OUR TIME IS HERE
DAWN'S P O V
The next few weeks passed by so fast I barely remembered but there was a lot of preparations for the end groups were coming together to edit their projects and a lot of late nights were spent getting the editing done working on routines and vocals skits. I hadn't had so much fun in a long time seeing the kids work so hard and being so happy. They lifted my spirits right up I worked right along side Brent who was in school to be a doctor and his minor was visual designing so he helped to contribute a lot in this part. We also spent a lot of time with miles who helped to produce the whole thing she had a knack for this and was great with the kids ever since that night in the woods I had noticed a change she didn't seem to smile as much sure she put up a good front with the kids and others but I would catch her stealing glances at Mandy who never gave her the time of day. Miles would sulk and seem to go somewhere far away in her mind her eyes would dim and she would seem to be weighed down. Still she never let it affect her work she was right there with the kids and she was giving a 110% to the project. The night before the big show I was working with Brent , Miles ,Mandy , Nick,Selena,Joe,Kevin, Demi, Lacey who had recovered fully and come back three days ago. We were trying to get the group routine down it was tense not just from that but whatever was going on between them. I noticed they were avoiding talking unless they had to Joe was cracking jokes but it was failing one example was when Miley was doing a solo dance and Selena who was singing walked right in front of her blocking her as she sung arms out wide so miles danced around her and Selena stepped to her side and miles went down almost spraining her ankle but being professional she apologized taking the blame and went on without getting back, Selena smirked another example was when Nick was doing a guitar solo by miles as they sung Mandy got her foot caught on the wire to his guitar and short circuited his guitar causing it to spark and him to throw it which landed in a tub of water ruining the guitar she shrugged and said " sorry it was a accident" no one believed her but we didn't have time to argue. At the end I almost breathed a sigh of relief but then Selena and Miles had to read together and they ended up fighting Emily had to pull Miley off and Demi Selena. We finally just called it a night but I was hoping they could get through the routine on the actual performance datetomorrow without killing each other.
After that fun night which lasted 6 hours thank you very much I needed a drink so I headed to the employee lounge Mandy was there laying on a sofa watching some ballet show. Laura and Noreen were going over a choreography routine Jeff was listening to his I-pod Josh was talking quietly to Morgan both sipping drinks. I poured myself one and went to sit by Mandy who was the quietest curled up in a ball wrapped in a blanket she gazed at the drink longingly
u look quite comfy want me to pour you one? [me]
She kept staring at it Laura and Noreen watched intently as if they would jump on her if she answered wrong but she just shock her head and curled up tighter. I remained silent and watched it was a beautiful dance. I couldn't help notice that she would glance at the bottles and sigh when they weren't looking her eyes remained sad and distant.
As everyone else headed up to bed Brent and I went for a walk star gazing holding hands we talked about where we were heading after camp our plans for the future and when we should meet up for the holidays we promised to stay in touch more this year. We went to the lake and sat huddled in each other's arms as we watched the moonlight reflect on the water and the stars twinkle we were both feeling so many feelings sad that camp was to end soon and we were going off and sad because we knew that as hard as these kids tried nothing could take away the cold hard fact that for some of these kids there would be no next year. That was a hard pill to swallow even now after all these years it was something I still suck at. We were both thinking of Sandy try as we might not to she crossed our minds..without warning. I found myself turned to him and without hesitation I leaned up and kissed him.
