Second Chance

Chapter 12

Ten minutes later everyone stood in Studio A, besides Kenzie. I pulled a chair in for her so she could sit in our line in front of Abby.

Paige, Kendall, Nia, and Asia were on the bottom if the pyramid. Asia being brand new to the team, and the rest just not "participating and trying" enough. In the middle was Brooke and Chloe and on top there were two cards. One was me, and the other, as a surprise to all of us...

"And on top, next to Maddie," Abby said as she pulled the cover away. "Is Mackenzie. We've missed you, we love you, and get well soon!"

Everyone laughs and crowds around Kenzie hugging her tight. I stand off to the side with my Mom and the other adults.

"She's not gonna get well soon," I say sadly to my mom as she wraps an arm around me.

"We shouldn't say that, Madison," she states.

"But,-" I say.

"No buts." She tightens her grip. "We don't say that."

Suddenly, Abby claps her hands and everyone backs off.

"Lets not crowd," she declared. "Besides, we have work to do!" Abby shouts happily. She seems like she's in a good mood today, then again, everybody is.

*~*

A couple hours later, I'm working on my latest solo and Kenze is sitting on the floor in the corner running my music. For the first time in awhile, she seemed truly happy. She has more energy than before and is in a good mood, despite her medicine that creates the terrible mood swings. It was hard to tell if this was the infamous "last day" or if by some miracle, she was getting better.

I prayed for the latter.

"MADISON NICOLE, I've taught you better than this. POINT. YOUR. FEET."

Abby barked at me repeatedly until I finally fixed all of the things wrong.

Abby was hardly ever hard on me like this, but today was worse than ever.

"Alright, you're done. Send Paige in for solo rehearsal!"

"Mackenzie, get her music ready. It's..."

I didn't hear the rest because I had exited the room.

"Paige," I yelled. "Abby wants you for your solo!" Paige came running down the stairs and yelled a quick thank you.

I made my way through the clutter of bags and random pieces of clothing and dance shoes and entered the den.

"Maddie!" Someone called and I turned around.

"Hey nick!" I squealed and ran over to him, jumping on his lap.

"I've missed you!" I exclaimed.

"You too!" He said as he held me right.

"How was Vegas?" I asked as I climbed off of him and onto the bench.

"It was good, crazy, met some girls... You know!"

I hit him on the shoulder and we both laughed.

"Kidding, kidding... But how are you, Maddie?"

I was silent and looked down.

"How are you holding up?" He asked again.

"I'm... I guess I'm okay. I mean, I'm good."

I kept mumbling.

I'm holding up well... I think. Well, I don't know..."

He pulled me into another hug.

"I know you're not, Maddie."

"Yeah," I sniffed into his chest. "I'm just trying to be strong for everyone."

Nick sighed and pulled me in tighter.

"I feel like..." I sighed. "I just feel like, if I'm okay and if I don't, you know, cry about it all the time, it will all be okay. And good again, I guess."

We were quiet.

"You don't have to be brave, just because everyone else isn't."

I squeezed my eyes tight, not wanting to cry today.

"I don't know, it's hard, Nick-" I begin but am interrupted my a blood cuddling scream.