On Top Of The World (book 3 in the Irish Dance Camp series)

Chapter 5

Julie
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"Mom? I'm going downstairs to meet up with my friends!" I call through the hotel room when I come out of the bathroom. Our hotel room is a suite since we're sharing with another family from our school.

I check my appearance in the mirror one last time. Cute hair? Check. Good makeup? Check. Nice dress? Check.

"Julie Rose O'Conner, you turn around right now!" I hear my mom exclaim behind me.

I sigh and slowly turn to face her. "Julie, you know that you have to practice tonight-"

"C'mon Mom, I've been practicing non-stop for months! Just let me rest-"

"World champions don't "rest" whenever they want, Julie! Don't you want to win again?!" She asks, really mad at me now.

I don't even care if I win, I only like worlds because my friends are here....

I can't tell Mom that, though. She'll complain that this is all a waste of money if I don't care about winning.

"Yeah, Mom, but.... I'm just really.... Sore." I say quietly. I regret it as I finish talking. I know what she'll say now...

"Sore?! You're "sore"?! Julie, no one cares if you're sore, don't give up on your dreams because you're this lazy!" She's yelling now. I see the little girl we're rooming with, Caitlin, walk by, and I feel embarrassed.

"Mom, can't we do this somewhere else, Caitlin's family is in here..."

"Take that dress off. Change into workout clothes. Now." And then she walks away.

I just want to scream. I hate this. I hate competing, I hate the pressure, and I'm starting to wonder if any of this is worth it any more.

I go onto a group chat I had made earlier with the people I was supposed to meet tonight.

Me: hey guys.... Turns out I can't come tonight. Sorry :( hopefully we can hang out soon

I put my phone down and reluctantly put on some practice clothes. Mom's waiting by the door, and I slowly follow her out.

Once we get downstairs, a little girl who looks to be about ten years old stops me.

"Are you Julie O'Conner?!"

I sigh quietly and nod.

"Can I have a picture with you? Please?" I fake a smile even though I'm still pretty upset.

"Of course."

We take our picture and then the girl leaves.

"See?" Mom says to me quietly, "If you stop practicing, little kids won't be looking up to you anymore..."

"Mom!" I say angrily. I don't realize I yelled until after it comes out of my mouth. Everyone's staring at me now, including the girl.

I can't believe I'm starting to cry. "Mom, please..." I whisper, "Please just let it go."