And the next chapter to Dance with Destiny!
I think it's going well!
Thanks to all who reviewed!
Disclaimer: Standard
Onto the ficcy!
"Alright everybody! Hello, my name is Cindy Crenshaw. I am the host of this TV show. I just figured you may want to know how this is going to work,"
The tall redhead called Cindy stood on a platform above the chosen dancers. A pretty woman, she looked to be about mid-thirties. She started to speak again.
"Tomorrow, you will begin your dances for a panel of three judges. The dances you do each week are chosen at random the day before the actual dancing. We'll do that after I'm done talking. Your dances will be recorded, and played back on television the next day. The audience will then get to vote on who will stay and who will go until the next time we tape, in which case, we'll have the big reveal and that couple will be asked to leave the competition. However, they will not leave entirely, they still have room and board here for as long as they like... well at least until the competition's over. Oh! I almost forgot- the last show will be a live showdown between our two finalists!"
Chapter 4
The dancers departed and headed to their rooms to get a good night's rest. But on the way there, they held conversation.
"Pressure, much?" Chris said after the conference.
"I don't think so," Jessica replied. "We're used to pressure. We've been in this buisness for years. It's Rachel and Jimmy you should be worried about. They haven't ever had pressure like this!"
'If only you knew,' Jimmy thought sarcastically, stealing a glance at Rachel, who rolled her eyes.
"I'm sure we can handle it," Rachel replied offhandishly.
"Well that's good," Michael said, "Wouldn't want the newbies to leave so soon," he winked at Rachel.
Liz spoke up, "Are you sure? Jagan says that pressure like this can damage a dancer's moral and self confidence,"
"I'm sure it won't be that tough. Rach and I have been in sticky situations before, haven't we Rach?" Jimmy said.
"You have no idea," Rachel said to Lizzy.
"Really? Do you two go on adventures or something?" Lizzy seemed interested.
"Er- well, sort of-" Rachel said, immediately thinking she had said the wrong thing.
"Oh! You must have soo much fun! I wish I could have adventures like that! But Jagan-" she cut off, looking somber.
"Come on, Lizzy," Michael piped up. "Let's go for a walk," he quickly sped Lizzy away from the crowd of dancers.
"Who is that Jagan guy anyway?" Jimmy wondered aloud.
"He's their dance coach," Gary said.
"How do you know that?" Jimmy asked, intrigued and slightly surprised at getting his question answered.
"1) We've been around each other long enough to know each other's dance coaches and 2) You should always do your homework about the main competition. Go ahead, ask me anything!" Gary said.
"Okay, who's their coordinator?"
"Now, or previous?" Gary asked, sounding like a human encyclopedia. "And by the way, you should know that most of the coordinators are also the coaches,"
"Let's go- the last ten,"
"That would be Jagan Waters, Jake Summers, Carol Carabatsis, Peter Lynch, Buddy Smith, Christine Holden, Margaret Daae, Marion LaManche, Harold GrandPre, and Zoe Carroll in order from present to previous,"
Rachel and Jimmy were left staring dumbfounded at Gary.
"Well that was certainly efficient," Ron commented. "Couldn'ta done better myself,"
"I've done my homework, not to mention I've known them since they've been with Marion LaManche, so I personally met most of them," Gary said.
"You've known each other for that long?" Rachel asked.
"Once you get to a certain level in dance, you come to terms with the fact that very many people will not be able to reach you, and you're stuck with the same old band of dancers at every competition. We just happen to be the best, and so we almost travel together to competitions. We've gotten to know each other quite well, and I expect we'll be friends for life," Gary smiled at everyone. "Although, you two came as a surprise to us. The last two minor leaguers we had were-"
"Chris and I," Zoey said, smiling.
"That's right," Mariah chimed, "And that was about 5 years ago,"
"Well, you've finally been replaced as the new kids on the dance floor," Jessica said, joking.
There was a moment of silence.
"Annnnggg," Jimmy yawned, causing the girls to giggle. He smiled, "Well, if I wanna get any sleep tonight, I think I'd have to go to bed right now. You coming, Rach?"
"Yep," Rachel chimed, walking faster to catch up with him.
