So, here we are … starting a new story. I'm dreaming that it's summer time and the favorite thing about summer time, besides the longer days and warmer weather is the return of my favorite show, So You Think You Can Dance? I love it … the beauty, artistry and athleticism is amazing. Plus, the music they play? Damn … makes me happy.
Up next will be the results show. Bella and Edward will spend some time with Carlisle and Esme. We're going to hear from Alice and find out who is the winner of the competition.
Chapter Twenty-One: America's Favorite Dancer Is …
AlicePOV
I sat in my room, staring at my phone.
Glowering at my phone was more like it …
This was a contingency plan that Renee came up with in case things didn't go as planned. And things definitely did not go as planned. I sucked. I really, royally sucked. The only dance I performed well was the bullshit dance I had with Bella. The rest of the performances, I was worse than mediocre. I stumbled, fumbled and looked like a complete amateur. We needed that contingency plan because the dance I had with Bella was the strongest. For both of us, to be honest. I had to give her credit. She kicked ass. Despite her numerous injuries and there was a tiny, I mean miniscule, part of me that respected her for it. Like the size of a grain of rice, but that's neither here nor there.
Shit. I'm growing a conscience. Stop that, Brandon. Just stop!
The dance, our dance, that was supposed to ruin her. I mean, I nailed her with my 'unintentional' kick. But, she didn't give up. She went to the emergency room and muscled through.
And she performed better than me.
What. The. Fuck?!
So, I had plan B.
Picking up my phone, I dialed the number that Renee had sent to me. Might as well get this shit done. Isabella Swan is going down, bitches! "Hello? TMZ? My name is Alice Brandon and I'm a contestant on So You Think You Can Dance? I'm calling you regarding another contestant, Isabella Swan. It's been brought to my attention that she's been using performance enhancing drugs."
"Do you have proof of this?" asked the male voice.
"No. Not yet, but I can get it," I replied, looking at the doctored medical records that Renee had provided for me.
"I'm shocked that you're calling us, Ms. Brandon. Doesn't Alistair Simms make you sign a confidentiality agreement?" he asked.
"I did sign an agreement, but information like this is important," I argued. "Don't you want to expose the truth?"
"The competition is not even over. And from what I saw of tonight's performances, you didn't fair too well, Ms. Brandon. Is this a ploy to get Isabella eliminated under false pretenses? That's quite the story. Probably better than the story about her taking performance enhancing drugs. Can I quote you?" he laughed.
"No comment," I growled, hanging up the phone. I pinched my nose, freaking out that our plan was going to backfire. But, with the next three phone calls to other various tabloids and news sources, I used an alias. With a promise of proof, I planted the seed that Isabella Swan cheated and she might have, using the cortisone shot on her knee. But, the medical bills from Renee, those would be far worse than a measly steroid shot in the knee.
She'd be ruined.
Ruined sounded great. Did it?
I sent a text to Renee, informing her of our plans. It's done. Now, we wait ~ Alice
Not if I have a say about it. I'm calling, too. Withhold those papers until the weekend, but Isabella will not win that competition ~ Renee
I frowned, feeling a bit guilty about how I was behaving. I wanted to win, but Renee was taking it too far. Was it worth this? Isabella was Renee's daughter. I get that there was resentment between the two, but this was insane. Blowing out a breath, I responded … Do what you need to do.
I turned off my phone, tossing it onto my nightstand and snuggling into my bed. I was exhausted from the dances and from the emotion of the day. It was tough being a bitch, twenty-four/seven.
xx SYTYCD xx
BPOV
"All I want to do is sleep for days," I muttered, leaning against Edward as we rode up the elevator to his apartment. "After I soak in your hot tub for a week."
"Anything you want, pretty girl. But, keep in mind that we all have rehearsals for the results show on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. On Friday, you're learning the opening number for the finale and practicing the pieces that the judges are choosing for the results show," Edward said, kissing my neck. "You'll get some significant time off before the tour. I promise you."
I whimpered, pushing my face against his chest. "I just want to sleep …" He chuckled, sweeping me into his arms and carrying me into his apartment. He didn't stop until we reached his bathroom. He didn't say anything as he removed my clothes while the tub filled up with hot water and bubbles. "You're too good to me, baby."
