6,800 words later Optimism is finished! I so wanted it to be finished weeks ago but life got in the way before I could write the final 1,500 words! – I know I am bad at getting them up on time – but then again if you have been reading since the first chapter you will remember that I was giving you a chapter a day – but let's face it that is impossible in term time! Thank you to every single reader, reviewer, and follower! And thanks to LoverOfAllBooks1, Aubreylovesthegames, Michaela46, PrimrosePotter77, love it so much, divergentfangirl473 and babysitter1997 – who reviewed the last chapter! It has been lovely to her people's reactions to my first multi chapter fic and hope that this continues as I write more (Info at the bottom). If possible please review and let me know your favourite part from the whole fic it would be great to hear what people enjoyed! I hope you like this chapter and yet again Thank you! :)
"Tris" He kisses my head, "It's not true and will never be"
"I know but" I sigh "I'm sorry you had to leave class, you're probably in trouble now"
"No, it's not important I'll explain tomorrow"
"Thanks"
"Now let's get inside and finish today's classes"
"Are you really going to stay?" I ask him.
"Of course" He kisses me before pulling me up and following me back into the school.
Showcase day
BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP
"Tris wake up" I feel Tobias pushing me
"What" I groan and roll over away from him.
"ITS SHOWCASE DAY!" he says excitedly.
"Your point" I mumble
"Come on" he shakes my shoulder
"You're acting like a 5 year old on Christmas morning"
"And you're acting like Chris with a hangover come on I know you're excited really" he whispers into my ear, I roll over and smile at him.
"Why are you so excited anyway?" I ask him.
"I dunno, I haven't seen you dance on stage in a while"
"Fair enough" I pull the covers right up under my chin.
"You need to get up" he straddles my leg and leans down to kiss my nose.
"You seem to have hindered the chances of that greatly" I gesture to his weight pinning me down.
"Sorry" he shuffles off and sits beside me.
"What time is it, anyway?" I wriggle across and lay my head on his lap.
"Half six ish" he plays with my hair.
"Its ganna be a long day"
"You said it"
"What time is Mum, Dad, and Caleb arriving?" I ask him
"I'm picking your mum and dad up from the airport at 9 after I've dropped you off and Caleb said that he is going to get a cab with Susan as they are on a later flight"
"Cool" I feel my eyes start to droop closed.
"Come on you need a shower" he tells me
"You saying I smell Eaton?" I sit up and frown at him.
"Yep" he says popping the 'p'
"If you think I smell now, wait until this evening" I place a kiss on his jaw bone before slipping out of the bed.
"I'll have to pack a room spray and use it every time you enter a room." He laughs
"Don't be cheeky" I comment while pulling my favourite dance tracksuit out of the draw.
"I'll make waffles" Tobias gets up kisses my head and leaves the room.
After my shower I braid my hair, I can deal with it later. There isn't any sign of Tobias in the kitchen so I go back into our bedroom. He is sat on the bed, now dressed, with a tray that has two piles of waffles atop of it – one covered in syrup and the other in chocolate spread.
"mmm" I carefully get on the bed next to him and he lifts the tray so it is across both of our laps.
"Well you've got a long day ahead of you, the least I could do is make sure that you don't get hungry" we sit and eat our waffles together; I try my hardest to not get in a mess with the chocolate but there is a lot of it.
"I remember Caleb telling us we would become obese if we continued to eat the amount of syrup and chocolate we did on our pancakes." I say before taking another mouthful. Tobias puts down his knife and fork and lifts up the front of his top so I can see his toned stomach.
"Not obese yet" he laughs "what are you doing about lunch and dinner today?" Tobias asks
"I think we are eating at school, why?" I finish up my waffles and try my best to wipe the chocolate from my face.
"I was just wondering if you needed me to bring some food or put something together for you to take."
"I'm pretty sure Max said the school would provide stuff, if not I'll text you" Tobias moves the tray off the bed.
