What I didn't say

Authors Note: Sorry I ended this story so abrupt. Just excited to start the sequel!

They were now on the final stop of their tour, New York.

Home to Broadway, a place Abby constantly compared their work ethic, attitude and talent to.

Via had enjoyed the tour, it was great to reconnect to those who had enjoyed the show and she loved being in the presence of the moms and other girls.

There was still a lot of issues for the teen though.
Not just on the physical aspect as well.

They were going to the ABC News Studio and it brought back flashbacks of an interview the girls did years ago.

Via knew there was something up today.
There were cameras, the usual- they were filming a reality show after all- but more of them and Abby had made the girls change into old solo costumes.
Via's was a bit spooky (after all her solo was called "Mourn me"), with a torn dress and heavy makeup giving the impression of a murdered lover.
A bit mature for an eight year old, but what Abby said went.

When the lady walked in, the girls rushed over to greet her. Via recognised the interviewer from the one that visited last year.
When she asked for advice if being taught by Abby, Via told her "Just block it out. It goes through one ear then the other."

Now she was back and with more questions.
"Tell me what it's like, the dynamic now in a new season; has it improved, gotten more intense...?"
Before the woman could expand further, Via bluntly admitted, "It's a bit more violent."

And she couldn't keep the grin off her face as the moms and Abby gasped, with her mother exclaiming "Via!".

Via shook off her thought. That was an innocent eight year old full of life. Now she had been replaced by a problematic teenager.

She wished she could turn back the clock.
Could Via really move on?

The makeup had been done, they were on set, just a couple of minutes until they were on air.

To Via's surprise, she felt a hand on her knee.
"You ok?"
Turning over to see Kalani, Via's cheeks tried not to go red.
"Yeah...I mean I'm just- I'm ok, sorry."
Via cursed her attempt to cut off her rambling, but was surprised to see Kalani lean into her ear and whisper.
"You're quite cute when you blush and stutter."

"We're going on air in 5,4,3,2..."

The interviewer looked to the camera and introduced the segment, gaining rapturous applause from the crowd.
Via figured out pretty quickly that the presenter was interviewing each dancer specifically with a set of questions.
This made her nervous. Who knew what sort of questions she'd get asked?

Luckily, due to the order of the line of girls, Via would be getting interviewed last.
Or was that a good thing?

"Via," the time had finally come and the piercing blue eyes were set on her, "how would you describe this tour?"
Via looked around.
"Uhm, another dream come true to be honest. It's always a pleasure to be dancing with these girls and seeing the moms again as well as interacting with all those who have supported us. It always means a lot."

Via was surprised to receive applause but kept her gaze on the interviewer who appeared hesitant to ask the next question.
"Now let's not dodge this Via. You were embroiled in some controversy on the show and afterwards you have maintained an quiet figure on social media. Is there anything you want to speak out on? Anything you didn't say?"

Via's heart was thudding, each beat making her more convinced that her most vital organ would burst out her chest.
She could feel beads of sweat forming along her hairline and her breath hitch.
But this had to be said.

"There is, actually. I didn't say that I had been struggling with self esteem. I didn't say that I have had a vaping problem. I didn't say that I was having problems with my weight. I didn't say that I was developing somewhat of an addiction to opioids. I didn't say that had an issue with my image.
What I didn't say was the comment about Chloe's eye, that was edited by the producers.
What I didn't say was that I've been through a lot of issues and I still have more to learn."

THE END

AUTHORS NOTE: Any ideas of the love interest for the sequel? 😉