"I'll always be good to you, angel," he whispered, lifting me off the counter and placing me into the fragrant bubbles.
"Are you joining me?" I asked, biting my lip.
"Is there any doubt?" he replied, shirking his clothes and sliding in behind me. His arms wrapped around my waist and he nuzzled my neck. "Better?"
"So much better," I sighed. "This water feels like heaven and having you with me, makes it even better."
"Well, I plan on spoiling you, Bella. You deserve to be pampered. My mom has made arrangements at the spa you guys went to earlier in the season. She is so proud of you," Edward murmured. "I'm so proud of you, but I'm curious. What happened before the group number? The final dance?"
"Alice pretty much let her true colors show. She didn't hold back and ripped all of us apart. Mainly the guys, but she seemed like she was going to do something 'special' for me," I said, rolling my eyes. "Whatever, though. She's a bitch and not worth my time. People know her, have seen how she acted. She dug her own fucking grave."
"I agree," Edward murmured, his fingers gliding along my belly. "Don't think about her. She's no longer your concern. She did everything she could to derail your dancing, but you persevered. Just enjoy this quiet evening and me pampering you."
"Does this pampering include unhealthy foods?" I giggled. "I'm dying for some ice cream."
"I'll get you anything you want, Bella," he laughed. "Just relax, though. Let the water soothe your aching body." I nodded, leaning back against him and sighing contentedly as we stayed in there until the water cooled. He filled the tub again, this time washing every inch of my body and massaging my head as he washed my hair.
After our bath, he left me to get dressed, puttering in the kitchen. I put on a pair of short shorts with a tank top. I did put my knee brace around my leg, grimacing at how swollen it was. Twisting my wet curls into a messy bun, I limped to Edward's kitchen. On the counter, there was a huge ice cream sundae. "Oh my God!" I laughed. "That's huge!"
"It's for both of us," he said, spraying some whipped cream on top, placing a maraschino cherry on top with a flourish. "And perhaps, we can find other ways to enjoy the ice cream. A Bella sundae does sound yummy."
"So does an Edward popsicle," I purred, trying to sashay toward him. "I do owe you for relieving my stress earlier this week."
"Hmmmm, as tempting as that sounds, I would rather lick this off your delectable body," he growled, taking my face in his hands and kissing me deeply. I whimpered as he lifted me effortlessly onto the kitchen counter. With a gasp, my legs wrapped around his waist as I felt the cold granite on my skin. "Cold, love?"
"More of a shock," I said, tracing my fingers down his jaw. "But, that ice cream sundae looks delicious and I want to eat it, not wear it."
He wrinkled his nose before grinning crookedly. "Me, too," he chuckled. He produced two spoons. "To a fabulous season and an awesome night performing, pretty girl. I love you and I'm so proud of you." We both scooped up some ice cream, clinking the spoons before swallowing the creamy goodness. "Shit, that's fucking good."
"You don't indulge in ice cream?" I asked, swiftly swallowing another bite.
"I love it too much to indulge," he said. "I'd be the size of a house if I ate as much ice cream as I wanted. I could easily finish this whole thing and then the rest of the ice cream in the freezer. It's a rare treat."
"And yet, you had all of the makings for an ice cream sundae in your apartment," I teased.
"And a weakness," he quipped, dipping his finger in the whipped cream and dabbing it on my nose. "But, I like to keep it on hand. Just in case."
"You're such a dork," I giggled, wiping the whipped cream from my nose. "How do you think tonight went? I mean, compared to everyone else, how did I do?"
"Everyone had a weak dance," Edward said after he ate a few bites. "Or more than one weak dance, like Alice. But, out all of the contestants, you were the strongest and the most consistent. You were also the one who had the most positive praise from the judges and on twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Did you know that there's a Facebook page dedicated to our relationship? It's kind of creepy."
"Uh, yeah," I snorted. "It's not too intrusive, is it?"
"No. Just pictures of us from the show where we're holding hands, hugging and one kiss. That was from the Spider Woman routine," Edward shrugged. "Nothing outside of that, though. But, according to this page, we're going to have four kids and live in Los Angeles, becoming the next big choreography couple."
"Weird," I said, furrowing my brows. "I would like to have a say in my own future. Four kids?"