"You fail at eating without making a mess" he reaches across and rubs at the side of my mouth with his thumb, he removes the chocolate then places his thumb to my lips, I kiss it. We find ourselves just sitting staring at each other until I reach over to initiate the well anticipated kiss. He kisses me back straight away and pulls me onto his lap. I find myself straddling him, his hands finding my bum, mine run up and down his chest. I allow him to deepen the kiss as he pulls me flush against his chest, any worries about today long forgotten. I feel him tug at the band of my braid so I pull back before he has the chance to undo it.
"I'm ganna be late" I whisper.
"Gutted" Tobias' breath coats my face.
"Later" I kiss his forehead and slip off his lap.
"Promise?"
"Promise" I tell him before picking up my dance bag and placing it on the bed. I empty it out and then place it all back in one thing at a time, so I can make sure I have everything.
I walk over to the draws and pull out a selection of black crop tops, booty shorts, leotards, and leggings and place them into my bag.
"You might want to move some stuff into the spare room to make it more lived in" I say to Tobias
"Why?"
"Because you are probably going to be bring my parents back here and they are still under the impression we have a bedroom each" I explain while trying to track down my converse in the pile of shoes that are thrown in our wardrobe.
"Bea don't worry, we are 18 and live together they must know by now." He kisses my head then kneels down next to me and helps find my converse.
"Can I take one of your hoodies today please?" I ask Tobias while tying my shoes.
"Of course" he pull a black zip up one out of the draw and puts it into my bag "do you need your boots?" he picks up my fave boots from the floor.
"Yer thanks" I take them from him and pack them in my bag before zipping it shut
"Let's go" He grabs my bag before I have the chance and leaves the room, I follow him out the door and to the truck. I get into the middle so I rest on him while he drives.
"Do I sense someone is a bit nervous?" he briefly rubs my thigh before having to change gears.
"Only a little bit" I answer.
"Why Bea you are amazing at dancing?"
"The acro duet could go horribly wrong, I have only known one of the solos for three days and I am in six acts"
"Calm it the duet will not go wrong, you will be fine, I am sure that the solo is flawless and six acts - going for the school record were we?" I playfully punch his arm. "Make sure you text me today, I think I am going to end up as the definition of a third wheel" I laugh
"I didn't think of that, who of the gang is defiantly coming?"
"Uriah and Marlene, Zeke and Shauna, and of course Chris and Will"
"Well say hey from me and I will try my hardest to get out and see you all in the interval" he pulls up outside the school.
"Love you" he leans across and plants a chaste kiss on my lips.
"Love you too" I tell him before picking up my bag and getting out of the truck
"Dance fierce" Tobias shouts out the window as I reach the entrance, I give him a wave and enter the building.
I head up to the store room and collect my suitcase which I packed full of my costumes and hair and makeup stuff earlier this week.
"Everyone to report to lower studio A now please" Max's voice echo's over the loud speakers. I struggle down the stairs with both my bags and make my way to studio A. I leave my stuff at the back along with most other peoples and sit down with Grace, Megan and Harper. After the incident a few days ago Amy was severely told off and the announced to us that she wouldn't be staying next year, we all assume she has been told to leave but she argues otherwise. The studio slowly fills up and the chatter increases until Max walks in when everyone silences.
"Morning guys another year done. This morning we will be doing a full dress rehearsal – hair, make up, costumes, the lot. You will be given a personal timetable for the rehearsal this morning and the show later which will tell you when you need to be in hair, make up, or on stage – you will follow this to the letter. Just because this morning is a run through does not mean I want any slacking, you need to be dancing full out 24/7 you have no idea who could be sitting in the back of the theatre this morning. For this afternoons performance there will be talent scouts" this starts a small buzz of chatter "Ok Ok settle they will be predominately there for our 4th years to get jobs but of course anyone can be scouted at anytime. We will head across in an hour until then I expect you to be warming up and working, if I see anyone sitting doing nothing I will remove them from the show clear?" a few people nod their heads. "Good, everyone is to be back here in an hour" He gets up and leaves the room.
