Chapter 22

Shawna

I let the beat of Alessia Cara's Stay overwhelm me.

My body moves to the new rhythm as I try and remember the steps I created in my head last night when I went to sleep. I round my neck slowly as the song begins and just as her voice fills the room, my hips circle moving quickly into each notion. The beat quickens and I lean my body into different forms.

Ten minutes later I lay on the floor in a sweaty mess as the song goes on and on. I tap my chin with my finger thinking of how much better this dance would be if I had a male partner. I have to look into where and when I would have to most likely host auditions.

I hear footsteps coming up the stairs and it aligns with the occasional thump. I smile thinking of Miss O'Neal walking up here to tell me to cut off the 'rap music'. She hits the last step then switches the iPod player off.

"You know, you should be resting that foot of yours." I yell out with my eyes still closed.