Second Chance

Chapter 1

Three weeks ago, we were back at the ALDC practicing for yet another competition. I had a solo, Mackenzie had a solo, and Kendall had a solo, and everyone was in the group dance. Mackenzie was in solo rehearsal for her lyrical solo "Knew Better." I watched from the side as she mastered all of the steps after trying so hard. That was the kind of thing I admired in her. She was a dilligent worker, never giving up. She didn't stop until she had successfully mastered each move. Mackenzie created this image of an angel. A spunky, sassy, feisty angel. A little girl that shined, especially on the dance floor.

Today was different though. After landing a front aerial, and slid into a final right split, I could tell something was wrong. She squinted her eyes, clearly in pain, and clutched her side.

"Mackenzie!" Abby barked. But Maddie didn't respond. "Mackenzie, what is wrong with you? Don't ignore me when I say something to you."

Mackenzie stood up and stumbled to the side. My eyes widened watching her grab her right hip and fall to the floor.

"Mackenzie!" I yelped and ran to her side.

She stared up at me with her big brown eyes, obviously in pain.

"Ouch," she whimpered. "Are you okay?" I mouthed at her.

"Uh," she stumbled over her words. "Yeah."

I shook my head no and began to say something but Abby pushed me out of the way.

"Mackenzie, Kenzie, what's wrong? Where does it hurt? Tell me, honey."

At this point my mom had come downstairs into the studio and both adults were swarming over her.

"I'm fine!" Mackenzie stated and stood up pushing her way through Abby and mom.

"Mackenzie, stop it," Abby grabbed her arm.

"I'm really fine." She said once again.

"Okay, if you're so 'fine,' start your solo from the top. Go."

And she did. But I saw in Mackenzie's eyes that she had lost that consistent sparkle that always had been in her eyes.

And I knew something was wrong, even if no one else did.