Backstage: Third Time's the Charm

Vanessa Morita

Vanessa Morita
Grade 11
Dance Program

"Hey, Vee!" Sasha waved and stood up from a bench outside the school.

I squeezed Beckett's hand as we walked toward him. Beckett just smiled and leaned closer.

Sasha enveloped me in a hug and then gave Beckett a fist bump. "We're back together again."

Beckett shrugged, but his eyes betrayed him. They sparkled happily.

"We can finally get back to dancing together," I said.

"Sasha! Vanessa! Beckett!" Jenna scurried over to us. The humidity had already made her curly hair frizzy and she kept pulling it back, out of her eyes.

Sasha smiled at her, but kept his distance. Jenna's crush on him made him uncomfortable, but he'd made an effort to maintain friendship since we all danced together.

"I can't believe it! Today we'll be back in Helsweel's ballet classes together."

"You say that like it's a good thing," Sasha snickered.

"Sasha!" I shoved him gently. Ms. Helsweel was Beckett's mom.

"I mean, he's right," Beckett agreed.

They laughed, but Sasha grew serious. "Where's Carly?"

I looked around, but didn't see Carly among the other returning students. I recognized a few others from our seasons project like Alya.

She'd meddled with my love life during an interdisciplinary project, but now that Beckett and I were dating, it didn't seem like a big deal. But she was walking with her boyfriend, Miles. Carly told me how Miles had been responsible for giving them a failing grade on their project. So, while I might be able to forgive Alya, it was doubtful Carly would forgive Miles.

They disappeared in the building.

Where was Carly? We were going to be late.

"Hey." Carly appeared at my side.

"Cee!" I released Beckett's hand to hug her. "You haven't told me about apprenticing for J.J. Hawks."

"You haven't told me about Prima Summer Camp." She smiled stiffly and then hiccupped.

"Later," I said. "What's wrong?" Carly only hiccupped when she was worried.

She frowned and looked like she was fighting tears. "I have to re-audition."

"What?" Sasha exclaimed. A look of shock washed over his face.

"I don't get it," I said.

"None of us had to re-audition," Jenna said. "Why do you?"

"My mom said all of Keaton's students were automatically admitted again," Beckett said.

"They were." Carly shrugged. "If you can pay tuition fees. My dad lost his job again and money's been tight. I'm auditioning for a scholarship."

"What happens if you don't get it?" Sasha stared at her intently.

"I won't be returning to Keaton."

I took a step back in surprise. "When's your audition?"

"This afternoon. They'll announce the winners by next week."

In the distance, the warning bell rang.

"You should get to class," Carly said. "I just came to tell you before I go to school."

She turned and walked back to her mom's car.

"Carly has to get the scholarship," Sasha said.

"What if she doesn't?" I looked at Beckett. "Our friendship has been through a lot, but I can't imagine Keaton without Carly."

"I don't think any of us can," he replied.