CHAPTER SIX: DANCE SECRETS

December 17, 2001

     It’s a few days later, and No Rules are at a dance studio. They’re having their first dance rehearsals for their TV series, Dare 2 Dream. So far, they’ve recorded about 28 songs. They only had two more to record. But the band’s choreographer was only given the demos, since the recorded songs were finalized yet.

     As they waited for their choreographer to arrive, Charlie noticed Alex was sitting at a corner. Charlie approached him, and taunted, “Oi, Walsh! I bet you can’t dance! You’re always sticking yourself to a f*cking corner!”

     Sophie groaned in annoyance, and walked to Alex. She assured him, “Alex, ignore him. I bet you’re a great dancer.”

     Alex slowly grew a small grin on his partially covered face. Then the choreographer entered the studio.

     After one hour of dancing, No Rules were given a 15 minute break. The rehearsals weren’t exactly easygoing. Charlie and Hannah were acting snobby, as if they’re the best dancers in the band. Unfortunately, they still haven’t drop the act.

      Hannah told the girls in a snobby tone, “See girls? I can out-dance you all!”

      “Hannah, can you please cut your bitchiness? It’s getting really old,” Mariana said out of irritation.

    Charlie approached Alex and Edward, and taunted, “Hey, I danced better than George and Walsh. George’s can’t get the moves, whilst Walsh looks like a black blob.”

      Edward scolded Charlie, “What the bloody hell you talking about? You were struggling to get moves down yourself whilst Alex was getting everything in a second!”

      Sophie rolled her eyes, and walked over to Alex, who was getting out a water bottle from his gym bag. She praised him, “Alex, I thought you were a great dancer.”

      Alex gave a smile, but then quickly frowned. He muttered, “You’re just saying that.”

      “I’m not. Listen, everything I’m saying to you is true. I think you’re a great guy.”

      Alex looked away, then smiled again. Sophie reassured him, “You’re great, trust me.”

      It’s been a few hours, and the No Rules are now sweating like crazy. They’ve stripped off heavy layers, and are now in shorts and tanks…except for Alex. The only layer he took off was his hoodie, and he’s still wearing a long-sleeve.

      Charlie taunted Alex, “Oi, Walsh! Why are you still dressed in black? This ain’t a funeral!”

    Alex just glared at Charlie, then looked away. Then, to wipe the sweat off of his forehead, Alex ran his fingers through his hair as it was in front of his face. When he did that, he noticed all the members were staring at him. He asked them in his tiny voice, “What?”

     Mariana asked him with suspension, “Alex, how old are you?”

     “Why?”

     Hannah told Alex out of shock, “You look too young to be in No Rules.”

     Charlie scoffed, “I bet he lied about his age.”

     Edward explained, “Actually, he’s about to turn 14.”

     “How do you know?”

     “He told me. He’s slowly opening up since we’re roommates.”

     The choreographer was getting irritated, so he ordered everyone to get back to dancing. Sophie was still staring at Alex, as if she was hypnotized by his young face.

     It’s now evening. As the members were wrapping up rehearsals, Charlie marches up to Alex. By now, Alex was getting irritated, but he’s still scared.

     Charlie taunted, “Oi! Why do you keep rolling up your sleeves, but then you pull them immediately?”

     With that, Alex became nervous. The other members overheard what Charlie said.

     Charlie asked Edward “Edward, do you ever notice anything suspicious about Walsh?”

     “Conner…” Edward said with irritation.

     “I mean, he keeps pulling his up, but then he pulls them again. There’s gotta something going on.”

     Edward said nothing, then looked at Alex.

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THIS IS HANNAH (Victoria Justice) IN THE PICTURE, AND HER SINGING IN THE VIDEO>>>