ℒ𝒾𝓋𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒪𝓃 𝒯𝒽ℯ 𝒟𝒶𝓃𝒸ℯ ℱ𝓁ℴℴ𝓇 [𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝟏]

𝟏.𝟎𝟔.𝟓- 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤

˚✧.⋅₊˚ ‧ 🩰⋅୨୧ ⋅🦢  ‧₊˚ ⋅.✧˚

["Dance To Express, Not Impress"]

Emily and Katie walked into the house quietly, trying not to wake anyone as they closed the front door. It was 3 in the morning, and the exhaustion from the competition was evident on their faces. They set their bags down, moving quietly to avoid disturbing the household.

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps came from upstairs. Steve appeared at the top of the stairs, rubbing his eyes. "You two just got back?" he asked, his voice surprisingly calm for the early hour.

Katie nodded, a small smile on her face, "Yeah, it was a long weekend. How was everything here?"

Steve descended the stairs, a calm expression on his face, "Everything was fine. How was the competition?"

Emily, eager to share the good news, jumped in, "It was great, Dad! Maddie and I got first place with our duet, and I placed second with my solo. Our group dances won their categories too!"

Steve listened, nodding along as Emily rambled on about the details of the competition, "Our group dances both won too. They were in different categories, so they weren't against each other. Mackenzie and Vivi-Anne also had a duet, but it didn't place. Then Brooke's solo got sixth, which is really unlike her."

For a moment, the conversation felt light and normal, a rare occurrence in their household. But then Katie, caught up in the moment, let something slip.

"Tell him the other thing we get to do," Katie said, referring to the fact they would be competing in two Nationals this year.

"We're going on a six-week trip to film six more episodes," Emily said, her excitement getting the better of her.

Steve's calm demeanor immediately shifted, "What did you say?"

Katie realized Emily's mistake too late. "She...mentioned the trip, Steve. We have to go. Emily and I signed a contract."

Steve's face darkened, "A six-week trip? You didn't think to discuss this with me before agreeing to it?"

Katie sighed, trying to keep her own frustration in check, "Steve, this is important for Emily's career. And like I said, we signed a contract. We can't just back out."

Steve's anger flared, "You can't just make decisions like this without consulting me! Emily needs stability, not constant traveling and competing."

Katie's patience wore thin, "And what do you suggest, Steve? That we just give up on this opportunity? Emily has worked so hard for this. We can't just walk away."

Emily sat on the couch, feeling increasingly uncomfortable as the argument escalated. She hugged her knees to her chest, wishing she could disappear.

Steve's voice rose, "And what about Molly and Derek? I'm supposed to take care of them on my own for six weeks? This isn't fair to me!"

Katie's frustration boiled over, "You can manage, Steve. It's not like you're alone. They're your kids too."

Steve's eyes flashed with anger, "Oh, so now it's my problem? You're just going to leave and make me the bad guy. You think this is easy for me? Do you even care what this is doing to our family?"

Katie took a deep breath, trying to stay calm, "Steve, I care. But this is a huge opportunity for Emily. We have to support her."

Steve shook his head, his voice filled with bitterness, "You always put her first. What about the rest of us? What about me? Do you ever think about how hard this is on me?"