Worth Something

Nine

I showed up to dance, the audition is only in two days. This was all coming so soon. In the changing room Leah rushed over to me with a smile. "So, how was your date with rockstar guy?"

I chuckled at the nickname she gave him. "It went really well actually, I'd definitely do it again."

"What happened," she crossed her legs, as if she was a little girl listening to a spooky story at a sleepover.

"We got drunk," I said and her mouth hung open. It wasn't really a 'good ballet girl' thing of me to do. "But he didn't take advantage of me, I don't know why. I would've been so easy if he wanted to."

"Maybe he doesn't want you to be his one night stand?" She sipped on her water bottle. I think Leah was right, if he just wanted me to be a one night stand, he would've fucked me. But he didn't, and he could've. I was super horny last night.

"Also, Evie?" Leah had a whiny tone in her voice, she wanted something. "When's James gonna come back to the studio?"

I started laughing, "You like him, don't you?"

"No! I'm just," she hesitated, "asking for a friend."

"Is that friend the one who asked me about my date with rockstar guy," I pushed her arm as she flushed red. "I don't know when he'll be back at the studio, but he's coming to the audition. You should get his number."

She started fiddling with her thumbs, "do you really think he'd like me?"

"He has a thing for blondes, and by the way he was acting around you, I'm sure he would. He's sensitive though, Leah. You have to be nice to him," I instructed, being over protective of my best friend. She took a breath of relief, crossed her fingers and we walked to the studio.

Today's practice was worse than usual, I was stumbling all over the place. I can't afford this right now, the audition is in two days! My balance was completely off, and I was slow at doing the dances. My teacher came over to me.

"You've been drinking, haven't you?" She asked, in front of all the girls. They stared at me in shock. My mouth hung open. "I had a little bit, last night. I haven't drunk since!"

"Get out of my studio, come back when you're sober," she yelled. The girls carried on staring at me, shocked. I felt tears fill up in my eyes and I ran out before they saw me cry. I grabbed my clothes as quickly as I could before slamming the locker shut and changing.

I let it out in the changing room, I desperately needed to practice. It was good at the time, but I shouldn't have done it. I shouldn't have drank this close to the auditions, I feel like an idiot.

I felt a hand on my shoulder, at first I thought it was Leah or James, but to my surprise it was Ben.

"What happened?" He cradled me.

"She kicked me out. She said I need to come back when I'm sober, I can't afford this Ben! Not this close to auditions."

Ben stood up and held his hand out. "Come on, I'll help you clear your head." I wasn't too sure what to think of Bens little plan, I just didn't want anything more risky.

I took his hand. "Why are you here?" I asked him, on the way to the car park.

"I wanted to see you dance, James told me about your audition. I just wanted to support you," he half smiled.

As we got in his car, I wondered where he was taking me. He was taking me to his apartment, it was nice in there. The air con was on, refreshing me.

Ben came back over to me with a round of shots. "Ben, are you kidding? I just got sent home for drinking."

"Hey, you're a legal adult. And don't even try telling me you didn't enjoy last night. You're allowed to have fun, Evie," he pushed the tray closer to me.

I knew I shouldn't, but I was so pissed off that I needed to loosen up. And after last night, there was nothing more that I wanted. I chinked my glass against Bens and downed it.

I secretly loved how recklessly Ben lived, even though it was messy. There was a knock at his door, and he went to answer it. To my surprise it was James and Danny.

"I smell vodka," Danny smiled, plonking himself on a singular chair grabbing a shot for himself. James gave me a disappointed look.

"Evie, what are you doing here? You have dance," he sat down next to me, while Danny finished off the shots and Ben got more.

"Well, apparently I'm not allowed to have fun. So fuck those guys," I glared at him.

"You got kicked out?" He asked, and I nodded. Ben came in with more shots.

"But whatever, it didn't matter to me anyway," I said. I can't believe what I'm saying, dance is everything! I must be intoxicated.

"Evie, you've worked so hard for this. Don't waste it," he placed his hand on my lap.

"I'd rather be doing something where I can actually have fun," I faked a smile at him, chinking shots with Ben and Danny. I didn't know why James was being such a killjoy right now? He should be happy to see me having fun.

"I'm not sticking around while you're like this," James shook his head and left the apartment. Suddenly I felt vulnerable, around Danny and Ben.