They couldn't help but overhear a little squeal from Zoey,
"Those two look so cute together!"
Jimmy and Rachel blushed, unnoticed by anyone.
The competition went by as normal. The first week, there was a lot of commotion introducing the dancers and getting their first comments from the judges. The dance was a traditional waltz, slow-quick-quick.
"The judges are now ready to reveal their scores," Cindy said into her microphone, then turned expectantly to wait for their verdict.
"For Michael and Elizabeth:...9,...9...9. 27 out of a possible 30. That's the best yet!"
"For Chris and Zoey:...8...8...8. 24 out of 30! That's pretty good. So far they're in second place!"
"For Gary and Jessica:...8...9...8. 25 out of 30! They stole second place from Chris and Joey, but how will the other's do?"
"For Jimmy and Rachel, newcomers to the dancing scene:...9...8...9! They almost tied with Michael and Elizabeth! But instead, these two newbies stole second away from Gary and Jessica,"
"And last, but not least, Ronald and Mariah:...8...8...7, ooh! Ouch. That's gotta hurt,"
"So at the end of the competition, the scores stand thus: Michael and Elizabeth in first with 27, Jimmy and Rachel in second with 26, Gary and Jessica next with 25, Chris and Zoey with 24, and finally Ronald and Mariah with 23. That's it for tonight, folks, but you have until next week to vote online for the ones you want to win!"
"I can't believe we came in second," Rachel said to Jimmy the day before the second week of the competition. They were sitting in Rachel's hotel room talking and eating lunch. "We'll never be able to keep that score!... I suppose I should just be happy we even got to second,"
"Rachel, you've been saying this for the past week. It's not like they're going to hold it against us that we got second. They're even used to Michael and Elizabeth getting first!" Jimmy said, by now very annoyed with the concept of this conversation.
"I know, but what if they secretly hold it against Mike and Liz for getting first, and now they'll hold it against us for getting second because that throws off they're whole standpoint!"
"Rachel! You're conspiracy theories, while entertaining, are also slightly childish for the people who dance at such a professional level. I'm sure everyone will still be okay with our second place,"
"...Alright but Jimmy, if there's a murder tonight, don't say I didn't warn you! And with springing the news upon us that they're going live because we got such good reviews,"
"Just keep your head in the game. We're doing that bullfighting dance tonight. I think it's pretty safe to say that we'll be competing in the next round, wouldn't you agree?"
"I guess so," Rachel said, seemingly off the subject of conspiracy between the dancers.
"So, let's go practice. It was the first dance we learned, after all. We want to make sure we don't forget it,"
"Alright but..."
"Please, Rachel! You're not still on about that!"
"So what if I am! It'd just figure if like Michael or Lizzy were killed tonight because they're in first place! Is it really that far-fetched?... I just really don't want anything to happen Jimmy. I almost want us to be here for nothing,"
"Don't worry, Rachel. I'm sure it'll all be okay. Come on! We've only got an hour until the competition starts, let's use it wisely,"
A knock on the door came as a surprise for them. Rachel opened it.
"Hello?" she asked.
"Rachel!" A voice greeted.
"Mr. Takino, what are you doing here?"
"I thought I'd come see my favorite dancer before the competition tonight! And it's just Jet, please," Jet greeted
"Oh," Rachel said, unsure of what to do now. She opened the door and he stepped in, finding an annoyed Jimmy. But as usual, Jimmy didn't let his emotions get the better of him, and he played as though he was happy to see his instructor.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Takino," Jimmy said, getting up from the bed where he was sitting.
"Good afternoon to you," he said, not bothering to correct his name. "I hope you both are ready for the dance tonight. I was going to offer to go over it with you, Rachel-"
"Oh, no! That's alright. Jimmy and I were actually just going down to practice it. Right, Jimmy?" she asked, pleading with him to get her out of having to dance with Jet.
"That's right," Jimmy said, moving to her and taking her hand, "Let's go, Rachel,"
Jet looked at Jimmy with the utmost contempt.
Another knock came just as Rachel was about to open the door. Continuing in that action, she greeted the visitor.
