Here's a new chapter out! Shout out to my first reviewer, I'm glad you like it:) you'll see who the bachelors going for Rose are soon! This chapter is for you, darling!

"Rose, can you help me apply bronzer? I just can't…"

I took the brush from Marina's hand, dabbed it into the small pan of brown powder, and blew the excess off before lightly applying it to her cheekbones. Only on performance days like these are we expected to apply obscene amounts of makeup.

"There you go, Marina." I turned around to face the other girls in our room. "Last call, we are heading out that door in 15 minutes so if you need help with makeup, hair or costumes say so now!"

The mayor was kind enough to book two rooms for us at the local inn, although I don't think he expected twelve of us to arrive. Mama insisted that it was more than enough, despite our protests that it would be too cramped. We girls got our own room while the boys got their own; I had to admit though, the rooms were incredibly cozy and homey. The innkeepers and their cook were just as welcoming, even though I could tell they were taken back at the sight of our flamboyant costumes.

We were always a loud bunch, so I appreciated the kindness from Jake and Colleen. Apparently Mama knew the cook, Yolanda, from culinary school. You can only imagine the heartwarming reunion between the two; it was enough to even make the ever sarcastic Marina smile in admiration.

As soon as Colleen welcomed us, she rushed us girls into our own room while Jake stayed back to ask the guys about the city. As soon as we settled into our own room, we got to work. Colleen was kind enough to stay back and give us a hand with adjusting our costumes, curling our hair, and giving us some background information on the town.

"Colleen, you really didn't have to do this for us. Really, you have done so much for us already…." I started to protest until she placed a finger on my lips and said, "Now now, it's my pleasure really. We don't get so many guests at once, especially performers so it's exciting!" She laughed a bit. She has such a sweet laugh…. My thoughts were interrupted when Colleen spoke again, "Besides, who doesn't like a little girl time?"

She gave me a wink before facing the rest of the girls, who were bustling around trying to finish up. "Just a heads up girls, we don't have the same amount of residents as you would have in the city but don't be intimidated. We may be a small community, but I think you'll find Castanet to be a very welcoming town," she said as she finished with a reassuring smile.

Joyce piped up, "That's a relief! Large crowds make me so nervous, I stumble over my own feet when I'm en pointe…" She looked down and fiddled with her ballet slipper, which she was previously trying to roughen the soles of for better friction. Marina walked over and squeezed her cheek, "But I must say mademoiselle, that your outfit looks 'on point'." Joyce blinked a bit, then her frown slowly turned into a smile as soon as she understood the pun. Everyone else in the room laughed including myself, and Joyce looked much happier. She picked up her ballet slipper and pounded it on the floor before scratching the bottoms with her scissors.

I walked over to the nearest vanity and slumped down on the chair, propping my elbows on the table and placing my hands the sides of my cheeks. I looked at my reflection: bronze hair styled to look wavy, lips painted red, thick black eyeliner, violet eyes, and blushed cheeks. I frowned and rubbed my cheek. This tends to happen when I'm flustered, I can't show the crowd how nervous I really am. Sighing, I slumped back on the chair and ran my hand through my hair.

Who would notice that I was nervous? Maybe they'll think my cheeks are red because of makeup or something. I could even use this to my advantage when the men try to approach me, maybe it will draw more costumers in. Well maybe…

I picked up a powder brush from my makeup box and contemplated applying powder on my face to hide the redness. Truth be told, I was actually quite shy on the inside. I was intimidated by strangers, particularly men. You would think that being in this business I would get used to it, but honestly it kind of worsened it for me. Men in the city could be quite vulgar, really. I didn't think of myself as a great beauty, but I think men felt drawn to exotic girls.

