Dance Vigilantes

Chapter 49:

Sharkcookie

June 5th, 2016. Saturday, 12:30 PM

SCDC

Maddie's POV

"Wow! This place is bigger than the LA and Pittsburgh studio combined!" I breath as I check the dance studio for the first time

"But it ain't as big than DJAK besides us. That place huge! I'm convinced that Mindy got hold of half the building for her dojang" Mom chuckled

"You really respect that Mindy do you?" I smirk

"She's pretty brash at times but she is very tough and skilled for her age. She even teaches some of us cool tricks too!" Kenzie winked

"Yeah! Like how to handle and defend against a knife and gun - ow!" JoJo butted in but was suddenly elbowed by Brynn.

"What?! She's teaching you that? Well….that's good I guess?" Mom muttered in a confused manner

I participated in some classes held by Gia, Rumer, and Guy. Some of them were assisted by the other girls as well. A fair number of students are in here. Scratch that, the place was packed! The dance floor smelled of familiar sweat and heat and everyone was energized. Gia even asked me to lead a class too. Everyone was amazed at my dancing as always. No, it's not because I was boasting how good I am. Its because its the most normal reaction from my fans. I appreciate every single one but it was a common thing for me that I was already used to it. It was the usual "It's Maddie Ziegler!" and "She is so skilled and so talented!" comments and photo ops from fans. But I loved it.

Kendall was also back in the game as well. Her leg is still on a boot but she was now well enough to dance to a certain limit. Kendall seems to be having a hard time but looks like she's still enjoying herself nonetheless, dancing in a hip hop class with Ken.

As I rested and grabbed something to drink from the foyer, I went back to the studio but I stopped at the door towards studio B. I peer into the viewing window and see Brynn standing besides a stereo. In the middle of the dance floor and in front of the mirror, was a blonde girl in a red leotard and was in the middle of a leg hold, leaning towards a front flip. What amazed me about the girl was that she did the front flip while still doing and maintaining her leg hold.

Curious, I went inside and took a step closer, approaching Brynn. She nods at me in acknowledgement. A Pussycat Dolls music was blaring over the speakers

"She's pretty good. She seems to be in your level" I mutter to Brynn

"I like to think the same too. But I consider her a prodigy too. She only started dancing half a month ago and she can already do these amazing tricks like she's been training since a year old! It's crazy…" Brynn said, smiling. I was taken aback by her revelation

"There is no way that she only started half a month ago! Who is she?" I asked

"Her name's Stephanie. She's Mindy's child. I think you already met her yesterday" Brynn answered

"Oh yeah! She's that british pottymouth. I never knew she was this good" I said amazed. I took a closer look at Stephanie. Her blonde hair was tied in a proper ponytail. I was wowed as well at how fit she was. She looked around 10 years old but she had arms and legs that were chiseled and firm. I wonder what kind of workout is she doing? I admit, I was kind of jealous…

Her gun metal blue eyes had determination and passion burning into them as well. Her moves were a bit soft, yet graceful.

"Is she doing this for dancerpalooza?" I asked Brynn

"Yup! She's been practicing for days now. She's a fast learner too." Brynn answered me. I furrow my brows as I noticed something wrong in her dancing.

"Is she doing a lyrical style?" I questioned

"Yeah...you noticed what she's doing wrong too huh?" Brynn said with a knowing look over me. The music then stopped and Stephanie finishes her dance with her legs crossed and her left arm raised in the air. She was panting after she was done

"How about that? That good?" Steph heaved in her cute british voice. When her eyes gazed on to me, she seems surprised.

"Oh! You're Maddie, right? Mackenzie's sister?" Stephanie asked me

"Yup! Nice to see you again Stephanie and good thing I saw you dancing, this time. I am quite curious though, as to how you don't know me that much" I smile at her

"Well, I kind of know you but not that much. I know Mackenzie mire because of her music. We love "I Gotta Dance" pretty much" Stephanie smirked. I smile and playfully roll my eyes as that song was mentioned. Kenzie first single that she ironically, hates to the core.

