Chapter 26
This is it. Everything that I've worked for comes down to this audition. I don't know what to expect but I know that a lot of dancers' dreams will be cut short after today. I walk into the building with my mom, dad and Chelsea for moral support. I honestly think that if they weren't here that I would turn around and never look back, but how can I when I have so many people supporting me.
"I didn't know that everyone in LA would be here." My dad says as we wait in line for me to get my audition number and hand in my packet.
"What do you expect Arthur, this is one of the best dance schools in the country." Mom says while standing beside me. As the line moves on, we see the numbers get higher and higher, one girl was number 377.
"377? What number am I gonna get?" I say looking around the room.
"The question is, what number will the people behind you get?" Chelsea says referring to the long line behind me.
"Okay Duarte, you are number 378. Good luck." The entry woman says, wait… did she just say Duarte?
"Madison?" As I spoke, Madison turned around to excitedly to give me a hug. I wasn't expecting to see her here but I'm happy to see a familiar face. "What are you doing here? What about USC?" I ask her while getting released from the hug.
"Decided to bail on it. I won't cut it in the dance world if I don't train at one of the best dance schools. You're sister told me that you were auditioning; I didn't think I would get to see you though."
"Well here I am. Please tell me that I'm not the only one nervous?"
"Girl, I was close to bailing if my mom didn't push me in the line." Madison seems to wave at someone who is her mom. She notices my parents and Chelsea and tells them all hi.
"Next." Holy crap, how many people went before me? Now I'm next.
"I'll see you inside Spence." Madison says before leaving to go into the auditorium. I step to the table and hand my packet to the entry lady. She then hands me my number 383. Let's just hope that today this is my lucky number. Since friends and family weren't allowed to watch the process, they hand to wait in the lobby like everyone else. I walk in the auditorium to see almost every single seat was taken. Why am I here right now? What makes me think that I can beat all these people. I must be insane.
"Need a seat?" Madison says as she comes up to me.
"It seems pretty hard to find one."
"Don't worry I scoped some in the back corner. "
Madison takes my hand and we head to the row with available seats. We seat down waiting for more of the dancers to come in.
"Gosh, how many people are trying out?"
"None of them are going to beat you out Carlin." I turn to see Chance which is always a good thing. I could use some words of encouragement with my parents and Chelsea not being able to be here. I get up to give her a hug which is returned. "How are you feeling?"
"Like I'm going to throw up my heart."
"That's good." Chance says as she lightly chuckles.
"How is that good?"
"Spence, it's good to have nerves. It gives you more of a reason to kick major ass."
"I hope so…. Oh wow, I'm so rude. Chance this is Madison, Madison this is my friend Chance."
Madison and Chance shake hands and give each other a head nod.
"So is Ashley here for moral support?" Chance asks curiously.
"Not right now. She had to do a sound check for a show she's doing tonight."
"Wow, first the Elvis Duran show and now a show. She's gonna be a rock star soon. Maybe I can be her backup dancer."
"I'm sure you can…. You know, Chelsea's here."
When I say that Chance immediately rolls her eyes. Chelsea called me to tell me what happened between, and I totally agree why Chance would be upset.
"Look I get it. Chelsea is aggravating and does things that you will never understand. "
"Tell me about it."
"But she really does care about you Chance. So give her a chance." Haha you get it, Chance giving Chelsea a chance.
"Very funny Spencer, but I just don't want to be someone's experiment."
"Chelsea isn't like that and you know it. Just hear her out."
"Whatever, changing the subject. This is your day, not give me advice on my relationship. Remember to have fun and its okay to have nerves. You'll thank me when you're attending here in the fall." Chance says giving me a hug.
"Ms. Rosalyn this is a closed audition." A male voice interrupts, he was super tall, dark brown eyes, tan, and salt and pepper hair with the beard to match.
"Just wishing a friend good luck." Chance says to the tall man.
"You should save that luck for yourself; you're hanging by a thread."
Ouch, that's gotta hurt.
"Yes Mr. Vaughn." With that said, Mr. Vaughn made his way up to the stage talking to other people. I really hope that he isn't judging.
"I really hope he isn't judging." Madison says.
"Oh Mr. tight in the ass Vaughn wouldn't miss these auditions for the world. He loves shutting down people and making them cry."