I grab my holdall from the back of the room and head to a changing room; I put on my plain black crop top and booty shorts. I pick up all my clothes and go to one of the small studios upstairs – where no one has decide to come yet. I pull on my jazz shoes and start my warm up. It takes 20 minutes for me to fully warm up so I get out my phone and put on Josh's solo music. I run through the dance a few time before swapping to practice the solo I choreographed myself. When satisfied with it I put my tracksuit on over my dance wear and head downstairs.
"Tris" someone calls, I turn to find Nike coming towards me
"Hey, could we possibly give the dance a quick run through?" He asks
"Yer, of course, do you know where the chair is?" I ask him
"Its in studio A" I follow him back into the studio, there are a couple of dancers still in here but there is enough space for us to practice.
"We haven't got long" He warns and positions the chair.
"Don't worry, just keep going even if people arrive." I quickly remove my tracksuit again and play the music. We mange to get two thirds of the way through before people start streaming in. I persevere on knowing Mike need this practice regardless of the fact we are now being watched.
"Shut it guys, they are practicing" Hope shouts over the chatter as we try and perform our hardest trick.
We finish to a round of applause and the whole school, including the teachers staring at us.
"Thank you Beatrice and Mike, but can I now have your attention" Max shouts "We will go across in year groups 4th years first and 1st years last. I need you to be on your best behaviour as we walk there please and once their sort out your stuff and get ready for your first number, off you go" as the fourth years get up to leave I redress in my tracksuit and converse and make sure my bags are together.
When we arrive at the theatre we are given our timetables and shown to a dressing room.
"Beatrice you are not in here, follow me" Mr Johnston tells me and walks me away from the other girls in my year. He shows me to another dressing room this time a lot closer to the stage.
"It appears you have the highest number of dances so Max wanted you nearer to the stage" he leaves me and I open the door to find Hope and another 4th year girl.
"Tris are you in here?" Hope asks
"Apparently" I say timidly.
"Come you can have the end dresser" She gestures to a dressing table closest to the wall.
"Hi I'm India" the other girl introduces herself.
"Hi, I'm Tris, 1st year" I smile at her and start to unpack my costumes.
"Cool, how many dances do you have?" India asks.
"Six" I say simply as I get out my hair and make up stuff.
"Six, how did you manage that?" she asks
"Both my years group dances, two duets with 6th years, Josh in 6th year's final grade solo and a solo I choreographed myself." I tell her
"That is amazing!"
"Thanks" I read over the order and find the 1st year girls are opening.
I get changed into the purple costume and put Tobias' hoodie over the top so I can sit and do my hair and make up. When ready I put my boots on over my jazz shoes and head down to the stage where the girls are waiting.
"The show will commence in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1" a voice shouts backstage.
"The first act is our 1st year girls performing 'Fireworks'" we walk on stage and take our starting positions.
At the end of the first half Max has all of us come and sit in the first few rows in the theatre so he can speak to us.
"It was alright, some of it was good but it needs to be bigger, better. You need to fill this whole space with your performance not just the stage. Beatrice can you come onto the stage please." Sometime I really dislike how I get singled out, I know that I should jump at all chances I get but there must be other people he can pick on. Annoyed I walk up onto the stage, next to Max, and look out at my peers.
"Stand there" he positions me in the middle of the stage and walks off to one side. "When you look at Beatrice what do you see first?" he questions everyone and a few people put their hands up.
"Shout out a few, keep it clean" he warns
"A Girl"
"Slim"
"Good looking"
"Skinny"
"Long hair"
"Pretty"
"Petite"
"Yes" Max continues "I think that one of the first things I ever noticed is that she is very petite, in fact she is the smallest dancer in the school" great now I see why he needed me "but just watch her dance"
"Can you do the opening to 'Little red vs Frost" Max says and then walks into the wings to play the music. I dance it the same way I have been throughout the rehearsals unsure of what point he is trying to make. He stops the track just before Hope is meant to join me, and walks back on stage. There is a round of applause and Max joins me on stage.
"No costume, dimmed lights, small stature but somehow she had every single one of you in the palm of her hand as she danced then. You could have heard a pin drop, not one of you said a word, she performed to that seat right in the back and that's what I need every single one of you to be doing. You need to have control over the audience, no matter your size compared to this place; I hope to see an improvement second half."