"So, anyway, how did I do? Was my dancing right this time?" Stephanie said in a serious tone

"You're good as ever Steph. That's me being honest. But…" Brynn said in her own serious tone as well. Stephanie eyes darkened and displayed anger over them

"But what? What is it this time? I have been doing this fucking dance for 2 hours already! I'm already trying my best and getting my shit right! What am I missing?!" Stephanie demanded in a growl. Brynn gulped nervously but stood her ground and sighed. I however, was pretty damn shaken at how angry she sounded.

"To be fair, I only came in her 30 minutes ago to take over for Gia" Brynn quipped

"Whoa, easy with that mouth and temper little one. It's not Brynn's fault and neither it is yours. You're a perfectionist aren't you? " I calm her

"I admit that. What's it to you?!" Stephanie sneered

"Well, I'm a perfectionist too. I always make sure that what I do in dance is always perfect. But, mistakes can't be avoided from time to time. You only need to heave a breath and try again. Now, you dance pretty good I can tell you that. Great even, considering you only started last month. What you were missing was fluidity. A lyrical dance is a combination of jazz and contemporary. You have to evoke hard anger and at the same time, smooth calmness. You were going a bit hard than soft. You have to balance it. Think calm and angry thoughts at the same time. That will help you in completing the dance" I explain to a scowling Stephanie. Her scowl softened and then looked down on the floor

"I'm sorry for blowing over like that. It's just so frustrating not getting it right away.." Stephanie explained

"No problem Stephanie. We all came in that part of our craft. Say, how about Brynn and you show me the choreography and I'll dance with you to help. Sounds like a plan?" I smile at her

"That would be fan - fucking - tastic! You can call me Steph by the way." Stephanie smiled

Brynn and Steph then showed me a thing or two about the choreography if Steph's dance. The girl really does have potential. I'll do what I can to unlock that. The same that I did with Mackenzie back then.

June 12th, 2016. Sunday, 7:30 AM

Uptown

Steph's POV

After some consideration and advice from the girls, I decided to take on Sharkcookie's offer. I was told that he was legit and a friendly guy that is great in what he does. Sharkcookie and his daughter Eva, were so pleased to have me accept the offer before they come back home in Tuesday. We were in the car and I was with the twins, Saoirse, and dad. Mum couldn't come because she had something to take care of. The twins came along because they wanted to see me and I quote, "do un-psyche like and girly things" that were extremely rare to see. I brought Saoirse with me because she was after all, the one who saved Lilia and I wanted her to feature in some of the pictures. I wanted to ask Lauren too since she was with Saoirse at the time but she couldn't make it due to some commitments with Brad Murphy.

Dad was eager to come but not because he wanted to see me do a shoot….

"Are you sure this guy is a legitimate photographer and bit just some pedophile?" Dave mused in a gruff tone that was so unlike him. I sigh and look him in the eye of the rearview mirror

"For the last time dad, yes! He has been a photographer for 20 years and is a professional! He is known to treat his client with respect, especially children. Dad, I assure you, nothing bad will happen to me!" I reason with him

"Steph has a point Dave. Plus, he has a daughter. He wouldn't really be a pedophile if he knew what would happen it his own daughter would be stalked by one. The guy seems pretty kind too. Eccentric, but kind" Saoirse added

"Also, this is Steph dad. She'd know what to do if she got sexually assaulted" Danny quipped and everyone voiced their agreement. Dad sighed and kept his eyes on the road

"Valid points, I'll admit but I won't believe it till I meet the guy in person" Dad stated and I just smile and shake my head.