Shutting down, crying? He seems more like the devil. I guess Chance could feel the fear from me and Madison because she touches both of our shoulders causing us to jump.
"Relax guys. He might be a hard ass but he never turns down amazing dancers. Remember, dance through the fear."
Just then a loud whistle took over the sound of the room and everyone was silent. Chance says her goodbye and Madison and I take a seat like the rest of the dancers.
"Most of you are here because you think that you're dancers. You think that because you trained all of your lives that you will make it with no problem; join the IDA Company or move on to better things. Well you're wrong. Most of you have been technically trained the wrong way, have weak ankles, and don't have the look or drive. If you think that you are one of these people please take the time to leave now."
No one moves a muscle to let him know that no one is imitated by him.
"No takers? Alright, I'll get you out before the first round."
Can you believe this guy? Who is he to say that none of us have what it takes, then again who are we to think that we got what it takes. A short young woman then explains the audition process. There are exactly 602 dancers auditioning for the company but only 255 will make it. We will be split up into six groups by numbers. While each group takes the stage, the other groups will be in the five different studios warming up. Once on stage with the group, we will be judged on technic, adaptation to style, and a three eight count combination to remember. After that, cuts are made and will have to wait until we can perform a solo piece. It's already 6 o'clock in the morning. This is going to be a long day. I really wish that Ashley was here.
Ashley's POV
"So I was thinking, on the 'baby don't be gentle' line, just the acoustic guitar and the bass and drums come in the best of the song."
That's right; I even get my own band tonight. I can't believe that this is it, I'm at a sound check at the House of Blues! It honestly not that nerve racking as I thought, the band is pretty cool and I'm only singing three songs mainly because Ian wanted to keep the interest in me. I'm singing three songs tonight, two that were on my demo and one that my dad and I have been working on. I'm kind of glad that it didn't make the demo because I find the song personal, not only because it's about me and Spencer, but because this was the first song that my dad and I worked together on. I'm just nervous that the crowd might not love it as much as I do.
"Ashley take five, I want you to meet someone." Ian says to me. He seems to be standing with a dark-skinned woman in just a graphic t shirt and skinny jeans. I wonder who she could be. I tell the band to work on the song while I talk to Ian's guest. "Ashley, this Elaine White."
The woman sticks out her hand and I shake her hand while checking out her features. She had to be in her mid-30, medium weight, brown eyes and a short cut hair style. She was pretty hot, even if she's like the same age as my mom.
"She's works at RA records as a music producer." Ian informs me. RA records is one the best up and coming labels in Hollywood. I even heard that a lot of well-known artist are switching over to their label.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Ashley. I absolutely love your demo."
"Thank you. I'm so honored to have you hear."
"Ashley." Ian says touching my right shoulder. "Elaine is very interested in creating a showcase with you for RA records."
"Holy Shit!" Oh my god did I really just curse like that in front of someone who holds my future in their hands. Nice going Davies. Oh bite me, I slipped up. I guess she wasn't offended because she's laughing a bit.
"I like you Ashley, you got spunk." Elaine says to me.
"Yeah I've been told that."
"I'm coming to the show tonight, to watch you and some other artist. I just would like to get a vibe from you and see where we could go from there. If that alright with you."
If that was alright with me? Of course it's alright with me. I'm happier than a teenage boy who discovered free porn for the first time.
"I would love that. Thank you so much. I just hope that you like what you see tonight."
"Well if it's anything like your demo, RA will be eating out of the palm of your hand." Elaine phone goes off and she admittedly answers it, from the sound of it, she's must be on a business call. "One second." She tells the person on the phone and turns her attention to me and Ian. "I'm sorry to cut this short, but there's an emergency at the studio. But it was great meeting the both of you."
Ian and I shake Elaine's hand before she leaves the building. Once the coast was clear, Ian picks me up and spins me in a circle.
"Ashley Davies, I hope you're ready for this."
So am I.
Spencer's POV
"Trust me girl, they have not seen a true Latina dancer until I step on that stage. JLO move over." Madison says while we've warming up. Even though I'm not trying to show that's afraid, I'm scared as shit. I heard that in the first group, only four people were chosen to move on. How is that possible? Everyone here is an amazing dancer, so that makes me wonder what am I doing here.
