I ran up to the front of the crowd with a determined look across my face like a crazed Asian woman at an early bird Nordstrom's shoe sale. I pushed the other people aside on the grass, not caring that I was being ruthless or maniacal. I knew this wasn't usually like me, but my mom and dad always told me to strive for anything I wanted. Other crowd members were angered by my obnoxious attitude and lack of manners, but I was on a mission that would change my life if everything went according to my plan.
The dance crew, Flyo Ohios , was why I showed up to one of the sketchiest and most popular dance competitions in the U.S.: The Breakers Challenge. I had heard the whole school talking about the Youtube videos they had posted and decided to watch them for myself. When I saw their dance number to Technologic I saw the face of Mike Chang.
Mike had always caught my eye a little, but when he did a shirtless number, which revealed his flawless abs, I was hooked. Abs are my weakness. But I saw something else in him ever since he caught me watching their videos during Glee club. He peered over my shoulder catching me off guard and I quickly turned off my iPhone. Expecting him to be weirded out, he smiled. Nobody usually ever paid attention to Tina Cohen-Chang in Glee club. That smile sent me into a whirlwind of emotions. My heart fluttered and I could only think that I actually had a chance to be with him. So I got on the bus and went out of town, telling my parents I was having a study night with the Glee girls.
It was the first time I was alone outside of the town. The competition took place in the state's festival grounds in the middle of the countryside where it was more secluded. My friends called my quest a suicide mission because they felt I was crazy enough to show up to one of the wildest, raunchiest, drug and alcohol-infested days of the Spring in Ohio. I wanted to show Mike that I was brave and hoped he would see my support for his dance group. If I could accomplish my task to make it to the front, I thought we could lock eyes on one another, date, get married, and then live in a mansion while caring for our dancing, genius, Asian children.
When I reached the edge of the stage I threw my hands up in the air and watched the crew, the Break Kings at work, dancing to some rap song that my mother would scorn me for listening to. The dust-filled air stuck to my face and arms, causing me to pull my hair back into a tight ponytail. I looked up at the microphone stand and at the large speakers and my heart began to pulsate with a violent beating. During the performance I would've been able to feel the sweat of the dancers on the stage pouring onto me like rain. I was also in easy reach to meet eyes with Mike which brought a quick smile to my face.
Once the previous group was finished, the announcer screamed to welcome the Flyo Ohios. Space between everyone had begun to close up to the point where one would have to lift his or her face to feel clean oxygen. The crowd was becoming antsy because they knew this was the crew to beat. I began to contemplate how I would be able to fend off everyone else who would be trying to glance at my future spouse.
It was hard to hear anything over the hostile ranting and yelling of the crowd, but it became worse when the Flyo Ohios emerged onto the stage.
The crew was dressed in all black with red backwards hats that had "o's" on them. As the music started, my heart melted at the sight of my dream lover on stage. I didn't take drugs like half of the crowd that day, but I did slip into a state of ecstasy that drowned my mind. I was transported into my own utopia where my body moved to the loud beat and I could only imagine the look on Mikes face when he noticed me.
Just as I became lost in the dancing, I heard a stomping noise growing louder towards me like a herd of Buffalos. I turned around and realized I was facing Lauren Zizes.