"Holy fuck!" Anne-Marie suddenly blurted

"Anne-Marie, you know what you'll do when we get back!" Dad chuckled. Anne-Marie had a scowl form towards dad but her eyes returned towards the phone in her hands. My phone

"Hey! If you're tampering with my photos and posting some annoying and embarrassing shi - I mean, pranks at my Instagram, I will strangle you!" I growled at her

"I'm honestly just looking! I only got surorused because look who followed you!" Anne-Marie exclaimed. I took my phone from her and checked out the notification tab

"Oh. Rihanna Quinn followed me and so did Tyler Quinn. Anne-Marie, I know they're Quinns but they're the nicer ones" I said to her and she just shook her head

"Look below them.." Anne-Marie muttered dimly. I raise my eyebrow at her and get back to my phone. I then scowl as I see what or rather, who she was pertaining to

"Coco?! Why would she follow me?" I said, confused. The little version of the big brat of the 4 siblings dislikes me as much as how Kaylee hates me. Yet, here she is following me in her messy haired profile picture

"Well, she doesn't seem to have left a hate comment on my pictures. But, there is one odd thing I noticed…" I say

"What is it?" the twins said together

"She liked all my photos that had Danny in it. Solo pictures, group pictures, photos of me and him, everything!" I realize. I smile as Danny took in a surprised reaction.

"W-why are you looking at me like that?" Danny said, confused

"Looks like someone has an admirer" Dad teased

"Wha? How can Coco be my admirer? We're just friends" Danny replied but with his cheeks brightening

"Always giving you sweets, always appearing on your side, you're the only one she always smiling at….yeah, she is alright!" I chuckled

"Well, let her hands off my brother! I ain't giving him to any bitch! Especially that bug eyed brat!" Anne-Marie brat

"Of course, there is you…" I laughed.

DM DM DM DM

We arrive at photo studio in Uptown. After inquiring where David and Evaa are at, we were directed at photo studio 14. As we entered the studio, all the lights were out save for some lights in tripods. The rest of the place however, was pitch black. It was a good cover for an assasination attempt. My Predator instincts took over immediately

"Ah! Stephanie, Saoirse! Just in time!"

We turn around to the right to see David and Lilia approach us. David was wearing khaki shorts and a yellow polo shirt. Eva however, was wearing a green leotard that had curved slits on the sides of her torso. I admit, she has a nice body.

"Sorry about the lights being out. But it's part of the photoshoot. And who might these two cute children be?" David said with a warm smile

"Good to see you two as well! I believe you haven't met my dad yet" I introduced

"And you must be Mindy's husband! Shame that she couldn't make it with us" David said, offering a hand to dad

"Dave Lizewski. Pleasure to see you Mr. Hoffman" Dad said in a stern tone,accepting and shaking David's hand. I get a glimpse of David cringing. When I saw their hands, I shook my head as I realize that dad was deliberately crushing his hand. He must not trust him that much. When they let go, David massaged his hand but still had a smile on his face

"Wow! That was a good grip. Tight, but good. So, you ready to go Stephanie? You, Eva, and the others have me for a whole day. We'll take pictures in this studio we rented, the pool, and outside locations in Chicago of your choosing" David explained.

"Ready as I've ever been! I am quite nervous though. This is a first for me too…" I admit

"Don't worry much about it Steph. Just act and bend natural. Like improv in dance" Eva smiled. I smile back and I was directed to change on the blinds setup at the side of the dim studio. A variety of dance and casual clothes were in a box and I was told I can use any of my choosing. I took a blue crop top and red dance shorts and began to change. Why the color choices? Well, who do you think I was?

Once I was fully changed, David and Eva gave an approving nod and dad sighed and covered his face with his hands. I sheepishly smile and we began the session.

DM DM DM DM

I was directed by David to do some dance moves and utilize the dark backdrop as advantage to the feel of the shoot. I did some needles, arabesques, fouettes, pirouettes, the works. I did some alone, and did some with Eva, who was equally as flexible and skilled in executing moves. She is actually very pretty to look at. I was now doing a needle with one leg bent on the ground and my right hand gently pressing on my knee. My left hand is supporting my other, that was lifted straight up in the air

"Okay good Stephanie! Now, try to face sideways and flip your hair for a windy effect." David advised. I did just that and a flash of the camera appeared.

