The Player novel Chapter 28

Brielle

6:01 PM

Today was the day.

Out of my entire dance career, today was the day that would determine everything. It would determine if I would go to the Joffrey School of Ballet in New York, my dream school. If I didn't get in, I would have no clue what to do.

Today, the scouts were coming to watch our high school's dance showcase. We have one of the best dance programs in California, and every year they send people to see new talent. Since I was one of the best dancers in the program, if I did well I could really impress them. Then, just maybe, they may offer me a spot in their program after high school.

However, there was one giant wrench in this plan. Christopher. Mrs. Riley forced me to teach him dance if I wanted to perform, and now he had to do the showcase with me. Ever since we started dating, we had been practicing non-stop. He insisted, since he knew how much this opportunity meant to me.

But now that we were broken up, we hadn't practiced in days. Since we hadn't talked since then, I didn't even know if he was still coming. I wasn't even sure if I wanted him to.

I stood in front of the mirror, pulling my long, chestnut hair into a tight bun atop my head. Right now, I couldn't focus on us. I needed to get into performance mode.

I started my usual routine for before performances. I plugged in my earbuds, blasting Beyoncé as I continued to get ready, dancing and singing while doing so. Usually this helped to calm my nerves, but today I had no luck. The butterflies in my stomach refused to rest.

I made myself a quick dinner before calling Scott downstairs so that we could leave. I needed to arrive at school early so that I could practice my routine. I had changed some parts so that if Christopher didn't show I would still be able to perform.

Usually I would ask Sam to drive me, but after Scott and I's heart-to-heart, I suddenly felt much closer to him. I wanted to spend as much time as I could while I did, just in case it happened to wear off.

"I'm coming!" he yelled from upstairs, however his pounding footsteps were already a dead giveaway. "You excited?" he asked once he arrived in the kitchen.

Nervously, I took a big gulp of my water. "I think so." He rolled his eyes.

"You say this every time and then you kill it," he placed his hand on my shoulder reassuringly. "Don't worry."

I wanted to tell him that this time was different. This time I had to rely on my ex-boyfriend to succeed. This time I was so emotionally drained from this week that I didn't even know if I had the strength to perform.

But, instead of worrying him with my problems, I just nodded my head.

He stared at me with a knowing look. "I've known you for sixteen years Brielle, I can tell when something's bothering you."

Damn. I knew that our conversation made us closer, but I didn't know that it gave him telepathic abilities.

"I'm just worried about having to dance with Christopher."

His body tensed at the mention of him. "Don't worry about that jerk."

"But what if he doesn't show up." I felt myself began to grow even more anxious. "Or even worse, what if he does? I don't know if I can handle it."

He sat down on the chair across from me, locking eyes with me. "Brielle, you are the most talented and strong person that I know. So much has happened to you this past week, and yet here you are, still going."

I didn't ever think of it like that, but I guess in a way he was right. I could have been laying in my bed right now, wallowing in my own pity instead of chasing my dreams. I guess I was a little stronger than I thought.

"So, if anyone can pull this off, it's you."

I smiled. It felt good to know that no matter what happened, I could always count on my brother to be my biggest cheerleader.

"What are we waiting for," I said as I rose up from my seat, suddenly energized. "Let's do this!"

Scott let out a loud whoop, my energy contagious. "That's what I'm talking about!"

Somehow, I managed to hold on to my positivity all the way to school. Whenever I felt like worrying, I just repeated my inner mantra.

I am strong. I am beautiful. I am fearless.

Somehow, those words alone were enough to stop the negative thoughts about Christopher in their tracks. When we arrived at school, Scott drove to the front and parked.

"You ready?"

I nodded my head. It was now or never.

"Mom, Dad, and I will be in the front row cheering you on. If you ever feel nervous, just look for us." I let out a deep breath. The idea of them cheering me on helped to calm me down even more.

I waved him off as he sped away. I suppressed my upcoming nerves as I made my way to the auditorium. I was greeted by my dance teacher Ms. Riley, a smile stretched across her face.

She was writing on a clipboard with one hand and talking into a walkie-talkie with the other. Everyone flurried around her as they prepared for the show, all creating an atmosphere of completely chaos. At the center was Ms. Riley, barking orders to control the hectic scene.

When she spotted me she took a break, pulling me into a tight hug. "Brielle, are you excited?" She took a step back from me, scanning me up and down. "You look beautiful! The Joffrey scouts are going to love you."

I chewed on my lip. "Do you really think so?"

She scoffed. She always grew annoyed when I lacked self-confidence.