A crackling broke us apart like a electric shock we both blushed as I saw Mandy stop and skid before us completely embarrassed she interrupted us she looked flushed and her eyes were red from crying .I looked to Brent who shrugged so I jumped up as she apologized voice shaking wrapping my arms around her I reassured her it was okay and she sank into my arms her body shaking but no sobs emerged..we sunk down and he wrapped a blanket around her we didn't say anything for awhile but she broke the silence
I'm sorry I don't know why I can't seem to keep control
of my emotions lately [Mandy]
it's okay were all a little on edge
with camp ending so soon and the
competition tomorrow it's natural [me]
I bet miles is a bundle of nerves she
worked really hard on the project [Brent]
I wouldn't know how she is she ..well we
had a fight and I haven't talked to her [Mandy]
well that's stupid man you should never waste time
with the ones you love you just never know
when the opportunity will be taken from you [Brent]
she started it she can wrap it up [Mandy]
give it time what ever it is will work out
you both care so much for each other
sometimes you have to work through
your emotions and how you feel about
a situation before you can come to a end [ me]
yea I suppose it'll take something big
to solve this though I'm afraid [Mandy]
We sat quite just gazing at the stars as a tune came to me so I started humming and Brent caught on and started reciting our favorite bible verse Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
To everything there is a season,
a time for every purpose under the sun.
A time to be born and a time to die;
a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
a time to kill and a time to heal ...
a time to weep and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn and a time to dance ...
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to lose and a time to seek;
a time to rend and a time to sew;
a time to keep silent and a time to speak;
a time to love and a time to hate;
a time for war and a time for peace.
She never responded she simply nodded sad at us and walked away I saw tears shimmering in her eyes as I settled close to him. Wishing with all my heart that I could go back to the days of my early youth when life was simple and love was easy.
Selena's p o v
Are you going to talk to me Dems? [me]
pls I can't bare you to be mad to..
She didn't respond she was fuming as she shoved stuff into her suitcase and threw things by it , I was sitting on her bed with my keyboard flinching at every glare and every huff . Demi and I have been friends for way too long for me to not know when she was angry at me and right now she wanted me to die which was only making me feel worse like I was hurting enough..
I just can't believe you Selena!
I mean it was enough you lashed into her when
she was laid up in bed and sick
even if she deserved it I guess
u guess? She stole my boyfriend! [me]
yea and I thought you were bigger
then her but tonight ...u proved u weren't
glaring at her tripping her backstage
spilling sauce on her embarrassing her in front
of her kids and pushing her out of the way on stage!
That wasn't just childish it was unprofessional!
And it was degrading to all of us we have a job to do
if you don't care about that care enough about these kids
to grow up Sel
these kids need this!
Mac needs this..
she needs to be able to raise money for these kids
after everything she has gone through she needs to be able
to say her life counted for something!
Oh my gosh Demi chill out u act like she's dying or something
relax she's fine and it's not like I would do it in the actual
performance I know how to remain professional [me]
well you could of fooled me tonight...[Demi]
Suddenly the tears wouldn't stop they just rushed out and I couldn't stop the shaking trying to wipe them away did no good. So I gave up and surrendered to them burying my face in my pillow as she kept going off till at some point she must of seen me crying and came over. Don't ask me when that was or what she was saying cause I don't remember all I remember was opening my eyes to see her laying with me her arms holding me as I shock and cried. Her voice soothing me and apologizing for being so cross. After the tears stopped she covered us with a blanket and I laid my head on her shoulder and she started telling stories to make me laugh...which she did like no one else could ever but after she left to check on her kids the sadness took over again and I tried to block them out but the memories of nick came back at full force the first time we met the fist time we went out the endless music jams we had the secrets we told each other the disguises we wore to fool fans and paparazzi when we went out the football games we watched which always ended up with popcorn fights the family dinners ..our first kiss..our first time...our second our third..my whole body came alive when I thought of how he felt when he touched me held me whispered in my ears..made love to me..then came the lies when he would tell me he was going out with his brothers or his friends but he was really going to her house..calling her taking her out..I thought of how I changed my life who I was for him how I compromised myself my trust gave myself before I was ready ..and I felt the tears and sadness melt away to pure anger..sitting up I went into the bathroom to wash up and run a brush through my hair ..I almost screamed when I saw myself in the mirror black streaks lined my face which was a mixture of paleness and redness..my eyes were bloodshot my hair was in two pigtails which were sticking out hideously I looked like some Gothic chic who got whacked off and refused to die..quickly I scrubbed my face and washed up before I jumped into the shower to freshen up more and a quick pee..once I was done and felt human again .I grabbed my keyboard she was still out so I started working out a tune and using my anger and feelings to jam out a chorus and soon a verse and another....before I knew it I had a song and I was liking it...
