Striving for Greatness: A Vladimir Chigvintsev Story

8

After driving around for an hour I decided to stop by the studio and let out my frustration on the ballroom floor. I have to dance, I promised my mother. After all, the memory of her is the only real thing within me right now.

I walked into the room and was surprised to see Valerie there, practicing in front of the mirror.

"Valerie?" I smiled, it was good to see her putting in the extra time.

"Vlad? What are you doing here..I.." She was flustered.

"It's fine, I was coming here to clear my head, its good to see you practicing outside of rehearsals. Do you want to practice together?" I asked her.

We went through all the steps and we nailed it each time. Nationals is in two weeks and we are golden.

"So what's causing you to need to clear your head?" She asked.

"You wouldn't begin to understand what I've been going through." I shook my head.

"Well why don't you tell me, we are partners, Vlad." She grabbed my hand. A spark flew between us. It was the first connection I felt with her, and It felt good.

"My... dad... hes, well they... my mom and dad hid from me that... Maks is my father.." I struggled to make sense of it myself. I need more of a confirmation, all I got was a nod, but It's becoming much more real now. I feel inside me that it is true, Maks is my father.

"Does Maks know?" She asked looking into my eyes.

"He knows. He's cared about me my whole life, me more than Alek, I should have known!" I jumped up and paced the floor.

"I'm here for you." Valerie reassured me.

I looked at her and then wondered why she was even here, it's getting late.

"So what brings you out here?"

"I have been practicing extra to keep up with you, I don't want to let you down, it's just hard with school and now Nationals being so close and I am gonna miss some classes, It's a lot of pressure. Not to mention, my dysfunctional family. It makes your situation seem easy."

This caught my attention, finally we were understanding eachother. She was causing me to be less of a jerk and more of a friend to her.

"You can talk about it, you know. I may seem like a jerk sometimes but I've just had to grow up so fast, and be strong for everyone but myself."

"I shouldn't have said anything." She looked down.

"If something is going on that shouldn't be, you should definitely tell me, I will help you.."

She began to cry and shook her head. In that moment, sitting in the middle of the ballroom floor, I looked into her eyes and I saw the strength that Valerie Manning possessed.

I helped her stand up, I wiped her tear and she sobbed in my chest. I let her get through the tears, and she finally spoke.

"My father is an alcoholic." She said "He is unemployed and sits at home all dhay, drinking and barking orders. I refuse to let him belittle me, and cause me pain. I look after my mom when she's been hurt by him, and I am forced to be silent. I don't let anyone see into my life, because I'm ashamed.."

"That is not your fault, and your mom should not have to live through that. They have a pretty great daughter who deserves the support that is needed in such a stressful time, You and your mother need to leave him."

"It's not that easy." She rolled her eyes, "I've been dealing with this my whole life, we have tried to get out. He always finds us and things turn out worse. I'm lucky I am even allowed to be here right now. I would die to be in your position. As hard as it is, you have two pretty amazing dad's who care for you, I know Maks loves you, I see it in rehearsal everyday. He is proud of you. You are very lucky.

Valerie picked up her bag, gave a faint smile and began to walk out of the door.

"Where are you going?" I asked her.

"Home." She said "I have a curfew"

I felt terrible for her, but didn't know what I could do. She confided in me and I didn't want her to regret it, I didn't want to lose her as a partner or anything

"I'll see you at 2" I said, referring to tomorrow's party.

She nodded one last time before beginning to run to her car. Then she sped off.