Meadow Valley book series- Everything's changed

Chapter 29: Making new friends

     Ana was surprised to discover that one girl actually lived in the same town as she did. They would be attending the same high school in the fall. The girls name was Elisabeth. She was two grades below Ana. She felt like they had an instant connection with each other. Elisabeth reminded Ana a lot like her best friend Rebecca. She was a beautiful dancer as well. There were a few things that she needed help on with some ballroom tricks. Ana felt like she could help her with that. Elisabeth hasn't trained as long as Ana in ballroom. She was mainly trained in ballet and Jazz. Elisabeth also had hopes of studying dance at Juilliard when she graduated from high school.

     The two girls had a lot to talk about. Ana had made sure to exchange phone numbers with her new friend. They made plans to meet up and practice on their days off from the studio. Elisabeth said that she lived closer in town. Ana lived a little bit more in the country. It was only like ten minutes away by car to her house. Ana was so excited to finally be in a dance studio. To meet people who shared the same passion for dance.

     Adam had come a little bit early to watch Ana dance. He watched through the glass window in the waiting area designated for parents. He was amazed at how well Ana had danced with the others in the group. She had just met them today. The woman at the receptionist desk had recognized him from earlier.

"You're here for Ana right."

"Yes Ma'am."

"You can go into the studio if you want. I think she is finished with the group practice and is working alone now."

     She escorted Adam into the studio where Ana was at and told him to sit in the back. He watched as Ana was trying out a few new partners for her Latin ballroom routine. Ana's teachers had heard so much about her. They were really excited to be able to have the chance to work with someone of her caliber.

     At first Ana had danced with one of the male instructors, Sergio. He was a really good dancer and pushed her extremely hard. It had been awhile since Ana had done any tricks. He wasn't about to give her any free pass because of her situation. Ana had messed up several times. He seemed to get a little annoyed with her when she did. He even commented about how he had watched some of her championship competition videos.

"I thought you were going to be better than this. Again."

     Sergio looked at Ana and shook his head. He didn't want any excuses from her. Just more hard work. Ana knew that she had to push herself harder even though she was exhausted. She noticed Adam sitting in the back of the room. She tried to impress everyone watching her.

     Sergio worked with Ana for another hour. She was so sore from falling a couple of times. One time when he tried to lift her up over his head and roll her down to the floor, Ana's hand slipped out of his. She fell and landed pretty hard on her shoulder. Ana knew that was going to leave a nasty bruise. She was going to need some ice later. She didn't dare ask to stop to rest for a moment. Sergio just looked at Ana and said 'again'. Ana had to suck up the pain and do the trick again and again until she got it right. When they finally performed the trick correctly Ana was so excited. Sergio gave her a big hug.

"Good job Ana. There might be hope for you yet." He a thick Russian accent that could be difficult to understand at times.

"Come back in two days. We practice more. We still need partner for you, no?"

"So you are not going to be my partner?"

"No. I trainer. But I got few partners for you try later. Rest now. See you in two days. Much hard work to do in summer."

     Ana said goodbye to her new friends at the studio. She packed up her dance bag and walked over to where Adam was sitting in the back of the room. As they left, she saw Elisabeth in the waiting room. She waved goodbye to her new friend and told her that she would give her a call later. They were going to set up a time to practice tomorrow at her house.