You had me to get her. Chorus: I'm sorry for changing. No, no. Remember the time when you said you were out with your best friend. Chorus: I thank you for this hopeless war Chorus: I'm sorry for changing.
And here, I thought it was me.
I was changin', arrangin' my life to fit your lies.
It's all said and all done.
I gave it all for the long run.
Can she say the same thing?
I guess this is good bye and good luck.
(I can't be what you want me to be.)
I'm sorry it had to be this way.
Believe me, it's easier just to pretend.
But, I won't apologize for who I am.
But it wasn't the best friend that you know I thought you meant and
I used to assented, I didn't know I could be free.
But I am, and I won't go back 'cause you so don't deserve me.
(I don't even want to be her.)
I'm sorry for changing.
I'm sorry it had to be this way.
Believe me, it's easier just to pretend.
But, I won't apologize for who I am.
Cause through the pain now I'm stronger now than before.
Now I'm more.
I don't need you anymore.
I'm sorry.
(Listen close I won't say this again.)
I'm sorry for changing.
I'm sorry it had to be this way.
Believe me, it's easier just to pretend.
But, I won't apologize for who I am.
I'm sorry it isn't like it was.
Believe me, it's easier just to pretend.
But, I won't apologize,
Why should I apologize,
No, I won't apologize for who I am
I was done I decided right then and there done of changing who I am and I was sick of apologizing Nick didn't get me so he didn't deserver me. Laying down I smiled it was amazing to me how music can lift you up and make you go to a higher place. That was what it was about and that was what these kids already knew...I thought back to all the fun times I had this summer and smiled. These kids needed this show she was so right about that but I wondered again about her comments about Mac, she always seemed so in charge and so in control she always radiated beauty and warmth and health she was an example of what good can come from bad so why was Demi so freaked?
Dawn p o v
Hey what's going on Demi? [me]
can I ask you something?
Sure what is it? [Demi]
it's not my place but I overheard Zoe talking To Alexia
and …
She sighed..twirling her fingers
Mac she's real sick isn't she?
What do you mean? [me]
she has cancer just like a lot of these kids
yea but a lot of these kids their in remission
their beating their disease
Yea loads of us do [me]
yous ?[Demi]
I had cancer once to when I was 13 I was
diagnosed with ALL that was way before half the
treatments today were around
and you beat it? [Demi]
yea almost 10 years
wow that's awesome
yea it is I thank god every night
but Mac I mean..
No one knows the future Demi kids who we
think won't survive a few weeks are living full and productive
cancer free lives others who we thought had a great chance
are dead..
but Mac..
look I can't discuss her case
I am sorry I know your friends but..
it's okay I understand..I just..
people I care about are fighting over the stupidest stuff
and Mac she's fighting for something real [Demi]
we all fight for something Demi
it's how we fight that makes the difference [me]
yea makes sense thanks can I see her?
Ask her yourself she's upstairs..