"Apparently, I've got super sperm," Edward chuckled. "Two sets of twins or something. But, whatever … we make our own future, angel. Whether that includes babies, living in Los Angeles, or on a farm in Dubuque, it's our future."
"Right," I nodded, kissing his cheek. "Four? Two, definitely. Maybe three?"
"With me?" he asked, his neck reddening and a shy, but hopeful grin spreading across his gorgeous face.
"I hope so," I whispered, biting my lip. "If that's what you want."
"I want you. Forever," he breathed, leaning forward and pressing his forehead to mine. "I love you, Bella. I mean it when I say that you're it for me."
"You're it for me, too," I smiled, my face flaming. "And I'm ready for us to take that next step. Not tonight because every part of my body hurts. Even my hair."
"I can imagine," he said, his fingers gliding down my cheek. "After the results show, we can take that step. I want to make love to you. I want to show you how much I love you with my heart, my mind, my body, my soul …"
"You own it all," I breathed. "And that sounds perfect. I know that the results show will be a walk in the park compared tonight. It'll be fun. The stress of competition will be behind us." I leaned forward, kissing his lips. I tasted the sweetness of the ice cream on his mouth and felt his prickly stubble. "I love you, Edward. So much." I snaked my arms around his neck and held him tightly, letting my body relax. He rubbed his hands along my back and held me tightly. Eventually, we broke apart, finishing the huge ice cream sundae he'd made for us.
After our meal of ice cream, Edward carried me to his bedroom and took out a tube of Icy/Hot. I barked out a laugh as he told me to lay down on my belly. He rubbed the smelly lotion into my back, shoulders, arms, and legs. I smelled awful, but for the first time since the beginning of the competition, my muscles were not screaming in pain. Just basking in the glow of Edward's highly talented fingers.
My love for him grew exponentially with each pass of his hands.
God bless him.
I was so relaxed that I didn't even remember falling asleep.
xx SYTYCD xx
EPOV
Bella's quiet snores filled the room. She crashed as I was giving her a complete body massage. I picked her up easily, covering her with a blanket. I brushed my lips along her forehead before sneaking out into the living room. I wanted to touch base with my parents. I'd left almost immediately after the show with Bella, after Alistair handed out the rehearsal schedule for the rest of the week. My girl was dead on her feet and I wanted to get her away from the madness.
I understood the madness. All too well.
Picking up my phone, I dialed my mom's cell phone. "Edward," she breathed. "I was hoping I'd catch you before you left."
"It was chaos and I wanted to get Bella out," I said. "I'm sorry. I know you wanted to congratulate her."
"I'll see her tomorrow. I made the appointment for late afternoon. I'm assuming that she'll want to sleep," Mom said. "I know you slept for almost two days after the performance finale."
"I think it's smart that you made the appointment for the afternoon, but I'll call you if Bella's too tired," I replied. "From the audience, how did the show look?"
"You mean, how did Bella look?" Mom chuckled. "She looked like perfection. As soon as we were out, we voted for and told all of our friends at home to do the same. Edward, she's an amazing dancer and so humble. She took her compliments with a blush and a genuine look of appreciation. Alice looked like she expected great things to be said about her, but was pissed off that she didn't. Jacob and Jasper, they were just not as strong as Bella OR Alice. I think your girl is going to win."
"I hope so," I smiled. "Mom, do you have Grammy's ring?" Yeah, talk about a non sequitur.
"Edward?" Mom gasped. "Is Bella the one?"
"She is. I'm not proposing any time soon, but I wanted to know if I could use Grammy's ring to …" I trailed off, my cheeks flaming.
"Edward, Grammy left you that ring to give to the woman you loved more than your own life. I can see how much you adore Bella. Your father and I love her, too," Mom said. "I'll get it cleaned and prepared once I get home. Do you think Bella will want the emerald changed out to be a diamond? I can do that for you, too."
"No. Leave it as is," I said. "Bella doesn't seem to be a girl who is focused on things like huge diamonds. She's sentimental and will love the ring because I'm giving it to her. I don't know."
"You're right," Mom agreed. "But, I will get it cleaned, buffed and polished. It'll be sparkling like a diamond when you pick it up, my sweet boy."
