"One, two, three...One, two, three. Pivot. Pivot. Swan. PIvo- Dammit Jesse Why can't you get it right? After the second Pivot, Swan! Then after Swan?.." He snarls, clapping his hands violently to demonstrate.

I swallow the huge lump in my throat, knowing silence is my best option.

"Whats after Swan Jesse?!" He demands.

"P-Pivot Mister Edmond...." I whisper aloud.

He nods, pointing his fingers at my aching feet.

'Alright, then why in the hell aren't you pivoting?! Do you want to make it big? Do you want to dance on the stage with those vanilla's?!" He screeches, storming over to me.

I really wish the floor would swallow me up already. My feet ache, I have a developing blister on my big toe, and I'm tired. Yet, I can't leave, not until I get this right.

"Did you hear me dammit?! Answer me when I'm speaking to you!" He commands, now nose to nose with me.

Scared for what he will do next, I desperately search for my voice before answering.

"Yes sir. I want to be the best"

He steps back, laughing sarcastically.

"You want to be the best huh? Well I'm going to tell you right now, if this shit is the best you can offer, you might as well pack your bags and take your ass home to your equally pathetic ass mother"

My heart sinks, my confidence now in shambles. I'll never be good enough for him. I'll never be good enough for anybody.

"Now stand up and let's do this again" He instructs, snapping his fingers for action.

I inhale deeply and prepare myself once again to fight through the pain.

"One, two, three..Pivot...."

Glancing around, I see the old me. The old me that would enter an audition scared and desperate. Scared of losing the audition and desperate to be noticed. I feel sorry for those old me's. They will not survive this audition. I can see it in their body language; amateurs.

Tying my pointe shoe, I restrain any lingering thoughts of my competition. There is no competition. That's my mindset. After this mornings pep-talk with Michael and my extended practice session, I have all the confidence I need to proceed in this audition.

I am disappointed that Michael isn't here to cheer me on, but I understand the circumstances which prohibit him from journeying beyond the first level of The Double Tree Hotel. That's the perks of being with Michael. Not many can know about you, and he can't go anywhere with you. But I love Michael enough to co-habitat in his world, just as long as I still have a world of my own to escape to.

"Jesse Edmond?" The casting director, John Fortae calls.

I quickly glance up, standing to me feet to acknowledge him.

"Right this way miss Edmond..." He instructs, turning towards the fire exit door.

The old me's eyes follow me until I am out of sight. Putting their existence in the back of my mind, I enter through the stage door, and wait for further instruction.

"You may now go" Mister Fortae informs me after ten minutes of patiently waiting.

I nod and take a deep breath, before allowing the spotlight to expose me to the small audience of critics hidden in the theater seats. Whispering a silent prayer, I glance out into the empty seats one last time, this time spotting an old figure. The figure is standing beside the theaters audience exit, seemingly waving at me.

Stay focused Jesse

I warn myself.

Ignoring the figure, I listen for my cue.

Soon enough my cue was called by an old favourite; The Nutcracker. I remember practicing this until I couldn't practice anymore, when I was a young girl. I wanted to be like the dancers I saw in the play. I wanted to be one of those dancers. That play was the beginning of my passion and love for dance, especially ballet.

"About damn time you learned how to pivot Jesse!" He snarls, switching the record player off.

I stand at ease, though my legs and feet are threatening to give way at any minute. I have to fight through the pain. I have to be the best.

"You said you wanted to be the best right? Well if you aren't putting in any work, your words don't mean shit! So suck it up! I don't want to see a tear! Not a damn one!" He barks.

I nod and continuing stand tall, determined to prove how much I want this. How much I need this...

The music stops. My body resettles from the effect of the perfect Grand jeté. My heart is beating rapidly, but not out of fear or anxiety, but out of excitement for the high I receive from dancing.It's my life.

"Thank you Miss Edmond's we will contact you... you know the drill" Mister Fortae, informs, after scurrying onto the stage.

I once again, silently nod and turn for my departure. Whether or not I make the cut, I will still feel I could've done something better. I'm never satisfied with my craft, because my work is never done. The music doesn't sleep so neither do I.

Upon exiting the building, the strange feeling that I am being followed washes over me. I don't know why, but it seems like most of my senses are extremely sensitive, so I'm always alert no matter what. I hear everything and I see everything mostly.

By now, Rafael and Scotty are preparing for a round up, so I am still traveling out towards the back of the theater. The feeling still hasn't left yet and it's scaring me a bit.

I'm not usually the type of girl that cowards easily, but traveling through what is a supposedly "safe" route out of the theater, without bodyguards, is scary; especially if someone is following you.

Deciding to stop in my tracks and investigate, I spot the figure again. How do I know it's the same person, I don't. I just want who ever it is to stop stalking me.

"Can you please stop following me? I know you are there" I call out to the figure.

The figure remains still for a moment before slowly walking towards me.

Oh God, please, please don't let this be my last day.

I pray silently, slowly continuing my walk.

Before I know it, I'm running. Running for my dear life, silently wishing that Rafael or Scotty would be at the next exit.

"Jesse wait!" The figure calls behind me.

I quickly come to a halt, turning towards the figure.

That voice is so familiar. I know that voice all too well, but it can't be.

"Michael?" I question the figure.

I hear the sweet giggles that could only belong to my Michael.

"Hey babygirl hee-hee" He chuckles out nervously, as he finally reveals himself in his usual disguise; a dark trench coat, darker RayBan's, his signature black fedora, and a mint, Green surgical mask.

I don't know who Michael thinks he is fooling with this disguise.

Realizing the reason for his nervousness, I quickly pinch his exposed wrist violently.

"Ouch! What in the hell Jesse!' He howls, rubbing his bruised wrist.

I glare at him.

"That's for scaring the shit out of me you asshole!" I scold, slapping at his arm.

This time his giggles return as he takes hold of my arms.

"I'm sorry babygirl, I didn't think you would get this weirded out. I just had to come see you" He smiles that beautiful charming smile.

God this man.

"Fine... I forgive you" I sigh, swinging our arms.

He steps closer and steals a quick kiss,spinning me afterwards. Another giggle and even a small squeal escapes my lips as I take in this small moment. I know the translation of his actions, which makes it even the more special. Michael isn't always great with words, so sometimes he'll write them down or gesture them out. Right now, in his own way, he's telling me how proud he is of me. I'm proud of me too.

"Does Mister Bray know you're here?" I ask, as we began to walk towards the last exit door.

Michael gives me a quick shrug in response.

I sigh as we finally make it to the awaiting SUV where sure enough Rafael and Scotty were waiting. The look they give Michael as he slips into the SUV isn't a pleasant one. I know the silent look and what it means, Mister Bray isn't happy.

Now Michael has to listen to a sermon and scowls from Mister Bray, and it's all my fault...

To Be Continued...