This Ain't A Scene ~ Sequel to Can You Hear Me? (COMPLETED)

The Music or the Misery

Three Months Later...

"Run it again!" 

I rolled my shoulders, stepping back into formation with Thomas. He held me between his arms, and I leaned back slowly. We had gotten the dance before this part perfectly, we just needed to finish this last part. 

The music began to play, and Thomas and I began to twirl around. The song was fast-paced, and last week one of the children who were in the ensemble twisted their ankle trying to complete the dance. 

After one last failed attempt, Miss Sophie sighed. She was about to say something when her phone rang.

She took one look at it and groaned, "Class dismissed. I'll see you in a couple of days." She answered the phone, and automatically people started filing out.

I stepped out of the room last, walking slowly. For some reason though, I hesitated. Something's wrong. 

"Yes, Eve was the right choice for Aurora," Miss Sophie was saying.

Why is she talking about me? I hesitated, but stepped closer, leaning my good ear towards the door. 

Miss Sophie groaned, "Yes, you're right. She isn't my best dancer. But when people see the name Eve Stump on the bill, they'll want to come to watch! Fall Out Boy's fans all love her, and most would do anything to see her. We leave her in the show, she makes us a ton of money!"

My jaw dropped, and I stumbled away. She gave me Aurora because I would make them money? I could barely see as I stumbled my way out of the hallway. The lobby was empty- save for the receptionist. She smiled at me. I ignored her.

Ana's car sat in front of the store in the handicapped spot. I kept my eyes on the ground, furiously wiping tears away as I got in.

"Eve, baby, what's wrong?" Ana asked.

"I- I-," I couldn't form words without letting a sob escape. "Sophie said they gave me the part as Aurora to make them money."

Ana stayed silent for a second. "She said that?"

I nodded.

"Out loud." 

Another nod.

I heard the click of the seatbelt, "I'll be right back."

My hand shot out, stopping her. I didn't want her to fight my battles. I didn't need her to fight my battles.

"Eve, she has to answer for what she said," Ana said. I looked at her. Her jaw was clenched, and she had a hand on the door.

"Later. Let's just go home," I signed slowly.

Ana groaned and nodded. Within a few minutes of her pulling out of the space, I noticed that she was speeding. I grit my teeth, wiping away more tears as I tried to process what happened.

What do I do?

We pulled up in the driveway a few minutes later. I slowly got out of my seat, wiping my tears again. Why did I cry so much? Ana led me to the door and inside, keeping an arm around me and whispering in my ear. 

Declan came running up to me, "Eve! Eve! Look what I drew at school today!" He thrust a picture at me of a few stick figures, all holding hands in front of a house.

I smiled, "That looks amazing, Dec."

He took off just as Mom and Dad rounded the corner. Mom saw my tear-filled face and walked quickly towards me.

"Eve, what happened?" Mom asked, nearly crushing me in a hug.

"Sophie said that she cast Eve as Aurora because it would get them money," Ana explained for me.

"She did what?" Dad asked.

I hid my face in Mom's shoulder, trying not to cry again. I didn't want to talk to anyone anymore. 

"Oh my goodness, I can't believe that," Dr. Ashton said.

"I still don't know what to do anymore," I mumbled.

Dr. Ashton nodded, stroking her chin. "I think you need to continue with the ballet."

I looked up at her, "Why would I want to do that?"

"Think about it. You can prove to her that you are a good dancer, rather than just a cash grab. It gets you to continue ballet, which is something that helps your anxiety. In turn, it'll give you a confidence boost for the future, especially if this happens again," Dr. Ashton leaned back in her chair. 

I could barely hear the traces of the movie playing in the lobby as I thought. That was a good idea.

"And you need to talk to her."

That was not a good idea.

I sucked in a breath, "Why though?"

"You need to be an adult and communicate what you're feeling. You'll get nowhere in life if you are petty and do things because you don't like the other person. You'd be acting like a child," Dr. Ashton reminded me.

I groaned. "Why are you always right?"

"Because I studied for years to be right on most things," She smiled at me. 

I laughed a little, "I guess that's true."

Dr. Ashton sat up, "By the way, Eve, I'm very proud of how far you've come since you've started. I bet you'll be performing in New York one day, living with Ana, and going to do interviews and getting to actually speak in them."

I smiled, the image of that looping in my mind, "That sounds nice."

"Then keep that in mind as you continue through this week, Eve," The doctor stood up. I stood as well, looking at the clock. Had it already been an hour? "I'll see you next week?"

"Of course," I said, smiling. We walked back out to the lobby, talking softly. 

I was going to work hard, and prove my worth to the Dance Academy. That would show them.