On the Tips of the Heart || Sienna e Rebecca AMICI24

Chapter 2: The Beginning of the Dream

The next few weeks were a mixture of anxiety and anticipation. Sienna checked her phone every day, waiting for that call that could change her life. Then, finally, it came. Her heart stopped for a moment when she saw the unknown number on the screen."Sienna Osborne? You've been selected for the final casting phase. Show up at the television studios in Rome next week."Happiness exploded inside her like a firework. She had passed the first round, and now there was only one last test to face. But she knew that this would be the hardest of all. The final selection took place in front of the professors of the show, the other aspirants and, above all, the audience.On the day of the final casting, the "Amici" studio was full of light and color. Sienna entered with wide eyes, looking around in amazement. It was a dream to be there, on the same stage she had seen so many times on television. But now it was her turn, her moment.The seats were full of spectators, and some of the professors were already in the studio: Alessandra Celentano, with her impassive and severe expression; Emanuel Lo, who observed attentively, ready to give technical advice; Deborah Lattieri, energetic and always ready to encourage; Lorella Cuccarini, smiling and warm; Rudy Zerbi and Anna Pettinelli, ready to comment on each performance.

Sienna looked around and saw Rebecca, also ready for her last test. They hadn't spoken much in the last few days, but the understanding between them seemed to grow in silence. There was something in those glances exchanged on the fly, a sort of silent alliance.

The first performance was hers. The tension was palpable. Adrenaline was coursing through her veins, and every movement seemed charged with meaning. The music began, and Sienna immersed herself in her choreography. She could feel the eyes of the audience, the teachers, and the other competitors on her, but she didn't let the pressure distract her.

When she finished, the applause from the audience was an unexpected relief. Even if the teachers were still impassive, she felt like she had given everything she could.

It was time to find out if I had a desk at Amici's school. Maria asked Celentano."So I...no," Alessandra said, without betraying any emotion on her face.Then Maria asked Deborah."No," she replied, shaking her head, "I see a lot, but I don't see the ballerina as I mean it."My last hope was Emmanuel, it was his turn."Thank you sir, thank you, thank you," Lo said, throwing her arms in the air, "Then, instead I see exactly the ballerina as I mean it, powerful and above all charismatic. Thank you, a great base to work from, so come join the Lo team."Angelina handed me the shirt, she was officially a student at the Amici school. As she went to sit at her new desk, she passed Rebecca again. A nervous smile they exchanged, and Sienna couldn't help but feel a stronger bond every time they passed each other.Sienna sat at her desk, trying to calm her nerves. Even though she had been chosen, she couldn't relax. The desks were running out, and Rebecca hadn't been called yet. A growing uneasiness tightened her stomach. They hadn't known each other for long, but something about Rebecca had struck her right away. Maybe it was the silent glances they exchanged, or maybe it was the determination Rebecca exuded. Whatever it was, the idea that she might not make it gave her an anxiety she couldn't explain.

Finally, Rebecca's name was called. Sienna held her breath, watching her stand and walk toward the stage. There was only one desk left, and there were two candidates left. The tension in the studio was palpable. Rebecca would have to give her all in this performance, and Sienna knew it. When the music started, Rebecca moved with overwhelming force. Every step was confident, every movement filled with power and grace. She didn't seem the least bit intimidated by the pressure of the moment, or the judgemental looks of the professors. But when the ever-unyielding Alessandra Celentano pulled the lever, stopping the music, Sienna felt her heart race. Rebecca didn't stop, though. She kept dancing, as if the music was still alive inside her, as if nothing could stop her. The audience held their breath. Sienna couldn't take her eyes off her, either. Rebecca danced as if she'd been born for that moment. Her confidence was almost tangible, and when she finally finished, the studio erupted in thunderous applause. Now it was time for the decision. Sienna watched the teachers with bated breath. Celentano said no, shaking his head. It wasn't a surprise, but that wasn't what mattered. All eyes were on Deborah Lattieri, the only one left to make the final decision. An expectant silence fell over the studio. "For me, it's yes," Deborah said with a determined smile. "You've shown a strength that few have, and I want to work with you." Sienna felt a wave of relief wash over her, as if she herself had been chosen again. A smile spread across her face, and when Rebecca received the shirt, their eyes met once again. This time, Rebecca's smile was full of victory, and Sienna couldn't help but return an equally happy smile. They were both in the school.

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The next few days were filled with classes and rehearsals. The "Friends" program was known for being intense and competitive. Every day was a challenge, a race against time and against oneself. Dance lessons, choreography rehearsals, and the teachers' cutting comments were the norm. Sienna and Rebecca often found themselves in the same classes, each focused on their own growth, but increasingly aware of the other.The days started early, with early wake-ups and quick breakfasts. By eight in the morning, everyone was in the room for their first class. Every step had to be perfect, every movement controlled, while the cameras filmed everything. There were few breaks, and often, while the other students chatted or rested, Sienna and Rebecca would retreat to practice in silence.The dance studio quickly became their refuge. Although they didn't talk much at first, as the weeks went by, the silence between them turned into something more familiar. There was mutual respect, and an unspoken agreement that they would both give their best.One afternoon, after a long practice session, Rebecca approached Sienna as she was stretching on the floor."You have great control over your movements," Rebecca said, finally breaking the ice.Sienna smiled shyly. "Thank you. You're very strong, too, with incredible energy."Rebecca sat down next to her, sipping some water. "Sometimes I think energy is all I have," she admitted with a smile that was half irony and half sincere.Sienna shook her head. "No, you're so much more than energy. There's intensity, passion in your movements. It's something you can't fake."It was in that moment that something changed between them. The words, though simple, had more weight than a simple compliment. There was a deeper connection, an awareness growing between them. A bond that, without them knowing it yet, would lead to something more.