My Time To Shine(A Paige Hyland Fanfic)

Reading Her Letters

Paige's POV:

My fingers are trembling so much, I drop the paper. It lands at my feet, and I just stand there, shaking. Finally, I calm down enough to pick it up. I resist the urge to open it. I don't want to do this alone. I shove it in my pocket and look in the box again. Tucked under my jazz shoes are more letters, one for each of the girls.

I close the box and throw it in my jazz bag. I sling my bag over my shoulder and call for my mom. No answer. Oh, COME ON! She's supposed to take me to dance! I run out of the house and all the way to dance class.

Once I get inside, I quickly change into my short sleeved purple crop top and booty shorts. I run into the practice room just as Abby finishes pyramid.

I look at the pictures, trying to catch up. Me, Kenzie, Asia, Kendall and Nia are on the bottom. Kalani and Chloe are in the second row, and of course Maddie is on top. Like always. "Paige, where is your mother and why are you late?" "I went home, but she wasn't there, so I had to run all the way over here," I explain.

Abby shakes her head and starts to tell us about this week's competition. "This week, we will be attending X-Star Dance in Chicago! Kendall and Chloe will have a jazz duet called 'The Bad Girl and The Nerd'. Maddie will have the only solo. It's called, 'Why Did You Have To Go'. It is a tribute to Brooke."

Wait. Whoa. What?! Everybody in the room is staring at her with shocked expressions, myself included. Brooke was my sister, but Maddie gets to do a tribute to her? "That's just WRONG, Abby! The last time I checked, Brooke was Paige's sister, not Maddie's!" Christi cries, getting in Abby's face.

"It doesn't matter who's sister Brooke was! Maddie is the better dancer, that's why I gave her the solo!" "You're such a jerk, Abby!" "Why are you worried about Paige?! Worry about your own kid!" Christi frowns, but backs away.

We start rehearsal, and it drags by slowly. It doesn't bother me, though. When Abby finally releases us, I usher all the girls into the Dancer's Den. I quickly open the shoe box and distribute all the letters. "What is this for?" Nia asks.

"They're from Brooke. She wrote them for us before she killed herself," I explain, opening the letter. "I don't know about you, but I'm going to read mine now." I say.

Dear Paigey Mack,

I love you, Josh and Mom more than anything in the world. I hope you know that. I know you think I'm an idiot for killing myself, but I have my reasons. I would tell you all of them, but it'll use up WAAAAAY too much paper. So, I'll just give you a few.

Reason One: Nick. He was the most abusive boyfriend ever. Remember that time I came home with a black eye and bruises all over? I told everyone I fell off my bike and onto some rocks(I know it was a stupid lie). It was really Nick.

I wanted to break up with him because he was getting too clingy, but he started beating me and saying he'd make me wish I was never born if I met him. Paige, promise me you'll stay away from that jerk. Promise me. I don't want him to hurt you, too.

"I promise, Brooke." I whisper, wiping at the lone tear rolling down my cheek.

Reason Two: The Wicked Witch of the West, also known as Abby Lee Miller. She always made me feel like I wasn't good enough. Like I was trash. She made me feel worthless. Have you ever felt that way Paigey Mack?

I nod and wipe at the now steady flow of tears running down my face. I want to just throw this letter away and never think about it again. But I can't do that to Brooke. So I suck it up and keep reading.

Reason Three: Maddie.

A/N: Ooooh, CLIFFHANGER! What do YOU think Maddie did to play a part in Brooke's death?! Comments, please! I will update tomorrow around 8:00 p.m, so be prepared! Happy Reading!