Dance For Me

Chapter 9

Camila

Zach and I walked towards the East Studio after being called to an academy wide meeting about the showcase. Apparently it was a casting call, the list of thirty people out of the one thousand that trained here finally announced after Lauren had spent hours deliberating who would make the cut

I knew I wouldn't be in the cast, it didn't take a genius to realise that I wasn't exactly one of her prized little minions. I was half tempted not to even attend, Zach however showed up outside of my door with wide eyes and an excited smile that I could hardly bare to refuse

"I don't get all the hype if I'm honest" I admit as we trailed behind a group of younger students heading towards the same place "It's just a showcase?"

Zach grumbled and threw his hands out in front of him "Mila! How many times, it's not just a showcase?" He argued "It's a nationally televised event that is watched by millions! Getting the chance to perform in Miss J's show is like the holy grail of dance!"

I rolled my eyes with a gentle laugh "Nobody watching is gonna notice an individual face and suddenly become obsessed Zach" I teased, really not seeing the point "If you want fame you kinda have to be going solo"

Again, he groaned "It's not really about that! Putting it in your portfolio is where it's at!" He explained "It's like having a rich family, it sets you up?"

We turned the corner and joined the long line of fellow dancers waiting to enter the studio "I get that but what about reputation? I mean, surely working hard and showing up is enough to get noticed?"

Zach laughed and shook his head "You're cute Mila!" He mocked "That just makes you dedicated! No, people need to see that you've done things! Been places you know? Performing in J's show is like winning the lottery!"

"Whatever, I'm still not interested!" I laughed back, peeping my head around the bodies only to see we were finally being granted access to the gigantic studio floor

Zach rested his elbow on my shoulder and sighed with anticipation "I really hope I get picked this time!" He mumbled anxiously, his neck straining to swallow "I work my ass off every year and it's like she doesn't even know I exist?"

"I mean there's over a thousand people here and only thirty spaces" I reiterated "It's a pretty rough chance if I'm being honest!"

"Yep, thanks for that one girl!" He hummed as we followed into the studio to find a spot on the cold wood floor. The people surrounding us were all equally as nervous as Zach while I sat day dreaming about my bed "I forgot how many of us there were"

"Chill out?" I hummed back "If it happens it happens so what? No point worrying about it now?"

"This means everything to me!" He began to worry, picking at the skin on his thumbs "I can't go another year just waiting!"

As the final person sat against the floor, a large bell rang to signal our silence. Shortly after the door reopened at the front of the studio, allowing in a straight line of women with folded white documents loosely held between their palms

Admittedly they looked incredible, first came Lauren, second came Fallon and lastly, Emma and Dinah. Lauren of course led the line and made efforts to strut like a model until reaching the centre of the mirrors. My eyes didn't bother to look at the others as her floor length black gown opened up to reveal her thighs and chest

She captivated me even despite our on going feud. The way her eyes sparkled under the expensive lights, the way her thick, bouncy black hair fell perfectly over her shoulder? I was entranced by every inch of her, and for some reason, her being at war with me made it feel more attractive