"Thank you," I smiled. "I'm going to do my own civic duty and vote for my girl. Then, I'm going to crash. It was a late night last night, thanks to Bella's injury. I barely got any sleep. I love you and I'll see you tomorrow." Mom said her good nights and I went to my computer. I voted for my girl before taking a few ibuprofen, as well. I slid into the bed, wrapping my arms around Bella's body. She barely stirred. Her hand found mine and threaded our fingers together before she sighed. I pressed a soft kiss behind her ear, curling my body around hers.
It was late the next morning when I woke up. Bella was strewn across my chest. The faint smell of Icy/Hot filled my nostrils and I chuckled, my fingers gliding along her back. Again, she barely stirred as I slipped out of bed to go to the bathroom and checked in with my mom. It wasn't until I made breakfast that Bella hobbled out of my bedroom. Her face was pink and her hair was a ratted mess atop her head. "I thought I hurt yesterday," she croaked. "I was sorely mistaken. Emphasis on the sorely."
"Do you want some meds?" I asked.
"Nothing stronger than Tylenol. I don't want my medical history questioned," she said, taking my coffee from my hand and sipping it. "Hmmm, this is good."
"I can make you your own cup," I deadpanned.
"But yours is so much better," she quipped, giving me a cheeky wink and then a grimace when she shifted on her feet. I guided her to the living room. I put her feet up and begrudgingly gave her my coffee. Walking back with another cup, some pain meds and a plate of breakfast, I saw down next to her. "Is it so awful that all I want to do is sleep?"
"No. I can call my mom and have her reschedule the spa day," I said.
"That sounds nice, but I'd like to see your parents, especially your mom. She really … she was a god send," Bella breathed. "But, I don't want to …"
"Say no more. I get it. I was the same way, pretty girl," I said, cupping her cheek. "Dinner here with my parents sound good?"
"Yes," she breathed, giving me a gorgeous, gracious smile. "I love you, Edward. I'm so lucky that you get it."
"That's because I did it last year," I said, kissing her nose. "Enjoy your breakfast and then you can take another long bath."
"A nap sounds better," she quipped, picking up her plate. "But, Eau de Icy/Hot is not the best scent. I'll shower and get the funky smell off me." We ate breakfast and lazed on the couch after I called my mom. Bella did drift off, taking an early afternoon siesta before we both went to shower. My parents were coming for an early dinner before my dad had to fly back to Chicago. He had some medical conference he had to attend to in Chicago, but my mom was staying in Los Angeles until the results show. Dad would be back for the finale, but he had his practice and shifts at the hospital. They couldn't be ignored. He was planning on retiring soon, but until then, he was focused on his work.
Bella was dressed in a summery dress. Her hair was curled and her makeup was light, moving a little easier in my apartment. Despite my insistence on ordering pizza, she wanted to make something for dinner. So, she was making a huge salad and preparing brownies for dessert. I tried to help, but she shooed me away as she worked in the kitchen. As she was pulling the brownies out of the oven, my parents arrived with the pizza delivery guy on their tails. Against my protests, my dad paid for the pizza and my mom helped Bella set the table. "Her gait is quite uneven, Edward. Has she seen a specialist?"
"She has a doctor in Seattle and we saw an orthopedic doctor when we were at Cedar-Sinai. But, last night was hellish, Dad. You remember how I moved after the finale," I snorted. "She's moving better than I was."
"This is true, but I would still want her checked out by her doctor," Dad pushed. "It would be a shame for such a beautiful dancer to not be able to share her craft."
"You're right," I nodded. "But, it'll have to wait until after the results show."
"I'm glad you're willing to help," Dad chuckled. "And to commit. Your mom told me about you asking about Grammy's ring. I'm so happy for you. I've never seen you so over-the-moon. You just radiate love toward Bella. I don't know her as well as you and your mother, but to see you so happy makes it all worthwhile."
"She makes everything real and I couldn't love her more because of it," I breathed. "She's my soul mate."
"Just like your mother is my soul mate," Dad beamed.
