AN: Well, it hasn't been that long, has it? Since Christmas break is here, and since I don't have any classes to worry about, of course I was able to type in DDR elite!
Mr. Moogle: aliasfan still doesn't own DDR. She does own the characters though as always, and she's having fun playing DDR Extreme 2 on her new dance pads for PS2 that she got for Christmas.
Aliasfan: At least I own that. :ninja:
Chapter 20: Burning Heat
The tears streamed down her face, her lips tasting the salty liquid as it fell. Her hair was messy, her face was red, and her nose was runny. But those things didn't matter to her at that moment. The only thing that did was the fact that she had been duped. She was played for a fool and she hadn't even known it. Everything that she believed was a lie. The DDR tournament was all she had now, and she couldn't even lie back on that. She had moved on because of a fluke. It wasn't her talents that made her win, it was someone else's alternative motives.
Kaeli ran back down to the main room where the tournament was being held. She lowered her head as low as she could so no one could see her crying and slowly walked through the crowd. People were talking and laughing all around her, but she had never felt so alone. No one cares…Kaeli thought to herself, wiping away some more tears. No one knows what it's like to feel this way…
Kaeli sniffled and headed into the bathroom. She finally lifted her head and looked in the mirror to find herself in a total wreck. She quickly turned on the cold water and let the stark cold sting her face. It helped a little to soothe her hot tears, but the cold water could not reach her burning heart. Look at me…I look horrible…Kaeli glanced at herself again. You know, even if I looked like this…Shawn would still say I was…beautiful…Kaeli splashed some more water on her face. I wonder if he's still watching the competition…
Kaeli jumped suddenly as she felt a tap on her shoulders. She turned around quickly to see a girl who looked younger than herself standing there. "Oh my gosh, you nearly gave me a heart attack!" Kaeli said, putting her hand to her chest and breathing outward.
"Sorry to bother you," the black-haired girl replied, "But are you Kaeli Abson?"
"Uh, yah. Why?" Kaeli asked.
"Oh, it's just that there's a boy that was looking for you. He asked me to check if you were in the bathroom for him." The girl explained.
Kaeli's eyes lit up. "A boy? Looking for me?" Maybe it's Shawn! But…it could be Jake… "What does this boy look like?"
"Mmm…" the girl said, squinting her eyes. "I don't really remember…"
Kaeli's eyebrow twitched slightly. "You…you don't remember?"
"No…sorry. All he said was that he was looking for you."
Kaeli sighed. Well, I'm going to have to come out here sooner or later, so I might as well come out now and hope it's Shawn that's out there. "Alright, thanks. Tell him I'll be out in a little bit."
"Okay, I'll tell him." The girl said, giving a small smile. She turned on her heel and was about to walk out the door when she stopped. She turned around and cocked her head, biting her lip as if she was thinking really hard. "Oh yah, he had black spiky hair. And a tongue ring. I don't know how I could've forgotten that." She said, scratching her head.
Kaeli's eyes widened. "Uh, on second thought, tell him that no one was in here. Then when he leaves come in here and tell me." The girl gave Kaeli a strange look. Kaeli walked a little closer to the girl, sounding desperate. "Please. I don't…I can't…"
The girl shook her head. "It's okay. I'll do it."
Kaeli exhaled loudly. "Thanks." She said with a look of appreciation on her face. She watched as the little girl left the bathroom. Kaeli went back to look in the mirror. She still looked like a total wreck, but at least she had stopped crying. She only waited a little while before the girl came back into the bathroom.
"He left already?" Kaeli asked.
The girl bit her lip again. "Um…no…He said that if no one was in here then it wouldn't have taken me so long. Uh…he wants you to…come out and…"
Kaeli's knees nearly buckled. "No!" she yelled. Kaeli covered her mouth, talking softer, her voice shaky. "Sorry, I didn't…mean to yell. It's just that…I can't go out there…"
The girl looked like she felt really sorry for Kaeli. "Um…you said you're Kaeli, right?" Kaeli nodded.
