Backstage: Third Time's the Charm

Carly Catto

Carly Catto
Grade 11
Dance Program

After seeing Vee's routine, I didn't feel like mine could compete with hers. A part of me wilted inside because I'd really hoped Ms. Helsweel would choose me as the next Prima Dance Captain.

She'd pulled us into the studio after the Winter Showcase for our auditions. My only consolation was that after tonight we had two weeks off from school, hopefully enough time to forget that I'd disappointed Ms. Helsweel, Cassie, and myself... again.

Vanessa stood next to me after she finished her routine, and we waited for Ms. Helsweel to make her decision.

She peered over the top of her glasses and looked from me to Vanessa.

"Both of you danced... adequeately," she started. "This was indeed a difficult decision to make. However, I have decided to award the position to Ms. Catto."

"What?" I exclaimed. "I mean, thank you."

Her face remained void of emotion. "I'll leave you to organize the auditions once we return from winter break. The judging panel will consist of you, Ms. Staut, and myself."

Inwardly, I cringed. Ms. Staut and I would never agree on anything. Sometimes it felt like she was determined to make my life miserable.

Without saying anything else, Ms. Helsweel turned and walked out of the studio.

Vanessa smiled and pulled me into a hug. "Cee! I'm so happy for you."

I forced a small smile. Beckett had gotten Vee's hopes up before Ms. Helsweel asked both of us to audition. She must have been crushed, and I hoped she wasn't jealous.

"Your routine was just as good," I said.

Vanessa shrugged. "What are you doing for Christmas?"

I hesitated. Part of me wanted to tell Vee about my kiss with Sasha. But it was special to me and I wasn't ready to share it yet. We'd been on a few dates since then, but we hadn't told anybody. Sasha invited me to celebrate Hannukah with his family.

"Christmas day we're going to visit my grandma," I said. At least that was true. I didn't want to lie to Vee.

"Beckett wants me to come over Christmas Eve."

"Christmas Eve with Ms. Helsweel?"

"She lets me call her 'Etta' when we're not at school," Vanessa giggled.

"No way!"

"How did the audition go?" Sasha asked as he pushed open the door to the studio.

"Carly's the Prima Dance Captain." Vanessa nudged me in the ribs.

"That awesome!" Sasha's eyes lit up.

I smiled shyly.

He raced across the room and enveloped me in a hug, picking me up and spinning me around.

"I'm so proud of you, Cee." Sasha set me down and stared into my eyes.

He leaned forward, as if he were about to kiss me. I pulled away and walked back over to Vanessa.

"We should celebrate," I said. "Ice cream sundaes?"

"I have plans with Beckett already," Vanessa said sheepishly.

"I'll go with you," Sasha offered.

"See you later." Vanessa waved as she left.

When she was gone, Sasha turned to me. "Is there a reason you don't want me to kiss you?"

"I haven't told Vanessa yet."

Sasha stared at me. "Why?"

"I think it's fun that only we know. It's special. Have you told Beckett?"

"Didn't come up. I've been kind of busy with extracurriculars anyway."

"Well," I said.

"Deep thought," Sasha chuckled.

I punched him lightly on the shoulder. "If you still want to kiss me?"

"I'll always want to kiss you, Carly."