"Come on, you two! The pizza is getting cold and it smells delectable," Bella yelled. Dad and I walked into the dining room. He sat down next to my mom and I settled next to my girl. Mom served up the pizza and we spent the evening laughing and talking. Bella's eyes held a warm sparkle and she was enamored with my family, just as they were enamored with her. My mom fawned over her. My dad flirted which made me jealous, but Bella's hands were resting on my thigh, marking me as hers. "He's harmless. You own me," she purred in my ear.
"It's the other way around, angel," I whispered.
"We've got to get going. We still need to head to the hotel to pick up your father's bags," Mom smirked. "Thank you for inviting us for dinner, Edward. The pizza was almost as good as the pizza back at home."
"I'm sorry it's not Chicago deep dish, Ma," I laughed.
"I'm a pizza snob," she shrugged, pulling Bella to her feet. "We will have that spa day, but you need your rest. Your eyes at half-mast now. Don't let my son keep you up too late."
"I'll whip him into shape," Bella giggled, hugging my mom. My mom rubbed Bella's back and gave her a soft kiss on her cheek. Turning to my dad, Bella hugged him and he pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Thank you for coming, Carlisle."
"I wouldn't miss it for the world," he beamed. "I'll see you next week when you're crowned America's favorite dancer."
"We'll see," Bella blushed, stepping back and snuggling in my arms.
"No 'we'll see.' You're going to win," Mom laughed. "I have no doubt." Taking my dad's hand, they left my apartment. Bella slumped against me and yawned widely.
"Come on, sleeping beauty. Let's get you back into bed," I chuckled, guiding her to my bedroom. She kissed me, tossing off her dress and sliding between the sheets. She was wearing just a pair of panties and I groaned. My girl was a seductress, even if she didn't know it. Her quiet snores filled the room before I could turn off the lights.
xx SYTYCD xx
BPOV
I spent nearly two days after Carlisle and Esme left sleeping. After that, I finally felt somewhat human when I arrived at the studio to learn the opening number for the results show. Edward was glued to my side, his arm resting possessively around my waist. I welcomed it and loved him for it. He totally took care of me, pampering me with massages, his time and his affection.
"Bells!" barked Rose as she ran toward me. She pulled me out of Edward's arms and into her own. "Girl, you were beautiful during the performance finale. Totally owned it!"
"Thank you," I smiled, hugging her back. "Have you been practicing?"
"The 'Bleeding Love' routine is one of the pieces that will be performed at the results show," Rose said, tugging me away from Edward. "I'll take care of your girl, Eds."
"Eds?" Edward snorted.
"What?" Rose smirked. "Edward is so stuffy. For a Latin dancer, you have some hot moves but your name doesn't match those hips."
"So, Eds is your solution?" Edward laughed.
"After hearing it, I'm thinking not so much," Rose cackled. "Later, Edward!" She dragged me away, onto the stage and hugged me again. "I'm so glad you're here. I've missed you. I voted for you."
"Thanks, Rose," I said. "I've missed you, too. But, you seem odd today. What's up?"
"Oh, Alice and her secret smirk," Rose growled. "She's driving me nuts. She said that the right person will win and that she will be vindicated."
"What the fuck ever," I said, waving my hand dismissively. "She's delusional. Clearly insane." I slid off my loose sweat pants and toed off my sneakers. "Do you know what we're dancing?"
"A contemporary routine, starting with all of us and the decreasing until it's just the top four. It's insane. We've learned the first part this morning," Rose explained. "Mia Michaels is choreographing it."
"Okay, folks! Let's get the top four dancers melded into the beginning of the routine," Mia barked. "Jasper, you're here. Jacob, you're stage right, same spot. Alice, you're center stage and Bella, you're behind her." Mia placed me behind Alice and leaned forward, whispering in my ear. "The featured dancer."
I smirked, taking my spot. Mia worked the beginning and it was gorgeous. It was simple, but its elegance came from its simplicity. About a third of the way through the dance, the first ten dancers left the stage. The top ten dancers performed a majority the rest of the dance until the very end, where it was just the final four of us: Jacob, Jasper, Alice and me. In the dance, the four of us where standing in a line and we all melted into the floor.