"I wish I didn't have to tell you this, but they just called your name on the intercom. I think it's time for you to dance."
Kaeli covered her forehead with her hand. "Oh no…"
"Yah, so I think you kinda have to go out there…"
The tears started to form again in Kaeli's eyes, and she could feel her body burning. "I can't do this…I never want to see that jerk again…"
The black-haired girl walked up to Kaeli and put a hand on her shoulder. "It's okay. My mom told me what to do in times like these. I'll be right back."
Before Kaeli could say anything, the girl left the bathroom. Seconds later, she returned with a huge smile on her face. "It's okay. You can come out now."
"Um, thanks." Kaeli said, a little confused. She began to walk out with the girl, who started to laugh. "What?" Kaeli asked.
"If only you had been there to see…" the girl laughed.
"See what?"
The girl smiled. "I kicked him where the sun don't shine."
Kaeli burst out laughing. "You did that!"
"Yep. My legs are strong. He took a good beating. Everyone who saw it starting laughing at him, and he ran out holding his…um, well…you know." Kaeli laughed harder, which made the girl smile even more. "And trust me, Kaeli, he's gonna cry a lot more than he made you."
Kaeli smiled, breathing out a sigh of relief. "Thank you so much. I don't think I would've been brave enough to do that."
"Well, you're going to have to be a lot braver for other things in your life. Sometimes you just gotta suck it up and do what you gotta do, even if that means helping out a competitor." The girl said as she and Kaeli walked out of the bathroom and into the main room.
Kaeli's mouth dropped and she stopped, turning to the girl. "You're…"
"India!" a guy called out from a distance. "Where've you been? You gotta compete now!"
India waved to the guy. "I'm coming!" she turned to Kaeli. "Er, I mean, we're coming."
Kaeli just stood there in shock. "Why did you do that for me? You…you didn't have to…"
"Well, when that guy you know asked me to go in the bathroom to see if you were there. I recognized your name…and well, I just went from there. I never leave a girl in the dust." She said, winking.
"Again, will Kaeli Abson and India Misabu please come to the main dance floor for the 4th round of the competition." the intercom sounded.
"That's us! Let's go!" India said, running to the direction of the DDR machines.
Kaeli quickly followed afterwards. She heard people cheering and shouting. Wow, is this really such a big deal? I mean, I know it's the fourth round and everything, but still…Kaeli was getting closer and could finally hear what they were shouting.
"Go Indy! Indy 500! Indy!" the crowd shouted.
Kaeli furrowed her brows. Why are people cheering for India and not me? What makes her so special?
"Go Indy 500!" more people called out.
And why do they keep calling her Indy? Must be a nickname…just like Kae is for me. But 500?
Joe Rogin stepped up to the DDR machine. "Alright, the two girls are here now and we can start their final round of the National competition. Whoever wins this will be moving on to the last stage, the Worldwide DDR competition, and could potentially be crowned one of the DDR elite!"
The crowd cheered at Rogin's statements. Just then the guy who had called India's name before came up and took the microphone from Rogin. "India doesn't know I'm doing this, but Rogin said it was okay." The guy said, speaking to the cameramen and all the people watching on t.v. "India has been my best friend since forever. Even though she's young, she is a strong and fierce competitor! We're all here rooting for her because today she'll be making DDR history!"
Kaeli looked around as the crowd cheered again. She felt a little hurt that no one was around to cheer her on. Okay, so she's young, so were the million other people I beat. No big deal.
"If our little Indy wins this dance-off, she will win her 500th straight game! And just like the car race, she can officially be called Indy 500!" the guy exclaimed, bringing even more cheers from the people around them. "Let's hear it for Indy 500!"