I was about to head back up I'll go with you [me]
thanks [Demi]
I took her arm and we walked up to the penthouse. When we got there Alexia answered the door she looked at Demi questionably.I answered for her since she looked nervous now Alexia sighed
We were afraid it would get out sooner or later
it's okay bring her inside
Alexia held open the door and lead us inside Rian was at the patio playing his guitar , a women Demi had never seen [ I could tell by the look on her face ] which was Rian's mom Destiny was laying on the couch half asleep she was gorgeous her long blond hair tied up on her head which normally hung down to her mid back her face was naked with no makeup but she had the most radiant natural color her eyes were a brilliant ray of green she is 5'4 but she carries herself with such confidence and certainly that she makes you feel 5'3 and herself 6'3 but today she looked exhausted and didn't rise to meet us , so we went upstairs and followed Alexia who was looking pretty wrecked herself. When we got to Mac's room I took a deep breath no one tells you this but cancer it knocks the shit out of not only the person fighting it but those around you as well. Looking at everyone today you can see it..Mac was laying curled up on her bed. Blankets wrapped over her trembling body Zoe was sitting in a chair next to her holding her hand. Mac's back was towards us we went around and Demi gripped my arm as we came to Mac's face her eyes closed breathing heavy as she sucked on oxygen . Zoe was running a cold cloth over her face and neck. Dark circles lined her eyes and under them her checks were pale and her body was thin very thin. I knew she had stopped eating last week from vomiting so much it was already taking a toll on her but she refused a GI tube she did not want to scare the kids and there was always kids coming in and out of here so there was no way to hide it. I tried to talk to her and tell her how crazy it was her aunt Destiny had tried to force it but it just lead to a huge fight which lead to a coughing fit and her almost collapsing. So the subject was dropped but now the side effects from that decision were in full effect , I knew she was in a great deal of pain so I adjusted her morphine drip and within seconds her body stopped trembling. Quickly I checked her Zoe helped me to turn her as soon as we got her on her back she gasped for air eyes open wide and completely white I yelled for the tach tube and inserted it into her throat she started breathing better almost right away. Zoe grasped her hand kissing it. Destiny came in red eyed and took her other hand. Talking to her gently she looked at Zoe and then came out with me as I finished my exam
What's going on? Why did she go into distress?
Be straight with me I know it's bad
I have a son with cf kids just don't go into
distress without solid reasons [Destiny]
I'll be straight
she's having difficulty fighting off this
Pneumonia and it's taken over her whole body
her right lung is almost collapsing and her latest
tests...
be straight please is she terminal? [Destiny]
yes I'm afraid she is..I'm so sorry..
She covered her face with her hands near tears and excused herself she went down the hall and screamed breaking down. Rian came up and went over pulling her into his arms. I watched the scene unfold and it brought back the memories of Marlee when she was passing away. Demi remained silent but she took it all in. Destiny came back muttering Dammit over and over but when she got to us she took a deep breath and asked me to go on. I told her what Mac's tests results showed..
She has fluid in her lungs
which is cause of the pneumonia
her latest spinal tap and bone marrow
aspirations show blasts in her marrow
which is a reoccurring of her leukemia
it means her cancer has metastasized
to her liver, marrow , spinal cord and lungs
and it's in her blood stream
just be honest how long?
I can't predict that no one can
but you have an idea? [Destiny]
honestly maybe a month or two [me]
at the most but there's no telling she's young and a fighter
she's beating the odds before right she can do it again! [Destiny]
my god she's only 16 …
I am so sorry but I don't think there's any way for her to beat this
it's spread so far and so fast that her body's shutting down [me]
does she know? [Demi]
I mean I've talked to a lot of these kids and they seem
to know when something is wrong even when no one tells them[Demi]
it's more likely that she does she's been through so much
I'm sure she does
but for now until Destiny makes a decision
as rather to tell her keep quite [me]
she should be told she would wan.. [Demi]
it's my call I'm her guardian I'll tell her when the
time is right no one says a word to anyone! [Destiny]
excuse me I need to get myself together before I go in..[Destiny]
I left Demi to talk to Alexia in the hall she was upset as I knew she would be , sometimes it's harder for her because she's never been sick like Rian and Zoe and Mac so she has to accept something she has no experience living with, she puts on a brave front and is always there to help out anytime and any place. Rian getting ready for his thumps which Zoe was going to do for him since Destiny was upset. I went inside and back over to Mac who was awake but hardly able to talk she was in a lot of pain I could tell by the way she was clenching her fists. Going over I slipped my hand into hers she gave me a smile with her eyes which still had a bright sparkle but there was something else in them to a deep darkness that seemed to possess a inner knowledge of what most of all search our whole lives for. I ran my hands over her face seeing her flinch as my fingers touched the right side where once the wig was off you could clearly see the lump on the side of her right head which had gotten bigger in just the last five weeks since I saw her. The scans showed a 90% enlargement in her mass it was pretty much like a 20 lb tumor ,I would in all honestly be shocked if she made it a month but Destiny was right she was a fighter which was the only reason she she should be awake the pain she had to be would knock most grown men out. When I grabbed her hand she was cold and weak , running my own hand over it to warm her up, I smiled and started talking about the showcase tomorrow. She grinned and listened occasionally I would get a smile or a slight nod or funny stories would earn me a small laugh. When I ran out of stories I sat and looked at her, she looked to the door when she saw no one was coming she took off the mask I heard her gasp and struggle for air ..she stared me straight in the eyes and said..
