"Okay bye guys, see you tomorrow!" I shout as the rest of the dancers leave. That was one hard training session and our coach would give us no mercy. I could do the dance in my sleep we have been over it so many times. It's the next dance we have to teach the contestants, and we are all confident that we can do it as a group.
"See ya babe," Lucy says as she waves.
"Hm, I would hug you but we are both balls of sweat, so no thanks!" I joke.
I am the last one in the dance room because I have been taking forever to get all my stuff together. I guess you could say I wasn't one to be in a rush.
Sitting down on the dance stool I gaze around the room and into all the mirrored-walls and I am reminded of my first day of dancing lessons. It wasn't in this room, but it was similar. All dance rooms are kind of the same.
Mum and I turned up to the class, and the older group before me was still practising. Watching them in awe at the way they turned and moved with such grace, the poise and precision of each step and the perfect point and balance of their toe-points. I wanted to move like that. I wanted to be elegant, to be seen as though not even gravity could hold me down. As if I was unstoppable. When they finished and my group began some of the basics, I fell in love with my coach; she was so nice and elegant. When I got home I practised each step and the next lesson, the coach commended me on my improvement. I was so committed. I had big dreams of bright lights, huge stages and a booked out arena. I wanted to be in the spotlight, to share my love with the audience. I don't know where I fell off track but somewhere, other things became more important. Around the time mum got sick, the love began to fade…
"Hello?" Popping me out of my thoughts, I look up to see Zayn standing hesitantly in the doorway.
"Oh hi. What are you still doing here, its late." I reply. Zayn is my age; one year out of school.
"Yeah I had a lot of thinking to do."
"Huh. About today?" I reply, already knowing the answer.
"Yeah today… the dance… and you."
His last reason caught me by surprise. "Me?" I chuckle.
"Yeah what you said to me about dreams and letting fear hold you back. I just wanted to say that you helped me a lot in overcoming it. Thank you." His eyes were bearing hard into me, like he was trying to open my mind and read.
"Heh its okay. You would've come to the decision on your own in time."
"Maybe. The dancers and other contestants would've starved by then," he laughs. Laughing with him, I feel at ease. When I meet people for the first time, it can take a while before it feels naturally to talk and respond.
Picking up my bag and towel, I look at Zayn.
"Need a lift home?"
"Oh no, I was thinking about walking across the street for some pizza. I haven't realised until now how hungry I am." He replies.
"You know, I was just thinking the same thing." I reply, smiling.