Spotlight on the Mirror

Chapter Five

A few days later, Holliday woke up in a plush bed but in unfamiliar surroundings. It quickly hit her that she was in Madison's bed. She didn't want her grandma to be evicted so she left but didn't have anywhere else to go. Luckily, Madison agreed to let her stay until she could come up with another plan. Holliday looked around for Madison but remembered that she was at CC's. Holliday had been banned until further noticed. The thought alone made her tear up but she knew that had to maintained her flexibility and strength.

After spending a few hours exercising her body, she went into the kitchen to eat lunch. Madison's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ryans, didn't know that she was there but they weren't at home so it didn't matter. Madison's mom was recovering from another cosmetic surgery in a private rehab retreat and her dad was on a "business trip" with his newest mistress. After lunch, Holliday walked around the huge mansion and tried to envision growing up with such luxuries.

The home was fully staffed including maids, a personal chef, butler, and chauffeur. Mrs. Ryans even had her own personal assistant and Madison grew up with an nanny. Holliday couldn't understand how some people were blessed with amazing lives and how other people were scratching the bottom of the barrel just trying to survive. At that moment, she finally understood.

The Haves and the Have Nots.

She ended up back in Madison's bedroom which was probably the size of many people's entire apartment or condo. It was two levels with the first floor being the "sitting area" with a formal dining room. The second floor housed the bed and bath area. The entire west wing of the mansion belonged to Madison. She had her own dance studio with a barre and mirrors along with a personal gym, library, theater, and two rooms converted to make her insanely walk-in closet.

Holliday was enjoying a bubble bath in the garden tube with jets when Madison arrived back home.

"I'm glad someone had an relaxing day because I'm exhausted," Madison stated as she walked into the bathroom.

"How is everything going at CC's?" Holliday asked quietly.

"Its a hundred percent stressful! Ms. Cylla is still very upset so she watches all the classes. She's constantly yelling and it's putting everyone on edge. The word terrible doesn't even come close to describing today. I can't wait for it to be over. Only three more months."

"Geez Madison, I feel horrible. It's truly all my fault and I'm not even there to take the worse of it. Has anyone asked about me? Do you think that they will let me come back soon? Who's teaching my classes?"

"Umm... Well... No one is your friend except me at this point. They all hate you for causing the reign of Ms. Cylla. You know she's already crazy when it comes to the end of the year but she's extra crazy right now. She's also teaching your classes which is making the little girls cry a lot. I'm sure they will let you come back but... Not soon."

"What do you mean by not soon? It's time to start rehearsing for the city's Halloween party." Holliday nervously splashed water around.

"About that... We've been learning the choreography this past week. Since we're performing at the opening for the new Superdome Stadium, it's going to be televised," Madison said but refusing to look Holliday in the eyes.

Holliday felt her stomach turn before responding, "All week? Why didn't you tell me? Am I being blocked in the dance?"

Madison remained quiet but then let out her breath and replied, "No. Due to the publicity, Ms. Cylla is refusing to let you dance. You've been deemed unreliable and unfocused..."

"Are you serious? I know I messed up but c'mon! This is fucking stupid and it's all Mendall's fault!" Holliday fumed as tears graced her eyes.

"Listen, there's a rehearsal tonight since the Halloween party is in a few weeks. I need to go because I don't want to be late. Our staff is live-in so you're ok here by yourself. See you later." With one more slight glance, Madison hurriedly left the bathroom even though it appeared that she had more to say.