Dancing to the Beat

Chapter 2- One Year Later

“Wow Addy you’re doing awesome!”

“Thanks I’ve really been working hard. I want to be as normal as possible.” I answered as I sat up from the strange exercise contraption that I had devoted a year of my life to. Once I left the hospital I rested for a couple weeks, then spent most of my time in physical therapy trying to forget about that awful accident. I just wanted to be able to function normally again, or as normally as I could for an ex- figure skater.

“Well it’s working! In fact this is your last day. I can proudly say that you have graduated from our therapy sessions.” Answered Maggie proudly. She was a really optimistic person and she had grown into more of a friend than a therapist over the past year. I guess I needed a bit of sunshine during that time.  Well it wasn’t like I had a lot of friends anyway. Justin and I had been skating since we were small, most of the girls I was around were competitors and they don’t really want to be your friend when they are battling you for a medal. Anyway I was glad to have her around.

“So what are you going to do now?” I knew Maggie well enough to know what she meant.

“Um… I don’t really know. I guess just be a normal person? I mean, I guess I can see if I can visit Justin during some of his Olympic practices, but those can get a little boring after a while.” Especially since I’m not sharing the ice, I wanted to add, but held my tongue. The look on Maggie’s face showed that she read my mind and understood completely. She sat down next to me and looked me straight in the eye.

“That’s fine, but what are you going to do for you?” That was the million-dollar question I asked myself all the time. My coach and manager told me I should write a book, or there was a small production company that wanted to make a little movie about my skating career. I honestly didn’t want to relive my falling act on a big screen. I also didn’t feel like I really lived enough to write some tell all. Before I could open my mouth to mumble some nonchalant excuse I noticed a nicely dressed woman come through the door. She was wearing dark green pants with an ivory top that tied to the side. Her necklace, which was the same color as her pants, bounced as she walked. Her hair was flowy and blonde and seemed to wisp back and forth perfectly as she walked. She looked around the room searching for someone. Her head turned in my direction and a big smile crossed her face.

“Addison Fisher! Just the woman I’ve been looking for.” She waved her hands in the air then strutted over to me in her best super model walk. I suddenly felt self conscious about my sweaty attire next to her glamorous presence. I was wearing a grungy pair of grey sweat pants and a sweaty white tank top. My hair was pulled up into a black messy bun with sweaty strands of hair sticking to my face.

“And you are?”

“Valerie Alexandra, the producer for Make em’ Dance! You know the show where celebrities are paired with dance performers and compete for our sparkling dance cup.” I had heard of the show. Justin was obsessed with it, and I vaguely remembered him saying he heard they were looking for celebrities this season. He desperately hoped that they would ask him to be on the show. I didn’t know what honor he wanted more the Olympic gold or the chance to work with a hot dancer.

“Yea, I’ve heard of the show. But why are you here? If you’re looking for my brother you can meet with him at the U.S. Gymnastics Training Camp.”

“Oh no sweet heart, your brother is an amazing skater, but I’m here for you!”

“Me? Why?”

“Because you’re Addison Fisher, America’s Skating Sweet Heart. You were the top contender for gold at the Olympics and the nation just adores you.”

“I used to be all of that, but not anymore. I can’t compete anymore.”

“Well maybe not on the ice, but have you ever tried dancing?”

“Not exactly, aside from skating routines.”

“Well then you don’t know your own potential. Ms. Fisher you struck the skating audience by force. They couldn’t stop falling all over themselves when you sashayed on the ice. I know that our viewers will do the same when they see you dance. Your beauty and sweet demeanor makes you sparkle. Not to mention the influx of young adult viewers we will have if you perform. You see we’re trying to spice up the show to get a younger appeal. You are just the ticket.” I was taken aback by her boldness. My beauty? Lady, do you see who you are looking at right now? The only award I would win was gym princess of the year in this outfit.

“I think you should do it Addy!” Maggie chimed in.

“It’ll be good for you. It’s something new, plus you’ve been a little lost lately.” I blushed at Maggie’s admittance. I can admit I’ve been wandering around since my accident, but I didn’t need this super star producer to know that. Luckily by the look on her pleading face it didn’t seem to register.

“What do you say Ms. Fisher? Will you dance with us?”

“Uh… sure. But only if you call me Addy.”

“It’s a deal Ms. Fi- I mean Addy. Just sign this form here” I took the pen from her hand and signed the form. I started to smile thinking about Justin’s face when I told him I would be a contestant on Make em’ Dance. He was going to kill me.

“Perfect! Oh Addy we are so excited to have you join our show!” She shook my hand excitedly.

“We’ll email you with the details about photography shoot times and who your partner will be. You’re just going to love this! The cameras, attention, fans, costumes, music! It’s going to be wonderful!” With that she energetically strutted out the door. I couldn’t believe what just happened. Photo shoot? Attention? I’m going to have a new partner.  

“Addy this is so exciting! It’s just what you needed.” Maggie jumped up and down with excitement as she flung her arms around me. I just stood there frozen.

“What did I just do?”