Kaeli looked at India to see her smiling brightly. Whoa, guess this is a big deal…Ugh, I'm such a crybaby. Kaeli thought as she felt the tears starting to form again. Just because she's won so many times doesn't mean that…argh…why am I so upset! She's so perfect. She has more guts to stand up to Jake than I do. Everyone's here for her, and well, I have…no one…
The guy handed the microphone back to Rogin. "Alright! Now that that's done, we can get on with the competition!"
"Wait a minute!" a male voice called from the crowd. "If someone can talk about India, I'd like to talk about Kaeli!"
Kaeli's head throbbed. Oh no, now Jake's going to bash me. He's going to tell the whole world how horrible I am…Kaeli bowed her head down low to avoid the glances of the crowd. She heard the crowd murmuring slightly.
"Alright, come on up!" Rogin said. He handed the microphone off.
The guy cleared his throat. "Um…I don't have some fancy speech planned like the other guy. But that's okay…'cause even if I was the only one standing here, cheering for Kaeli, I'd still be louder than the tens of people here for India."
Kaeli sniffled, then furrowed her eyebrows. Wait a minute…that's not Jake... Kaeli looked up and turned around. It's…
"I've known Kaeli for a long time now. We're best friends, and well, I know how determined she is. She's an awesome DDR player…and even though she hasn't had 499 straight wins, I think it'd be a heck of a lot more accomplishment for her to actually beat the person who does." Shawn said, smiling.
"Go Kaeli!"
"Kaeli's gonna win!"
Kaeli looked out into the crowd. People are actually cheering for me! Mom…Dad…Singa…Kaeli started to cry again, but this time from happiness. It was hard for her to look at Shawn, but when she did, she found his soothing eyes looking back into hers. She smiled weakly, and mouthed 'Thank you'. Shawn smiled and nodded, then went back into the crowd.
He…called us…best friends…but…I don't want to be…just…best friends…Kaeli said to herself. He doesn't know yet. He doesn't know that I've found what was deep inside…She could feel her heart beating faster and faster. Why…? How could I have been so stupid that I…couldn't see him…even though he was right in front of me? This whole time…
"Alright, now we can begin the competition!" Rogin exclaimed, causing the crowd to cheer. He pushed roulette on the DDR machine. "Remember, the person with the better grade will move on to the Worldwide competition in Japan!" The songs went around until finally it stopped. "Oh, it's Burning Heat! It'll definitely be challenging to get perfects on this song, but let's see these girls prove me wrong!"
Kaeli could feel her family's eyes burning into her. She could feel her heart burning with a new feeling. Her head burned with the thoughts of who she was up against. What an appropriate song…Kaeli swallowed hard. This is it…Oh my gosh, this is really it…
Rogin pushed the button, and the song was about to start!
So much pressure…Everyone's watching…I can't do this…I just want this to be over…Kaeli tried to collect her thoughts and concentrate on the screen, nearly missing the song's start. She knew that the song had a very fast beat and tricky steps, so she tried her best to hit them as perfectly as possible. Usually Kaeli only concentrated on the dance steps and occasionally would break her concentration to see how her opponent was doing. But this time, it seemed like she couldn't stop concentrating on other things. Of course, there was plenty on her mind.
I can't believe Jake would do that to me…Shawn was right all along, and I just didn't listen to him. I should have listened to him with everything. He called us…best friends…I wonder if he still wants to be more…
Kaeli shook her head and came back from her thoughts as she noticed some Boo's on her side of the screen. C'mon Kae, concentrate. This is the final round! You could be going to Japan and becoming DDR elite. Kaeli went back to focusing as hard as she could. She wasn't really familiar with Burning Heat. It had Kaeli doing some combos, but mainly those off-beat steps. Ugh, now I know why I never play this song…Kaeli thought,annoyed with the music.
