You and Me, Always.

Rehearsal

Janette clasped Aljaž's hand anxiously as they walked through the cobbled backstreets of London. It was their first day of rehearsals for the Strictly Come Dancing professional dances and Janette was feeling the nerves more than usual. "Baby," She piped up, "What if they're all better and prettier than me?" She looked up at him with worried eyes. He stopped, cupped her face with his other hand and slowly whispered, "Bučka, you are the most beautiful girl I have ever seen." He then kissed her forehead slowly and smiled. Janette gingerly smiled back and replied with "I love you bučko."

Continuing down the abandoned street, they were certain they heard voices. Listening closely, they realised that they were the voices of Karen and Kevin, their best friends. Feeling reassured that this was going to be amazing, they strode on, heading for the door of the studio which was also where the racket was coming from.

Upon arriving at the door, they spotted, as predicted, the Cliftons, goofing around as usual. Jo and Karen were attempting to pour their water down Kevin's back. Kevin, meanwhile, was scampering around like a squirrel trying to get away from his fiancé and sister. He saw Janette and Aljaž approaching and took it as an opportunity to distract his 'attackers.' "Look! It's Janette and Aljaž!" He yelled, his arms held in a mock surrender position. Karen and Jo whipped around to see their best friends standing, laughing at the whole proceedings.
"Janette!" Karen and Jo shouted in unison, before engulfing her in a hug. "Hey, mate!" Kevin said to Aljaž, before doing their greeting of choice, which Karen teased them for looking like 5 year old boys doing a secret handshake.

After all the necessary greetings, they all headed into the studio, Jo giving Kev a final shove and skipping off. Janette felt more at ease now among her friends. She had realised that this was the job of a lifetime. Many people who had come and gone had said it was the most fun they'd ever had, and to enjoy it as much as possible. Janette decided to do just that.

"Hi guys, come on in and start stretching!" Yelled a heavily accented Australian voice. It was Jason, their choreographer. The 'Dream Team' (the name they had adopted for themselves) dropped their bags in a corner and began their exercises. As they were doing so, more dancers trickled in, and to Janette's delight, she recognized most of them. There was Kristina, with her coffee. Iveta and her spangly dress that she had made herself. The legend that was Anton, along with Brendan, both of whom were playing at irritating each other.

Jason re-appeared and shouted at the group to stand up and find their partner. Janette headed to Aljaž and gripped his hand. From behind them, they heard Anton pipe up "Aww, look at the two lovebirds, holding hands." Karen and Kevin stood themselves beside Janette and Aljaž, and Karen whispered, "Don't worry about him. He's always like that with the newbies. It's just some fun." She then gave the pair a reassuring smile before turning back to Kevin.

"Right, everyone. The opening number this series will be a Latin dance as it is high energy and our aim is to dazzle. It'll also be introducing the new professional dancers, Aljaž, Janette, Kevin, Iveta and Anya, so you'll have a slightly different routine. Everyone, spread out and we will begin." Jason announced. The group of dancers spread themselves around the studio. Janette looked around her and realised being here, with her bučko, her best friends, doing something she adored was a dream come true. She finally felt as though she belonged.