Promise me something? [Mac]
sweetie don't talk..[me]
I won't but please promise me..
okay what is it? [me]
I ..please don't tell the kids
tell them what? [me]
make sure they know that what is happening to me doesn't
have to be their fate.
What do u mean? [me]
I know Dawn and I'm not afraid
I..I've known for..
She coughed hard I helped her sit up as she gasped and gagged, quickly I slipped the mask over her mouth she sucked hard I slipped behind her and she laid against me ,relaxed in my arms . After she rested for a minute she went on..
I know Destiny she needs time she'll
tell me when she's ready and that's okay
but the kids need to think that I'm strong
and they need to be able to concentrate on the show
they should have a night to remember
their deal with the harsh reality soon enough let them have
tomorrow night please..[Mac]
of course but you can't give up Mac we will fight this
don't lie to me dawn remember when you were a patient
all you wanted was the truth
I know it I can't fight the enviable..[Mac]
sorry I just..
it's okay lets not think about it for now [me]
I'm okay.. just tired..[mac]
rest you'll feel better tomorrow morning..[me]
I adjusted her pump and took her vitals again. Her pulse was stronger but her heart was racing, I gave her a shot of metoprolol (Lopressor), within minutes she relaxed and was asleep.
Destiny went to sit by her side as I struggled to not break down I had to be strong for my girls and for me I was a doctor now we take a oath not to get attached to our patients well okay I wasn't a Dr yet.. but I would be and I couldn't break down every-time I had to tell a pt they were out of options and no matter how great a Dr I became there would always be a time when we ran out of options till a cure came anyway and it seems I might not see one in my lifetime. Still as hard as I tried I couldn't stop the tears she wasn't just any patient she was a friend a close friend who hasn't done anything but try to help these kids and live her life to the fullest and it wasn't fair all my memories of Sweet Sandy and Messy Marlee flooded me and once again. I questioned why was I always the one to say good-bye and be left to carry on? The night was clear and still warm as I walked to the church the stars out shining. My mind was full as I went ahead, so full I almost missed Miles sitting in the pew strumming her guitar. She was playing a beautiful melody ..which made me jump I stood and watched as she sung the words unaware I was there..
I miss you
I miss your smile
And I still shed a tear
Every once in a while
And even though it's different now
You're still here somehow
My heart won't let you go
And I need you to know
I miss you, sha la la la la
I miss you
It was sweet and her voice so full of emotions I felt like a robber sneaking up and stealing what was suppose to be a very private moment so I quietly went to the alter and lit three candles and knelled to pray.
When I got back to my room the girls were still up chatting excitedly about what was to come tomorrow, a few were visiting with parents who had come early to see the show and spend some time with their kids, my dad was working out of town and was flying in tomorrow mom had a deadline and couldn't make it but Rob my big strong brother who's bone marrow flowed inside of me giving me my gift of life..and his wife Katie and their son Keegan who's 9 were arriving tomorrow. Their enthusiasm was catching and soon I was laughing.
Sleep was easy to come for me I was so exhausted.
Miley p o v
Laughter filled the room as I returned to my room I had been in the church for over an hour and praying and playing my guitar had helped me. Still I was exhausted and very nauseated when I returned but seeing the kids so hyped helped me. Brandi noticed how I felt and came over with a cool cloth and a ice cold coke for me which eased me a bit, Katie and I had decided to help the kids feel more settled that we would play games with them and any parents who showed up in our room we cleared a space and we were currently sitting in the middle of the floor getting ready to play a game of pic-fic which was some game the kids made up in their rap sessions.
