Chapter 1: Friday night lights

we sit on the dimly lit stands on at an empty football stadium. it was quiet, the sky, a clear view. I had my head on his shoulder deep in thought. I looked up.

"you ready for tonight?" he asked kissing me on the forehead as I gathered my things looking to the ground. he chuckled "of coarse you're ready...come on I,

should get you home. we both need to get ready for tomorrow." we finished gathering all the books and went on our way to the truck.

the ride was silent. I don't blame him. with him training for the (NFL) and me getting into Yale, our friendship has been a series of loose ends.

we've been inseparable for 12 years this august. wed lost our parents to consumption and been really close ever truck came to an eerie stop and I was making my way when he honked and screamed out the window "knock em' dead" I just smiled and shook my head. He's such a goofball.

I could barely sleep last night. I keep having that dream, but I'm not going to let it interfere with my performance tonight.

I stand in the dressing room staring at myself in the mirror. Holding the tattered picture in my hand I began to cry...the only one I have of her before her death. Everyone says I look like her, and its true. This picture with her in her blue leotard, and golden medal; she was truly my role model and I wish she could see me now.

This is it...the dance that will determine my future.. Its everything.

I go sit out in the waiting room and waited for my audition. I was in there for a full 20 minutes until I heard the name that'd make me shudder. "Nicole Stevens". I held my breath and looked at the floor while mumbling "wish me luck mom"

I strutted to the center of the stage and saluted my judges. Then I was off. Suddenly all the nerves were gone, and I was free.

I danced slowly at first, soul touching the music. I flew gracefully across the stage. It was perfect until it wasn't.

I hit the ground with a loud crash. People were surrounding around me. "CALL 911 CALL 911"

how bad was it? Could I Continue dancing? i was confused and my head was racing.

They strapped me to a stretcher and loaded me in the ambulance.

I woke up with IV's in my arm and a brace on my leg. I tried to sit up "where-"

"shhh lay down. You need your rest" the person said as they left.

Just about that time Tyler walked in with a giant teddy bear.

"what am I two. get well soon would've sufficed"

He chuckled weakly and sat down beside me.

"you know when people use the phrase 'break a leg' that doesn't mean literally"

I giggled and lightly swatted at his chest.

"what about you? What happened to your interview?"

He sighed "there'll be more"

I started to tear up. " I failed her, and now you, and-"

"first of all STOP" "you're mom loved you so much and she would've been proud of whatever you decided" "second" he whispered putting his hands on my face. "honey, look at you, you're such a fool, and so is anybody who cant see how passionate and incredibly beautiful you are, not to mention that you're kick-ass at dance. Its who you are, so no you didn't fail anyone; you're human"

He laid down on the side of the bed that my skinny self didn't cover and held me till we fell asleep.