Spotlight on the Mirror

Chapter Eight

Camera crews and thousands of people surrounded Holliday and the rest of the team from CC's. Ms. Cylla was dress to impress and Holliday made sure to wear her CC's shirt and jacket for support. Since she wasn't required to be present, Holliday almost didn't show up. She was sad and jealous that she was missing her first televised performance but knew that she needed to get back on Ms. Cylla's good side. So, she plastered a smile on her face and offered any type of assistance. Everyone had just finished getting dress when Madison finally arrived.

"What the hell! Where have you been? You were supposed to be here over a hour ago," Holliday questioned her.

"What does it matter? I'm here now so let me get ready," Madison replied and moved passed Holliday.

Holliday had hurt feelings that her best friend wasn't acting so friendly with her anymore. They lived together but hardly ever talked. Madison was rarely home and when she was, she was either on her cell or asleep. It was starting to bother Holliday and she really wanted to know why Madison was acting so differently.

While Madison applied her make-up for the performance, Holliday asked, "What's been going on? Why have you been so distant and distracted lately?"

Instantly appearing nervous Madison answered, "Am I being distant? My bad. I just have a lot going on. You know I'm trying to get my life together for when I graduate."

"But why aren't you talking to me? We've barely shared two words together and we never hang out anymore."

"I guess I'm just doing me right now and I love the freedom. Sorry if you feel that I've been ignoring you. As for tonight, let's use the Halloween Party as our girls night!"

"Ok. But no cell phones!"

"What? Why?"

"Because you're always on your phone."

"Ok, ok. Fine." Madison laughed. "Well, let me finish my make-up so I can stretch before the performance."

Immediately feeling happy, Holliday walked away and saw Natasha on the other side of the dressing room. She was taking a pill and appeared tired. Holliday slowly walked over and greeted her.

"Hey, Natasha. Are you ok?"

"Oh, hi Holliday. I'm fine. Why do you ask?"

"Cause I just saw you taking a pill. Are you sick?"

Natasha started to look uncomfortable but then placed a forced smile on her face and replied, "Oh no, I... Umm... I have a headache but thanks for asking."

Holliday kind of felt that Natasha wasn't being a hundred percent honest but it was none of her business. She just smiled back and stated, "Well, good luck today. You definitely don't need it though."

"Thanks, Holliday. Sorry you couldn't dance with us today." For the first time, Natasha appeared to be genuinely showing her true emotions.

"It's ok. I screwed up the opportunity you gave me. I never apologized to you so let me say it right now. I'm sorry, Natasha."

"Don't be. Every great dancer has less than a great performance."

"Thanks. I really needed to hear that. By the way, what is your costume for the Halloween Party tonight?"

In a quiet voice Natasha responded, "Sexy Angel."

"How cute! I'm the Black Swan!"

"No, that's cute!"

"Thanks. See you later?"

"Yeah."

****

All the dance schools in the entire city of Diecedue was performing at the opening of the Superdome Stadium but only CC's was performing on the main stage. Carmen Cylla made sure that her dancers would be seen the most since it was televised. The stage was set and the performance was about to start. Even though Holliday wasn't dancing, she felt nervous for her team. She wished that she could join them onstage but became distracted with anger when she saw Mendall near one of the TV cameras with the Mayor. Holliday decided it was best to ignore her and focus on the main reason that she was there.