Chapter 8
Max had never been happier than when the plane touched down in Dallas. As soon as the doors were opened she up and out of her seat. She waited at the end of the tunnel for the rest of the dancers and they all proceeded to baggage reclaim and then to the main entrance. Sam done a head count at least 6 times before she was satisfied that she had everyone. No one had spotted a man holding a sign with SAM ROGERS-BOSTON CREW DANCERS until they had walked by him completely and Derek called for everyone to stop. Apparently the competition had arranged their transport to the hotel.
The ride was quiet except for Sam's lecture on not leaving the hotel without someone with you, no drinking, smoking, no breaking anything. Everyone nodded and just to be sure Sam added an 'or else' which was enough to make them all scared.
In the lobby there was more waiting. Max should have known. They were staying at the Dallas Tipton-was there anything that London's dad didn't own? Sam got the room keys and paired everyone off. However there was an odd number. They had 5 guys and four girls so three of the boys would have to pair up. Max was happy with her room mate-Jade. She was a nice girl who for the most part kept to herself but got on with everybody. She was the same height as Max except she had blonde hair and blue eyes and an athletes figure- every guys dream. But she could handle herself and that was one of the things Max liked about her.
All the rooms were on the 15th floor. Max and Jade were in 1510. Everyone took some time to relax and get settled or sleep if they didn't on the plane. The only thing they needed to do was be ready in their jumpers-with their names and crew name on the back- for the meet and greet that night where they would meet the 7 other teams that had made it to Nationals. So at 6.30 everyone made their way to the lobby where a bus would bring them to the dance centre where the comp would be taking place.
The evening came and went quickly. They talked withthe other teams and Sam had asked Max and Derek to be the, as she put it, spokespeople for the team. Apparently everyteam had a captain and Co. So she chose them. They worked out that their biggest threat was the crew from Seattle. They were good and were similar to them in numbers and stlye. Max just hoped they could stand out enough.
At 11 everyone was ushered back onto the busses and back to the hotel where under strict instructions from Sam, they were not to speak and to go straight to bed. Max had been trying to sleep when she remembered she hadn't texted Noah or Zack all day. Quickly getting her phone she sent them both quick text messages that she was sorry she hadn't texted and she was safe. She wasn't expecting a reply until her phone vibrated. Silently thanking the gods that she had but her phone on silent she reached for her phone and opened the text.
Zack- Y r u stil up? Dnt u need rest 4 2moro? X
She smiled and replied that she was tryin to sleep when she realised that she hadn't texted or called.
Zack- can u call now?
Max looked over at Jade who, although she had her back to her was sleeping soundly. Max quietly got up and made her way to the balcony part of the room. Sliding the door shut she pressed the call button.
"Hey!" he sounded happy.
"Hey back. Was there a particular reason you wanted me to call?"
"Nope just wanted to talk to you. Cody and Bailey had one of their webcam chats awhile ago and I unfortunatly didn't have the sense to leave the room first. I swear if I hear the names HayBail or Codykins again...ugh!" he shuddered on the other end of the phone causing Max to laugh.
"So how was your day?"he asked. She explained about the hotel and the meet and greet. "Pretty boring but thats life!"
"Cheer up, you're going to be 16 in 2 days. You can drive then"
"Actually it's a day, its past midnight here but it wont be any fun without you guys" she said sadly.
"I promise that we will do something fun and brilliant when you get back. Ok?"
"Ok! I better go before Sam does a room check. Night Zack"
"Night Max" and he hung up. Sighing she went to go back in before she heard her name. Looking over the wall to her right she saw Derek sitting on one of the chairs. He stood when he saw her face and smirked.
"And what are you doing out of bed? Shouldn't the co captain be in bed setting an example?"
"Speaking of co. Captains and late nights...what are you doing up?"
"Couldn't sleep and Jake's snoring is a bit too much for me" he said with a smile. "So were you just talking to your boyfriend?"
"No, I was talking to Zack, if you must know!"
"Yea I know thats why I said boyfriend"
"Look Derek not that its any of your business but Zack isn't my boyfriend"
"So if I was to ask you out..." he said with a smirk that made Max glare back.
