Chapter 1: Ashley's view, 6 years old

Twirling and moving through the air is so much fun! I practice my split leaps and I think I might but good, but aren't really sure. I feel like my feet move on their own. A few other girls look like they're having trouble. But I believe in them.

I place my hands on the shiny wood floor, slide my back foot back and front forward with my feet so far apart and hips drop further. Mom says doing splits will make me better. I wanna keep jumping not stupid railing stuff.

The ballet teacher tells me, "You're very talented but we haven't gotten that far yet. How about we practice demi plies and with the other girls?"

The ballet teacher claps and announces, "Feet in first and arms in fourth and remember not to turn out your toes too much. And arm in front of the belly button."

I wish I could talk to the others during practice. I like practice when it's fun.

She then tells us, "We are going into stretches and conditioning."

I look up asking her, "How many more railing thingy exercises? I wanna get to the fun part!"

She squats down smiling like she saw a cute kitten and says, "That railing thingy is called a barre. Barre work will get you ready you know!"

Hmm, ok I get it.

I tell her. "I really had fun today dancing!"

I look over to a girl with a phone talking to another girl, "Wanna see my TikTok?"

The other girl tells her, "Sure. Do you think you'll trend?"

"Shh you need to be 13 to sign up we could get in trouble if anyone knows!"

"Sigh, my parents keep it private. Wanna be my fan?"

"Sure, let's add each other."

Why won't my parents get me a phone? I want TikTok followers too!

I can tell mom is coming over because of how her walk sounds. "Hey Ashley! How was practice today?"

"The jumping and spinning part was fun!"

Mom laughs and looks at the ballet lady, "Isn't she really good?"

The instructor tells her, "Your daughter is showing she has talent! And she's really smart too!"

Mom tells her, "She gets it from me. I raise my baby girl right!"

I look up to her after looking at the other girls. "So...umm...can you buy me a phone?"

She rolls her eyes and smiles like I told her a joke. "Girl, you're way too young for that!"

"But mom! You have a phone!"

"Because I need to keep up with my friends and coworkers at the salon besides didn't your school give you a tablet?"

"Yeah but I can't install anything with it! Like it keeps me from getting apps!"

"I don't want you going on yet because people get bullied on those apps and I don't wanna go broke just because you want more fake DLC clothes if you play one of those games! Besides how would you feel if someone told you your singing or dancing was awful?"

I look down at my yoga shoes and breathe. Yeah mom I get it okay but you don't understand I need a phone. Pointe shoes would be nice too. That's what real ballerinas wear.

I feel so hopeless. "Aww please mom! What if I need to DM you!"

Mom says. "Your teachers and your friend's parents have phones if you ever need to."

I know! People don't need to share if they have the same thing! "I won't need to use yours if dad calls us! We can all group Snap!"

Mom lets out one little ha. "You know I'll always let you and Angel use the phone with me like we always do!"

Ooo I got it! Parents always say they want us learning and being safe!

"And they even make school apps for freakin 3 year olds! Come on mom please?"

Mom takes a sip of her ice blended. "They're trying to make money and those are usually done on parent's tablets."

"I'll get good grades if we download school apps! The tablet the school gave me won't let me download apps! And the phone will be in your account and you can watch me with GPS!"

"Ashley! I said no! And I can download those on my phone if you care."

Why does mom always see through my plans! It's not fair! "Fine."

It smelled like a mix between the instructor's peachy perfume and window spray in there. Still, dancing was fun.

"Listen...when we get to Church's Chicken I'll show you Reinhart's TikTok! I'll show you his comments they're like so funny!

Well he is one of dad's funnier friends.

We sit down with our food and oh my gosh I'm like so dead! Of course people make fun of him.

Dad then Facetimes us, "Hey Alyssa! How is everything?"

"We're great thank you. Ashley did good at ballet practice! Angel is doing okay too I just picked him up from gymnastics."

Angel and I wave to him, "Hi dad!"

Dad smiles then continues talking to mom, "Oh I'm so gassed from this last mission! An omnic was spraying venom on everyone and I had to keep moving to avoid it. I swear people and omnics will hate you for like any stupid reason and I hate that so much!"

Mom takes a sip of her soda then smiles, "I'm so proud of you!"

I look over to Angel, "Hey...want the rest of my tender strips? I'm full."

Angel's face lights up, his feet happily dangling from his chair "Aww thanks sis you're the best!"

I lean back in my chair with my feet on the table, "No problem."

Mom slowly shakes her head, tells me to sit like a lady but she looks like she has a problem with me smirking at her. "I don't wanna put me feet down okay!? It's comfy."

Her eyebrows come together and she tilts her head. Okay now it's time I put my feet and arms back.

"I'll be good!" I say smiling at her.

"You and your brother can be so sassy sometimes! It's really rude!"

We make it home.