Kaeli could see her bar filling back up and she smiled. Alright, I can't make this India girl have her 500th straight win. Though I would feel bad since she did do those things for me. Stupid Jake…I wonder if he's still here…watching me…
The song was ending, and Kaeli finished pretty strong. She realized that she hadn't even checked to see how India was doing. Well, let's hope she messed up more than I did…
"Alright! The song has ended and the grades are in!" Rogin announced. The crowd was silent with anticipation. "India has a…B…and Kaeli has a…..C! India Mi-I mean Indy 500 has done it! She will be moving on to the Worldwide competition! Let's hear it for both our competitors!" The crowd applauded and India's 'cheering squad' broke out chanting 'Indy 500'. Kaeli congratulated India and gave her one last goodbye before the cameras and her friends swept her away.
Kaeli breathed out heavily. She was sweaty and tired, and she felt like she had been crying and dancing all day. Well, she almost had. I can't face them…they'll think I'm a loser…because that's what I am…
When Kaeli was ready she turned around to face the people that were waiting for her, giving them a sad face.
"Oh honey!" Kaeli's mom said, wrapping her arms around her. "You did such a great job!"
Kaeli's dad also came up and gave Kaeli a hug. "Look how far you got! We're so proud of you!"
Why are they so happy? I couldn't even concentrate on the song…
"What's wrong dear?" Mrs. Abson asked, rubbing Kaeli's arm.
"What's wrong? I just lost the competition. No national DDR elite title for me." Kaeli said glumly.
"But you still made it farther than I would've done." Singa said, breaking through the crowd. "I know you might be upset, but look at how much you've accomplished!"
Kaeli smiled weakly. "Yah, I know…but still…I came here to win…"
"Well, there's always next year, right?" Singa said, grinning. "I know I'm gonna be practicing everyday so that when the time comes I'll be ready."
"Oh, really?" Kaeli smirked. "I'd like to see how far you get. As for next year, I might try again. This competition really took a lot out of me. It's hard, but it's still a lot of fun."
"Fun?" a voice broke out from behind Kaeli. She turned around to see Shawn standing there, which made Kaeli blush. "You call weak knees, cramped feet, tired legs, wheezing lungs, and sweaty armpits fun?" Shawn asked, smiling.
Kaeli laughed, leaning against the DDR machine bar. "You know it."
"It took us a while before we realized that we could come here and watch you dance live rather than on t.v. Hope you didn't mind." Mr. Abson explained.
"No, it's better to have you guys here. If you weren't, I probably would've done worse on the song." Kaeli said. "I don't think I could've taken another minute of 'Indy's 500''s cheering squad. Though the girl herself was nice."
"Well, we just want you to know that we're very proud of you. As a treat, kind of like a tradition now, we're going to Rainforest Café to eat their ribs. How about you come along?" Kaeli's mom asked.
Kaeli chuckled. "Of course. But I have to get my things from my room."
"Oh, we can get that for you. We'll just meet you in the front lobby in a little bit, okay?" Mr. Abson replied.
"Oh, okay. Thanks." Kaeli said, handing her parents her room key and number, and they left for her room, with Singa following not far behind.
That left Kaeli and Shawn alone together, which made Kaeli get butterflies in her stomach. She looked down at her feet.
"Kaeli, can you believe it? You actually beat Jake! You said you'd beat him for me, and well, you did! And well, after that, we knew we had to come down here." Shawn said excitedly. He noticed Kaeli didn't seem too excited. "What's wrong?"
Kaeli sighed. "Let's go talk…out in the lobby." Shawn nodded and they walked silently across the main room and the lounge until they got there.
Shawn gave a concerned look to Kaeli. "Kaeli, if this is about losing the compe-"
"It's not about that. Not really at least. I mean, I really should have lost against Jake."
"What're you talking about? We saw you beat him fair and square."
"No," Kaeli replied, still looking down at the ground. "He lost on purpose. He wanted to…he tried to…" Kaeli's voice became shaky.
Shawn held on to Kaeli. "What did he try to do! Is he still here! I swear, I'll kill him if I find him!"