"Amazing shot! You too Eva!" David commented

"Wow Steph! You have a really jacked up body for a 10 year old." Eva said in an awed manner as she looked at me

"Well, gotta maintain fitness like mum and dad say" I smile back at her

"Given she eats like a pig, I'm surprised she's still that fit!" SD laughed

"If you have balls, I would have castrated you long ago!" I scowl at her

DM DM DM DM

"Okay, how about we do a spider shot. Are you familiar with that?" David asked

"No actually. But given the name, I'm both intrigued and disturbed as to what it is" I answer him

"A spider shot is one dance pose that dad made up. It's where you lie down on the floor and lift yourself in a crouch but you put your hands in a criss cross position in front of you, like this" Eva explained as she crouched with her legs balancing in only the point of her toes and lifting her leg a bit higher. Her arms are then criss crossed as she instructed in front of her, making her resemble a human spider.

"Just like that! Now give it a go Steph! Don't forget to put your feet on pointe too by the way" Eva instructed. I was about to ask what on being on pointe means but instinctively, I found myself crouching down and lifting my legs and hands to support me. Then, I make my legs stand by the toes of my feet. Somehow, I knew that this was being on pointe means.

"Wow! You got it the first time!" Eva commented

"Now try to do a facial expression fitting of a human spider" David said

"But spiderman doesn't have a face!" Danny laughed and so did I. I put on my resting bitch face for this pose to make the shoot feel sinister. As I relaxed and stood up while still on pointe , I feel my head go light again and see a flash of me - a younger me - doing pointe on a ballet barre. Then my vision cleared and I felt a little better now

"SCDC really made your body contort into a lot of ways huh?" Anne-Marie said with a disturbed look

"Anne-Marie's right. Are your toes even okay? It seems like you broke them by standing up like that" SD added

"It's not a big deal! Pointe is a very essential dance move that makes your releve and balance improve. It's the most advanced form of balance in dance and is often used in ballet. If done in the correct age, your to es can get used to it and not feel any pain" I explained to them. I was however, taken aback a bit on what I said. I had no idea I knew such things…

"I only understood the balance part. The rest is a blur for me" SD said confused

"But both of you are right. Going on pointe is an essential ballet move but can be used in other dances. Believe me, it's a pain doing pointe at an early age" Eva chuckled

"I kind of felt her bones breaking apart by just watching it" Anne-Marie cringed. I then smiled devilishly at her

"Oh, you want to feel bones break? Watch this…"

I lay on the ground and faced forward. In one swift move, I lifted the lower half of my body until my legs can be bent in front of my face. All the while still having my upper body laying down and facing forward. The reaction of the twins, SD, and dad was beyond priceless

"Oh my god….." SD said in an appalled manner

"So, you feel a lot of bones crushing?" I smiled at a horrified Anne-Marie

"Feel them?! I can fucking hear them! Since when can you make your ass and legs bend in front of you from your back?!" Anne- Marie exclaimed

"Its called a chin stand. It's a contortion move Brynn taught me" I smile at them while grabbing of one of my legs and holding them with one hand

"I think Mindy would freak out if she saw this…" Dave laughed.

"I think we should call an exorcist!" Danny shouted. Eva laughed and laid down besides me and did her own chin stand and even dangled her legs back and forth as of she was walking.

"Make that two exorcists…"

DM DM DM DM

"Why are you splashing water all around the floor? You flooding the bloody room?" I asked

"Its for the next part of the shoot. You make dance moves in the puddled floor and drizzles scatter around making a sort of splash effect for the photo. It's good kicks and leaps" David explained

"If you make the water into blood, I guarantee that Steph will enjoy it very much!" Dad piped in. I scowl at him and just smile at Dave and Eva, who looked a bit confused

"Don't mind them. Dad can have a morbid sense of humor sometimes" I chuckled

"Yeah. Must have gotten from her mother" Dave mused.

