Crestwood Academy for Young Ladies - Forced Fem Fantasy

Chapter Thirty-Two: Inner Diva

Dylan spent the rest of the day in his classes, laser-focused, determined not to repeat his geography disaster. He made sure to pay full attention, taking detailed notes on every little point. No more shortcuts. He wasn't about to risk another "incentive," especially not with his plate already full.

In Etiquette Basics, Ms. Abbot revisited the topic of the Debutante ball, mentioning how it would test everything they'd learned so far. She also hinted at next week's lessons on the International Slow Waltz. It was all information the boys had heard before, but Dylan scribbled it down anyway. Every note mattered now.

After dinner, Dylan headed back to the dorm to change for Equestrian Club. He had requested a second set of riding clothes—washing his only pair had been a logistical nightmare. The new set had been delivered and hung in his closet. It included a beige fitted workout shirt that looked impossibly small before he put it on, along with black legging-like pants, far tighter than he preferred. He slipped on the same black boots and gloves he'd worn before. They had also provided him with a puffer vest for the chill in the evening air.

As much as Dylan hated how snug the outfit was, he couldn't complain too much—he'd noticed that all the other girls wore similarly tight-fitting clothes to ride. It was just the way things were in this sport .

When he arrived early at the stables, Claire was already there. She beamed when she saw him and immediately asked about the talent show.

"Soooo... how much practice have you squeezed in today?" Claire asked, teasingly.

Dylan smirked. "Let's just say I've got the lyrics down. Beyoncé's been on loop in my head all day." He tapped his temple for emphasis, and Claire laughed.

Their riding instructor soon arrived, and the lesson began with more technical drills than usual. Dylan found himself enjoying the challenge. He felt confident as they upped the complexity of their routines. The connection he'd formed with Willow, his horse, and the free feeling of riding had made these sessions something he genuinely looked forward to.

After the lesson at the stables, there was no time to relax. Dylan and Claire hurried to the dance studio for their first official practice for the talent show. As they walked, Dylan couldn't help but think about dancing in front of the whole school, the dread growing a pit in his stomach. He tried to push those thoughts away as they reached the studio.

Inside, the energy was buzzing. Amber stood at the front, the self-appointed coach, already hyped and eager to lead the group through the routine. Dylan plastered on a smile, reminding himself to look as excited as everyone else.

"Alright, ladies!" Amber clapped her hands, pulling everyone's attention to her. "We've got a lot to cover, and I want us to nail this performance. So let's start with the intro again, and don't forget—the sassier, the better!"

Dylan shifted uncomfortably but quickly followed along as the music started. He found himself moving through the steps, trying his best to mimic the confidence and energy of the other girls. The choreography wasn't difficult, but it was hard not to feel awkward. Every time he waved his arms or swayed his hips, he had to remind himself to exaggerate the movements.

After a few run-throughs, Amber stopped the music. "Okay, great start ladies! But remember, the song is about showing men we're just as good without them. Let's see some more personality, especially from you, Dee."

Dylan's stomach churned as Amber gave him a teasing grin. "Come on, show me your inner diva!"

The girls around him laughed, and Dylan forced a chuckle. 

He amped up the attitude in his movements. Amber nodded approvingly. "There she is! That's our lead. She don't need no man!"

They continued dancing, Amber calling out more tips as they practiced. Dylan did his best to loosen up, adding a bit more flair to his movements, but it still felt like he was putting on an act.

Finally, after nearly an hour and a half of practice, they were all too tired to continue. The music stopped, and everyone collapsed onto the floor, panting and laughing. Dylan sat with his back against the mirror, grateful for the break.

Kayla groaned, pulling off one of her dance shoes. "Ugh, I'm dying," she muttered, tossing the shoe to the side. "But at least it's easier than dealing with my boyfriend."

Hannah raised an eyebrow, interested. "What happened now?"

Kayla sighed dramatically. "We had plans this weekend but he canceled because he 'needed a weekend to himself.' Can you believe that? He has the whole week to himself! Like, what does he need a break from? I'm the one who's been busy with school and now this talent show practice!"

Claire rolled her eyes in sympathy. "Guys are such babies sometimes. You're juggling a thousand things, and he's the one who needs a break? Please."

Dylan, who had been listening quietly, couldn't help but think Kayla's boyfriend probably wasn't entirely wrong to want a night off. Still, he wasn't about to voice that opinion. Instead, he nodded along with the other girls.

"So annoying," Dylan offered, keeping his tone neutral. "Maybe he's just overwhelmed?"

Kayla waved a hand dismissively. "Whatever. I just wish he'd grow up."

The girls murmured in agreement, and Dylan silently decided it was better to keep following their lead. He wasn't about to stand out by defending the boyfriend.

The conversation shifted back to the performance, and Claire suddenly perked up with an idea. "Hey, here's an idea. Kayla, it looks like you have plans again this weekend. We should all go get manicures for the show! Like, matching nails. It'll be so cute!"

Amber's eyes lit up. "Oh my god, yes! Show her boyfriend she doesn't need him to have fun. I love that idea."

"What about you Di? Are you busy on Sunday?" Claire asked Dylan.

"Uh- No! I'd love that." Dylan replied with an enthusiastic smile. However, on the inside he dreaded the idea.

"We could do something super sparkly," Claire suggested. "Like, all glitter nails to go with our outfits!"

"Oh my god girls... you guys are so thoughtful. That'd be perfect," Kayla agreed, sitting up straighter.

Dylan smiled, feeling like an outsider in the conversation but knowing he had to keep playing along.

After a bit more chatter, they finally decided to call it a night. They gathered their things, still talking about the manicure plans and the upcoming performance as they left the studio. Dylan walked back to his dorm, still in his riding clothes, his mind buzzing with everything he had to juggle over the next few weeks. The talent show, the modeling punishment, the debutante ball—it all felt overwhelming.

But for now, at least, he had made it through another day without letting anyone see how much it was all getting to him.

One step at a time, he reminded himself.