Last place

Chapter 1

I raced down the stairs following my sister Clodagh. we were on our way to yet another feis, only benefiting my sister of course. She's the perfect one. The one that's won oireachtas 5 times, whose a world medal holder, 10th at the great britains, 7th at the all Scotlands, 4th at the all Ireland's and better yet the NANS champion. But who am I? I'm Erin, clodaghs sister, the one no one knows about. I dance, but who cares? I'm only prelim. I have considered quitting dance, but I love it too much to quit.
I grab my feis bag and headed out to the car. We had an hour drive to the feis so I plugged in my earphones and listened to my music and watched the scenery pass by.
We finally got there and my sister was dancing first. Obviously she was getting most attention. Everyone was wishing her good luck, complimenting her new Gavin dress. I will admit, it is nice, and I cannot wait to get into open so I can get my first made solo dress, I've always had second hand. My sister finished dancing, and what a surprise she won! I was happy for her, but then when is she ever happy for me? I regained focus on my competition as I walked up side stage. I talked to some familiar faces before I stepped on the stage in the gym. I began my hornpipe and I thought I was dancing great. I know I don't have the most turned out feet, or the best stamina but I'm not perfect! I finished my dance, bowed and walked off. I got my friend Niamh to unzip my dress and she did it halfway. I sat down on the plastic chair, not getting a comment from my mum or sister, only my dance teacher and Niamh. I laced up my light shoes and then quickly did some jumps and ankle movements. I went side stage again and sat on the bench next to the girls I was before. I loved my reel, it was so energetic and bouncy! I finished and walked off stage and then the waiting game begun. We waited an hour for results and then we headed into the results hall. We all got lined up onstage and the butterflies in my tummy flew around. They called the solos and I received a 3rd in lights and 5th in heavys. I awaited my overall results as they were calling it backwards. They got to top five and I looked around to see who was in the top 5. I was a regular on the podium, just never ever received first!
"In 3rd place, 367 Erin Joyce from the Ryan Byrne school of dance!" There was a small clap as I turned to receive my Sash. I got onto the podium and held my trophy in the crook of my arm, like a baby. The girl who got first was crying with joy as she received her trophy and sash. After awards we each got a certificate and results pack and then we headed back to our seats. I actually got quite a few congratulations, but I knew it was time to change.
We finally got home and I ate my dinner, did my homework that was due for tomorrow and then headed to bed as I was shattered.

After school I came straight in and changed into some practise gear. I headed into the conservatory where we had a large Lino floor and a mirror on the wall and I begun practising. I practised for at least 3 hours before having to get my dinner. At the dinner table my mum told us some exciting news!
"Okay so, this summer, I'm assuming that you know about the NANS?" We nodded our heads and I think i knew where this was going.
"Well we've decided to take you again!" My sister squealed and so did I, realising it was in Orlando. I soon had my doubts though, it probably wasn't even meant for me, I bet I wasn't even dancing like last year.
"What about me?" I spoke up
"What about you honey?" My mom replied
"Well I'm assuming I'm not dancing, and if I was you wouldn't care anyway because if you say yes, you'll probably just ignore me and focus on Clodagh like you normally do. Just so that she can get up and win, but the I'll get up and make a complete fool out of myself, so there's no point in me dancing. I'm quitting" I stood up and took one look at my family's face, mum and dads face lay gobsmacked, jaws opened wide while Clodagh, a little hint of a smile crept through although she remained shocked.
"Oh honey i don't think...."
"Save it okay, you obviously don't care about my dancing so I'm quitting"
I paced up the stairs and slammed my bedroom door. I slowly laid down on my bed, staring at my trophies and sashes on my bookshelf that I'd collected over the years. Tears welled my eyes and they spilled out all over my bed sheets. I couldn't quit, but I had to threaten them to see if they were actually bothered. I got no reply from them, no one came to check on me. I soon fell asleep, dreaming of winning nationals. If only I could make this happen some how, if only.