Are my knees straight? Am I pulled up enough? Those were the questions that entered Sophie's mind. I wonder how Lars class is doing? Is he thinking about me? Those were the questions that entered Carson's mind. Does my mom know what Bianca's like? Does Bianca hate this as much as I do? Those were the thoughts that entered Meredith's mind. Should I paint my nails red or light pink? I wonder if Ian noticed me at the party the other night? Those were the questions that entered Cassie's mind. Their feet could be moving a mile a minute yet these thoughts would remain.
Finally they finished up their barre exercises and proceeded to work on practicing and learning choreography for Sleeping Beauty. A room that had just been full of indifferent faces was now brimming with faces of anticipation. Everyone was eager to know who would get what role, and learning choreography for the group dances meant individual roles would be announced shortly.
Some people thought the roles of the Lilac fairy, the Peach fairy, and the Pink fairy would be given to Tiffany Hunter, Lexi Baldwin, and Erin Lockhart. They were all seniors. Everyone liked them and they were good at charming teachers. They were great apart, but astounding together. They were like pizza, you could eat it without the cheese but it wouldn't be the same. And of course we all knew who would play Prince Christopher. That would be Dean Klein. He was a junior, and had been taking dance classes since he was seven and was the only boy at Windsor Falls Dance Academy. He had a little sister Beth, she was nine and took dance there as well. But the role that everyone was speculating about was Aurora. Everyone had a different opinion on who would get it. A few people thought it would be someone close to the teachers. Maybe Holly or June, or even Olivia. Others dismissed that theory since it was so obvious. Most likely it would be a kiss-up like Natalie or Bianca, teachers for some reason couldn't see past their false admiration to their ice cold glares.
The music ceased and Mrs.Nora told everyone to take a two minute water break. Everyone hurried out to the hall to retrieve their water bottles. Some lingered in the halls, checking their phones, fixing their hair. While other returned as quickly as they had left.
When the last student had wandered in Mrs.Nora and Mrs.Emma gathered everyone at the front of the room and told them to sit down. "First of all thank you all for putting so much effort in, I can really see you all improving greatly" said Mrs.Nora. "So now for some announcements I'm sure y'all have been itching to hear. The casting announcements" said Mrs.Emma. Everyone clapped, holding their breath. "Okay, let's start with the role of the Pink fairy. The Pink fairy is Erin Lockhart" announced Mrs.Nora. They all clapped, not at all surprised. "The role of the Peach fairy goes to Lexi Baldwin" announced Mrs.Emma. They clapped again. The next would be the Lilac Fairy, and everyone was sure it would be Tiffany Hunter. "The role of the Lilac fairy goes to Carson Manning" said Mrs.Nora. People still clapped, but this time with shocked expressions. At first they turned to look at Carson, then they all strained to look at Tiffany. They weren't sure if they should be happy for Carson, or sad for Tiffany. It wasn't that they thought Carson didn't deserve the role, it was just a little unexpected. "The role of Carabosse goes to Olivia Webb" announced Mrs.Emma. They clapped again, relieved to have something change their thought pattern. "The role of the Bluebird goes to Holly Hamilton" said Mrs.Nora. They were a little shocked that she wouldn't be Aurora. "The role of Red Riding Hood goes to Bianca Scavo" said Mrs.Nora. They clapped, most of them rolling their eyes. "The role of Puss 'N' Boots goes to Tiffany Hunter" said Mrs.Emma. They clapped, all of them turning their heads to see how Tiffany would react. "The role of Prince Christopher goes to Dean Klein" said Mrs.Nora. Like they even needed to announce that. "And the role of Aurora goes to, drumroll please" said Mrs.Emma, prolonging their anticipation. They pounded their hands on the floor. "Sophie Duvall" said Mrs.Emma. That was the biggest shocker of all. Even Sophie was stunned. Sure she was talented, probably one of the best dancers they had, but talent rarely had anything to do with with casting the ballet. "Now that we have all the roles announced here is the list of the understudies! Natalie Cooper will understudy the Lilac fairy, Lauren Jones, the Pink fairy; June Hamilton, the Peach fairy; Meredith Davis, the Bluebird; Cassie Montgomery, Carabosse; Mandy Taylor, Red Riding Hood; Samantha Jones, Puss 'N' Boots; Holly Hamilton, Princess Aurora" said Mrs.Nora. "As for the roles of the king and queen Mrs.Nora and her husband will play those" said Mrs.Emma. "We don't have an understudy for Prince Christopher yet but I'm trying to get my son to agree to it" said Mrs.Nora. Mrs.Emma glanced up at the clock. "Well I think we are out of time, goodnight ladies and gentleman" said Mrs.Emma. They all bowed and scurried out of the studio.
