Consider Me

Chapter Fifty: Lily

I take a deep breath and look at the many faces in the audience. My professors, fellow classmates, their parents, are all here. Clapping, smiling. Enjoying. Needless to say, my first act with Fiona was a blast. 

I performed elegantly. Where I stopped, Fiona began. We masterfully adjusted to each other's movement and enacted a flawless theme of two woman building fragile friendship. My cheeks hurt with the way I am smiling and bowing to the room filled with people.

Somewhere between entering the stage and finishing, I scanned the rows closest to the stage to see if my parents are there. I wanted to see them. I wanted them to see me. I was proud. I was happy. And I wanted both of them see I was still glowing despite our personal differences. 

I spotted Dad first in the second row with Lucas's brother, Anthony and his girlfriend. My mum was late but she didn't miss the performance. They both obviously didn't sit together. Two people where between them but I didn't mind. You can't force relations and from what I learned, those two are better apart than together. 

Also, Dad is married and I don't want to ruin a good family. 

"You were beautiful," Fiona says as we exit the stage. I take a one last look at the audience, trying to find Lucas but couldn't. Where is he? "That swirl was amazing girl,"

"Thanks," I walked down the stairs. "Your lift was incredible too. It was like I weighed nothing,"

She laughs, "Dancer arms,"

Fiona pushes the curtains aside and we head inside to the changing room. I don't have any more performances lined up for me. The solo act is the last one so I am free to breathe and watch others in the stage like my friend Sabina who is vibrating with excitement near the threshold. 

She envelops me into a hug, "Bitch you were so good and Fiona!!" She releases me and grabs my partner. "Fiona. Fiona. You lifted a panda girl. I salute you,"

"What the hell?" I say, which makes them both laugh out loud. 

"Okay now its my turn. Wish me luck ladies," I watch Sabina make her way to the stage with her partner. She looks ethereal in her pink dress and open hair. Jackson is lucky. I watch her on the big TV they have in the changing room. She waves at the audience like a main character then gets into position. Lights starts to dim and the opening tune begins. 

"Is it okay if I use the restroom, Lily?" Fiona asks from behind. 

I turn, "Yeah sure,"

"Thanks," she says, having taken her bun off. 

There are a bunch of other girls in the room. Four to be exact. They're all busy in doing last minute touches, costume fixes and battling nervous. A junior passes around water bottles to all of us then informs them of the line up. Whoever is next is already standing by the door, watching the TV with me. She looks anxious but eager. 

I softly smile at her then focus back on watching my best friend. Her dance is so beautiful. So fresh. Sabina likes movement. Dance is one of the many sports she likes unlike me that sees it as a personal therapy. The reason she decided to participate was mainly because she didn't like the idea of sitting the audience and clapping while others have fun. 

She wanted the experience and after last time, she wanted me to have fun so she got in without expectation and now, she is rocking. I feel proud watching her on the stage. I know I said I wanted to win but if there is a chance that Sabina could win then I'll be happy for her. 

I was deep in my thought with alternatives if I lose when someone grabs my right wrist and whirls me around. Fast, without a warning. "What the-" My hair slaps behind my back harshly at the movement. "Who-" I stop when I see the person. Blonde hair. Pupils dilated. Mouth clenched. Wait- her pupils her dilated? "Gloria,"