"I'm sure he's long gone by now. India made sure of that. He never really cared about me at all…but you…" Kaeli said, meeting Shawn's eyes, "You always cared for me…"
"Kaeli," Shawn said softly.
Kaeli turned away slightly. "But I can't do this. I was a jerk to you…"
Shawn grabbed hold of Kaeli's hand. "No, you weren't. You were just taking a different path. And once you found out you were lost, you turned around and went the other way."
Kaeli thought back to everything that had happened. Shawn had always been there for her. He was never rude, mean, or conceited. He was a fun, sweet, and loving guy, she just hadn't seen it at first.
"Shawn, you're too nice to me." Kaeli said, blushing.
The fear Shawn used to feel when he was with Kaeli was completely gone. The DDR competition had changed him for the better. He was stronger and braver. "Kaeli…remember when I wanted to give you that note in class that one time? I didn't give it to you because it was a love poem. Well, a rather corny one, but a love poem nonetheless. And remember when we were at the carnival during the competition? That day on the Ferris Wheel, I was going to ask you out, but I was too late."
"I…"
"And remember during the competition we made a wish at the fountain? Well, my wish was to be with you."
"Shawn…"
"And remember right before I left the competition? I wanted to kiss you so bad that night. But…I was too afraid…I didn't know how you felt."
Kaeli was about to talk but Shawn held his fingers up to her lips. "And remember when we talked on the phone when I was back home? I asked you to make a choice. I asked you…yes or no? Well…are you ready to give me an answer?"
Kaeli's heart fluttered. All the clues, all the signs, how could I have been so cold? Now this heat burns within me…"Shawn, when you asked me back then, I really could not decide. But now…now, everything is so clear to me. I'm sorry my answer took so long, but it's yes." Kaeli said softly.
"Yes?" Shawn asked, moving closer to Kaeli.
Kaeli moved closer too. "Yes…"
Shawn smiled, wrapping his arms around Kaeli. "So…how about that kiss?"
Kaeli smiled back, finally at peace with herself. "What about it?" She wrapped her arms around Shawn's neck as he brought his lips closer to hers. No matter how many times she thought it'd be strange, their kiss couldn't have felt more right. Kaeli closed her eyes and took in her first real kiss. Shawn's lips were soft against her own, and Kaeli didn't want to leave that moment.
"Aw, how sweet!" Mrs. Abson exclaimed.
Kaeli and Shawn opened their eyes to see Kaeli's family standing there in the lobby.
"You two are so cute together!" Mr. Abson said, smiling.
Singa chuckled. "Well, if Kaeli can lose the competition and come out with a prize like that, I definitely have to enter next year!"
Kaeli laughed, her cheeks turning red. "Oh stop it! You guys are embarrassing me!"
"Alright, alright, we're going." Mrs. Abson said, smiling.
Shawn shook his head, laughing. "They better not do that every time we kiss."
Kaeli smiled, turning to Shawn. I'm finally on the right path. I know where I belong. "Shawn, remember when you told me you loved me?
"Yes…" Shawn said, wrapping his arms around Kaeli.
Kaeli smiled, warm in Shawn's embrace. "I never got to tell you that…I love you too…"
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The End
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Wah! I can't believe it's the end! This has been a long journey, and I thank everyone who supported me along the way. Reviewers always help the writer get through those tough times and road blocks. DDR elite was hard to write at times, but I pulled through. I know I didn't give you guys warning that it was going to end at the beginning of this chappie in my author's note, 'cause that would've spoiled everything! I won't be writing a sequel to DDR elite with Singa in the competition, if that's what you were thinking. But in case you are wondering, of course Kaeli and Shawn will be together forever and still be great DDR players (same old, same old-lol). Now that I'm in college it's harder to find time to write, but I will update one-shots and maybe some other things here and there. So anyways, I thank you again for reading my fanfic and I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did.