I really enjoyed meeting the parents it was a eye opener to meet these parents and see that not only had these disease's affected the kids who had them but the parents many who had to give up jobs or some who lost them to care for the kids most struggled with money issues some were single parents some had other kids at home who were trying to balance a normal life and their feelings with having to raise themselves while their parents were spending all their time on the sick kid or trying to make enough money to keep food and a roof . Nazi's mom Nerissa was the funniest she was telling jokes and leading dances and sing offs she and Nazi got along so well it reminded me of my mom who I glanced over at she was talking to Payton's mom both sitting on the couch munching on popcorn watching Payton's younger sisters twins who were so cute 2 year olds Amy and Beth who were building a mini village out of chips. Which 5 year old Alex Nazaria's little brother would knock them down laughing and clapping. It made me smile and appreciate my life without thinking I went over and hugged mom who looked up surprised as I clung to her whispering " momma I love ya' "she hugged me back and whispering I know and I love you to baby"
The thing that struck me the most was Ella playing with the twins making them laugh and tickling them
and playing hide and seek..she was so cute..I had to join in .I saw Ella duck under a dresser and I joined her we were able to see the twins stumbling yelling out in cute baby talk
mamie ind ile [ translation Amy find miley]
eie ere eie? [Translation Ella where's Ella]
how long should we give them? [me]
[giggling ]
a little while it's fun to watch them [Ella]
I remember when my dad
would play this with me heck we still do at times
did you play with yours? [me]
not now but when I was a kid we did all the time
he would always hide where I could find him
then he would run and I would chase him
and he would let me jump on his back and
tickle him [Ella]
It struck me that she said when I was a kid..she was still a kid! I swallowed against the lump in my throat as she looked up and smiled at me then took my hand
listen to them here they come [Ella]
ere's ey at? [Where's they at]
aw their so cute I want a little girl
when I get older [me]
and a little boy
yea me to I want two of each! [Ella]
let's go! [Ella]
We jumped out at them and scared them causing them to giggle and scream baby screams as we tickled them and they cried out
" ound em ound em! [Found them!]
In between this Ella would look up at the door awaiting her mom but the evening flew by and she didn't show by the end when everyone was starting to say good-night and the parents leaving she sat on the couch hugging a pillow head hanging down sighing , I went over and put my arms around her shoulders..she rested her head on mine
looks like we are both missing someone
tonight [me]
yea but at least Mandy cares about you [Ella]
aw your mom cares to [me]
only when it suits her plans
otherwise I'm expandable
Mandy would be here if u 2 would make up
your both being stubborn but she loves you
mom is in love with her career kids are just a
trophy for her to break out when she needs to impress someone [Ella]
I don't know why I thought this weekend would be different..
She seemed to be fighting off tears even when I squeezed her shoulder she didn't let them flow
maybe she'll show tomorrow she might of
gotten struck in traffic
yea sure and Mandy is going to come
begging to take you back
not..[Ella]
It was the first time I saw Ella show any emotions expect happiness and enthusiasm and it was scary, and her comment about Mandy really stung more then I would admit. Part of me wanted to go after her as she went to her bed but another part of me told me she needed to work through this by herself.
I barely slept all night I tossed and turned thinking about Mandy wishing she was by me I missed her bad..really bad and it was so much harder knowing I was the reason she was gone it was all my fault.
At 5 I got up and went for a run the fresh air felt amazing and woke me right up after I ran I went for a swim Jeff was there already over the last few weeks him and Katie had been helping me train for my up coming tour and I was starting to feel ready physically .As I dove in the cold didn't even bother me Jeff challenged me to 50 laps which he always kicked my butt at cause by 20 I was panting and struggling as he easily sliced through the water turning to laugh at my pathetic self. Still I was determined to beat him and not let it be some pity victory so every morning from 4 -5 I had been getting up to work extra hard swimming laps and and at night when the kids were asleep I was coming down here to swim more a lot of times Nazi was joining me or Chelsea.
