Author's Note: Another chapter of LMHOTDF guys! I've now planned out the rest of the story and so far there's gonna be a grand total of 20 chapters for this 'fic so only another 15 to go! I hope you enjoy this one, even if I didn't spend a lot of time writing it. Got an assignment coming up so I should really be focusing on that instead but oh well. Lots of love~ KennyEchelon

The next week, Britt wasn't at dance classes. It felt odd and lonely without her there; no-one else had taken the time to get to know me and I could sense their eyes looking at me warily. I felt like snapping at them, or shouting that I wasn't going to bite but I figured that'd be counter-productive.

There was a dull ache in my chest all lesson. I missed the way she'd pull faces at me between her legs when we did stretches. I missed the way she'd always let me redo her hair when it fell out, which by the way, was a regular occurrence with the effort she put in. But most of all, I missed her, just her… all of it. Her presence in my life kept me sane during the week, when I'd have to put up with the Lima Heights bitches. She was my rock and I loved her for it.

I tried not to dwell on the fact that I just told myself I loved her. It was platonic, obviously.

Wasn't it?

The expression that I used to hide me emotions was firmly set across my face. I knew it wasn't exactly winning me any favors with the rest of the class, but it was better than the alternative. They couldn't know how shaken up I was without Britt.

I struggled through the class, not noticing most of what was going on. I was too lost in my thoughts of how I let Brittany down when I promised I'd help her. I didn't know where else to go. Abuela was very controlling when it came to money and Mom didn't earn enough to pay for both of our lessons.

An idea formed in my mind. I would beg my parents to stop paying for my lessons so Britt could go instead. It was a long shot but I thought I might as well try.

That night, I brought the subject up at the dinner table. Dad was still at work so I had chance to talk to my mother alone. I pushed my food around my plate anxiously while waiting for her to stop telling me about this taxi driver who pissed her off on the way home with very colourful language with the occasional Spanish curse word thrown in.

When she fell silent, I cleared my throat and started to talk. "Um, mom? I have to talk to you about my dance classes."

"What is it now, chica? Did you get in another fight? Did you punch someone in the face again? Ay dios mio!"

"Mom, no. Seriously I'm not in trouble. In fact, it's the opposite. My best friend Brittany's in trouble. Her mom can't pay for her lessons anymore. She needs these classes more than I do because she has the potential to be a pro. What I'm trying to say is, if I give up my dance classes, would you be willing to use the money to pay for hers?"

"So you don't like the things I provide for you?" my mom replied and I felt her prime herself to explode "Are they not good enough?" "No, no, no. That's not it" I pleaded, desperately trying to diffuse the situation.

I sighed and continued: "I just want what's best for my best friend, okay?"

Mom shook her head and I could sense her disappointment in me. "I'll have to speak to your father about this."

I wanted to object but I knew that it wouldn't be best in this situation. I'd already pushed things way too far. The familiar feeling of defeat resurfaced and I finished my meal without a word.

On the Saturday after the whole dinnertime debacle, Britt-Britt and I went to the duck-pond as usual.

I still felt like I couldn't meet her eyes for failing her so there was some sort of awkward cloud between us. I could tell she noticed but she'd also noticed that I didn't want to bring it up. I hated talking about my feelings, even to her.

I aggressively chucked the bread at the ducks, taking out my frustration on them.

Brittany put her arms around me, trying to calm me down in her embrace. However, it had the opposite effect of making my heart beat even faster. I cursed my feelings, wondering what this whole thing meant but I pushed it to the back of my mind, distracting myself by tearing another slice of bread into pieces.

"It's the dance competition soon, isn't it San?" she said quietly into my shoulder.

"Yeah" I replied, trying not to be affected by the hurt in her voice. She pulled away from me and I immediately wanted her close to me again.

"You should enter; you're good enough to get placed. You're definitely flexible enough"

I made the mistake of looking her straight in the eyes. A weird combination and pride and sorrow mixed in those baby blues, tears only just forming in the corners. I couldn't take it anymore.

"IT SHOULD BE YOU!" I snapped, letting out all my pent-up emotions "I tried everything I could! You're the amazing dancer. You're the one who should be competing. It's not right me being there without you. I need you there."

I didn't realize I was trembling until Britt hugged me again. "Shhh" she comforted even though it should've been the other way around. I took a deep breath and exhaled. "It's just not fair" I mumbled "My parents have enough money to pay for dance classes and my cheer camp this summer. They refuse to give up either even though I told them I want to."

She rocked me back and forth until I'd stopped shaking and then she placed a gentle kiss on the top of my head. My cheeks flushed pink instantly and I felt her fingers run through my hair. I closed my eyes, relaxing at her touch.

"It's okay Sanny. The fact that you tried is good enough for me."