I Love You No Matter What

Chapter 5: Hope

"Keep your hip down, Holly," I yell over the music. "You're too early on that roll, Zach. Stay together."

I've been teaching and choreographing for the past four months. I love making dances, but I want to dance myself. I don't know why no one wants me. I have auditioned countless times. Don't get me wrong, I love working with the kids. I just want to spread my wings.

The music ends and the dancers hold their final poses. "It was great, but you can do better. Listen to the music and pay attention to the dancers around you," I tell them.

They nod their heads. "Good class everyone. See you next week," I dismiss. They clap before leaving. Proper dance etiquette.

I move off the mirror and to the speakers that are connected to my phone. I unlock my phone so I can change songs. I turn to the song Dark Paradise by Lana Del Rey. I strip my clothes down to my black bra and shorts.

As the first words are sung, I being to move. Improve is my favorite thing to do. I get to create my own movements from the top of my head. It's like making my own rules. I move around the entire studio. I feel like I'm six feet tall when I dance. I believe my height is the reason I don't get some jobs. A short dancer isn't an ideal dancer. You'd think after Debbie Allen more people would be accepting all types of dancers.

I slow my pace down, really feeling my movements. I have worked hard for my technique. It's been almost ten years since I first started sneaking into classes. After eight years, Mom finally noticed. She barely notices anything I do. I've given up trying to impress her.

The song ends. I'm breathing hard on the floor. I roll on my side to stand up. "Looking good, Hope."

I turn around and smile. "Hey Derek," I greet my boyfriend.

Derek is a tall, black man. He is very muscular. His short, black hair and deep voice give him a tough guy look. Though, he's a really sweet person. I run up to him to give him a hug.

"How was class?" he asks.

"Fine," I answer.

"Ready for our date then?"

"Let me put on some clothes."

After slipping on a purple T-shirt, gray leggings, and black Converses, I pull my hair back in a messy bun. I grab my backpack and follow Derek out of the studio. We climb into Derek's blue Jeep. Derek drives us to Florida's Finest Bakery.

We take a booth right next to a window. Not a lot of people come here, so it's a perfect place for my family and me to stay out of public eye. Menus are already on the table. I look through it with a previous notion of what I want.

A waitress walks up to us. "Welcome to the best bakery in Florida. I'm Andy. What can I get you? Our special today are orange delights," she says with a sweet voice.

"I'll have the sunshine cupcake," I decide. "Some coffee for the both if us too."

"I'll get a chocolate chip cookie," Derek says.

Andy takes our menus and leaves. Derek starts shuffling in his bag. He takes out a flier and hands it to me. "I want to start my own company," Derek blurts out.

"Seriously? How?" I ask with wide eyes.

"I already bought a studio. I just need dancers now," he explains.

"That's great," I say genuinely. I look at the flier. It has the time, place, and number. The company's name is Derek Thompson's Performing Arts Company.

"I also want you to be a part of it. It would mean the whole world to me. My company will be for everyone. I can barely dance anymore, but I can still choreograph numbers," he says.

Derek injured his knee badly a few years ago. The knee just isn't the same anymore. "I would love to work in your company," I say.

He smiles in relief. "I want you to dance with the company and choreograph for us," Derek says.

I take his big hands. "Of course. I'll support you, but it takes a lot of work to start a dance company," I point out.

"All the finical things are taken care of. I was able to get a sponsor. I only need people," he insists.

"I can help support you. I'll go to social media and pin up fliers at my job," I suggest.

"Can you judge the audition?"

"Sure."

At that moment, our food arrived. Andy poured some coffee for us. We thank her before she leaves. We eat our food in silence. My mind is overwhelming. I am going to actually get a chance to show my talents.