"Well okay then! Try to do some leaps this time and make splashes in the air."

I did as David instructed. I waided my feet on the puddle first and did a straddle leap in the air. I made sure to make my legs open wide and make a split mid air. I also put one arm in my left chest and one arm reaching up in the sky. I then did another but with my arms crossed in my chest and both hands doing peace signs. I honestly was having fun in jumping around on water and even splashed the others intentionally, much to their charging. Eva was also graceful at her leaps as well. Her splits really shows how tenured she is on dancing.

I wonder I'll be as good as her and the others like Im as good as being Psyche?

Saoirse's POV

After the photoshoot inside the studio, we went out and explored different places in Chicago that we wanted our next shoot to be at. I was okay in anywhere so long as Steph and the twins had fun. I wasn't keen on these kinds of things but Steph gave me her fucking puppy dog eyes look and I just can't resist. It is a nice change though given that we were constantly under attack at night from our enemies

Steph had chosen various locations such as Montrose Beach for a beach photoshoot, the bean shapes chrome structure known as Cloud Gate in Millennium Park, The Holy Name Cathedral, The Lurie Garden, the trainyard which got us shooting near the tracks with Steph doing some contortions and dance moves on the middle of the tracks and the tracks themselves. After that, we went inside the Wrigley Field, where I got some shots of my own. Since I wasn't a dancer, David opted for me to try some of my martial arts techniques and stances, which I honestly enjoyed

Afterwards, we went into some abandoned structures that Steph considered as a wicked backdrop for some shots because of the creative and colorful graffiti on them and ended up on the docks, where we took some photos on the docks itself and a certain yacht that had one interesting name, that is "Salty Swallow". One of Mindy's pride and joy. David already got the reference while Lilia, was thankfully unaware of its true meaning.

We wore some stylish clothes we have that David instructed for us to bring and some clothes from their family clothing business. David commented that I was a beauty to look at much to my embarrassment. The twins were having a blast as well with Daniel always loving changing clothes and Anne-Marie doing some creative poses of her own and even imitating Steph, much to the failure of some attempts.

I honestly could not wait to see the outcome of these photos. Not because of how I may look like, but how I Steph would look like. She was deadly and dangerous to most people around her. But as I look at her now, she was posing gracefully and flawlessly. Every body movement she does was amazing. It was a whole new side of Steph we haven't realized was there. Steph is a merciless devil on the battlefield. But in dance, she was a delicate angel.

DM DM DM DM

Our 2nd to the last stop was a public pool that was cleared out for the afternoon and given to us for an hour. This part of the photoshoot was very unique. Why? Well, we were being taken pictures underwater.

"Okay girls and Danny! On the count of 3...one, two, three!" Dave shouts and we giggled as we jumped and braced ourselves. As we splashed and sank in the pool, we were taken pictures by David, who was also underwater in a wetsuit. We took group and solo pictures together and even used props like blankets, balls, beach umbrellas, a tuba for some reason, and oddly enough, two sets of bikes that we used to ride below the water. Steph as usual, did her usual dance moves and even flexed her arms at some point. But as far as to who was enjoying this underwater shoot, it was me. It was unique and fucking cool.

When I took off from the water and dried myself on the benches, I felt someone sit right next to me.

"Seems like someone's enjoying herself" It was Eva and she was smiling warmly at me.

"Hey Eva. Yeah, its pretty cool what you and your dad do. He's a pretty kind man too, like you are" I smile back at her. She then adjusts her seating and tucks back some strands of wet hair in front of her face

"I haven't had the chance to thank you properly back at Jump. You were really brave and cool doing all those moves. Shame that Lauren couldn't come though…" Eva shyly said

"Well, Lauren's kind of weird in some way but she's more than willing to help whoever is in danger as much as I am"

"If it weren't for you, I don't know what would have happened to me anymore. All I know is that Mom and Dad would be devastated. Dad especially. I may be his step daughter, but he loves me very much as if I was his own. It would shatter him if he lost me like how he lost his first daughter…" Eva somberly said. Now that got me curious.

