I'm with the Band

I'm with the Band chapter two

Chapter 2

" Wow, that was great," Charlie said once the encore was finished and the show was over.

" I know," I said, elated, breathing heavy, but never feeling so alive. Charlie nodded and smiled at me as we walked back to the dressing rooms to change back into our regular clothes. The show lasted for about two and a half hours, with almost non-stop dancing and now, I was about ready to pass out.

I shed my sparkly green top and ridiculously poofy skirt for a comfy tee and Soffe shorts. I look over at Charlie again and for the billionth time I can't help but stare in awe, even though I've know her for over a year now.

Charlie was the epitome of a good dancer and the definition of success. She was tall and beautiful with flowing blond hair and bright green eyes. If someone asked who my role model was, Charlie would be at the top of the list. Every dancer looks up to her, even regular adults stare at her in awe. Charlie was so graceful and quick, making her movements look flowing, almost as if she had made them up herself. Her leaps were high, her turns perfect, her lifts effortless.

Charlie had been the first dancer on the team, she had been one of the first ones to join the now staggering cast of staff working for Formerly Lucky, and has been with them the last three years of their successful careers, since the beginning. Not only was she the lead dancer for FL, she also once danced for an indie band called Grasshopper Confidential, kid idol Anna Banana and rock star Hugh Jameson in addition to dancing as a backup in Broadway productions and for a short time was a Vegas showgirl. All of this, and she was only eighteen years old. I was only two years her minor and nowhere near as accomplished.

All of this, and Charlie was still easy to get along with, and a good leader. Wow.

I finish gathering my stuff and head out from the performing center and into the cool night air. A slight breeze was blowing as I weaved my way around cars to the RV where all of the dancers stayed for most of the time. Unlocking the door, I stepped inside to see the party that was taking place. I swear in my head. All I wanted was a bit of peace and quiet before I went to bed. I was exhausted and starving, the energy rush from performing all but gone.

" Hey, there she is!" Maddi called, smiling and tugging my arm.

" Maddi, I really don't feel like doing this right now," I mutter. It was already pretty late, how was anyone else still awake? All she did was grin mysteriously. I love Maddi, but sometimes, I need the whole of Texas to keep her away from me when she gets on my nerves.

" Ugh, there she is," Jenna Campbell muttered sarcastically as I passed her. Yeah, Jenna's a toatal grump, super competitive and cold to the core, but at least I know that I won't be the only one not having fun at this little celebration. Summer Montgomery, the youngest in the group and an excellent dancer for her age gave me the biggest smile. Charlie gave me a happy little hug. Violet told me congratulations. What on earth was going on?

Finally, Maddi reached our destination, the tiny stage set up used for practicing while we were on the road. To my surprise, there stood the entire band, smiling warmly down at me. What the hell.... the band almost never pays any attention to the dancers. Or even the backup singers for that matter.

" Ah, quiet down everybody, it's time for the announcement," Zack, one of the band members announced. Almost right away, about all twenty of us in the crowded RV stopped talking in an excited silence.

" Uh, will our backup dancer by the name of Sophia Hennerson please come onto the stage," Zack asked. I stood stock still for a moment before jerking out of my stunned trance and stumbled onto the make-shift stage, something a dancer should never be caught doing.

I was just surprised that they even knew my name. Sure, I know that I was hand picked by Zack himself out of thousands of other applicants to dance in their band, I just didn't think that he would remember it.

" Come on, don't be shy," he urged as I stepped onto the wooden platform and slowly edged my way to him, embarrassed as ever.

" Well Sophia, today is your lucky day," Zack exclaimed, casually draping his arm around my shoulders, acting as if he were having a private one-on-one conversation with me. Electricity zinged up my arms as I felt my face go red. What was wrong with me?

" It is?" I asked stupidly.

" Yes! Because today, you've been promoted from backup dancer to co-captain with Charlie to become a second lead dancer because of your outstanding performance as of tonight! And now, Gemma White can take your spot. Congratulations Sophia and Gemma!"

I stared in shock, not quite sure what to say as the crowd exploded into applause. Charlie smiled widly at me as I stepped off of the platform.

" Welcome to the club!" she said happily, wrapping an arm around my waist. I still can't believe I was picked. There were so many others better than me, and stuff like this never happens. I mean never. Maddi and Caroline beamed at me, while Jenna glared. I know how long she had wanted this position.

I passed people patting me on the back, congradulating me, until I made it to the bunks, which, thankfully, were quiet and empty. Only after was I safe underneath the blankets did I allow myself to smile. It was small at first, but grew into the biggest grin of my life. Even bigger than when I was accepted to even be a backup dancer.

Once my happy fest had calmed down a bit I reached for my cell to call my Gran, grin still large as ever.