"Hello,"
"Rachel? Hi,"
"Oh! Hello, Lizzy," she said, opening the door for Liz to get by.
She stepped in, and upon seeing Mr. Takino, an odd expression came across her face. Jimmy couldn't decipher it's secrets, but he would try to work on it.
"I was just wondering if I could talk to you a little bit," Lizzy said, turning back to Rachel, "But seeing as you have guests, I can wait,"
"No, It's alright. Jimmy and I were leaving for practice, but I'm sure he won't mind if I talk to you for a little while,"
"Not at all. Actually, I'll get changed in my room for the upcoming dance, if that would be alright," Jimmy said, quickly making an excuse for himself. He passed Lizzy and stepped into the hall, going to his room.
"I'll be watching tonight, young lady," Mr. Takino teased, walking out and heading for the stairs, but not without a quick look at Lizzy.
"Thanks, Rach," Lizzy said as soon as they had left and Rachel had closed the door.
"No problem," Rachel said, "What is it you want to talk with me about?"
"Actually, it's Michael," Lizzy said, blushing.
"Say no more, I can already tell where this is going," Rachel said, "You're in love with him and don't know how to say it,"
Lizzy appeared astounded, "How did you know?" she asked.
"I can see it on your face. The look of a lovestruck woman not getting anywhere in the relationship. But why come to me?"
"Because of you and Jimmy,"
"Jimmy and I? But we're not- I don't-" Rachel stuttered, a blush creeping up her face.
"Come off it, Rachel. You love the guy. And I was hoping you could try to tell me how to say it to Michael. I didn't want to go to my other friends. They'll ask how long I've been keeping it a secret and they'll tease me. But you- you're different. It may be just because I don't know you enough yet, but I feel that since you're new, I can tell you stuff and you won't laugh or say I'm crazy,"
"Nope, never," Rachel confirmed. "Have you tried just saying it to him?"
"Yes, plenty of times! But then- I don't know how to describe it,"
"You get a sick feeling at the bottom of your stomach. Your mind plays 'What if he doesn't feel the same?' over and over. You wonder if you would be able to take that kind of rejection and you wonder if your friendship will ever be the same,"
"... You're good,"
"Because I get that feeling anytime I'm close to Jimmy,"
"Oh, you poor dear,"
"You see, he left me last year so he could go to America. His parent's are there, but that's not the point. He hardly ever called, and I was worried. When he got back, I wondered if he found someone over there in America. Was she pretty? Was she better than me? I could hardly look at him, and we've been best friends since we were two,"
"Oh, dear. I'm sorry. I didn't know-"
"That's alright. Now, where were we? Oh! Did you try writing him a letter?"
"I have ten in a desk at home. I can't bring myself to send one,"
"Hmmm..."
"How about I come back later? After all, the competition starts soon, and you still have to practice and get dressed," she glanced around. "There's also something else I want to talk to you about,"
"Oh?" Rachel asked. "Oh, wait. Jimmy told me he'd fix the alarm clock in this room tonight. Do you think we can meet in his room?"
"Sure," she said, walking out. "See you soon!"
"Hello, Cindy Crenshaw here live on another exciting week of Dance with Destiny. The votes are in, with an astounding 1 million voters, and we have our losing team, who will it be? Our studio audience here today is pumped, and we can't wait to get the dancing started. So, without further ado, let's bring out the teams!"
All five teams entered from the back of the stage, earning loud cheers from the audience that was present. They smiled and waved, and then stood looking at Cindy when the cheering died down.
"Now, here were the judges standing's from last week. In first, Michael and Elizabeth. In second, newcomers Jimmy and Rachel. In third, Gary and Jessica. In fourth, Chris and Zoey. And in fifth, Ron and Mariah. Who will go this week? It's time to find out,"
A spotlight came and lit up Michael and Elizabeth.
"You two were first in the judges standings last week. You... are safe and in the competition today,"
Lizzy and Michael hugged and cheered. A spotlight went to Jimmy and Rachel.
