The Phoenix Prodigy

Bullets and Ballet

Early in the morning, Phoenix was found in the ice rick practising with Dylan and Ethan. She's really excited to be back in the rink. She had to beg but she was so happy when her parents said yes. 

I'm so happy to be back on the ice. I feel so free. Last night, I performed in Las Vegas for the tour, which was amazing. 

Christi picked me up after practice. 

"Hey, Nix. How was practise?" Christi asked as she pulled away from the rink. 

"It was really good. I'm so happy my parents let me start going again. But I think they only did that to get me away from the studio more." Phoenix said, her bright smile slipping from her face slightly. 

"What did they say after you told them about the competition?" Christi asks, curiously. 

"They're mad but said they can't do anything due to my mum's contract."

"Were they going to terminate your contract?" 

"I don't know." 

The car turned silent so Christi turned on the radio.         

-

Christi pulls up at the ALDC. I hesitate to get out of the car. 

"Are you okay?" Christi turns to me. 

"No. Thank you. See you at Pyramid." I sigh and get out of the car. I walk inside and get ready for class. 

I continue to go to my classes until Miss Abby pulls me out. 

"Time for Pyramid." 

I quickly follow her out and into Studio A. 

Abby: We have lots to go over. It's gonna be a busy, busy, busy week here. No coming late, no leaving early. Now... Texas. We had all these plans made to go to New Jersey. And then, at the last minute, we have to completely flip it. There's a lot of dance companies in this country that would have said, "Fine. We're not going." And we didn't do that. We went, some great things happened, and some really bad things happened. Now, this week, we're going to Hollywood Vibe right here in Pittsburgh. 

All of the girls clapped happily. 

Abby: I want to see 100% from every single one of you. Remember, we're in our backyard. You have a target on your back. So do I. The group number is called "Private Eyes." I'm gonna arm you with a secret weapon. You're going to be using guns in your routine. When you step on that stage, I want you to kill it. Understood. You're gonna blow the competition away. Now we're gonna move into the pyramid. 

Mackenzie, you went from first to worst in one routine. You always have to keep working. Nia, you had a pretty dance. I thought you did well, no problem. Kendall, I understand the costume was an issue. Jill, I'm sure you have something to say about it. But I'll tell you what, it doesn't matter what you wear. Ultimately, at the end of the day, it's your technique, and that's what you need to work on. All right. Next... Maddie." 

So, she's not going to address Jill hurting me at all. I quickly glance at the producers and I can tell by the look on their faces that they told her not to. 

"Maddie, you could've been seriously injured. Get that pout off your face, Maddie. You know that you made that mistake, and that's what you get. So let that be a lesson to everybody. Don't change your mind in midair. Moving on... Chloe. Chloe, it was good, but obviously, not good enough. Next, I have Brooke. Great performance, and then you forgot the ending. You didn't know what you were doing, and you just fizzled out. And on top of the pyramid... Paige. 

The girl cheered and hugged Paige. I stayed where I was and clapped for her. 

"Paige, your legs were straight, your feet were pointed, and you went out there, and you won it. Congratulations."