"GROUP 3, you're up!" one of the coordinators yells, everyone stops what they are doing and heads to the stage. When we arrive, a white boy with tons of tattoos and dreads greets everyone to the stage. He informs us that we will learn a quick three eight count combination that will not only be technical but stylish as well. Madison looks at me before we start and mouths good luck to me, give her a head nod wishing her the same.
"So are you ready to learn?"
Here goes nothing.
20 minutes later…
"Alright guys remember think big and have fun."
Fun? I just spent the last twenty minutes dancing harder than I ever have in my life. It wasn't the choreography that scared me, but the fact that 30 people were cut while we were learning the dance. Madison said that it was probably to light a fire under our asses, but I think that I bit off more than I can chew. The music starts and the choreographer gives a head count so that we start on beat.
Take me by the tongue and I'll know you
Kiss me til' you're drunk and I show you
Everyone on does two kick turns and end on the floor, opening us up backwards summer sault into quick hand movements that only require the upper body. The next eight count was very showgirl material and involved a lot of attitude.
All the moves like jagger
I've got the moves like jagger
I've got the moves like jagger
I know I was supposed to focus on myself, but I found myself losing concentration, there was this dancer that totally owned that dance. It was like she put her own spin on the dance and even ended with a little Beyoncé styled booty dance. Once the song came to a stop, the choreography went to her and gave her a high five. This could be a bad sign, what if they only liked her. The judges were talking among themselves and it seemed that they all came to an agree
"Change of plans." Mr. Vaughn says from his seat. "Instead on ending with just a pose, I want everyone to freestyle the last eight counts, just to get a feel of what kind of dancer you are. Is everyone okay with that? If not you may leave. "
No one moves a muscle and seems pleased about the changed, especially the dancer who caught everyone's attention. The music starts again, and this time I'm focused on me. If I don't make the next round, I don't know what else I can do. I don't have a second option, just my only option.
When we got to the freestyle section, it really separated the real dancers to the posers. I hope I gave them what they were looking for. Mr. Vaughn gets out of his seat and comes on stage, giving everyone a once over. It was silent that you could hear a pen drop, he begins tapping a large amount of students and whispers something in their ears to some and just looked past others. When we came to me, my throat was so dry, my swallowing began to hurt my throat. He takes a step behind me and places his hand on my sweaty lower back, fixing my poster. He walks by Madison and just simply shakes his head.
"If I have whispered anything in your ear, I hope that you have a second option because you will not be attending IDA." More than half of the room leaves bursting into tears. "The rest of you, you've made the second round but do not get comfortable." Mr. Vaughn says.
As we walk off the stage, Madison hugs me tightly. "Spence, we did it! We made it to the next round!"
Did I really make it? Oh My God! I made the next round! I let go of Madison and run to the lobby to tell Chelsea, Chance, and my parents the good news. I honestly think that they were more excited than me. I know this is only the beginning but I've come so far to stop now. Before I could celebrate, the dread head guy tells me how the next round works. I have exactly 4 hours before I begin my interview/solo. Chance said that she would take me to one of the available studios to rehearse and help fix any errors, but not before my mom walked in and told me that I have to eat something. That's my mom for you, she always said she didn't want me to be one of those dancers that starved themselves, and today I'll need all the energy that I can get.
Chance's POV
I could not be happier for Spencer right now. In just a short couple of months, she accomplished more than most dancers do in their lifetime. And she deserves every minute of it. After lunch, Spencer said that she had to call Ashley to let her know the good news, she's taking longer than usual but they're probably going crazy being this far apart from each other.
I was jamming to Trey Songz to pass the time. What? Trey Songz is the shit, especially when you're with your girl and…. Never mind, too much information for you guys. Back to what I was saying, I was listening to music, when I felt someone tap me from behind. I turn about to see Chelsea holding a bottle of water out for me. I take out of my headphones and look her up and down not saying a word. I saw her when I met Spencer's parents but she could barely look at me. Maybe her date actually went well.
"Peace offering?" Chelsea says placing the bottle of water next to me. She takes a seat next to me on the floor but doesn't say anything for a while The silence is killing me, I have to know what happened.
"Did you kiss him?" I finally ask her.
"Did I kiss who?"
"Don't play dumb Chelsea."
"I'm not playing." I couldn't help but laugh at the way she set herself up for that one. I guess didn't find it so funny. "Nothing happened. We had dinner with our parents, got ice cream and…"
"And now you'll live happily ever after with him." I say angrily. I know I'm being cold, but can you blame me? My girlfriend went out with another guy and wasn't going to tell me if I didn't force it out of her. I get up and begin to walk away until Chelsea spins me around. "Look Chelsea, I don't want to hear how awesome your date was, so spare me the details."
