Dancing With The Player | ✓

Chapter 22

Brielle

6:55 AM

"Are you excited for the showcase Saturday?" I asked Christopher as he parked the car in the overfilled parking lot.

"Yup," he said popping the P. "We've got this in the bag."

I was happy that Christopher had this much faith in us, but I wasn't as certain. Christopher and I had been practicing every day, and goofing off while doing so, but I still couldn't shake my anxiety. If I didn't impress the Joffrey School of Ballet scouts in the audience, then I could kiss my dream of attending their ballet school in New York goodbye.

He must have sensed my nervousness because he reached for my hand, squeezing it reassuringly. "Don't be worried, we've been practicing like crazy and you're going to do amazing. There's no way that you don't get into Joffrey."

I gave him a forced smile, appreciating his words of encouragement. But the truth is, there was no way to know for sure, and it is highly competitive. I tucked my hair behind my ear and let out a deep sigh, wanting to release the thoughts from my head.

We headed into school, and while the stares and whispering from yesterday had mostly died down, it was still there. I don't think that I will ever get used to the attention.

By the time we reached my locker, I was surprised to find that Sam wasn't there waiting for me. She was always early to school, while Christopher always had a habit of cutting it way too close to the bell.

When she finally appeared, my jaw nearly dropped. She was dressed in gray sweats and a stained gray sweatshirt, which was very unlike her usual, put-together outfits. Her hair was tied up in a haphazard bun, her eyes were dark with bags, and she wore a deep scowl on her face.

By the time she was at my locker, I didn't know whether to give her a hug or give her some distance.

"What happened to you?" I sputtered out, unable to hide my shock.

"I don't know, maybe you should ask your boyfriend?" she snapped, sending a death glare towards Christopher.

I turned towards him, gauging his reaction. His eyes briefly grew wide before his face contorted into a weird mix of confusion and anxiousness.

This is so bizarre.

"Sam, what are you talking about?" I prodded worriedly. "You're starting to freak me out."

Her eyes darted to mine, and her expression instantly softened. She seemed to begin to say something before hesitating and growing quiet.

"You know me, I just forgot my coffee," she finally said, letting out a nervous laugh. "I just need some caffeine, that's all."

My eyes squinted at her. Something was definitely wrong. While I wanted to question her further, I decided against it and let it go. "Come on, let's go to first period before we're late."

I turned and planted a quick kiss on Christopher's lips. However, he quickly deepened the kiss, resting his hands on my waist as he pressed his lips to mine. I intertwined my fingers into the nape of his hair, pulling him impossibly closer to me.

By the time that we pulled away, we were both out of breath.

"I'm going to miss you," he mumbled, his lips almost pressed to mine.

I smiled. "We'll see each other in two hours."

"It's the longest two hours of my life."

I rolled my eyes, playfully pushing him away from me. "Okay, now I know you're lying."