"First daughter? What do you mean by that part?" I asked her. She seems to move uncomfortably and her face was in a furrowed expression. I sighed and nodded as I realized the situation at hand

"I understand if you don't want to talk about it. It is after all, not my place to know about it for now" I smile at her

"Thank you for understanding Saoirse. You are really both tough and sweet you know" Eva said with a relieved sigh

"I am far from sweet Eva, believe me" I chuckle

"Dance is the passion I have ever known in my whole life. But I want to learn how to fight like you. To defend myself properly. Hell, I want to emulate you even" Eva said. I then let my smile drop and look towards the pool, hiding my frown

"I appreciate that you think about me that way Lilia. Very few people think of me that way. But listen, you can learn to fight like me, but don't wish to fully emulate me" I explain to her.

"Oh, uh..is this a sort of be you rather than me moments like in the movies?" Eva asked and that bit honestly made me smile.

"Something like that. But if you knew the rest of my story and what I've been through, you will immediately run away as far away from me as possible…"

"You make it sound you've been through hell and back"

"If you only knew…" I chuckled

"But at least teach me how to fight like you. I mean, who better to teach me than my savior, right?" Eva piped

"Maybe in the near future Eva. Who knows, we might even spar at some point" I smile at her

"Maybe one day. I'd like that to happen"

Then we heard an angry scream followed by a chain of swears and curses. In the pool was a very angry Stephanie and standing at pool side was Anne-Marie who has a kid sized white crop top and shorts.

"Well, I better get them before shit blows over. Steph's anger knows no bounds. Even to her own brother and sister" I laugh

"Let me help! They're just kids. What could possibly go wrong?" Eva giggled

"Oh, you'd be surprised…"

Steph's POV

The sun is about to set and we were all tired but had so much fun. It's just baffling, even for me that I'd enjoy such an activity. Hell, we even got to do some shots on that disgustingly named yacht of ours. Not only did I do some photoshoots in some dancer, but in some casual clothes too. What made this day even better was the inclusion of the twins, my best friend, and our newest friend, Eva. Even dad and David joined in one or two shots. There was only one set of clothing left that I haven't tried on. It's was a black crop top which had a long sleeve at the left side and off shoulder at the right side. Along with that, was a dance short that had a long, flowing purple silk skirt attached to it.

"So, the sun is about to go down and we still have a few hours for one more location" David happily announced

"One more huh? Well, we pretty much covered every sight in Chicago. Where might we go from here?" Dad mused. I then had a brilliant idea on where our last location may be.

"I think I know where to end this session" I smiled at them

DM DM DM DM

"You have got to be fucking kidding me!" Anne-Marie exclaimed

"What? I think the scenery is beautiful" I smirked at her

"You realize this is a cemetery, right?" Danny quipped. My decision of our last stop was in Graceland Cemetery. It was an odd choice, yes but after passing by it one time, I noticed how unique all the headstones and mausoleums inside in a way that they were in unique shapes and sizes. When the topic of the photoshoot was brought up, I immediately spotted this as one of the locations.

"Why in the fucking hell would you want to be here? And when it's getting dark no less!" SD asked

"Awww is little SD scared that the dead would come out and eat your brains?" I teased

"As if I'd be scared from shit that ain't even real!" SD scoffed. She suddenly screamed and jumped. She looked frightened and angry at the same time and then she scowled at a laughing Eva. I had a laugh as well given that I saw Eva poke SD's sides,making her scream like a scared girl. I have to take note of that.

