TIME: Mark Tuan edition

Chapter 4

(Time Lapse- FAST FORWARD)

"Christine, did you practice? Our competition is just around the corner can you believe it?" Jen asks me when I meet up with her at the schools cafe.

"Yeah I did. We need to ace this if you want to be recognized. This is going to be televised overseas also!" I rave to her as we walk inside. We order two hot mochas and grab a seat by the window.

"Oh my god I know! I'm excited and nervous at the same time. I'm freaking out to be honest. With my extra classes because of being in honors and dance practice, I haven't been able to enjoy nice sleep. I need to keep focusing on school for my parents' sake and my own if I don't make it as a dancer," she pouts as she plays with a sugar packet that was on the table.

"I know what you mean. But dancing is your dream. I know you'll be seen. You're an amazing performer," I tell her.

"And you have the rest of us to help you shine," our teammate, Brian chimes in as he takes a seat beside me. "Did you guys order already?"

"Of course, Brian, of course. And yeah. Actually ours just finished being prepared, I'll get it," I answer and stand up seeing our two drinks being placed on the counter as the barista calls out our names. On my way I see Aaron and Marco walk in with Lara and Cassidy. "Hey!"

"Hey, Christine!" They greet with a wave heading over to the table with Jen and Brian. I grab the drinks and walk back to see Brian and Aaron go to the counter to order for the rest. I hand Jen her drink and sit down while taking a sip of mine.

"Christine, did you do the humanities homework?" Marco asks me hoping I did. I rolled my eyes.

"Yes, and no, I am not going to give it to you. Do your homework for once and maybe you would actually learn something," I tell him making everyone snicker.

"Well sorry, I'm didn't learn how to dance and sing for years like someone here. I actually have to spend time practicing on my own to perfect it," he sarcastically tells me emphasizing 'sorry'.

I honestly hate when people bring up how long I've been practicing and taking classes. It brings back the reason why I did all of that.

"School and Miguel comes first for her. You know that, Marco. She does everything on her own and tries to be at the practices and hang out with us as much as she can when she isn't working, taking care of Miguel or crammed with homework," Lara tells him trying to reason with him for me.

"Yeah, you're right. Sometimes I forget. Sorry, Christine." He tells me apologetically.

"What did you do, Marco? Are you being a pervert again?" Brian jokes before I can respond. I just smile and shake my head.

"It's fine, Marco. I know you don't mean bad. And, yah! Don't say that! Ewwww!" I cover my ears in disgust and shiver thinking about the word.

"Why are you still like that? You've been with us for three years already. You'd think you'd be a little more, oh I don't know, what's the word-" Cassidy says but is cut off by everyone trying to finish her sentence.

"Sexual," Aaron says getting a glare from all of the girls.

"Open," Marco guesses.

"Lax," Lara tries.

"Perverted," Brian jokes and gets slapped by Lara.

"Understanding and use to it," Jen answers more logically.

"Right, what Jen said. More understanding and use to our choice of words and vocabulary," Cassidy continues.

"I am but I still feel weird. Like- I don't know. Never mind. Anyways, what's the schedule this week?" I ask checking the time. I have to go to work soon.