He dismisses us and we go back to our changing room to get ready for the second half.
"That was great six" India says as she enters the room.
"Six?" I question her.
"I'm bad with names, but remembered you have 6 acts" she explains.
"Oh, it's Tris"
"I might just stick to six, there's a better chance of me remembering it." She smiles at me. I re do my hair and make sure I am ready for my next dance before making my way down to the stage. We start our dance, get into a handstand and hold it.
"STOP" Max shouts "It's too clean; you need to make it a bit sloppier, like he is battling with an addiction not performing some military sequence."
"Sir" I answer and the music starts again, even though some of it had to be clean for my safety I work on making transitions not as tidy.
"Better" He shouts as we finish.
The rest of the second half goes well even the hair and make up for my red riding hood dance – which looks amazing. We are told to leave everything but our shoe bags and anything else we might need in rehearsals between now and the performance this evening. We walk back to the school in the reverse order to which we came and then go straight to get lunch from the canteen.
"Hey six is it ok if we sit with you?" India asks I look towards my friends who give small nods.
"Yer, its fine" The 4th years sit in the vacant seats at our table.
"Six, where did that name come from?" Harper asks
"I have six acts" I tell her
"Oh wow, fair enough"
"Well done on that dance earlier Six, it really was captivating." Mike tells me.
"Thanks" It seems Tobias is no longer the only one with a number nickname.
I get my phone out and text him.
'How's everything? 6 xxx'
'Good, 6? T xxx'
'You're not the only one with a number nickname anymore! B xxx'
'Since when? T xxx'
'Six acts … B xxx'
'I get it :) T xxx'
'How's mum and dad?'
'They took me to this café for lunch T xxx'
'Gutted I couldn't be there :( B xxx'
'Same, how's rehearsals going? T xxx'
'Fine, Amy hasn't spoken to me once! B xxx'
'About time she left you alone :) T xxx'
'Tell me about it B xxx'
'You at lunch now? T xxx'
'Yer back to class soon B xxx'
'Class? T xxx'
'We've done a full run through this morning and have rehearsals in class this afternoon B xxx'
'Doesn't sound too bad T xxx' the people around me start moving and going to classes.
'I'm goanna have to go speak later B xxx'
'Okay love you T xxx'
'Love you more B xxx'
'Impossible T xxx' I smile at his last text and put my phone into my shoe bag before heading to one of the large studios where my year are waiting to practice.
After a long afternoon of intense practicing I head out the front of the school and sit on the steps to give Tobias a call.
"Hey" he picks up quickly
"Hey yourself, is everyone there now?" I ask
"TRISSY POO" I hear Uriah shout down the phone
"Uriah shhhh" Tobias says "Yer we are having pizza at the apartment"
"Let me speak" I hear Chris in the background.
"Tris I'm goanna put you on loud speaker"
"Okay" I laugh.
"TRIS" everyone seems to shout at once.
"Hey everyone"
"We miss you" Zeke says
"I'll see you all in bit, hope you've saved me some pizza"
"Of course" Uriah answers and I hear a muffled 'ouch'
"Don't lie" Marlene says to him.
"We can't wait to see you Beatrice" My dad says
"Cant wait to see you too dad"
"Will you see us in the interval?" My mum asks
"I will try but I can't promise."
"My turn - say goodbye guys" Tobias says.
"Good bye guys" Uriah shouts over the top of everyone.
"Hey" he says, I hear the noise dull.
"Hey, where have you gone to get rid of them all?" I question.
"Our room" I can sense his smile through the phone.
"Have you told my parents we share?"
"I think they worked it out, seeing as their stuff is in the spare room."
"I thought they had a hotel booked"
"They managed to double book the rooms, I can search for a new hotel if you want" He offers
"No, its fine, miss you" I admit.
"You get to see me in a bit"
"I know I could do with one of your hugs"
"Soon, go put my hoodie on."
"I will, I left it at the theatre."
"Well that was silly"
"Thanks"
"You need to go eat, I will see you later"
"Love you" I whisper.
"Ditto" he replies.