"May I have this dance princess?" teased Dean. "Oh of course!" replied Sophie. They waltzed through the hall, noses in the air. "Awww aren't y'all just the cutest couple" exclaimed Carson. "Well I guess a fairy would know! Congratulations by the way!" replied Sophie. "Thank you, thank you" said Carson, pretending to blush. Sophie plopped down on the floor and started to take off her ballet shoes and put on her monogrammed hoodie and sweatpants.
Then came Olivia, sneaking up on Carson as she took a sip from her water bottle, causing her to spill it. "Olivia!" shouted Carson. Carson quickly headed into the bathroom, looking for paper towels. "Sorry!" Olivia yelled with an apologetic expression. "So good job on getting the role of Aurora" said Olivia. "Thanks! I was pretty surprised. Congratulations on Carabosse" replied Sophie. "Why thank you" said Olivia. Carson came rushing back in the hall, drier this time. "Sorry about that" said Olivia. "It's okay, at least it wasn't hot coffee". They all laughed. "Carson! Can I talk to you a minute? About your solo" inquired Mr.Lars. He was standing the office door way. "Yeah sure!" said Carson. "I'll see y'all tomorrow". Carson sauntered into the office, Mr.Lars closing it behind her. They stared at the door as though if they stared long enough they could hear them. "Man! I sure wish Mr.Lars was doing my solo" Olivia said twirling her hair in her hands. "Well I guess I'll see you tomorrow" said Sophie, gathering her things. "See ya" exclaimed Olivia.
Instead of staying in the office Lars led her into the empty studio. "Congratulations Lilac fairy" he said as he brushed her hair behind her ear. "Thanks! Like you didn't know" replied Carson. "What? Me? Okay maybe I knew, but I didn't have anything to do with it! That, that was all you" said Lars. She beamed at him and he leaned in and kissed her. Sure things were complicated, but it was all worth it. Other guys just didn't understand her like Lars. He was sweet, an amazing dancer obviously, funny, and was the only guy she knew that would admit to loving musicals. "I will see you tomorrow, don't miss me too much!" said Carson. "Maybe we could meet up before class" suggested Lars. "I'd love to! Your place at 4:30?" replied Carson. "Sounds like a plan babe" he said kissing her forehead. She walked out of the studio in a dreamlike haze, which was broken by Natalie.
"Well, well, well, what do we have here" quipped Natalie. "Aren't you a natural comedian" snapped Carson. "I saw you" said Natalie. Carson was on edge now. "Just what exactly did you see?" questioned Carson. "The real question here is what didn't I see" said Natalie, circling Carson. "What do you want?" asked Carson. "Oh just for you to step down as the Lilac fairy" replied Natalie. "And if I don't?" inquired Carson. "Everyone will know about you and Mr.Lars. And I do mean everyone. Your parents, your friends, college recruits, everyone" answered Natalie. "You can't scare me into anything" said Carson. "As far as I can see you don't have any choice, either way you lose" said Natalie. Natalie started to walk away, then she turned back to face Carson. "I'd give my little proposition some serious thought if I were you". And with that she was gone.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Chasse Secrets Chapter 2
It was only a little after five when Sophie and Carson left for June's party. It was even hotter than it had been earlier, so they were both anticipating the chance to cool off in the pool.
Sophie pulled into June's drive-way. They both got out of the car and got their purses and beach towels from the backseat. They then proceeded to the back gate, where they were greeted by June. "Hey guys! Glad you could make it" she said as she opened the gate. "Thanks for inviting us!" replied Sophie. "Well I have to put the rest of the food out, but help yourself to what's already out!" "Thanks June" said Carson and Sophie practically in unison.
June was one of the teacher's grand-daughters. She was blond, tan, played soccer, kind, and extremely inclusive. She attended the same church as Sophie. She was friends with just about everyone at the studio, but was particularly close to her cousin Holly for obvious reasons.