"Not in a million years!" she said coldly. Derek raised his hands in defeat. "Like I told you at home, I want to be friends." Max stood for a moment deciding whether or not to trust him.
"Friends is ok I guess..." she said slowly. "So what did you think of the other groups?" Max asked trying to divert the conversation away from Zack.
"They're good but we're better. That Seattle crowd though, they are the ones to beat"
"I know. Me and Sam said the same but I think we have a good chance here" Max took the silence to observe her surroundings and the lights of Dallas. Derek stood from where he was sitting to stand on the other side of her. Max looked up when she felt him looking at her.
"Well I better get to bed!" she said making her way back to the door but she stopped and turned "I'm glad you're here. We would never win without you so...thanks" It wasn't as hard as it should have been to say that. Before he could reply she said a simple goodnight and closed the door. She climbed into bed a closed her eyes hoping to sleep and after quite a lot of tossing and turning she did.
X
They were all up early the next morning as Sam had organised for them to use the ballroom in the hotel for an early practice. Soby the time everyone got their breakfast they had already done over an hour of training. The comp wasn't due to start till noon so they had 2 hours of free time before they had to get to the bus. The other dancers that hadn't trained that morning used this time for just that while the Boston crew decided to go and look around the hotel and what it had to offer.
Sam called everyone at 11 so they could get the bus to the centre and be there early. They filed into the convention center and waited for the other teams. The order of which groups were performing had been posted the night before so Boston would be no 6. Seattle was no.7.
The opening ceremony was quick. One surprise came in the form of London Tipton who had come to 'open' the ceremony with an original dance of her own. Safe to say she was no competiton. The dancers went to get ready, be it in the audience or on stage.
The first 4 acts were good but weren't as together as they should have been. Some had excellent solo dancers who would do well in the later week comps but their groups weren't great. They never did get to see no.5 from Ohio as they were all ushered back stage by Sam.
"Ok guys focus. You can do this ok? I know you can." Everyone started bouncing or stretching while they waited.
"Now our next group is from Boston and are led by Samantha Rogers and here they are!" came the voice from the loudspeakers and Max and Derek stood in front as they walked out. She felt his hand in hers and he squeezed it once before letting go and walking out.
The next 3 minutes were the most exhilerating of Max's life. Nothing compared to dancing. It was freedom with a beat to it, as Max had once put it. It didn't fully hit her what she had done intil she came off the stage and saw the others smiling and bouncing.
"That was great guys!" Sam said as she came forward. "The judges couldn't keep theirs eyes off you guys...I'm so proud of guys" she said. A man in black with a head set came up and wispered to Sam "Ok guys we gotta move they need to get the next group in and I want to see what Seattle has to offer!"
They all quickly and relitivly quietly made there way to the main hall and waited for the Seattle group to be introduced.
"Our next group of dancers is led by a very talented young performer Simon Weller. And here they come!" But at this point no one was looking at the dancers but at Sam.
"No way!"she whispered as she watched a man step from backstage to the side of the stage. Max noticed he looked in his mid 20's, tall with a toned body visible though his top. His hair was short and black. He was cute in Max's opinion. Sam however didn't look happy.
"What's he doing here?" she whispered more to herself than anyone else. Max shrugged and turned her focus back to the dancing which was, sadly, brilliant. They were perfectly in time and their routine was great. Max still thought that they had a good shot though, unlike some of the other teams. Some looked slightly ill looking at the dance stylings of the wonderful Seattle dancers.
They finished their routine and made their way off the stage and the unknown male causing Sam so much bother left to greet them.
"Sam?" Max asked. Sam looked deepin thought. "Sam!" Max said louder touching her arm. Sam jumped and looked at Max. "What's wrong?" she asked dazed.
"Nothing with me, but you...Are you ok? You seem kind of out of it"
"Oh yea I'm fine! Dont worry" she coughed and took a deep breath. "So we were right huh? They were good" Max nodded but before she could say anymore Sam walked away. Max was alone for a few minutes when Derek came up to her.
"Is Sam ok?" Max shrugged and turned to Derek "So what did you think of the competition?"