I sit in the dressing room snuggled up in Tobias' jumper waiting for the call to tell us that we need to go to the stage for the first act.
"You nervous Six?" Hope asks me.
"A bit"
"Same" she tells me.
"Any tips?" I ask her.
"Keep to the program and drink water - even if you are not thirsty"
"Thanks"
"First act to the wings please, first act to the wings" The tannoy announces.
"Good luck" Hope tells me as I slip my feet into my boots. I head back stage and wait…
"Hello and welcome to Chasm Dance's annual showcase" Max says from the stage. "We have a huge range of acts for you this evening so without further I do I welcome our fist act – the first year girls preforming 'Firework' choreographed by Mr Philip Johnston. The dance goes fluidly, no major mistakes. We walk off the stage and hug each other.
"We did it" Harper whispers.
"It went so well" Amy jumps up and down. I excuse myself from their celebrations and head back the dressing room to get changed for my second dance. I just have enough time to touch up my make up and add a beaded band to my hair before I was needed backstage again.
"Next we have our first year boys and first year girl Beatrice Prior performing 'Red' Choreographed by Mr Philip Johnston" we walk out to the stage and take out starting positions, when the music starts it is almost like I don't need to think, we have practiced this so many times I reckon I could do it in my sleep, we hold out end positions before bowing and walking off together.
"Well done guys" I say to them.
"Thanks for joining us Six" Zac says
"Has that nickname really spread that quickly?" I ask.
"Well we were there at lunch but yep, everyone knows you as that now"
"Great" I shake my head.
When I get back to the changing room I find my outfit for Josh's dance. It is the same as my acro duet except I have a plain white shirt over it. I have time to neaten my bun before I have to walk back down to the stage. I remove the hoodie and boots then watch India from the wings as she performs her grade piece. It is an up beat jazz number with lots of tricks; she runs off at the end and nearly crashes into me.
"Six"
"India" she laughs
"Well done, it was great" I tell her.
"Thanks, enjoy it" She tells me and then leaves me alone in the wings.
"Our final graded piece will unfortunately not be performed by Josh Masters, who choreographed it as three days ago Josh broke his leg and therefore cannot dance today. Luckily he was able to teach it to Beatrice Prior one of out talented first years, so here is Beatrice with 'Say Something.'" The stage lights are blinding as I walk out and take my position. I start dancing with the music and really try to bring out the emotion in the dance. When the music stops I take a small bow and leave the stage to the applause of the crowd. I run to the dressing room; take of the shirt and my jazz shoes, put my hair into a ponytail, put on my hoodie and boots and run to find Max.
"Sir" I call as I see him walk away from me.
"Beatrice"
"Could I ask a huge favour?" I say hesitantly.
"Be quick."
"Can I please go see my friends and family in the audience?"
"Are you fully ready for your dance as you are first on?"
"Yep"
"Go" He shakes his head "I haven't seen you though" I laugh and run to the stage door.
There are loads of people around trying to stretch their legs before they have to sit back down again. I can't seem to see them anywhere until I feel two muscular arms wrap round me from behind.
"Tobias" I turn his grasp.
"You were amazing" I look up into his eyes.
"Have you been crying?" I wipe my thumb across his cheek.
"No" he kisses my forehead.
"Lies" I raise my eyebrows at him.
"Beatrice" My dad says Tobias lets me go so I can hug my parents.
"Hey mum, dad, how are you?"
"Good thanks darling, your dancing has been great so far this evening" mum tells me.
"The more challenging ones are still to come" I smile
"Tris" Christina squeezes me.
"Hey"
"I have missed you guys so much" she tells me.
"And we've missed you" I tell her.
"Trissy poo" Uriah nearly knocks me to the ground.
"Careful, I need to be able to dance the second half" I laugh; he lets go and takes a step back.
"We were wondering if you can actually do the move on Tobias' top" Uriah says, Tobias must have put his dance shirt on just for this evening.
"Yep" I tell them.
"Prove it" Uriah says "Wait you do have clothes on under that hoodie"
"Yes but it's actually in one of my dances later"
"Please" Uriah wines so I quickly do a back split to shut them up any way.
