Dark and light: The Shadows

Chapter 7

Anya's POV

I peeked out the curtain with my palms slightly sweaty.

There's a sea of people out there. I thought the auditorium would only have fifty per cent capacity... and I was wrong.

The entire auditorium was packed. Holy shit.

I stepped away and grabbed a paper towel for my perspired palms. Luckily, we were wearing shoes for the first few dances, so I didn't have to worry about my feet probably causing me to slip.

"OK, Everyone! Over here, let's gather!" our instructor yelled with a couple of hand claps.

We went to her and sat around in a semi-circle. Just breathe. It'll be alright.

Our instructor gave us small talk: things to remember to do, things to focus on, never going too far from the markers set, just small but essential things. Then she gave a small motivational speech that included something to laugh about. The joke in there calmed my growing anxiety. She didn't know how much I needed that. I was 76% sure of my performance ability before. I was at almost a hundred now.

The announcer had gotten up there and began to announce the opening acts.

She instructed us to get in our positions before she put her hand on my shoulder.

"You got this, honey. Just remember to kick that foot up as high as you can. But don't pull a muscle! Focus on your body and movement. You and your dance mates are amazing as is. On top of it all, have fun!" She smiled and patted my shoulder, moving on to another student.

Those words moved like a train track around my mind for the remaining five minutes to show time. I was just grateful the first dance was slow to mid-tempo, so we had time to build our pace and energy.

The curtains finally rolled out and the crowd gave their first applause. And that was more than enough encouragement.

___

"Babe! You fuckin did that!!" he picked me up and spun me around, me screaming and him laughing.
He gave me flowers once I was put back down I heard a blasting applause. A near semi-circle was around us and once again the reality of how many people showed up hit me. My teammates were in the formation cheering me on and some did kissy faces. I was gonna hide my face behind Amare, but they were also why this dance was such a success.

I pulled them next to me and got them all around me eventually. We're in the middle of the hallway being applauded like this has been the best Broadway, or just a show, that they have ever seen.

I didn't want to get any less sleep than I already had previously, though, so I found a way to excuse myself -with my partner- from all the people congratulating us. I approached the entrance with him, still receiving appraisals. All I could do at that point was my habit of smiling with a slight head bow, so they'd know I wasn't ignoring them.

We finally got to the car. I didn't realize I hadn't changed out of my dance clothing. But honestly, I could just leave the top as is and pull on the skirt I brought.

"Hi, excuse me, Anya, right? Amya Coleman?" a woman called out, walking in our direction.

We were so close to our car, dude.

"Hi! Yes, how are you? What can I help you with?" I smiled and prepared myself for our conversation.

'I bet you it's a dance scout.' I thought to Amare. He jumped and I suppressed my giggle.

"It's the other way around, actually. Your teacher invited us, saying we were in for a show 'So memorable', and to keep our focus front and centre. And she does NOT miss when she says to focus on something. You were incredible, I know you've heard that all night, but you are." she was passionate and reached in her pocket for a card. "We have an interest in you and would love to discuss a future with you. On Monday, of course. Is that alright?"

I nodded my head, holding the card in my hand. Did I look dumbfounded? Because I was trying my best not to be.

"We look forward to contacting you, Anya. You're already at an amazing start. Enjoy your weekend!!" she smiled and waved walking off.

I squealed in excitement as I faced my partner, then skipped off to Storm's waiting truck, tugging him along.

"Dude, I got a dance academy? Group? Something! I got their business card and they'll be in touch with me! Aaaaahhhh!" I shook the vehicle with my happy squirming.

"Oh, honey," she pulled four more from her coat. " you got at least four more. If it plays right, you're about to be booked and busy!"

She hugged and kissed me as best as she could from the front seat, then started the car.

I smiled in satisfaction and lay on Amare's lap. The entire ride consisted of them fanning on their opinions of the best and the most impressive parts. I could only interject for so long. It was the shortest drive home. And I was as happy to get there.

-----

"Babe... I'm kinda concerned about my sister." I picked at my nails softly as we sat on the end of my bed.

He sighed and nodded. "I am too. She's getting a bit off. Maybe just more reserved... but, you said that's happened a while before right? Maybe it's just another phase. She'll be ok. And you're always worrying about her. Focus on yourself. What's next? A national dance championship I'm sure?" he smirked and rolled me over on my bed. I couldn't even get an answer out when he attacked my face with his kisses.

Storm called from downstairs and I gave him one more kiss. I pulled him with me back down the stairs, hearing him laugh as we ran. We only slowed down when we came off the last step. My adrenaline being this high still was fascinating.

We took some pictures before we sat down and had the food Storm and Bella prepared. Both of their partners were there also, and I had a feeling that one of the pair was reaching a milestone in their relationship but decided not to bring it up at this dinner. Though, I was aching to know now.

I made sure to pack aside a few servings to take to Bek when Abosk and I go back tomorrow, then went on with my night.

The shower had to be what calmed me down. It washed my adrenaline, and I now yearned for my bed. I'm sure Amare had other ideas, but once he saw me emerge from the bathroom with my warm pyjama set, he picked up that memo too. He sped into the bathroom with his matching set in hand and I could only giggle.

I rolled over, phone in hand now, and scrolled through my socials. All of them were lined with congratulatory messages, some went too far, and I barely knew a good portion of these people. There was enough time for me to respond in each app and then draft a post to be released by tomorrow at noon. My hands crossed my chest once that was done, and then I sighed with fatigue but felt content.

Just as he emerged from the shower. The scent of my body gel told on him and I squinted my eyes tiredly. He lay down beside me and put a hand on my face, facing me. He pecked my forehead with a kiss, then my lips.

"Ready for your rejuvenating rest?" he got up and lit an incense that aided me in sleep, "nearly forgot. Might knock me out quick too."

We chucked and I snuggled closer to him. I closed my eyes and locked the door telekinetically. Now I could almost sleep peacefully. His arm draped over my waist, I placed my available hand in his soft hair, and his eyes were now closed. I half smiled, focused on the safety of his touch, and the scent of the homemade incense. My eyes closed once the room felt right.

Well, right enough.