"They're good but so are we. We just have to stay positive" Max turned around and looked back at Derek. "What are you doing?" he asked curiously.
"Looking for the real Derek!"
"Haha very funny. I told in Boston and last night. I've changed Max" He looked over to see the judges leave their seats. They wouldn't find out which 3 teams would be in the final until late. The finals were in 3days time as the solo comps were on for the next few days and all the finals would be on the last day. This gave them time to practice a new routine.
"So when is your solo spot?" Derek ask her as they made their way to the back of the room.
"Um...not till Thusday, Yours is tomorrow right?"
"Yup and I know I'm gonna win!"
"Yea in your dreams!" this hadn't come from either of the two and they turned and were faced with 2 teens-a guy and a girl, both their age. The boy was taller, blonde hair and green eyes but he had a hardness to his face. The girl was 2 inches shorter with brown eyes and tanned skin and she too had a hardness to her face.
"Um can we help you?" Max asked folding her arms. The boy looked her up and down and she supressed a shudder.
"We heard your boyfriend here saying he thinks he can win. We couldn't let him get his hopes up now could we?" now Max noticed ther jumpers, Seattle.
"He can totally wip your but on the dancefloor. And he's not my boyfriend" she may be defending him but that didn't change anything. The boy reached out to touch her arm but Derek caught it "I wouldn't do that!"
"She just said she was single, so back up and get your hands off me!" Max pushed him away and took Derek's arm. "They're not worth it! Lets go"
"It's ok but we will be seeing you around" and they left. The girl looked back at Max and with the most severe parting look they were gone.
"Oh joy- we have enemies!" Max said sarcastically. Derek placed a hand on her shoulder before walking off to where some of the others were waiting. She took out her phone to see if she had any calls or texts. None! That was odd. She hadn't realised ot was almost 5. Sighing she went over to where Sam was getting everyone ready for the bus back.
She sat quietly on the bus, not really talking to the others. As soon as the bus stopped outside the Tipton she was off and headed towards the restraunt. Everyone was hungry. Just after half 6 she decided to make her way to her room. Jade followed and they made small talk about the days events and how the Seattle dancers had tried to intimidate them also. Jade had a shower as soon as they entered the apartment and then Max.
"Hey some of the girls are hanging out in Jess' room tonight! Come on!" Not really dressing up she put on her good jeans and a top and headed to the apartment 4 doors down. She knocked twice but no one answered. Jade knocked again.
"Hey guys it's us! Jade and Max!" The door opened but the room was black. "Hello?" Max asked quietly.
"SURPRISE!"
Max just stood there, unsure what to say. "Um...Thanks guys but how did you know?" she was sure she had told no one about her birthday.
"Yes missy! Thank you for telling us by the way!" Sam said from the corner of the room. She came forward with a small box, wrapped in her hands. "Derek told us!" Max turned to look at him and he raised his hands in defeat. Before she could give out to him she was being hugged by all her friends and some one had brought out a cake. After a very bad rendition of HAPPY BIRTHDAY and the blowing out of 16 candles she was handed the small box from Sam.
"From all of us!" she said. Max took the box and quickly ripped the wrapping off. It was a bracelet. A charm bracelet with 3 charms-A converse, a music note and a letter M. Max couldn't talk. It was so sweet. She had always wanted a charm braclet. She hugged everyone again when she realised some one was missing. She made her way to the balcony to find him. She tought she may have heard a knock at the door but it seemed that Mel was going to get it. She walked up beside him.
"Thank you!"
"You're welcome. Having fun?" Derek asked.
"Yea I am actually! How did you know?" she asked turning to him crossing her arms. "I never told you"
"I heard you last night, when you were on the phone...sorry" she let her hands drop. "It's ok" Deciding it wouldn't kill her she looked at him "So do I get a birthday hug?" she held her arms out and he smiled before hugging her.
"Happy birthday Max!" he whispered in her ear.
She looked up to say thank you but was cut off when he kissed her. She pulled back quickly when someone cleared their voice behind her and she knew that sound and closing her eyes she turned slowly.
AN:So I hope you like it. I know it's long but i needed to get it here. And as promised this chapter is dedicated to KibaSaku xxx review!