"God can you stop being so stubborn for a change and listen to me?"
"Why should I? I tell you everything, never lie to you, treat you like a fucking princess and you agree to go on a date with a another guy!"
"It wasn't even a real date! Our parents set us up and that's it!"
"What do you expect? A get out of jail free card because I'm all out of them Chelsea."
"No! What I want is a chance to explain myself!"
"Fine, two minutes."
Chelsea touches my arm and looks into my eyes before speaking.
"All week I was trying to find a way to tell my mom about us …."
Wow I never knew that, why didn't she tell me?
"I didn't know what to say or how to approach her. So when I got home, she told me about her friend's son and how amazing we would be together….but all I could think about is how amazing you and I are together… At first, I told them to butt out of my business. But they kept hounding me and that's when they asked me 'What are you not attracted to guys anymore?'"
Chelsea takes a moment to compose herself, I want to comfort her but don't want her to stop telling me the truth.
"I guess I kind of froze. Here I was, Chelsea Andrea Lewis, for the first time being confronted about my sexuality from my parents. I still wasn't sure if I still liked guys but I knew that…."
"That what baby?" I saw touching her cheek softly.
"That…that I was falling in love with you…"
…..
"I wasn't sure what I would say to them. 'Sorry mom and dad, I'm not sure if I'm gay or not but I'm in love with Chance and I don't even know if she loves me back.'"
She steps closer to me, pulling my body against her.
"As soon as I agreed to that stupid date, I regretted it. I tried to get out of it but every excuse I used didn't seem to work… when I told you that day at the restaurant, I was still trying to get out of the date."
"Baby…"
"No just listen. I know you don't want to hear about the date, but I can honestly tell you that it wasn't a date."
What is talking about?
"We didn't even talk at dinner, it was mostly our parents bragging about us. My mom forced us to go get ice cream and even then we had nothing to talk about. Finally, Adam broke the ice and told me that he didn't mean to hurt my feeling but that he has someone that he's in love with. He and his boyfriend have been together for a year and only agreed to go on this date because his mom promised him a car."
Wow…wasn't expecting that.
"I never meant to hurt you, and you were right. I should have told you everything from the beginning. I really hope that this doesn't end our relationship because Chance I'm in love with you and I never felt this way about anyone, not even Clay. In such a short amount of time I've learned to love everything about you. I love how when you're nervous you bite your bottom lip."
When she says this, she brushed her thumb against my bottom lip that I was biting and I can't help but chuckle.
"I love how you can carry a conversation about anything and never get bored. I love how when you see anyone checking me out, you act like a jealous crazy girlfriend."
"Trust me. I'm not acting."
"And I love it when you-"
I had to shut her up. Not that I didn't love her talking about me, but it's been too long since I've kissed her lips. I took control of her lips, barely brushing my lips against her. Her hand moves to the crook of my neck, making me put her against the wall. My tongue dances its way into her mouth, massaging her tongue as well. After a few minute I finally let go and we couldn't help but smile at each other.
"And I love how you kiss me." She finally says.
"Chelsea… I'm sorry for not listening to you. I was just being a jealous crazy girlfriend because for the first time, in a long time…I'm in love."
"You mean you've never been in love?"
"Never had a reason to be…until now."
Chelsea pulls me into another kiss, our lips move at a rapid pace and I'm close to taking her right now until we hear someone clear their throat. We both turn to see Spencer smiling at us.
"Glad to see you guys worked things out." Spencer says looking at us.
"Spencer… we were just—"
"I was coming here to ask you guys if you want anything to eat, but I see that you guys got that part covered."
"Spencer!" We both gasp, Spencer laughs at us and carries on to her conversation on the phone.
"Do we have that covered?" Chelsea asks me.
"I don't know I'm still pretty hungry."
Thank you for all the support. I can't believe that I'm almost close to 100 reviews which is awesome because I never thought that my story would make it this far.
FFReviews: I love the name Chansea. It's honestly too cute! And if they will be a Chansea first time together, you'll be my inspiration.
Once again, I will be back with more soon. Please keep it posted. Love you all. Keep reading and reviewing.