We performed the piece three times before we broke for lunch. As we were eating, Alistair announced who was going to perform in the results show. "There will be thirteen performances, including the first performance. Here are the favorite dances and this is also the order in which you will be performing. 'Bleeding Love' with Rose and Demitri; 'Kiss of the Spider Woman' with Edward and Bella; 'Time' with Bella and Tyler; 'A Thousand Years' with Maggie and Jacob; the girl's dance that Sonya choreographed, the circus number – that will be shown using a video – 'Gravity' with Alice and Jacob; 'Mambo' with Edward and Bella; 'All of Me' with Jasper and Lauren; 'Gyrated' with Jacob and Jasper; Angela and Felix's paso doble; 'Sexy Back' with the top four, and 'Game On' with Alice and Bella."
"Wow," I whimpered. "Six dances. Almost as insane as the performance finale."
"You're a favorite," Rose beamed, hugging me. "A definite favorite."
"You know who won?" I guessed.
"Psssh, nope. I wish. If I did, do you think I could keep it a secret?" Rose snickered. "But, I have a feeling."
"You're too much, Rosalie," I deadpanned. She just shrugged, hugging me tightly. We got our meals, sitting with Jessica, Maggie and Tia. Eventually, everyone else swarmed around us and we were laughing and bonding as a cast. Alice was on her own, scowling as she ate her chicken and broccoli. I extended an invitation. "Why don't you join us, Alice?"
"Go to hell," she snapped, throwing her food her into the garbage and stomping away.
"I will not miss her," sang Felix. "Was she awful?"
"Awful is an understatement," Jasper smirked.
"I know she's not everyone's favorite person, but let's not talk about her behind her back," I argued. "I can't stand her either, but we still have to perform with her and I'd like to not get a swift kick to the knee. Again."
"So, you think she did kick you intentionally," Nahuel said, his voice low.
"I don't know, but I'd rather err on the side of caution," I shrugged. Looking down at my phone, I frowned. "We've got camera blocking rehearsals." Everyone grumbled, hating to go to work. We had missed each other and wanted to commiserate as a cast, but we had to prepare for the results show.
We went through camera blocking, marking our dances. We'd have a final dress rehearsal the day following after we'd had an opportunity to practice with our partners in the studios tonight and tomorrow morning. Dancing with Tyler made my heart ache since it was the piece that Mia had choreographed for her dad and the one that I dedicated to my father. I wished he could have been there to see me dance. I wished he was by my side, supporting me and cheering me on. When the dance was over, my lips quivered and I buried my face in my hands, desperately missing my father.
"Bells," Tyler said, hugging me tightly. He guided me off the stage and into Edward's arms.
"It's okay, angel," Edward purred, holding me in his lap. "Your dad is with you. He's always with you."
"I just wish he was here. I forgot how much this piece gets me," I sniffled, leaning my cheek against his shoulder. "I don't know how I'm going to not cry after this piece."
"Bella, I think it's appropriate for you cry. This is a beautiful piece," Edward breathed, tightening his hold on me. We stayed entwined until I went back up with Edward to dance our mambo from Dirty Dancing. We were rusty, but it came back by the end of the dance.
The rest of the rehearsal went by quickly and soon everyone was back at the top twenty mansion, including the All-Stars. All of the rooms were made up and it was a given that it was going to be a packed house. It was a party atmosphere with everyone and I reveled in it. The time for competition was over. We were going to have fun. There was also talk of another party after the results show. But, I had other plans after the results show. Yes, we'd have to make an appearance, but I wanted to finally cross that bridge with Edward.
I wanted to make love to him.
I wanted to give him the gift of myself.
I loved him, adored him. I wanted him and only him.
Even if I lost the competition, I won in finding Edward. With him, I was finally able to heal from the loss of my father and I was taking ahold of that and never letting go.
xx SYTYCD xx
EPOV
"This is it," Lauren sang. "It's like déjà vu."
"Only we're not competing. We're the All-Stars," I chuckled. "Waiting for results for a new crop of contestants."
"I hope that Jasper wins. He's got this something that makes him so adorable," Lauren smiled, flipping her hair over her shoulders.
"Do you like Jasper?" I asked.
"A little," she giggled. "I mean, he's a geek, but sexy. His only negative is the fact that he dated Malice." She shuddered. "Why? I have no idea. She's the devil incarnate."