"You two were second in the judge's standings-" A loud cheer arose from the audience. There were a lot of 'Yeah, Jimmy!'s and 'You go, Rachel!'s, "And it seems you are the crowd favorite, got a little fan following over there, Jimmy," Cindy smiled at him. Rachel scowled, unnoticed by anyone but Lizzy, who smiled reassuringly back at her. "You... are safe and in the competition today,"
They cheered along with the crowd, and hugged closely for a long time, each smiling.
"We are now down to our final three teams. Who's going home this week? Find out after the break,"
More cheers from the audience accompanied a beeping to show they weren't rolling.
"Take 5 everyone!" one of the cameramen shouted.
Jimmy smiled and turned to Rachel. "Who knew we'd still be in the competition?" he teased.
"I believe you did," Rachel said, caving.
"Yup! And now, we have to do our hardest to keep second, right?"
"Right,"
"We're back on dance with destiny, and two of our teams are safe today. The remaining three are about to know, who's going home tonight,"
She turned to the three remaining teams and three spotlights fell on them.
"Gary and Jessica, you were third in the standings last week. Chris and Zoey, you were fourth. And Ron and Mariah, you were fifth. Tonight, one of you is going home. And that team is... Chris and Zoey,"
Said team hugged and, with disappointed looks, walked off the stage.
"Who could predict the outcome of that? Cindy asked. When we come back, the dancers will begin the Mexican Bullfighting dance that was chosen as this week's dance. Don't go away!"
Lizzy and Michael danced first, followed by Gary and Jessica, and finally Ron and Mariah.
Jimmy and Rachel were dancing last and, needless to say, Rachel was nervous.
"Jimmy! We're going to mess up! I just know it. We shouldn't be here, really. It's all too good to be true. We've never danced for an audience before. There wasn't one last week! We're gonna-"
"Rachel!" Jimmy said, stooping to hug her. She tensed, then relaxed. "Did you always get this nervous before a karate match?"
"No," she murmured into his neck.
"Then don't worry,"
Unbeknownst to the couple, Lizzy was looking at them in adoration and happiness. 'They're soooo cute,' she said to herself.
When Jimmy and Rachel broke apart, Lizzy came over to them.
"Rachel! I'll be waiting," she said. "Oh, and good luck!" she turned to go.
"She'll be waiting?" Jimmy asked.
"We're gonna meet after we dance. She want's to ask me something,"
Loud cheers from the audience brought the couple back down to earth. They were suddenly aware of Ron and Mariah coming offstage.
"Great job, you guys," Rachel said.
"Thanks," Mariah shouted back, appearing to be over the whole 'Jimmy' incident. "Good luck to you guys!"
"Thanks," Jimmy said.
He took Rachel's hand and they walked out onto the stage. They were immediately self-conscious amidst the many people looking at them.
"Now," Cindy spoke into her microphone, "Jimmy and Rachel, our second place team, will be performing their dance,"
More cheers from the audience greeted their ears. Both Jimmy and Rachel took a deep breath, then went to their starting positions.
The familiar music started, and then so did the dance.
At first, Rachel was a little nervous. But during the first phase of the dance Jimmy whispered to her:
"Rach? Do you want me?" Rachel gasped at the memory of when they first did this dance.
It boosted her self confidence and played her emotion.
They finished the dance to perfection.
Pulling Jimmy's head toward her, Rachel was once again staring at the face of a very close Jimmy. Both were gasping for air. they smiled at each other, commending each other for a job well done.
A piercing scream broke the silence that followed the dance.
Jimmy and Rachel were immediately on guard and ran toward where the scream came from.
Across the back room.
Up the stairs.
Down the hall.
Up another set of stairs.
Down another hallway.
They gasped as they saw a screaming Lizzy.
"Lizzy!" Rachel shouted, running to her.
Jimmy followed, but peered into the room that he realised was his.
The sight that greeted his eyes was anything but pleasant.
A bloody body lay right in the middle of the entrance. The body was identified as Michael.
Rachel screamed when she saw it.
Jimmy tore his eyes away. He had to pretend he wasn't a detective.
TBC
And another chapter from me. I like this one. It had more action.
Next Chapter: The investigation begins as the police call in the famous high school detective.
NOTE: I will probably be taking a few days off to read the next Harry Potter Book: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince... DUH!
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