"Zeke owes me money" Uriah states.
"You bet on me doing a dance move?" I question him.
"Yes" I shake my head.
"I'm sorry but I better be getting back, I will come find you all at the end." I quickly kiss Tobias' cheek and leave to go back stage again.
"Where'd you go?" Mike asks me as I remove my outer wear again.
"Into the audience" I get into a handstand and practice some of the position I have to get into.
"How come you were allowed?" he asks
"Dunno" I say from my handstand.
"Do you want to practice the lift" I know exactly what lift he means – the one that he has managed to drop me from 3 times now.
"We probably should" I stand on the chair and allow him to lift me above his head.
"Keep it steady" I say to him, I manage to get the position when his arms collapse, I feel someone grab and catch me, just.
"Mike stop shaking, there is no need to be nervous" it's Mr Johnston; he puts me on the floor and makes sure I am steady enough to stand.
"I am so sorry Six" he touches my shoulder.
"It's fine, you wanna go again?" I ask him.
"Beatrice Prior are you crazy?" Mr Johnston asks me "that could have ended badly and you want to try it again!"
"Better here in the wings than onstage" I say before getting back on the chair.
"You are unbelievable" he shakes his head as I take hold of Mike's hands for the lift. This time it is successful, he is still shaking but manages to keep me above his head.
"Our next act this evening is a bit different please welcome 4th year Mike Tannor and 1st year Beatrice Prior. Dancing to 'Medicine' choreographed by myself" Max announces. Mike walks on dragging the chair; I wait for him to sit before making my way out of the wings. The music starts and I am focused, all the lifts are going well, we easily manage the head balance but the difficult lift comes around I manage to get up but I can feel Mike shaking, to play it safe I come out of the lift early and pause on the chair. As we finish the dance the lights dim, I let Mike take the chair and follow him off the stage.
"I didn't drop you" he hugs me
"It went really well, but I really have to go I only have a couple of acts to change" I quickly slip on my boots and go back to the changing room.
"You here to get ready for the duet?" Hope asks.
"Not yet I have my solo to do first" I grab the costume and quickly change into it.
"I don't know how you do it" she says to me.
"Do what?" I ask her as I pull my hair back into a neat bun.
"Keep going, you must be knackered!" she says
"I just keep thinking 4 down 2 to go, I like the next two dances" I dig in my bag for my half soles
"I still can't believe you got six dances, it must be a record" I put on my half soles and then my boots.
"I don't know maybe, I'll be back soon" I leave the room and head back stage.
"Up next is an amazing first year dancer - Beatrice Prior dancing to 'Vol de l'aime'" I quickly kick off my boots, "this outstanding little dancer choreographed this dance herself, I say little because she is the smallest dancer in the school, but don't get me wrong she is fierce – you wouldn't want to be against her in a dance competition!" he laughs "Here she is." I walk out onto the stage and wait for the music.
Normally when I dance I rely heavily on counting the beats but this piece of music requires you to listen to it and be completely in sync with it, otherwise the dance looks a mess. I bow at the end of the dance and leave the stage. When I get back to the changing room I down a bottle of water before even anticipating doing anything else.
"Six hair and make up are waiting for you" Hope comes in dressed in a red outfit.
"I'll be there asap" she leaves and I get changed into my final costume. I put on my jazz shoes and boots before going to the hair and makeup room.
It is surprising how quickly they are able to get my hair and make up fully done to such a high level. I meet Hope in the wings.
"You ready?" she smiles at me.
"Ready as I'll ever be"
"Ladies and Gentlemen we have sadly reached our last act" Max stands in the middle of the stage "lucky for you this is one of my favourite dances in the show. It's a darker piece but contains some flawless technique, co choreographed by myself and Beatrice Prior here is 'Little Red vs Frost'" I wait for the music to start before running on to the stage Hope not long behind me. To maintain the spooky factor of the dance we don't bow at the end but leave the audience stunned. It takes a minute or so for the applause to kick in.
"I thought they didn't like it for a second there" Hope says to me.