There was already a few people there. Lauren and Samantha Jones, they were sisters. Lauren was a senior, and Samantha was a sophomore. They both attended the local Catholic high school, plaid skirts and all. People liked them well enough but they were always kinda withdrawn.
Holly Hamilton had already arrived. She was standing with her grandmother and Mrs.Emma. her dark brown hair swaying with the throw of her head as she laughed. Holly was the girl that everyone noticed. She was kind, funny, talented. Everyone could be watching her but she never noticed. She was a senior, she planned on teaching some classes at the studio this summer.
Cassie Montgomery was pouring herself a cup of Hawaiian punch. Cassie had light blond hair and pale blue eyes, so light they appeared gray in some lights. She was your average teenager, focused on academics, boys, and most of all acceptance. She didn't want to blend into the background, but was fearful to stand out.
And then there was Natalie Cooper and Bianca Scavo, or as most people called them The Demons. They were the kinda girls that you either looked up to, hated, or avoided like the plague. They were manipulative, two-faced, and scheming, and that was when you were on their good side.
There was Meredith! She greeted Carson and Sophie, hugging them both, "Hey! Long time, no see!" teased Carson. Meredith tried to force a laugh but Sophie and Carson could tell something wasn't quite right. "Is everyone okay?" inquired Sophie. "Define okay" replied Meredith. "Does this have anything to do with that talk your mom wanted to have with you?" Carson asked. "Oh you could say that" said Meredith, glancing down at her hands. "Well what did she say?" questioned Carson. "Hmmm, well, my mom is getting married". They all just stood there for a moment, not really sure how to react. Then Sophie finally broke the silence. "Whoa. Congrats!" "Yeah, what she said" echoed Carson. "So, um, who's the lucky guy?" Sophie asked. Meredith licked her lips and willed the words to come. "Bianca Scavo's father" "Like 'the' Bianca Scavo?" exclaimed Carson. "That would be the one" said Meredith. "What a way to start junior year" said Sophie. "Oh yeah" chimed Meredith. "I mean I'm happy for her, I really am! But...." "You know your mom just invited a demon into your home" said Carson. "Correction, she invited the father of a demon into her home, the demon is merely a byproduct" informed Sophie. "Wow. Thanks you guys so much for helping me and not making me feel like life as I know it is over" said Meredith sarcastically. "We're so sorry Mere, we'll try to be more supportive" said Sophie. "Yeah, what can we do to help?" interjected Carson. Meredith collapsed into a nearby chair. "Anything to make this wedding not happen" replied Meredith. "Hey we could tell Bianca's dad that you and your mom worship toenails and pour goat's urine on your cereal" chimed Sophie. "Uh first of all, ew. And second of all. Natalie and Bianca would just spread that all over Windsor Falls" "Spread what all over Windsor Falls?" We all turned around to see Cassie. "Oh apparently Meredith and her mom worship toenails and pour goat's urine on their cereal" said Carson matter-of-factly. Meredith shot Carson a look and Carson just shrugged her shoulders innocently. "Hmmm kinda sorry I asked" said Cassie. "Carson was just trying to be funny and completely failed" stated Meredith. Carson rolled her eyes. "My mom's getting married" said Meredith. "Oh cool! You must be so excited!" exclaimed Cassie. "To Bianca Scavo's father" added Meredith. "Oh. I'll put you on my prayer list". Meredith laughed, this time it wasn't forced. "So are you and Bianca going to have to share a room?" questioned Sophie. "Thankfully no" said Meredith. "Well where are you gonna be living?" Are they moving into your house or are you moving into their house?" asked Sophie. "I'm not really sure yet. Part of me doesn't want to leave my home, but then there's this other part of me that doesn't want them invading it" said Meredith. "Well whatever happens we're here for you" said Cassie. They all hugged Meredith tightly.
Soph. What do y'all think of my hat?" said Olivia. "Totally policewoman chic" teased Carson. "You know you love it" said Olivia and she spun around so we could see her from every angle. Truth was even when her jokes went completely out of hand we still loved them. "We should have known you'd make a grand entrance" said Cassie. "Is there any other kind?!" Olivia replied. "Where's Mrs. Nora?" asked Meredith. "Oh she'll be here soon, she wanted to wait for dad, so they're taking the other car" answered Olivia. "Did Ian come with you?" questioned Sophie. "Yeah, he just had to go to the bathroom" said Olivia. Ian was Olivia's twin brother. He had her almost black hair and clover green eyes, but other than that they didn't look much a like. They had lived next door to Sophie's family since she was seven.