As we swam he was doing his usual victory laugh as I pumped my arms glaring at him determined to beat his ass. He didn't even see me coming as I dove under water and shot forward making a quick stop as I was under him grabbing his torso he yelped as he splashed and flopped shocked going under I shot up laughing the look on his face was classic as I made the final lap with ease and sailed to the end on my back just like he did when he taunted me..he stood up
u cheated no fair!
This is war!
Be prepared to eat mud!
No way Man! [me]
He charged after me and I laughed jumping out and running he chased me all the way back to the cabin.
I would of made it to if I hadn't smacked into a pair of walking pillows..looking up I fell back in my steps a bit Mandy's clear perfect eyes stared back at me ,
watch where your going [Mandy]
sorry..[me]
u seem to be saying that a lot as of late huh?
Too bad it kind of loses it's meaning when it's
said too often..[Mandy]
guess I had that coming [me]
you think? [Mandy]
She gave me one last look and shock her head as she walked away I. tried to grab her arm but she shock me off and went away her long raven hair flew behind her smacking me in my face. Just like that she was gone and my tears came in waves brushing them off. I went upstairs to shower the girls were packing up last minute stuff their eyes turned to me as I came in and they exchanged looks with each other, making me feel like they were talking about me when I wasn't in the room..creepy feeling..
what?
Somebody wanna tell me? [me]
uh..nothing..[Alicia]
not a thing..[Becky]
got to find razor [Ella]
you have no hair to shave! [me]
uh yea but u never know
it may grow one day and just like that bam
I'll need it so yea I'm gonna go get it!
They all looked at her kind of crazy but she bounced off and shrugged the others scrambled as Katie helped get luggage together and I went to shower.
The day was full and hectic selected groups that were chosen to preform at tonights performances were working on last minute routines , the full assemble had been rehearsed over and over till most of the girls were doing it in their sleeps. For us we had the day off basically unless a camper needed us, I went and watched my girls clapping and cheering, Ella was doing a gymnastics routine in their number she executed each move with precise accuracy and grace as she lifted her arms up looking to where the judges would be and smiled as she posed while Alicia and Becky did their breathtaking foot work a series of fouetté en tournant and a finale of grand jeté s the audience would be gasping and wide eyed when my girls were done , they were using a fast remix Selena's song naturally which was ironic considering she pretty much hated my guts right now. I was glued even though I had to pee so bad I didn't want to get up and miss a minute I had never seen this routine before it was one Mandy choreographed in class and I wasn't a part of it. I watched as they kept practicing determined to get this right.. Ella started it looking like a little kid she started laying on the ground left leg under her butt as her right laid sprawled
She was hunched over and looked up eyes wide reaching up as she seemed to be chasing something her eyes followed then she jumped up in a series of beautifully orchestrated changement and chassé s she was fast and never wavered arms extended into fifth positions she made the illusions that she was following this thing..then Alicia came in with Becky both doing rond de jambe en dehors and their arms swept over Ella making it look like she was being knocked down as she was in the middle of a ballonné she fell back acting like she was fainting as Payton , Nazi and Sunny came out in chaîné turns and caught her she turned to them they acted like they were whispering as they pointed and looked towards where this thing had gone while Alicia and Becky were dancing front stage their moves made them look scary as if they were robbing Ella of whatever it was she was chasing. The dance was only 5 minutes so this was all done with well timed quick steps , suddenly the music picked up speed and so did the steps they broke into a hip hop routine Ella and Payton took center stage as they spun and did a pas de Basque hands up as they danced towards Alicia and Becky who fell back on relevé
doing a series of Arrière, en: Brisè arms extended ..the dance ended with Ella catching what she was chasing but looking over it as she did a series of slow Fouette Turns she had a very sad and confused look on her face as she opened her hands it was as if she was trying to figure out where all the magic went to ...when she realizes it's gone like the days of yesterday she has to let it go and she goes into a ball spinning down and landing in a pile on the floor which would be lowered as Becky comes back out jumping into the grand finale with Alicia in a grand jeté .