"Same" we walk back to the dressing room together.
"It's all over" India greats us jumping up and down.
"For another year" I comment.
"For ever!" she continues jumping around us.
"Calm it India, anyway we need to pack up so we can see if we got scouted" Hope says.
"Oh my gosh yes!" she continues to jump around, throwing her stuff into her suitcase in any random order. They quickly have all there stuff put away and leave the room in a rush to see if a talent scout has spotted them. I pack my things neatly into the suitcase before removing my makeup and putting some order back to my hair. I put on my black leggings and Tobias' hoddie with my boots and pick up all my belongings.
I struggle along the corridor but eventually make it out into the lobby area where everyone has congregated.
"Well done Beatrice" I turn quickly to find that Max has followed me out of the door.
"Thank you sir for the opportunity"
"Anytime Beatrice, I believe there are some people waiting to speak to you" He says slightly hushed
"Yer I'm heading to find my friends now" I smile
"No Beatrice, the scouts"
"Oh" I say slightly taken back
"I think every one of them flagged your name" he seems quite distant like he doesn't want me to go.
"Don't worry sir I don't plan on going anywhere just yet"
"No you mustn't let me hold you back; they may give you a great offer"
"I've only just settled here and Tobias is at UCLA – I can keep improving – there will still be offers later down the line and if not, I am going to continue dancing like every time is my last"
"If only they all had the same attitude as you, at least hear what they have to say, see what type of thing you have the talent to do, and just believe in you abilities. I will see you next term Beatrice enjoy your holiday" He leaves me and I walk awkwardly through the crowds till I see my mum and dad.
"Beatrice!" my dad calls from through the crowds. I attempt to pick up my pace by fail because of my bags. When I get to them I allow the bags to fall to the floor and they both hug me simultaneously.
"You where outstanding." My dad tells me
"Thanks it's been such a great year."
"That was clear." Mum smiles at me.
"Where are the others?" I ask them
"Your friends have gone back to the apartment and…"
"I'm here" Tobias says from behind me; I turn around and hug him tightly.
"You are amazing" He says into my ear.
"So are you" I answer back and then pull away but taking hold of his hand.
"We will take your stuff back to the apartment Tris and let you finish up here" Mum tells me.
"Thanks we will see you in a bit, I don't plan to stay long." They take my stuff and leave Tobias and I alone.
"Apparently I need to talk to some talent scouts" I pull a face at Tobias.
"This way my lady" Tobias pulls me through the crowd to a line of tables set up along one of the walls, each with one or two scouts sitting behind them.
"Your name is literally behind every desk" Tobias observes
"Great, do we have to" I ask him.
"Let's speak to a couple then I promise we can go"
"Okay I, we need a code… hmm… if I call you Four I dislike them, but if I call you Tobias their alright"
"Got it" he smiles we walk to the first one and sit in the chairs on the other side of the table.
"Good evening" I say politely
"Beatrice Prior, what a pleasure" the older woman reaches her bony hand across the table for me to shake.
"This is Four" I gesture to Tobias
"My company would like to offer you a place in our prestigious Ballet school in Canada, we train dancers to dance professionally all over the world and I believe you will do well there."
"Canada?" I question her.
"Yes dear"
"Thank you for your offer but at the moment Canada is a bit too far out, thank you for your time" I get up and Tobias follows my lead.
"Thank you, hopefully we will meet again" we walk away from her table.
"Ballet in Canada, not happening" I state.
"Okay, but be open minded" he kisses my forehead and chooses the next people to see. We walk over and sit down in front of two strong looking men.
"Hello, I'm Beatrice" I shake their hands.
"We thought you where exceptional this evening so would love you to join our cirque show" One man says.
"We will be training for the next few months in Florida then will be traveling the US with hopes to travel across to Europe." The other man finishes.
"Wow the offer sounds great but unfortunately Four and I have ties in Cali and cannot move just yet, maybe in a few years, than you for your time" I re-shake their hands before moving away from the tables.
"Any better?" Tobias questions.
"A bit but my heat lies in contemporary dance" I scrunch up my nose and Tobias kisses it.