"Oh look! There's Mr.Lars!" exclaimed Meredith. Everyone whipped their heads to catch a glimpse of him. His corn husk hair was slightly tousled and he was still tan from the summer. "Is it just me or does he get better looking by the minute" said Olivia, breaking the awed silence. Sophie shot Carson a knowing glance, but Carson quickly looked away, pretending not to notice. "So y'all want to get something to get? I'm famished!" Olivia exclaimed. "Me too!I think June made her deviled eggs!" said Cassie. They all hurried to the food table, each grabbing a plate. This was going to be an amazing year! They were sixteen, unstoppable, fearless, and no matter what happened, like they say, tomorrow is another day.
Sophie pulled into June's drive-way. They both got out of the car and got their purses and beach towels from the backseat. They then proceeded to the back gate, where they were greeted by June. "Hey guys! Glad you could make it" she said as she opened the gate. "Thanks for inviting us!" replied Sophie. "Well I have to put the rest of the food out, but help yourself to what's already out!" "Thanks June" said Carson and Sophie practically in unison.
June was one of the teacher's grand-daughters. She was blond, tan, played soccer, kind, and extremely inclusive. She attended the same church as Sophie. She was friends with just about everyone at the studio, but was particularly close to her cousin Holly for obvious reasons.
There was already a few people there. Lauren and Samantha Jones, they were sisters. Lauren was a senior, and Samantha was a sophomore. They both attended the local Catholic high school, plaid skirts and all. People liked them well enough but they were always kinda withdrawn.
Holly Hamilton had already arrived. She was standing with her grandmother and Mrs.Emma. her dark brown hair swaying with the throw of her head as she laughed. Holly was the girl that everyone noticed. She was kind, funny, talented. Everyone could be watching her but she never noticed. She was a senior, she planned on teaching some classes at the studio this summer.
Cassie Montgomery was pouring herself a cup of Hawaiian punch. Cassie had light blond hair and pale blue eyes, so light they appeared gray in some lights. She was your average teenager, focused on academics, boys, and most of all acceptance. She didn't want to blend into the background, but was fearful to stand out.
And then there was Natalie Cooper and Bianca Scavo, or as most people called them The Demons. They were the kinda girls that you either looked up to, hated, or avoided like the plague. They were manipulative, two-faced, and scheming, and that was when you were on their good side.
There was Meredith! She greeted Carson and Sophie, hugging them both, "Hey! Long time, no see!" teased Carson. Meredith tried to force a laugh but Sophie and Carson could tell something wasn't quite right. "Is everyone okay?" inquired Sophie. "Define okay" replied Meredith. "Does this have anything to do with that talk your mom wanted to have with you?" Carson asked. "Oh you could say that" said Meredith, glancing down at her hands. "Well what did she say?" questioned Carson. "Hmmm, well, my mom is getting married". They all just stood there for a moment, not really sure how to react. Then Sophie finally broke the silence. "Whoa. Congrats!" "Yeah, what she said" echoed Carson. "So, um, who's the lucky guy?" Sophie asked. Meredith licked her lips and willed the words to come. "Bianca Scavo's father" "Like 'the' Bianca Scavo?" exclaimed Carson. "That would be the one" said Meredith. "What a way to start junior year" said Sophie. "Oh yeah" chimed Meredith. "I mean I'm happy for her, I really am! But...." "You know your mom just invited a demon into your home" said Carson. "Correction, she invited the father of a demon into her home, the demon is merely a byproduct" informed Sophie. "Wow. Thanks you guys so much for helping me and not making me feel like life as I know it is over" said Meredith sarcastically. "We're so sorry Mere, we'll try to be more supportive" said Sophie. "Yeah, what can we do to help?" interjected Carson. Meredith collapsed into a nearby chair. "Anything to make this wedding not happen" replied Meredith. "Hey we could tell Bianca's dad that you and your mom worship toenails and pour goat's urine on your cereal" chimed Sophie. "Uh first of all, ew. And second of all. Natalie and Bianca would just spread that all over Windsor Falls" "Spread what all over Windsor Falls?" We all turned around to see Cassie. "Oh apparently Meredith and her mom worship toenails and pour goat's urine on their cereal" said Carson matter-of-factly. Meredith shot Carson a look and Carson just shrugged her shoulders innocently. "Hmmm kinda sorry I asked" said Cassie. "Carson was just trying to be funny and completely failed" stated Meredith. Carson rolled her eyes. "My mom's getting married" said Meredith. "Oh cool! You must be so excited!" exclaimed Cassie. "To Bianca Scavo's father" added Meredith. "Oh. I'll put you on my prayer list". Meredith laughed, this time it wasn't forced. "So are you and Bianca going to have to share a room?" questioned Sophie. "Thankfully no" said Meredith. "Well where are you gonna be living?" Are they moving into your house or are you moving into their house?" asked Sophie. "I'm not really sure yet. Part of me doesn't want to leave my home, but then there's this other part of me that doesn't want them invading it" said Meredith. "Well whatever happens we're here for you" said Cassie. They all hugged Meredith tightly.