I looked at myself in the mirror again. Years of performing in the sun have left my skin tanned and my hair looking like copper. The only thing that hasn't changed are my eyes. Violet, just like my mother's. I started to fiddle with my fingers as I kept thinking. Our eyes were the only things we had in common, my other siblings had my father's eyes. Mama was known for her eyes, a real commodity in several of the countries she's been to. It has been said that you could feel her violet eyes pierce into your own each time she danced, making you feel like it was only the two of you in the room.

I shook my head at the thought; I don't think I could ever make someone feel like that. Marina probably does, without a doubt she had her fair share of suitors. I wouldn't know if I ever had any, I let my mother know that I wasn't interested in speaking to any costumer that expressed interest in me, a request that she faithfully complied to. And why wouldn't she? She knew that it was my responsibility to learn from her so I could take over the company someday. Men would only be a distraction.

Men. I felt my heart sink a little, what if country men are worse than city men? It's not like they're used to dancers like us wearing these kinds of clothes. Sometimes, certain performances called for even more revealing clothes. Or called for more sensual dances.

I stopped my train of thoughts, now I was just overdoing it. I placed the brush back on its box and I picked up gold hoop earrings from the vanity to put on my ears.

"ROSE!" I whirled around in surprise only to meet Marina's green eyes, only inches away from mine. I gasped, "Geez! What's wrong? Did a bead pop from your bust again?"

I wasn't even teasing, three beads already popped off.

Marina shook her head adamantly, "No! The question is, shouldn't your beads be popping off too?"

I blinked. "Wait what? My dress doesn't have beads…"

"I meant why aren't you showing enough cleavage? I know those girls are there somewhere!"

Before I could even protest, Marina griped the sides of my dress and pulled down. I tried to shove her hands away from my bust even though I was at a severe disadvantage.

Marina was 5"8, whereas I was 5"2.

"Marina! What the hell is wrong with you?! I don't like showing off like this!"

"Oh please grow up a bit! Here! If you fold this part, it pushes up your boobs more!"

"I don't want to!"

"Let the world know you finally hit puberty!"

"Get off me!"

"There! Now you have jiggly, juicy boobies!"

"Let me go NOW!"

"BUT EVERYONE LOVES JIGGLY JUICY BOOBIES!"

Marina had her arms wrapped around me, one arm holding my arms down and the other one attempting to push my breasts up. In the meantime, I was trying to push them back down while pushing my back against her, wishing I had the strength to flip her over my back. During the scuffle and the laughter coming from the rest of my cousins, we didn't notice a knock on the door before it opened.

"Hello ladies, my name is Gill and I am here to-"

Marina and I looked up towards the sound of the only masculine voice in this room and stopped what we were doing almost immediately. Standing there with his eyes wide open (and jaw slightly opened) was a young man with light blonde hair. Like the mayor, he did not look dressed as country boy but instead opted for an almost preppy outfit. Dark blue vest, plaid pants, white dress shirt, and red cowlick. He had papers in his arm, which he let drop to the floor at the sight of us: Marina with her flushed faced and untidy hair, holding me from behind. And then there was me, bent over with Marina gripping me from my back and my breasts pushed up my dress well past my comfort zone.

We just stared at each other like that in that position for what seemed to be forever although it was only for three seconds before someone in the room cleared their throat. I have never been so thankful for that distraction, for at that moment the young blonde man turned towards the direction of the sound. I took that chance to slip from Marina's grasp, who did not resist this time. I slipped past my cousins and hid behind Alma.

Adilene cleared her throat again, "Hello sir, you are here for…?" Almost instantaneously, the young man snapped out of his shock (or trance, maybe?) and bowed his head. "I uh, I sincerely apologize. I should have waited outside, I didn't know you ladies were uh…." He scratched his neck. "Uh… not decent."

Both Rosalinda and Adilene walked over to the door and proceeded to pick up the papers. I peeked behind Alma to see what was going on.

"No need to apologize Gill," said Rosalinda as she sweetly batted her eyelashes at the flushed man. "We were just playing around, you just happened to catch us in an awkward situation. You know how sisters can be." She looked behind her shoulder and giggled at Marina, who only grinned back.