"Wow! SD can get even more scared than me. And I'm only 8 years old!" Anne-Marie grinned

"Hope I didn't scare you as much Saoirse" Eva giggled

"Fucking hell all of you!" SD growled

"Now, let's tone down the language here. Lilia, knock it off in scaring others." David scolded good naturedly

"Also, Anne-Marie, dollar in the jar later" Dave laughed much to Anne-Marie's scowl.

"Told you not to be stupid and go loose with your mouth" Danny teased

"Anyway, mind telling us why you chose a cemetery to be our last stop?" dad asked

"Well aside from the statues, monuments, and mausoleums, places like these seems mysterious, eerie, ethereal, and at times, beautiful and full of danger at the same time" I explained.

"I see. So kind of like you!" SD piped and I nodded and smiled

"Well, I think it's a great reason. The place is beautiful in the sunset despite it being a cemetery" Eva said

"And we also haven't had a photoshoot in a cemetery before. First time for everything I guess. Well, let's get it on! We can't be here after dark" David laughed.

The photoshoot in the cemetery were just me this time with occasional shots with Eva. We utilized everything in the cemetery. Even tombstones. The silk skirt was fun to waive around for poses too. I can make myself look angelic and sinister at the same time. We took a couple of more shots until we eventually need to leave because it was getting too dark already. We took David and Lilia back to their hotel as it was the least we can do in paying back their time with us.

"Thanks for this David and Eva. You are both amazing" I said as we said our goodbyes to them

"To you as well Stephanie and the rest of you. You are all a wild bunch! I'll make sure to have these done as soon as possible and give you both hard and soft copies" David smiled

"I'll see you soon Steph and hopefully, SD too. I heard you were part of beat squad in Dancerpalooza. I'll be going there as well! Let's do a duet together in some classes!" Eva said excitedly

"Looking forward to it!" I smiled

"I'll be waiting when it's time for us to spar Eva. Make sure you can keep up with me" SD added

"Bring it on SD!"

We all said our goodbyes and started to head home. I was tired as hell and I felt the need to take a bath with all the sweat around me. But it was fun and worth it. It was a new experience and an odd one at that. We were now on the road towards home

"Had fun today?" Dad asked

"Absolutely! It's weird...usually I prefer to shoot and fight. Just so surreal seeing myself enjoy dance and dance related photoshoots.." I tiredly quipped.

"It's weird enough that we see you dance to be honest. You! The infamous Psyche! Wrecker of everyone's shit!" SD chuckled

"True. The moment I stepped in that studio was the moment this all started...maybe I really don't really know myself that much yet"

"You aren't supposed to at your age. That's why you grow as you age. You find yourself piece by piece and you get surprised as to what you may find" Dad explained.

"Maybe it's your way of enjoying being a normal girl rather than being some sort of child soldier" Danny said and I sadly smile at him

"You know I don't have that chance anymore Danny. I'm not like dad. I'm like mum. I can never be fully normal"

"But you can always be normal in your own way. Normal's overrated anyway. Just be you!" Anne-Marie cheekily piped

"I guess you're right. Normal be damned! I'm Stephanie Lizewski! Psyche and proud dancer!" I announced proudly

"Villains beware!" SD laughed

"Can't wait to see what those pictures look like. We did beautifully. Shame mum couldn't come however but glad you and David buddied up in the end dad" I smile at dad through the rearview mirror

"Well, I was wrong to judge him by his cover. He's a pretty nice guy to be honest. Kind of wacky, but in a fun way. The guy's a natural father. Also a fellow geek too" Dad said

"Eva's a lively girl too. She's so bright, outspoken and optimistic. I swear, she was smiling the most of the time. Pretty beautiful teen too" SD added

"Plus, she makes up these fun games to play with!" Anne-Marie butted in while doing a hand game that Lilia taught them at the pool

"You know, when the pictures come out, show Mindy the one where you do the spider pose or the chin stand you did. She'll freak out, I promise" Dave grinned

"Nothing can phase mum! She's Hit Girl!" I reasoned amd dad just laughed

"You forgot that I know her more than anyone else"