The Shadows We Dance With

Ch15: Isolation

Spencer Reid stood in front of his bedroom mirror, adjusting the collar of his shirt and running a hand through his slightly unruly hair. He was excited—he and a few friends from school had made plans to go to the movies tonight, a rare break from his relentless dance schedule. It was a chance to be a regular teenager for a few hours, to laugh and enjoy some popcorn without worrying about perfecting his next routine. He smiled at his reflection, feeling a flicker of normalcy, a reminder that there was life outside the dance studio.

But just as he was about to leave, the home phone rang in the kitchen. It was a call from Val, asking if he could come to the studio for an extra practice session. Spencer hesitated, feeling a twinge of guilt. He had been looking forward to this night out, but the thought of disappointing Val made his stomach turn. Val had always been there for him, pushing him to be better, to achieve greatness. Could he really put that on hold for something as trivial as a movie?

Sighing, Spencer told Val that he had plans with friends tonight but could come to the studio afterward.

**Val:** "Friends? Spencer, we've talked about this. Those kids are a distraction. They're not helping you reach your goals. You're better than that."

Spencer bit his lip, the excitement he had felt just moments ago fading as he heard Val's words. He didn't want to believe that his friends were bad for him, but Val had always been so adamant about it. Val knew what was best for him—he had proven that time and again. And yet, Spencer couldn't shake the feeling of wanting, just for tonight, to feel like a normal kid.

"It's just a movie, Val. I'll be back in time to practice afterward."

The response was immediate, and the tone in Val's voice was sharper, more forceful.

**Val:** "Movies are a waste of time. And what about all that junk food? Popcorn, candy—it's all garbage. It'll ruin the physique we've worked so hard to perfect. Do you really want to throw all of that away for a few hours of mindless entertainment?"

Spencer felt his heart sink. He had been looking forward to a night of fun, but Val's words were like a bucket of cold water, dousing his enthusiasm. He knew how much work had gone into his training, how much he had sacrificed to get to where he was. Could he really risk all of that for something as insignificant as a movie?

**Val:** "Your friends don't understand the dedication it takes to be the best. They're not like us, Spencer. They don't get it. They're holding you back."

Spencer's grip tightened on the phone as he stared at the wall in front of him, his mind racing. He had always felt different from his friends—more focused, more driven. But they had been there for him, in their own way, providing a sense of normalcy that his life with Val often lacked. And yet... Val had always been right. Val had always known what was best for him.

"You're right. I'll skip the movie and come to the studio." Spencer reluctantly agreed and hung up the phone. The decision leaving him with a hollow feeling in his chest. But as much as it hurt, he knew it was the right choice. Val had never led him astray before.

A few minutes later, there was a knock at the door. Spencer's friends, who had come to pick him up, were standing there, grinning and ready for a fun night out. But their smiles faltered when they saw Spencer's expression.

"Hey, you ready to go?" one of them asked, noticing the uncertainty in Spencer's eyes.

Spencer hesitated, glancing back at the phone. "Actually, I think I'm going to skip the movie," he said, trying to sound casual about it. "Val wants me to come to the studio to practice. I think it's probably better if I do that instead."

His friends exchanged concerned looks, their smiles fading completely. "Spencer, you've been practicing nonstop. You need a break. Come on, it's just one night."

"Yeah, we've been worried about you," another friend added. "You're always with Val. You never hang out anymore. It's like he's taking over your life."

Spencer's stomach twisted at their words. He knew they meant well, but they didn't understand. They couldn't. Val had been there for him in ways they never had, guiding him, protecting him. How could they question that?

"You don't understand," Spencer snapped, his voice harsher than he intended. "Val knows what's best for me. He's the reason I'm as good as I am. You guys are just... you're just distractions."

His friends looked taken aback, hurt flashing across their faces. "Spencer, we're not trying to stop you from dancing," one of them said gently. "We just want you to have a life outside of it too. Val can't control everything you do."

Spencer felt a surge of anger, the frustration of feeling pulled in two directions overwhelming him. "You don't get it," he shouted, his voice rising. "Val is right. You're a bad influence. I need to focus on my dancing. That's what's important."

The room fell silent, the tension thick and heavy. His friends looked at him with a mixture of sadness and disbelief, their concern clear in their eyes. But Spencer couldn't take it—he couldn't stand the way they were looking at him, like he was making a terrible mistake.

"Just go," Spencer muttered, turning away from them. "I have to get to the studio."

His friends lingered for a moment, clearly torn, but eventually, they left, closing the door behind them with a quiet click. Spencer stood there, his hands clenched into fists, his heart pounding in his chest. He had pushed them away, just like Val said he should. It was the right thing to do... wasn't it?

Spencer grabbed his dance bag and headed out the door, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. As he made his way to the studio, he replayed the conversation in his head, trying to convince himself that he had made the right choice. Val knew what was best for him. Val had always known.

But as he walked into the empty studio, the lights dim and the air cool, Spencer couldn't shake the feeling of loss that settled deep in his chest. He had chosen Val, had chosen dance, but at what cost?

Val greeted him with a smile, his expression warm and approving. "I'm glad you made the right choice, Spencer," he said, placing a hand on Spencer's shoulder. "You're going to be great."

Spencer forced a smile in return, pushing the doubts down, burying them beneath layers of trust and loyalty. He had to believe that Val was right, that this was what he needed to do to be the best.

But as they began their practice, the unease that had become so familiar stirred once again, reminding Spencer that something wasn't right, that he was losing something he couldn't quite name. And yet, as always, he pushed it down, telling himself that it didn't matter, that Val's approval was all he needed.

And so, Spencer danced, his movements precise and flawless, even as the shadows in his heart grew deeper, darker, and harder to ignore.