Soph. What do y'all think of my hat?" said Olivia. "Totally policewoman chic" teased Carson. "You know you love it" said Olivia and she spun around so we could see her from every angle. Truth was even when her jokes went completely out of hand we still loved them. "We should have known you'd make a grand entrance" said Cassie. "Is there any other kind?!" Olivia replied. "Where's Mrs. Nora?" asked Meredith. "Oh she'll be here soon, she wanted to wait for dad, so they're taking the other car" answered Olivia. "Did Ian come with you?" questioned Sophie. "Yeah, he just had to go to the bathroom" said Olivia. Ian was Olivia's twin brother. He had her almost black hair and clover green eyes, but other than that they didn't look much a like. They had lived next door to Sophie's family since she was seven.
"Oh look! There's Mr.Lars!" exclaimed Meredith. Everyone whipped their heads to catch a glimpse of him. His corn husk hair was slightly tousled and he was still tan from the summer. "Is it just me or does he get better looking by the minute" said Olivia, breaking the awed silence. Sophie shot Carson a knowing glance, but Carson quickly looked away, pretending not to notice. "So y'all want to get something to get? I'm famished!" Olivia exclaimed. "Me too!I think June made her deviled eggs!" said Cassie. They all hurried to the food table, each grabbing a plate. This was going to be an amazing year! They were sixteen, unstoppable, fearless, and no matter what happened, like they say, tomorrow is another day.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Chasse Secrets Chapter 1
"Point those feet ladies!" said Mrs.Emma over the blaring music. "Spot quicker" she shouted. The sunlight slipped through the blinds that August afternoon making the studio extremely hot. They all eyed the clock in the corner counting the minutes. Twenty minutes left, now ten, five. "That's all for today, good job girls". They all breathed a sigh of relief.
Sophie walked over to pick up her water bottle. "Sophie, I'm still riding with you, right?". Sophie looked up to see who the voice belonged to, it was Carson. "Yeah, I just need to get my stuff together" "Oh okay, I have to talk to Mr.Lars anyway" "Are y'all going to June's party tonight?" said Meredith. "Yeah, Carson and I are going to my house to get ready for it, you wanna come with?" "Oh no, I told my Mom I'd come straight home form dance, she wants to talk, but thanks!" "Talk?" inquired Carson. "I think she's got a new guy" "Well I'll keep my fingers crossed for you and your new daddy!" teased Sophie. "Hardy har har, thanks for the support" "Anytime". Meredith stuck her tongue out at Sophie, waved at Carson, and she was gone.
Meredith's mom had divorced her dad when she was nine, and had never been without a guy since. It wasn't like she was a flirt or anything, in fact she was quite religious, she was just gorgeous. Men loved her, she was tall, had ocean blue eyes, and striking red hair, she was like Meredith at forty. The only difference between them was Meredith worried about everything while she hadn't a care in the world.
Carson and Sophie picked their bags up and hurried out of the dance studio. Sophie opened the trunk and they threw their bags in. Sophie got in the driver's seat, buckled up, started the engine, and backed out.