Adilene handed the papers back to Gill, "What can we help you with?"

Gill kept his eyes on the ground although he regained his composure. "Uh yes, well you see uh, I can always come back another time…."

Now it was Marina's turn to torment the poor kid. "What's the matter, honey? Never been in a room full of half dressed girls?" She let out a loud laugh, only succeeding in reddening Gill's face. I kind of smiled at the sight; I found it be really adorable.

Joyce snapped back, "That's not true! I'm a ballerina, I'm covered up more than you!

"Barely!"

"More than you! I don't belly dance, I don't have to dress sexy!"

"It comes with the territory, baby."

"Alma does hip hop, she wears sweats most of the time!"

Adilene quickly shushed Marina and Joyce up before turning to Gill, who looked downright embarrassed. "Don't listen to her sir, she's just very loud and likes to provoke." She shot Marina a dirty look, who only responded with a wink.

She turned back to Gill, "Now what is it that you need? Don't be shy, these are only costumes. You kinda have to get used to seeing us wearing these clothes when we perform. But that's show business, isn't it?"

The blond young man finally looked up with slight determination, only for that determination to fade away when seeing us. I couldn't blame him.

A kid like him didn't seem to be used to seeing girls wearing glittering brassieres, glittery dresses…or large bosoms like Marina's.

He cleared his throat and adjusted his cowlick, "Yes I am looking for a Ms. Rose. Is she here?"

Almost immediately I thought, shit! That's what he's looking for? Before I could hide further behind the room, I felt Alma's hand reach down to grab my arm and pulled me up. "She's here!"

I felt myself get shoved to the front of the room past my giggling cousins and in two blinks, I was already face to face to the young man named Gill.

Wow…he has really pretty eyes.

I nodded and extended my hand, "Hello. I'm Rose. What can I do for you?"

He looked at my hand for a bit before deciding to grab it and shake it. He gave it a firm grip then pulled his hand away briskly. I decided to overlook that…

"My name is Gilligan, but please call me Gill. I am the Mayor's son, so it's my duty to overlook the affairs of the residents as well as visitors." He handed me the papers, "These uh, are for you. They're waivers. You know, business."

I took them from his hand, "Thank you. You'll have them before noon."

He nodded then finally made eye contact with me. I sensed him become a bit frigid, or was it me? Gill blinked then said, "Right. Now if you could come outside now, I'll have Maya escort you to the Church Grounds were the stage is set up. I'll have you know that your audience is already making their way there so do not be late." He bowed, "That is all. Thank you."

Gill then turned on his heels and quickly walked away, closing the door behind him. That was so awkward, if I am going to be working with this guy then I need to clear the air between us.

I groaned, I knew I was going to get teased for this.

I opened the door and rushed outside, barely catching him at the door of the inn.

"Wait! Gill?"

He turned around and looked surprised to me see me walking towards him. I sighed, "Listen, about what you saw there…I am really, really sorry. We weren't expecting company, much less from a guy so we weren't careful. Marina, the girl behind me, is my older sister so she messes with me a lot."

I brought a hand to my head, "I really am sorry. I hope you don't have a bad opinion of us. But if you do, rest assured that we will at least do our job well."

I stopped myself before I kept blabbing any longer. I brought myself to look at Gill's face. Not keeping eye contact is extremely rude in my opinion, being shy can't help me now.

He looked startled, his mouth was slightly open. Just when I thought that he was never going to get over his shock, I saw his features soften up a bit and he let out a short laugh.

"It's nothing, miss. I understand. And no I don't have a bad opinion of you all, it was just bad timing. Besides, they look nice."

His eyes flew wide open and he waved his hands wildly over his face, "No I meant your group, not your uh, y-y-your chest! I m-mean those are very nice too but- no that's not what I-I'm saying…!"

