So I Can Disappear

August 24, 2014

Competition day, Yay!

I did NOT want to get up and go to competition this morning, but my mom and Maddie forced me awake. I did NOT want to see Asia because I knew she would bully me and probably mess up our duet. I did NOT want to see and hear Cathy and Abby fight. And did NOT want to know if Kendall got onto the Candy Apples team like she said she did.

We got on the bus and drove the three hour drive to Canton. After a long bus ride of Asia calling me names and such, I couldn't take anymore. I stormed off the bus and ran to the bathroom. That's when I burst into tears.

I heard some people come in calling my name. I tried to keep quiet, but I couldn't; I began to cry again. One of the people looked under the stall and found me. It was Chloe. She said, "Kenzie, come back out and talk to us; Asia isn't here."

"NO," I cried.

Someone else said, "I got an idea." The voice belonged to Maddie.

Suddenly, Maddie's head peeped under the stall door. Then, the next thing I knew her entire body was in my stall. She turned around and unlocked the door, opening it. Maddie took me by the hand and--forcefully--dragged me out.

Maddie said, "What's wrong, Kenz?"

"N-N-Nothing," I stumbled on the word.

"Come on; it's gotta be something. You're crying in a bathroom stall," Maddie argued.

"I know what's wrong," Chloe exclaimed.

"What?" Maddie asked.

Chloe said, "Asia's been bullying her since the beginning of the school year and on the bus, Asia kept calling Kenz names."

I sadly nodded.

"Oh Kenz," Maddie hugged me. "Why didn't you just tell me? I could've helped you. You know, I've been bullied too. By Kendall and Paige."

I finally stopped crying and caught my breath. Chloe and Maddie walked me to our dressing room.

Abby said, "Mackenzie, where have you been?"

"Sorry," I said. "I had to use the restroom."

"OK." Abby said, "Put on the group costume." It was the same costume that we wore for The Huntress back in like season 2 when I was eight. It's been five years since then.

I put on the costume and did my hair into a tight bun. And put on light makeup.

The group walked backstage and the announcer said, "Up next is Candy Apples Dance Center with Sparks Fly." And yes my nightmares were answered and Kendall is on the team. The music began and the dance started. It was actually one of Cathy's best group dances.

They finished their dance and the announcer called, "Next is Abby Lee Dance Company with Safe and Sound." We walked onstage and the music started, "I remember tears streaming down your face when I said I'll never let you go...." The music continued. The dance finished when the song ended. We walked offstage; then, ran to the dressing room to put on our duet costumes.

We got there and I ran to get my duet costume. It was a blue bikertard with silver around the neck and silver gloves. Basically, not my favorite costume.

We walked backstage and the announcer called, "Next to the stage is Chloe and Nia with Friends Forever." Chloe and Nia walked onstage and did their dance; I thought it was really good.

The announcer said, "Next is Lucas and Kendall with Catching Lightning." The Candy Apples dances this week were really good compared to their old dances. I'm scared that they'll beat us this week.

Announcer said again, "Next is Tyler and Maddie with Just Give Me A Reason." Tyler and Maddie walked onstage and I thought their dance was really good.

Finally the announcer said, "Judges please welcome to the stage Mackenzie and Asia with According To You." I walked onstage and into my pose. The music began and we started the dance. The song ended and when Asia was supposed to be pushing down onto the stage, she pushed me off of the stage.

I landed on the ground with a "Thud!" The next thing I heard was a "Snap!" I knew I had broken something. I tried to sit up, but my arm wouldn't carry my wait and I just fell right back down.

Suddenly, my mom and Abby came over to me. Abby said, "Mackenzie, are you okay? Can you get up?"

"No," I mumbled. "I-I-I think my arm's broken."

"I'm gonna go get Asia," Abby said.

My mom said, "I'm gonna call the ambulance."

A man behind her said, "It's okay, ma'am. The other judges and I have already called the ambulance." The judge picked me up and carried me to their nurse's office where we met the ambulance.

They looked at my arm and told that it was broken. By then, the awards had already happened. The group got first. Asia and my duet got third; Chloe and Nia's fourth; and Maddie and Tyler's first. The Candy Apples duet Lucas and Kendall got second.

The ambulance took me to the hospital and gave my a cast; I would have to wear it for one full month at least.

I got so happy when Abby came in and told me, "Mackenzie, Asia will not be bothering you anymore because I just kicked her off the team."

"Yes," I shouted.