Warning: Dark themes! But please don't let that keep you from reading... ;)

Dancing. It is the only thing in this world that is pure. It takes you to faraway worlds- worlds of ecstasy and peace. When I'm dancing, it's as if reality has dissolved. With every twirl, another inhibition has disbanded. With every step, another stress has been squished. The feeling is quite spectacular. Every move my body composes, seems makes life worthwhile. Dancing. It's an escape, a thrill. But most of all, an illusion. Try as we may, to dance through life, at some point, the curtain must close. We can crusade our whole lives to live in the world of ecstasy dancing provides, but there comes a time, when all battles must end. It's sad, really, the brutal truth. The truth is like fire; and when you're burned, my god, does it leave you scarred. Yes, dancing is an escape, a symbol of purity. But one cannot build a life on those qualities. Money- that, dear friends, is the key. My name is Elena Gilbert and this is my story. It is neither the beginning nor the end- simply another show that must go on. I make no promises of a happy ending, or a standing ovation- worthy closure. No, this, dear readers, is the truth- raw and cut-throat. This is the story of what one will do for money.

Sweat rolled down her body and her breathing was heavy. She was getting dizzy; her head was swirling and mind was blank. Her heart pounded loudly in her ears, but she continued to spin. Her eyes were closed, and reality seemed to only be a distant memory. This, this was what heaven was. Not a sky filled with clouds and gold, but a setting of a piano, ballet shoes, and a stage. A small smile crept onto her lips. Yes, life was a dream in this moment. A dream, which she could control. A dream which, if she decided, could be immortal. All she had to do was continue dancing. This was Elena Gilbert's life. Finally, the piano came to a slowdown, and finally ceased to play. Elena stopped spinning, and went down from her point, returning to her original height. She took a heavy breath and finally opened her eyes. Her black leotard hung tight against her sweat soaked body and her tight bun now breaking loose. Pieces of hair hung in her face, and strands shot loose from the bun. Her image displayed the reward of a hard day's work. Elena rubbed her clammy hands on her gray tights and turned to face her teacher.

"Well done, Elena. Your technique has improved," Mr. Jennings said.

"Thank you," Elena smiled in return.

"But, there is a matter we must discuss." He walked towards the young dancer, rubbing his hands together.

"Elena, you know that this is a very prestigious company," he sighed. "We would not be this high ranked if there was no fee." Mr. Jennings supplied a sympathetic look. Elena knew where he was going with this conversation. Elena suddenly became nervous. She could feel new beads of sweat roll down her face.

"M- Mr. Jennings, please. I'll have it soon. I asked my boss for another raise but-"

"Elena," he interrupted, "I've been very lenient with you on this matter."

"I know that sir, thank you," Elena whispered softly.

"Let me finish. I cannot continue to allow you to slip by on this matter. Elena, I'm sorry, but if I do not have the money by the end of the month, then," he paused, "you're out." He looked down. Elena stared at her instructor in horror. No, this couldn't happen. Dancing was all she had- she couldn't let that go.

"A month," Elena breathed. "The fee is 2,000 dollars." She shook her head, defeated.

"I know, it's not an easy situation. If you feel strongly about dancing and keeping your spot in Hampton Company, though, I am positive you'll find a way to pay. You're a smart girl, Elena." Mr. Jennings gave her a soft smile.

"Th- thank you, Mr. Jennings." Elena turned around and headed for her gym bag. Harold Jennings took this as his cue to leave, and headed off stage right. Elena stared at her worn ballet shoes. She could not- would not, give this up. It was her life, her dream, her everything. It was because of dance she had no friends outside the company. It was because of ballet she didn't have a boyfriend. Elena bit her lip, trying to suppress the tears that threatened to fall. How the hell was she going to get 2,000 dollars by the end of the month? It was already April 10th. She sighed, and begun to take off her shoes. She held the small pink shoe in her hand, and examined it. This, right here, in the palm of her hand, was her life. It was in that moment she decided she would do whatever it took to continue having dance as her life. Slipping on her Uggs, she headed toward the exit. A determined expression made its way onto the girl's face. The crusade to save her life had officially been waged.

April tenth. That was the last day of my innocence. The final day, where I didn't wake up utterly disgusted with myself. The ending of an era where I was a naïve- the last day where I wasn't paying for Hampton Company via prostitution.

~Okay, so, I had this idea today, and was like my god, I have to write this! I know, I'm still writing "Unholiest of Tortures", but trust me, I'm sticking with that. But who ever said you can't write two stories at once, right? So, please give me your feedback on this! And tell me if you think I should continue! Because I won't if I don't get many positive reviews, or just reviews in general. And also, if you're not a reader of "Unholiest of Tortures", please oh please oh please check it out!

Remember, reviews are love, people! ;)