"One more?" he questions.
"One." I say and walk over to a man who looks like Max.
"Good evening" He stands up to welcome us both.
"Im…"
"Beatrice Prior, I've heard so much about you" He interrupts me. We sit down and he carries on.
"I am Jake, Max's cousin. I am a choreographer and am planning on putting together a dance show that will, hopefully, travel worldwide. At the moment we are putting together a bank of possible dancers for a show that will be written to go live a few years from now."
"So will I be able to continue at Chasm?" I ask.
"Yes, yes of course, if you are for it I will take some details so later down the line I can contact you and if you are still interested you can audition for the show" he explains, I look at Tobias and he gives me a nod.
"What type of dance will this show be?" I question him.
"Everything, that's why we are searching for dancers now, we need people who can dance everything from Tap to Acro – not just Ballet."
"Okay then I'll do it" I smile. He gives me a form and I quickly fill it in.
"Thank you" I hand him the form and shake his hand.
"No thank you" we leave the table and this time I feel more positive.
"Home?" I ask Tobias.
"I was thinking maybe a quick stop at a coffee place that begins with an S?"
"Sounds good" I smile and he puts his arm around me, pulling me closer towards him. We walk out of the packed room into the dark city. There is no need for either of us to talk; the close proximity between us is all that is needed.
"Are we nearly there I need the toilet" I ask him.
"Do you now?" He smiles.
"Tobias it's not funny" I try and glare at him but fail miserably.
"It is" he lightly tiggles me and I squirm away from him.
"Stop it" I laugh.
"Look it's over there" he points down the road and I can vaguely make out the sign.
"Lets go" I take his hand and practically pull him down the road.
"Slow it Bea" he laughs.
I pull him through the Starbucks door and look around to find the toilet.
"Can you get me a white hot chocolate please I'll be 2 minutes" I run off; Tobias will probably be finished before me seeing as Starbucks is practically empty this time of night. I walk back into the main shop and see Tobias sitting at the table for two by the window.
"Better?" he questions.
"Much," I smile "thanks for this" I lift up the cup.
"Its fine" he seems nervous for some reason, so I try and make conversation.
"What stupidly creative name have you got me this time?" I raise my eyebrows at him.
"Look" he nods his head at the cup. I pick it up and turn it till I see the name 'Mrs Eaton' I brake out of my trance and look back up to find him on one knee in front of me.
"Bea, I know we are only 18 and I am happy if we don't get married for a few years but I know it has got to be you." He takes hold of my left hand. "I have known you were special since the time when we went to the pier together and Bea I want nothing more than to continue on this journey of dance rehearsals, shows, university lectures, late nights, and early morning cuddles with you. You've made me understand that love can be achievable even with a difficult past and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and for me Bea that light is you. So would you do me the hugest favour - will you marry me?" I realise that a few tears are falling down my face as he pulls out a beautiful silver ring with a black heart shaped stone in it.
"I will" I say quietly, I fling my arms around his shoulders and he stands up, lifting me with him. He places the ring on my finger before our lips meet – the clapping from the staff distant, out of our little bubble of new happiness and life to come.
Wow…. I will defiantly miss this story! – Like always please leave me a review and check my profile to find the links :)
'Vol de l'aime' means 'flight of love'
Believe it or not I had not originally planned for her to end up with the nick name six – it somehow happened that I narrowed my like dances down to 6 – crazy huh!
As earlier mentioned I have started planning my new story and anticipate starting it in the Christmas holidays. I know a lot of you have loved this story so I can happily say that there is a high chance I will write a sequel!- but this will not be until 'Quiet' has been written as I feel that if I have two stories on the go at once I will neglect one.
Quiet:
Tris' life was normal – working as a tattoo designer, hanging out with her friends but it all swiftly changed after the accident. How will Tris cope looking after a 5 year old selective mute, could the blue eyed man with the little girl change it all or will their problems get in the way? A story about finding happiness through separation, death, silences, moving, and cancer.
Please let me know any ideas you may have for my new story or for a sequel!
Love you all! SpellStrike xxxxxx