I stared at him perplexed as he stammered over his sentences. I have heard about this Gill person from Mama. He has a reputation for being quite serious as well as intelligent. Yet the person I see is a completely different person. Or maybe I was just right, men from the country are simply not used to a bunch of girls like us.

I smiled gently and laughed, "No worries, Gill. And please, just call me Rose."

Gill finally stopped stammering, and to my delight, laughed as well, "Haha thank you, Miss- I mean, Rose." He looked at his watch, "I should get going, I have to be at the Church Grounds to introduce you. Make your way there now, please."

He turned towards the door and opened it. "Oh," he glanced at me. "And welcome to Castanet. I hope you enjoy your stay."

Gill then walked outside, closing the door behind him.

I grinned, "Thanks. I think I will."

I marched back to our room, only to meet with a bunch of taunts and "ooohs" from the girls.

"Isn't he dreamy?"

"A total nerd, but the hottest one yet!"

"What did he say, Rose?"

"Did he ask about me?"

"Ain't no one want anything to do with you, Marina!"

"Shut your piehole!"

I raised my voice, "Enough! Make your way out the door we are leaving NOW!" I ushered the girls out into the lobby, where we met up with the rest of the guys and Mama who was standing next to a young girl with orange hair and braids.

This must be Maya.

Mama spoke, "Big day today, babies. Give it your all. I've known some of these people here for a very long time so I want to give them the performance of a lifetime, let's give them their money's worth!"

Everyone clapped and yelled out in excitement. Well everyone except Diego, who approached Maya and in one smooth movement, grabbed her hand and kissed her hand.

Maya jumped back, "W-who are you?"

Diego winked, "My name is Diego but they call me the Don of Romance."

Mama smacked his head. "Don of dumbasses, maybe. Control your hormones, kid. This young girl happens to be the granddaughter of my best friend, so I will take care of her as if she were mine." She pointed a finger at Diego's face, "So watch it, playboy."

Diego took a step back and held his hands up in defense, "Geez Auntie, can't a man approach a beautiful girl in peace anymore!?"

"Oh shut up, Diego. You're scaring her!" Adilene walked over and linked arms with Maya, who still looked confused. She lead her towards the rest of the girls, "Don't worry about him doll, he makes up for his stupidity with his breakdancing at least."

I walked over and placed my hand on Maya's shoulder, "Haha relax, he acts dumb around pretty girls."

Maya looked at me with perked up eyes, "I'm that pretty?"

I smiled, "Of course you are. Now, do you know where the grounds are? I'm Rose by the way, that nimrod's cousin." I pointed at Diego, who was still getting a mouthful from Mama.

The young girl looked rejuvenated, "Nice to meet ya! I'm Maya! And yes, I'm supposed to take you there, hehehe. My parents are already there, so that means everyone else should already be there. Follow me!"

I chuckled, she's so lively. "Thank you kindly, Maya. Let's go everyone! Boys first, then girls!"

Everyone complied and walked out the door, all in engaged in excited conversation and laughter. I then took a deep breath and followed everyone out the door.

It was a beautiful sunny Spring morning. Perfect weather to dance, even the air was clean enough to sing in as well. I straightened out my dress and realized my breasts were still a bit pushed up. Too late to fix that now, I'll just have to manage.

I fell back behind the others so I could take a good look around the town. It was just as beautiful as I originally thought. We passed by a blue clinic called Choral Clinic, passed by a school, and a couple of homes.

Wow, is this island named in tribute of instruments or something? I didn't mind, I liked it. It made me feel like we were meant to be here.

I felt my thoughts interrupted by a loud yell towards the front of the group, "Okay guys, up this hill lies the Church Grounds! Are you ready?" That was Maya's voice I recognized. I heard my family scream, "YES!"

I didn't mutter a sound, instead I just smiled to myself.

"I hope so…I really hope so." I muttered under my breath.

I took another deep breath and mustered any remnants of courage I had left as we started walking towards the top of the hill.

And then there was applause.