I jumped up clapping excitedly and cheered it brought tears to my eyes as I went to hug them I came up and stepped back suddenly I heard a yelp and felt myself falling my landing was cushioned but the blow came when I heard sniffling and cries of
" Get off of me! Ow my ankle!
Oh my god! Payton are you okay? [me]
n..oh...oh..it hurts..
aw man..I am so sorry..
it's okay..it;'s not your fault
I ..need..my …
bag it has my bandages in it
okay I'll get it where is it? [me]
Dance studio # 302
no problem I'll be right back
Nazria grab some ice
Alicia your in charge [me]
okay..hurry it looks bad [Becky]
I took off running ..
Ella p o v
When do you think she'll get
that we just tricked her?[Payton]
I tossed her an apple and juice as she stretched flexing the ankle that she had just faked injuring as we grinned turning up the music and flopping down..
hopefully not till were on the way
to the city cause I don't want to
be here when she figures it out [Alicia[
her? Snap I'm worried about
what Mandy will when she gets it? [Nazria]
oh yea..didn't think about her yikes
did we bit off more then we can chew? [Becky]
oh heck we only live once make it count [Payton]
yea besides were dancers we can haul butt fast [me]
aw man I would kill to see the look on her face! [me]
yea I hope they make up it's stupid that their fighting [Nazria]
yea and they act like we don't know they were more then friends [Becky]
love the air quotes [me]
thanks [Becky]
anybody nervous? [me]
yea a bit more so when I get there I think [Payton]
I just hope it works this is such an awesome place [Alicia]
yea I can't imagine not coming here [Becky]
it has to work so it will no negative vibes kay? [me]
only sunshine roses and lollipops? [Payton giggling]
yes and fairies [me]
kay hey we should make a pact no matter what we
stay in touch [Nazria]
sweet [me]
I like that [Alicia]
no matta where we go
where the future takes hold
and the wind scatters us
we swear today on this very spot
heads bowed hands held
music loud and spirits flying free
we will never let them beat us down and we vow
to remain young and free
to be true to ourselves our hopes
and our dreams
but more importantly we promise
you and I to remain
forever friends
for today and past eternity
let the music be our guide and stars be on our sides
forever
remain true
friends!
We lifted our hands and laughed I could imagine sparkles flying ..As we stood there grinning I knew that even if we didn't raise enough money , no one could ever take away these memories or the friendships I made this summer. I was connected to each of these girls..through our shared illnesses and through our determination and through our loves of preforming..
aw sh nap we gotta go! [Nazi]
Yea the bus is leaving in 20 [Payton]
we need to change and grab our
costumes!
And escape miles![me]
Laughing and tackling each other we headed to the cabin somewhere along the lines as I gazed up at a perfectly brilliant sunny sky as sunny suggested we sing well asking a group of performers what else would you accept expect yes! We put 110 into it belting out our time is here at the top of our lungs...
We're done, but it's not over, we'll start it again Come on, come on, you know CHORUS We know, but we're not certain Come on, come on, you know Chorus YEAH! Gone are the days of summer
After the end of the day, it keeps getting better
Don't be afraid, we'll do it together
It's your time to move, it's my time to move
Come on, come on, let go
Leave it all behind, your past and mine
Gone are the days of summer
We couldn't change it if we tried
Why would we want to, let's go where we got to
Our paths will cross again in time
It's never the same tomorrow,
And tomorrow is never clear
So come on, come on, you know
Our time, our time is here
How can we be, how can we see what's ahead
The road keeps on turning
And all we can do, is travel each day to the next
It's your time to move, it's my time to move
Come on, come on, let go
Leave it all behind, your past and mine
We couldn't change it if we tried
(If we tried)
So come on, come on, come on
Come on, come on, come on
So come on, come on, you know
Our time...our time is here - Yeah - Oh
We busted into the door of our room laughing as we came face to face with....
