any moment I desired them. "Can I talk to you for a second." I wish that was enough to bring me completely out of my thoughts but that would not be the case. But it was enough to realize Ines had grab my food from me to take to our table.

    "Yes. Is there something that you wish to discuss." I didn't even realize I had spoken. It is like I could not wait to hear his voice again.

    "I just thought it would be better if I gave this to you in person." He handed me a card, the acceptance card for The Block. I grabbed the card but as I grabbed it our hands met. I almost froze at that moment. As I looked up to see him looking at me in a frozen state.

    "Thank you." I said as I quickly moved my hand way and broke away from his soft brown eyes. He cleared his throat and continued to speak.

    "Of course, Chica, I hope you didn't think I forgot about you. You're dance late night was certainly something to remember forever." He says walking back into the space I made between us before. "It is like I couldn't take my eyes off of you" he voice is much more of a whisper now. Like it was only met for me. Like we were completely alone. Just him and I.

    "Max! Are you coming." The loud and clearly angry voice of Thea. Finally, brought me back to earth.

    "I should go." He said backing way. "But I'll see you later." He turned around and walked away.

    "Yes, see you later" I muttered to myself knowing he was completely gone. I then turned around to meet Ines at our table.
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Word count: 1360
Hey it has been a long time. I really lost the confidence to write. Sorry it took so long but I truly had the worst writer's block and I had nothing to give to. Also I didn't read though this so it might have been really bad. But I do hope you liked it even with all the spelling mistakes. I miss you all and it is good to be back.