The Art of Synchronization

16

Don't make this something that stops you from getting the one thing you've been working so hard for.

As the week continued, we were all getting more anxious about our first away game.

It was Wednesday, and we had 'cut' a few people the day before, but according to Coach Liz, we still had some weak dancers, and she had left Martina and I in charge of figuring out who it was. We had been over the routine plenty of times before, and Martina thought it was best that they take their first water break of the evening. Breaking away from the group, Martina turned and faced me.

"You have any idea who this weak link is?" Martina questioned.

I opened my mouth as if to say something, but I was cut off by the unwanted presence of Carmen. She hadn't made a move on me since my little warning to her the night I found out about my brother, and I wasn't surprised to see that she was back. She had kept to herself mostly and I was beginning to like not hearing her annoying ass voice. But to be honest, when she walked towards us, there was no anger or mischief on her face. She looked rather nonchalant as she looked between both Martina and I.

"Do you need something?" I questioned, a hint of annoyance in my tone.

"I am co-captain, and it seems like you guys are making some important decisions over here. I feel as if I should at least be part of it." Carmen responded, crossing her arms as she looked at Martina for back up.

Martina shrugged and looked at me.

"She's right." Martina spoke.

One thing about Martina was that she never chose sides. It was clear that she was aware of the tension between the two of us, but she wasn't going to let that get in the way of the main task at hand. I admired that quality, and if there was any traits I could steal from her, that would be it.

"Do you see any weak dancers?" Martina questioned Carmen. Carmen turned her head and scanned the group of girls who were still drinking their waters. Carmen turned and faced us, her eyes lingering on me a bit longer. "If we're being completely honest, I think Adele has been a little out of it when it comes to this routine." Carmen spoke. I rolled my eyes. It was typical her to say something like that, and I wasn't surprise I didn't already guess her response. "And what if I think you're a weak dancer as well?" I questioned, crossing my arms. Carmen shrugged. "Then so be it. But I'm telling you guys right now, Adele is going to mess up the routine for everyone else."

"Bullsh--"

"We'll definitely look into it. Thanks Carmen." Martina responded, sending me a glare. I bit my lip holding back what I really wanted to say. I watched as Carmen walked away, and then grabbed her water bottle that was conveniently placed near Adele's. She said something to her, but I couldn't read lips. All I know is that Adele had to be on her A game if she wanted to dance during half time this week.

"Alright ladies, let's regroup!" I called, clapping my hands as the girls made their way back to the center of the floor.

"We're going to go through the dance again, and we need everyone to go full out. I need toes pointed, facial expressions, and fluid movements." I continued. My eyes darted to Coach Liz who had just entered into the dance studio. She looked at me nonchalantly--that's how it's been since we first talked. Coach Liz wasn't one to show emotions (other than anger) so to everyone on the outside looking in, it was all normal.

Unless you knew about everything that was going on.

And the only people who knew were Adele, Alisha, and Nia.