The Shadows We Dance With

Ch8: Shadows That Lie Behind the Spotlight

Thirteen-year-old Spencer Reid stood backstage at a crowded dance competition, his heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. The air was thick with the scent of hairspray, sweat, and nervous energy as dancers from various studios prepared for their performances. Spencer was dressed in a sleek, black dance costume, the fabric shimmering slightly under the dim backstage lights. He had grown taller over the past year, his limbs long and graceful, perfectly trained for the complex routines he had mastered under Val's strict guidance.

As Spencer peeked out from behind the curtain, he caught sight of his mother, Diana, sitting in the audience. She was smiling, chatting animatedly with Val, who was seated next to her. Even from a distance, Spencer could see the way Val's charm seemed to envelop her, drawing her into his orbit just as it did with everyone else. Val was impeccably dressed, as always, his dark hair neatly combed, his expression warm and engaging. He gestured with his hands as he spoke, his voice carrying just enough to let Spencer hear snippets of their conversation.

"You must be so proud of Spencer, Diana," Val said, his tone smooth and complimentary. "He's worked incredibly hard for this. He's a natural talent, but it's his dedication that really sets him apart."

Diana beamed, nodding in agreement. "Oh, I am, Val. I'm so grateful for everything you've done for him. Spencer absolutely adores you, you know. He talks about you all the time."

Val's smile widened, a flicker of something unreadable passing through his eyes. "Well, he's a remarkable young man. It's been an honor to guide him."

Spencer watched the exchange, a strange feeling stirring in his chest. He wasn't sure if it was pride, knowing that Val and his mom were so close, or something else—something that made him feel small and uncertain. Val was always so charming, so perfect in everyone's eyes. The judges seemed to worship the ground he walked on, and whenever Val approached them, they greeted him with admiration and deference. Spencer had seen it countless times—Val shaking hands with the judges, exchanging pleasantries with a smile that never wavered. They listened to him, trusted his opinions, and often looked to him for guidance.

And then there were the other students. Spencer noticed how they stared at him with thinly veiled envy, their gazes flicking between him and Val as if they couldn't quite believe how lucky Spencer was to be so close to someone as respected as Val. When students from other dance studios passed by, they often stopped to say hello to Val, their faces lighting up as they did. Val was always kind to them, smiling and offering a few encouraging words, but Spencer couldn't help the pang of jealousy that welled up inside him whenever it happened. He didn't like sharing Val's attention, even though he knew it was irrational. Val was his teacher, his mentor—no one else's.

As Spencer continued to watch, a judge approached him to offer some pre-performance encouragement. "You've got a lot of talent, Spencer," the judge said, smiling down at him. "Val speaks very highly of you. I'm looking forward to seeing you dance."

Before Spencer could respond, he felt Val's presence behind him. The atmosphere shifted instantly as Val stepped closer, his gaze locking onto the judge with a look that was polite but intense. "Thank you," Val interjected smoothly, placing a hand on Spencer's shoulder. "Spencer has worked hard, and I'm confident he'll give a performance worth watching."

The judge nodded, clearly taking Val's cue, and excused himself with a final word of encouragement for Spencer. As soon as the judge walked away, Val's grip on Spencer's shoulder tightened just slightly, almost imperceptibly. Spencer felt a flutter of anxiety in his stomach but quickly pushed it aside.

"Remember," Val said softly, his voice calm but firm, "focus on the routine. Don't let distractions get in the way. You're here to win."

Spencer nodded, the unease from earlier fading as he focused on the task at hand. "I won't let you down, Val. I promise."