Sophie and Carson had been best friends since Sophie came to the studio six years ago. They were sixteen now, but Carson was two months older and never let her forget it. They were total opposites. Sophie loved everything vintage, Carson loved everything modern. Sophie was the baby of the family, Carson was the oldest. Sophie had brown hair, Carson had blond, the list went on. They did have in common the fact that they were both home-schooled. But more important than that, they could always trust each other with their secrets.
They were just pulling into the drive when Carson exclaimed "Oh no! I can't believe I forgot!" "What? What did you forget?" "To talk to Mr.Lars, I was suppose to talk to him, but I forgot!" "Well you could always e-mail him. What did you need to talk about anyway?" "Oh just my solo" "Wait, I thought Mrs.Emma was doing your solo" "Um well she was but my mom likes Mr.Lars' choreography better" "But you hate lyrical" "Well that's what a lot of the college dance programs are looking for" "Yeah that's true. But I think all the teachers are invited tonight, so maybe you could talk to him tonight" "Oh good thinking!" "Yeah I know! Plus we all get to stare at him in his bathing suit" "Sophie!" "What?". Carson tried to act shocked but she knew she wasn't.
Sophie opened the trunk and they pulled their bags out. Sophie locked the car and they made their way to the door. She put the key in the lock and opened the door. "Mom, I'm home" she shouted. Sophie's mom walked in, dish rag in her hand. "Hi girls, how was dance?" "It was good, exhausting, but good" said Sophie as she sat her bag down and hugged her mom. "Where's dad?" "He's doing some work in the backyard. Are y'all hungry?" "Oh no thanks Carol, we're just gonna eat at June's, but thank you" "You're welcome Carson! And tell your mom I said 'hello'" "I will".
Sophie and Carson walked up the stairs to Sophie's room. Everyone called Sophie's mom Carol. Not Mrs.Duvall, or Mrs.Carol, or even Sophie's mom, but Carol. If it was anyone else it would have been weird, but not with Carol.
Sophie opened her bedroom door and the girls both tossed their bags on the floor. Carson plopped down on the bed and Sophie went straight to her closet. "So I was thinking I'd wear my white cover up with my pink polka dot bikini and my pink wedges" "Yeah that sounds great" said Carson in an absentminded voice. "Or I could wear my teal sundress and my white suit" "Sure that's nice" "Or I could paint myself orange and change my name to carrot" "That's cute" "Carson!" shouted Sophie. Carson whipped her head around with a startled expression. "What? What's wrong?" "I was trying to get your opinion on my outfit but you seem completely out of it, are you okay?" "Oh yeah I'm fine, just tired. You know how draining Saturday practices can be" "Are you sure?" "Yeah totally" "Carson, I know when you're lying". Carson stood up and started pacing. "Well there is this one thing I've been meaning to tell you" "Okay, shoot!" "But you have to promise you won't tell" "Okay, I promise". Sophie slowly sat on the bed waiting for Carson to answer. "I mean this is huge, if word got out....". Carson was starting to worry Sophie. "Carson, teacup". Suddenly Carson seemed to calm down. She shut the door and walked over to the bed and sat beside Sophie. Sophie put her hand on Carson's arm and she turned toward her. "I've been seeing someone" "Who?" "Mr.Lars" "Is this like to make me not as shocked when you tell me who it really is?" "No, that's not what this is...". Sophie stood up and started to pace. "I'd be okay if you wanted to date Brian, it's been months since the break-up!" "Sophie!". She stopped dead in her tracks. "Sophie, it really is Mr.Lars" "Wow. Well how long has this been going on?" "Since the beginning of the summer" "Is that why you didn't come with me and my family to the beach?" "No, I didn't plan this, at first I just wanted to improve my dancing, and then after a few weeks we got really close, it just sorta happened" "Wow. The only thing I have from summer vacation is a tan-line, you have a secret boyfriend" "Hey what about those awesome pieces of beach glass you found?!". They both laughed. "Well am I the only one that knows?" "Yes! So you should realize how top secret this is!" "Don't worry, your secret is safe with me Mrs.Lars Hancock". Carson rolled her eyes. "You're hilarious" "I know" said Sophie, batting her eyelashes. "Come on, let's get ready". And with that Carson was up and rolling.
