I stared at myself in the wall of mirrors. I was a complete mess. Beads of perspiration were gathered on my forehead and my long, dark hair was in a messed up bun, wet from sweat. I grimaced as I stared at myself. My thighs were so big they touched a little. My waist wasn't small enough. My cheeks were too chubby.
I took a deep breath, looked away from the mirror, and went back to rehearsing. I went through every movement of choreography, making sure it was flawless.
After a while, my security guard walked into the studio. He just stared at me for a minute.
"Have you left this room at all today?" He asked.
I continued the routine and hesitated with my response.
"A couple times." I said between breaths.
He laughed.
"I have to say, you are the most hardworking and devoted person I have ever met in my life." Marcus said, stepping into the room and closing the door.
I paid no attention to him and continued with the dance. He slowly walked further and further into my line of sight. His eyes burned holes into my skin. When the song finished, I walked over to the sound board.
"You're getting better." He said.
I ignored him and continued working. His gaze continued to bore into my back.
"Jack wants all of your routines done before you leave tonight." He said.
I sighed and rolled my eyes.
"I know it's impossible but just do your best okay?" Marcus said calmly.
The sound of his footsteps walked toward the door and out of the room, the door closing behind him. A sigh left my lips.
"Fine." I mumbled coldly.
I moved on to the next track, pressed play and went back to work, carefully watching my movements in the mirror.
Before I knew it, the only source of light in the room was from the lighting inside the room. The windows that once held the beautiful blue skies of day now held the dark, starry skies of night. My hands shook slightly and my whole body was weak from my overworking it. I sighed to myself and walked over to the sound board, stopping the track. I flipped a switch, turning the board off. I walked to the other side of the room and put my things back in my duffel bag before zipping it closed and slinging it over my shoulder. I grabbed my keys car keys and phone from the small table and walked out of the practice room, turning the lights off in the process.
I walked down the hallways and out into the cool spring air, taking deep inhale and letting myself relax. The sound of my name ringing through my ears brought me back into reality.
I looked forward to see Marcus standing in front of me, his SUV behind him. I smiled, shook my head and began walking toward the back of the car.
"You don't have to pull the car up for me every day Marcus." I said as he opened the lift-gate.
I threw my duffel bag in the trunk before walking over to the front passenger seat and getting in. Marcus came over to the driver's side and got in.
"After dancing all day, I figured you would be sore and I also didn't think you would want to walk all the way out to the car " Marcus said as the engine roared to life.
"Thank you." I said sincerely.
"I'm just doing my job." He said, smiling at me and driving out of the parking lot.
"I didn't finish perfecting my routines." I said solemnly.
"It's okay. You've worked hard the past few months. I'll tell Jack you finished them." Marcus assured.
