Your Song (Shawn Mendes)

Chapter 30 ~ Week 8 Pt. 2

This is one of my all time favorite chapters but unfortunately, I have to say there is only one chapter left after this one! I hope you all enjoyed it and thank you so much for everything! Enjoy!

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"For our trio dance, we've been paired up with Gleb." Alan explained in the interview chair. "He's one of my closest friends but it has been difficult for Maria to allow herself to dance with Gleb considering the week that it is."

Gleb ran a hand through his hair in the chair. "I'm extremely honored that Alan and Maria both trust me enough to be the third in their trio dance. After hearing her story, I've wanted to help share it in any way possible."

Maria smiled lightly through her tears as clips of the rehearsals were shown. "This dance is meant to show the fight that essentially happens in my mind almost every day between Shawn and... my kidnapper."

"Maria told me about these mental battles she experiences where there's a part of her that still feels trapped in her kidnapper's web." Alan explained. "Then there's the part of her that holds Shawn and her mothers and anyone who loves her. This part constantly tries to pull her away from that web but... as she's said, it's a work in progress." Clips of rehearsals were shown of her being pulled between Alan and Gleb. "Essentially in this dance, it's showing that battle for Maria's mind and soul. Whether they choose to shatter at the hands of her kidnapper or be held together by Shawn and those who love her."

The audience applauded and a single spotlight came down to illuminate Maria sitting at a grand piano in a one-shouldered desert rose-colored dress splattered with black. The dress fell to her midthigh and the one sleeve appeared to wrap around her arm like a boa constrictor. Alan, dressed in an outfit similar to Shawn's, and Gleb, dressed in plain black, stood on either side of the piano.

She took a shaky breath and began to play a familiar intro on the keys.

I'm proud of who I am
No more monsters, I can breathe again
And you said that I was done
Well, you were wrong and now the best is yet to come

Alan slid behind her and took her hands gently. He raised them up and spun her off the seat into a dip. He brought her up only for Gleb to yank her towards him, wrapping one arm around her waist and placing a hand around her neck.

'Cause I can make it on my own, oh
And I don't need you, I found a strength I've never known

Gleb lifted her and twirled her to sit on the piano. She rolled over to face Alan and butterfly kicked down back to him. They started an almost waltz type dance.

I'll bring thunder, I'll bring rain, oh
When I'm finished, they won't even know your name

Alan and she did a few steps of a waltz and he twirled her to be grabbed by Gleb once again.

You brought the flames and you put me through hell
I had to learn how to fight for myself
And we both know all the truth I could tell
I'll just say this is "I wish you farewell"

Gleb spun her by her arms and threw her to slide across the floor. She stood up and Gleb took her arms, leading her in the steps. He then appeared to force her into a dip. She was brought up to fall forwards and Gleb lifted her in a sawn position as the chorus was belted out.

I hope you're somewhere prayin', prayin'
I hope your soul is changin', changin'
I hope you find your peace
Falling on your knees, prayin'

Maria flipped her leg over her head to land back on her feet. She rushed to Alan only for Gleb to grab her foot and stop her. She leaned forward on one leg and stretched out her hand to Alan. He took her hand in his, pulling her from Gleb. Gleb fell to his knees as Alan spun her against his side.

I hope you find your peace
Falling on your knees, prayin'

As the song ended, Maria slowly approached Gleb who was still on his knees. Alan came behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders. She gently placed her hand on Gleb's head and he bowed it in respect. Maria looked up to the sky with tears streaming down her face while the audience exploded into applause.

Maria dissolved into sobs as Alan pulled her into a tight hug, Gleb standing up to do the same. They kept their arms around her to walk her to the judges' table. She separated from them for a minute to go to Shawn. He took both her hands in his, kissing them gently before bringing her into his arms. 

He released her and gently pushed her to Alan who gently took her hand. Gleb took her other hand as Tom began to speak, "I think that was the best use of a piano since Nyle and Peta's freestyle!" Maria managed a watery smile. "Let's see what the judges have to say. Carrie Ann?"

Carrie Ann was silent for a moment before blinking back into reality. "I'm sorry, I'm trying to process if I saw that in real life or I dreamed it." Alan smiled and squeezed Maria's hand. "The was gorgeous and heartbreaking all at the same time and you were the shining star through it all girly. I loved it."

They turned to Bruno who had his hands tented over his mouth. "That was... ugh. If you want to, come here." He motioned to her and she laughed, coming over to hug him tightly. When he released her, he took her by the shoulders. "That was absolutely brilliant, my dear. I wish every girl had the strength you showed in that dance."

She quietly said her thanks with a smile before returning to Alan and Gleb. She leaned against Gleb with her hand in Alan's as they turned to Len. "For once, I have to agree with Bruno." He said, earning a chuckle from the audience. "Alan, you never disappoint with your choreography and Gleb was the perfect addition. Maria, whether you win or you don't, you are a champion above all else. Amazing work."

Maria hid her burning face in Gleb's shoulder but was forced to turn back to see their scores.

Carrie Ann Inaba. "10!"

Len Goodman. "10!"

Bruno Tonioli. "10!"

Maria cheered through her tears and Alan picked her up in a hug. Shawn cheered from his seat, watching his girlfriend celebrate. He felt the familiar weight in his pocket and smiled to himself. Two more weeks. He reminded himself.