The Academy

Chapter 1

Everyone strives to find their passion in life; their reason for being. So I had to stop and think, "What is my purpose?" "What can I give back to the world?"

When I was a little girl I dreamed of performing on a big stage in front of an audience. Bright lights shining from above creating a magical world filled with anticipated joy. Achieving ones dream is never an easy feat. Countless hours of practice and rehearsal in the studio have all led up to this moment.

At eighteen I am at the cusp of adolescence and adulthood just waiting for my breakout moment to arrive.

"Eleana are you almost ready! We need to leave in ten minutes!"

"Okay mom" she said.

Today is the last day of school until winter break. My biology and dance midterms are my main focus right now. I quickly brush the knots out of my long chestnut brown hair and twist it around so it spirals just the way I like it to. I choose a gray sweater dress with a chunky black belt and complete the look with leggings.

Rushing down the stairs I say a quick goodbye to my adorable gray cat Mr. Fluffers and grab a blueberry muffin for breakfast.

With my coat and boots now on I get into the car with my mom and head to school. It is only about twenty-five degrees today here in Bristol. This smaller city is located in Southeast Michigan somewhat close to the Ohio border. I have lived in Bristol since I was five years old and have yet to get used to the cold and frigid temperatures. On a positive note the roads are clear of snow and ice.

We review for my bio test all the way to school. It's super helpful when someone cares enough to help you study in order to succeed in school. DNA is found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. Ribosomes make protein. And it goes on and on. I know I am ready to ace the exam.

Walking into school as a senior allows me to relive the great memories I have had here the past three years. I say hi to a couple people as I walk into the school.

Eleana was almost to her class when she heard someone call her name. She quickly turned around and saw her best friend Ganelle with shiny straight black hair walking toward her.

"Hey Eleana are you ready for your exams today?" Ganelle asked.

"I'm pretty sure I am ready. To be honest I am more worried about my audition tomorrow." she said.

"You'll be fine. They would be crazy not to let you in you are a fabulous dancer darling." They both laughed.

Ganelle Taylor and I had been best friends since we met our freshman year at Whitmer Ridge High School home of the Bobcats. We both tried out for the Bobcat Holiday Spectacular and were selected to participate in the dance section. Most people are drawn to her warm personality, eclectic style, and fun loving attitude. We are somewhat similar except she is definitely more outgoing.

We have our last Bobcat Holiday Spectacular at the school later tonight. Ganelle has designed our costumes and I have choreographed our dance.

The bell rings signifying that we now have two minutes until we need to be in our classes and in our seats. Ganelle and I part ways and head toward our last sixth period midterm ever. I enter the room and settle in to my assigned seat next to the window. My table mate walks in and immediately starts asking me review questions.

"Eleana I am so glad you are here. Do you think you could help me review protein synthesis real quick?" Erik said.

"I know it starts off in the nucleus of a cell and DNA acts as a template for something" "mRNA" I add but he continues on as if I haven't said a thing.