Turning Tables ||Adopted by Pat and Jen|| (Sequel to Living on the Streets)

"Just stop your crying"

Harper's POV
We pulled into the parking lot of the LDS (Legacy Dance Studio)  and went inside at around 5:15 am. It was hectic. Dancers running everywhere. Mothers doing their daughters makeup and fixing their costumes. Dance instructors nearly pulling out their hair at the sight.

Ashlynn and I found a spot by a mirror. Sherri came over.
"Her eyeshadow can be a natural color, light pink lips, and cheeks, and the third set of the fake eyelashes. Put your top of the costume on now, and then the bottom when we get there."

We followed her directions. Just as I was slipping on my jacket and my UGG boots, we had to leave.
"Sophia and Nick are driving there now, Nick says that Sophia is super pumped!" Ashlynn read from her phone. I couldn't help but giggle at Sophia's actions.

If I said I was nervous, that would be an understatement. I was scared. Terrified, actually. I wasn't sure why. Maybe because I was at a new studio? Or maybe because this was my first ever acro solo? I wasn't sure, but I was ready for my dance.

Once we were on the bus, we just sat and waited. Ashlynn talked with another girl's mom. And the girl and I chatted too. Her name was Natalie. And she's been doing dance for 3 years. We ended up talking the whole way there and we are now best friends.

The place we were competing was huge. There were 5 other buses with other dance studios from around the country. I recognized one certain bus though. I didn't remember where.

We all went inside and found an extra room for stretching and makeup/costumes. I went behind a curtain and pulled off my leggings and slipped on my tights, skirt and my lyrical shoes. When you have an acro dance, you wear your lyrical shoes. Just because.

There was one hour until show time and my nerves were going away, which was good.
"Alright! Everyone gather 'round!" Sherri called. We all went and stood I front of her.
"So, we have our solos first. Which means, Vickey, Jamie and Harper, be ready. We have about 45 minutes until showtime. Harper, meet with me and we can get your ready since you're up first."

I followed Sherri to an empty corner where she helped me stretch out and practice my skills. I had a little trouble on my back handspring again. Which worried me. But within 10 minutes, I got it again. I kept doing them until I had to go up to the stage. Everyone wished me luck as I walked out the door.

~

As I walked out to the stage, I remembered how amazing it felt to perform in front of people. I started my dance as the first words filled the air.

Just stop your crying, it's a sign of the times
Leap, splits, aerial
Welcome to the final show
Hope you're wearing your best clothes
Scorpion, front walkover, dancing
I danced my heart out. I loved to dance and this was probably my favorite solo ever. I saw one of the judges smile a tiny bit.

While I was dancing, in the back of the room, I saw something. I saw two people in orange jumpsuits. I was just about to do my back handspring when I saw them. I almost fell but I looked away from them and finished with a sigh. I ran off stage when the audience applauded. The people in the orange jumpsuits ran towards the stage.

The only people who wore orange jumpsuits are people from...prison. I ran to a stage manager.
"There are two people out there wearing orange jumpsuits. I think they broke out of jail." I cried. The lady nodded and picked up the phone. She sent me back to the room where my team was. So I did.

I ran as fast as I possibly could to get back to Ashlynn and my team. She saw how scared I looked and she said:
"Are you ok? Did someone hurt you?" I shook my head, too scared to speak. Ashlynn scooped me up and ran to the bathroom. She shut the door and locked it.
"Tell me what happened."
"So, I-I was dancing, a-and I saw t-these people in o-orange jumpsuits a-and they w-were staring at me. I thought t-they were from jail." I stammered. Ashlynn nodded and hugged me tight.

"Shhh, it's ok Harper you're same with me. Nick is in the crowd and he can take care of this." She soothed but I didn't stop crying.

"Don't you worry, everything will be fine. It'll all work out just give it some time. It might be raining, but won't you come dance with me?" Ashlynn sang and rocked me. When I finally stopped crying, we went back to the room.
"Harper! Are you ok?" Natalie asked frantically. I nodded at my friend.
"I'm fine. Should you be really for group?" I asked.
"Shoot. I'll be right back." She said and ran behind a curtain to change.

I wasn't in group dance because they didn't want to overwhelm me with dances on my first competition. Right when Natalie came back, the loud speaker went off.
"Can I please have your attention! Two possibly-dangerous criminals are in the bidding. No one leave your room. The police are here. The show will continue later."

Elevator music started playing through the speakers, which made everyone laugh a bit.
"Well, in the meantime..." She turned on some music. "Let's dance!" We danced for a while before the speakers went off again.
"All clear. Pat and Jen Brown, murders, were present in the building. They are in a police car now. Dancers, the show must go on!"

My heart stopped. I had forgotten all bout my parents. And I felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders when I forgot all about my crazy life.
Maybe I should forget my parents and stay with Ashlynn and Nick? If they let me of course. I turned to Ashlynn.

"I don't want to live the crazy life with famous parents and with them in jail anymore. I hate that life. I want to start over but I don't know how." I cried.
Ashlynn pulled my on to her lap just as the whole dance team left the room. It was just her and I left.
"Well that's great. Nick and I have talked and he said that your parents will probably never get out of jail innocent. So, we were planning on adopting you and Sophia. Is that ok?" Ashlynn asked nervously. I wrapped my arms around her neck.

"Absolutely perfect."

So guys! That's it. I have finished the sequel! Just kidding! I have a lot more to write still. The end made my heart happy. Did you like it? GIVE MEH FEEDBACK!! Sorry for any mistakes btw. Enjoy!!
-Ella