"Can I let you in a little secret?" I asked. She nodded. I walked over to her and told her about Jasper 'dating' to get information for Bella. With that, Lauren seemed appeased. "Is it still a negative?"
"Knowing what he was doing for Bella? Pssh, no. If anything, it made him more adorkable," Lauren smiled. "That smexy guy will not know what hit him."
"Down tiger," I chuckled.
"Guys, they're getting ready to film the opening number," called Bea. "We're all watching!"
"Right," I said, grabbing Lauren's arm. We scrambled and sat down in the choreographer's seats. The dance began with a disjointed piano part and things grew from there, even though people left the stage. When the top four were on the stage, my girl was standing center stage and staring into the camera. Everything in her glint indicated that she was prepared to win everything. The crowd cheered and a chant for Bella filled the studio. The lights went dark, but the chanting continued. I joined in, along with the rest of the All-Stars. The lights went up and the dancers were off the stage. The chanting died down and Chloe announced that the show would begin in an hour.
The All-Stars, we ran backstage and waited for the show to begin. I checked on Bella. She was getting her hair curled for the first performance. Her body was relaxed and her face was free of any stress. I gave her a wink and she smiled brightly. She pressed her hand to her chest. I did the same, but stepped away when Alice pushed past me. She slammed the door and I went to finish getting ready for my first dance with Bella.
An hour later, the show began and a package of the best bits from production played after the entire cast danced on stage. Then, we performed our final dances in front of the audience. After Jacob and Jasper's dance, they made the first elimination. Jasper Whitlock came in fourth and he seemed happy with it, hugging Jacob and thanking the judges, cast members and his family for their love in support.
Felix and Angela performed their paso doble while the top four changed into their costumes for "Sexy Back." I was zipping Bella into her barely-there costume. "What do you think about Jasper's elimination?"
"I'm bummed. I wanted him to do better than Alice, but he doesn't seem fazed," Bella replied. Glancing over at him, Bella chuckled at his obvious flirting with Lauren. "If anything, he seems relieved and is he putting the moves on Lauren?"
"I think it's mutual," I laughed. "Come on, love. Kick some ass and bring some sexy back."
"Oh, honey. It never left," Bella cooed, kissing me deeply before sauntering away.
Damn, I loved her.
xx SYTYCD xx
BPOV
"Coming in third in the competition is …" Chloe trailed off, smiling widely. "Jacob Black!"
Jacob barked out a laugh, hugging me, Jasper and patting Alice on the shoulder. We all clambered off the stage while Chloe showed video of Jacob's performances. Alice and I changed into our costumes for our final performance. She was moving harshly, almost tearing her costume.
"Best of luck, Alice," I said, wanting to be a bigger person.
"It's not about luck," she sneered as Bea tugged her hair into a tight bun. "It's about winning. And I'm going to win."
"If you say so," I shrugged. My makeup was darkened and my hair was in a ponytail. When the commercial was over, Chloe introduced us and I danced my ass off. I was exhausted from all of the performing I'd done, but nowhere near as tired as the week prior. Alice was harsh in her movements, but I fought back. Our musical tug of war was intense, but I was not letting her intimidate me.
With a spin, a twist and a sneer, our dance was over and we strode apart, leaving room for Chloe in the middle. Lowering my arms, I blew out a breath and waited. Alistair spoke almost immediately after the crowd died down. "And that's why you two are the top two dancers. You are both so strong and fierce. This has been one of the most amazing seasons of So You Think You Can Dance and it's all in part due to you two."
"Thank you," Alice said smugly, standing up taller and smirking.
"This has been a dream," I breathed. "Thank you for the opportunity."
"A class act to the end," Carmen smiled. "We should be thanking you."
"Before we announce the winner, let's take a look at both of your best bits," Chloe said. On the screen, our story wove together and it was a combination of our best performances, rehearsals and camaraderie with the cast. I had more of the latter, but they gave us equal time. When the video ended, the lights came up. "In a record-breaking vote, America's Favorite Dancer is …"
I took a breath, focusing on my thoughts, my dad, my friends, Edward and my future. Whatever may come … I can do this.
"Isabella Swan!"
Did I just win? Oh my GOD!
A/N: And we have our winner … Bella! We'll pick up where we left off in our next chapter. Leave me some loving!