The Lost Memories

21. dance captain

I'm just waiting for Richelle to show up for our duet rehearsal. Thankfully, even after everything blew up last time, Richelle decided to give this another go. She still hasn't apologised for the few comments that she made about me, but I've made peace with the fact that I'll never get an apology.

I'm just stretching in the middle of the room, and I can't help but feel a little awkward as Michelle watches me out of the corner of her eye.

I decide to try to make conversation with her as I can't take the awkward silence anymore.

"Uhm, Michelle." I get her attention.

"Yes, Summer."

"I was just wondering when we're actually gonna get to perform the duet. I mean, is it for internationals or-?"

She replies, "A duet competition in a month or two. And if it's good enough, I'll think about internationals."

"Really?! But aren't there stronger duets? There's Piper and Finn; they've been working on something for a while."

She furrows her brows, and I can tell that she's wondering why I'm even questioning it, "Are you not happy with being considered for the internationals duet?"

"Oh, no, it's not that I-."

"Well, don't question it again." She warns me, firmly.

The reason I'm questioning it is because I don't really believe in mine and Richelle's connection. And if I don't believe it, then how will thousands of people when we're performing on stage? I care about this team, and I don't want to fuck things up for everyone.

"Anyway, have you heard from Richelle? We're fifteen minutes into rehearsal already, and she's not shown up." She reminds me that Richelle still isn't here. lYou know, I don't have the time or patience to deal with her. If she's gonna be awkward, then I might have to reconsider her place in the duet."

"No, no, that won't be necessary! She's just running late, I promise!"

I then grab my phone, unlocking it before quickly showing it to Michelle. "See, she sent me a text saying to tell you that she'll be a little late."

Michelle sighs "Okay, I'll let it slide, but only this once."

"Thanks." I smile, showing that I appreciate her choosing to keep the peace today.

After I decide to go back towards the centre of the room to continue stretching, I find myself getting distracted. I look over at Michelle, her eyes glued to her phone, and I can't help but notice that she seems a little occupied.

I think about what I'm doing with Emily and how it's ultimately going to break her heart. Michelle's tough, and a little scary too, but no one deserves to be lied to and humiliated.

And I guess that she's noticed me staring when she says, "Uhm, is everything okay?"

"Oh, yeah." I giggle awkwardly.

And then I'm surprised when she starts up a conversation with me "Actually, you know what, I could really do with having your opinion on something."

"Oh, okay." I start to get slightly nervous. "W-what is it?"

Shit.

"I was talking to some people, and I might have gotten A-troupe the opportunity to dance at the local soccer game in a couple of weeks. It's just to entertain the crowd, and it'll also give the team some more experience. What do you think about it? Is it a good idea?"

Thankfully, it was nothing serious.

I think about it, and I actually think that it could be a good idea. "Actually, that sounds really good! I mean, it'll also probably help to promote the studio and attract new dancers. Plus, it would be a good opportunity for some of the dancers that haven't had as much performance experience as others."

I can't help but notice how she's staring into my eyes longingly. She looks as though she's admiring me, a proud look on her face. It does make me slightly uncomfortable.

And then I'm instantly confused when she this, "You're totally right! I see how you instantly thought about the team and this studio and how it'll benefit us. Wow, that's exactly what I would expect the dance captain to do!"

"Thanks, Summer." She rests her hand on my shoulder.

"Wait... Dance Captain...?"

She smiles, "That's what you want, isn't it?"

"Are you saying that I'm dance captain?" I can't seem to believe it.

"Congratulations!" She then congratulates me so casually, almost like this isn't going to cause chaos when everyone finds out.

I would be over the moon right now if it wasn't for the fact that everyone is hungry for the dance captain position at the moment. And the fact that I was just handed it without even working for it will surely infuriate the rest of my team, especially Richelle.

It's almost like Michelle wants the drama.

She then furrows her brows once again. "You don't look very happy."

"I am! Trust me, I am; it's just that the others won't exactly be happy about this. No one likes someone who's just given dance captain without working for it. It practically puts a target right on your back."

"You're gonna let what the others think affect you? Really, Summer?"

"No, it's just-."

She looks serious. "I thought you'd know better than to let a bunch of nobodies stop you from being the best dancer that you could be."

I don't want to betray my team, but this is an amazing opportunity, and it would be stupid to just turn it down because I'm scared. Maybe Michelle's right? Maybe I shouldn't care what the others will think?

"I do. I- I won't let them get to me." I try to convince myself as well as her as I say this.

She smiles, "Great! So, it's a yes then? You want to be dance captain?"

I try to seem excited about it. "I guess so!"

"Ah, amazing!" She seems to be celebrating it, hugging me in the process. "I really think that you'll help the team succeed this year; I really feel it."

"Thanks."

And then I feel her hand on my shoulder once again, a serious look on her face as she stares into my eyes whilst saying, "I have a really good feeling about you..."

I don't know how to respond to that or how she's being so touchy with me. We've never been the best of friends, but somehow she has so much faith in me. It's kind of strange, if I'm honest.

And the timing couldn't be any more perfect when I hear the sound of Richelle making her way into the room. But instead of Michelle acting like everything is normal, she keeps her hand on my shoulder instead. I don't try to move away because, in all honesty, Michelle terrifies me.

I have to obey her, as I know what happens when you don't.

And then I'm instantly relived when I hear her say, "Ah, Richelle, you're here! Only twenty-five minutes late, but at least you showed up."