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Chapter 2

It was a week after the whole quitting fiasco. I knew I couldn't quit but if it remained the same I knew I would have too. Everyday, when my mum takes Clodagh to dancing and stays and my dad is either at work or watching tv, I head out to the conservatory to practise. I haven't told anyone. I've been doing drills and perfecting my steps. I've been getting up early to do sit-ups and other excersises, then stretching for my splits. I've been doing turnout and cross work outs, jumps to improve my lift. I have to improve. Don't get me wrong it's hard, but I need to show them I can do this.
Another week passed, and another until soon it was 3 weeks until I supposedly said I quit. I've decided to return to class. I jumped into the car, in my jogging bottoms and hoodie. Clodagh was already there because she had a private. I walked into the hall before the room where we have dance and it was silent. Niamh greeted me with a hug and told me we were doing drills outside as it was nice weather. We took our bags round the back and there was hustle and bustle and lots of chatter coming from inside. Niamh told me she left her drink in there so she jogged in and I trailed in behind her. I looked up from staring at the floor and took in the familiar surroundings. People smiled at me, giving me a nice welcome. Finally class started and my teacher Ellie welcomed me back, I turned bright red and it was so awkward! We begun class and I immediately noticed how much it helps doing drills and stuff at home. Finally we finished drills and we just practised steps for the rest of the lesson. When we got home I quickly showered, finished my homework and got into bed. My mum came to wish me good night and left telling me we were off to another feis this weekend. Yay.

Driving to this feis seemed like an endless eternity. I had been practising all week for it and just wanted to skip to the future to find out what I got. finally we arrived and we went to get out numbers. I headed off to the gym with Niamh, her brother and her mum. We found seats and begun stretching. About half an hour later we went into the changing rooms and did our makeup. I did a nice smokey eye and the rest of my makeup. About 2 hours later, as usual the feis was not running to time, Clodgah walks in, still in her dress and wig with a sash draped over her shoulders and a trophy. Her sash read 1st place at the bottom. I congratulated her and then I went up. I danced my hornpipe and then changed into my lights to dance my reel. 15 minutes later I was dancing my reel, then followed by my set.
I waited impatiently for awards, playing on snapchat filters and scrolling through Instagram. They finally announce my awards. I placed 1st in my reel and 2nd in my hornpipe so i had high hopes, although I've learned from my mistakes, set dances are very different to my solos and it's usually were I fall behind.
"In second place, number..." I was expecting my number to be called, but it wasn't and immediately my hands flew to my mouth and tears welled my eyes. Niamh jumped on top of me but was soon ushered back to her a place. I stepped up onto the podium and hitched my sash back up on my shoulder. I held the trophys in both hands and then bowed. I walked off stage, feeling victorious. I actually got a compliment from my mum and sister and of course from my dance teacher. I was so excited to get into open. It would open so many more doors for me, a brand new solo dress, made just for me! I might have a bigger chance of dancing at nationals and also just being in open!
Finally we arrived Home. i chucked my McDonalds wrappers in the bin and then took my winnings upstairs to arrange them on my shelf. I logged into Instagram and posted a picture with me on the podium with the caption; 'dreams don't work unless you do🏆💞'. After that I jumped into the shower and got ready for bed before slipping under the covers and working out a practise plan!