Sophie walked over to pick up her water bottle. "Sophie, I'm still riding with you, right?". Sophie looked up to see who the voice belonged to, it was Carson. "Yeah, I just need to get my stuff together" "Oh okay, I have to talk to Mr.Lars anyway" "Are y'all going to June's party tonight?" said Meredith. "Yeah, Carson and I are going to my house to get ready for it, you wanna come with?" "Oh no, I told my Mom I'd come straight home form dance, she wants to talk, but thanks!" "Talk?" inquired Carson. "I think she's got a new guy" "Well I'll keep my fingers crossed for you and your new daddy!" teased Sophie. "Hardy har har, thanks for the support" "Anytime". Meredith stuck her tongue out at Sophie, waved at Carson, and she was gone.
Meredith's mom had divorced her dad when she was nine, and had never been without a guy since. It wasn't like she was a flirt or anything, in fact she was quite religious, she was just gorgeous. Men loved her, she was tall, had ocean blue eyes, and striking red hair, she was like Meredith at forty. The only difference between them was Meredith worried about everything while she hadn't a care in the world.
Carson and Sophie picked their bags up and hurried out of the dance studio. Sophie opened the trunk and they threw their bags in. Sophie got in the driver's seat, buckled up, started the engine, and backed out.
Sophie and Carson had been best friends since Sophie came to the studio six years ago. They were sixteen now, but Carson was two months older and never let her forget it. They were total opposites. Sophie loved everything vintage, Carson loved everything modern. Sophie was the baby of the family, Carson was the oldest. Sophie had brown hair, Carson had blond, the list went on. They did have in common the fact that they were both home-schooled. But more important than that, they could always trust each other with their secrets.
They were just pulling into the drive when Carson exclaimed "Oh no! I can't believe I forgot!" "What? What did you forget?" "To talk to Mr.Lars, I was suppose to talk to him, but I forgot!" "Well you could always e-mail him. What did you need to talk about anyway?" "Oh just my solo" "Wait, I thought Mrs.Emma was doing your solo" "Um well she was but my mom likes Mr.Lars' choreography better" "But you hate lyrical" "Well that's what a lot of the college dance programs are looking for" "Yeah that's true. But I think all the teachers are invited tonight, so maybe you could talk to him tonight" "Oh good thinking!" "Yeah I know! Plus we all get to stare at him in his bathing suit" "Sophie!" "What?". Carson tried to act shocked but she knew she wasn't.
Sophie opened the trunk and they pulled their bags out. Sophie locked the car and they made their way to the door. She put the key in the lock and opened the door. "Mom, I'm home" she shouted. Sophie's mom walked in, dish rag in her hand. "Hi girls, how was dance?" "It was good, exhausting, but good" said Sophie as she sat her bag down and hugged her mom. "Where's dad?" "He's doing some work in the backyard. Are y'all hungry?" "Oh no thanks Carol, we're just gonna eat at June's, but thank you" "You're welcome Carson! And tell your mom I said 'hello'" "I will".
Sophie and Carson walked up the stairs to Sophie's room. Everyone called Sophie's mom Carol. Not Mrs.Duvall, or Mrs.Carol, or even Sophie's mom, but Carol. If it was anyone else it would have been weird, but not with Carol.
Sophie opened her bedroom door and the girls both tossed their bags on the floor. Carson plopped down on the bed and Sophie went straight to her closet. "So I was thinking I'd wear my white cover up with my pink polka dot bikini and my pink wedges" "Yeah that sounds great" said Carson in an absentminded voice. "Or I could wear my teal sundress and my white suit" "Sure that's nice" "Or I could paint myself orange and change my name to carrot" "That's cute" "Carson!" shouted Sophie. Carson whipped her head around with a startled expression. "What? What's wrong?" "I was trying to get your opinion on my outfit but you seem completely out of it, are you okay?" "Oh yeah I'm fine, just tired. You know how draining Saturday practices can be" "Are you sure?" "Yeah totally" "Carson, I know when you're lying". Carson stood up and started pacing. "Well there is this one thing I've been meaning to tell you" "Okay, shoot!" "But you have to promise you won't tell" "Okay, I promise". Sophie slowly sat on the bed waiting for Carson to answer. "I mean this is huge, if word got out....". Carson was starting to worry Sophie. "Carson, teacup". Suddenly Carson seemed to calm down. She shut the door and walked over to the bed and sat beside Sophie. Sophie put her hand on Carson's arm and she turned toward her. "I've been seeing someone" "Who?" "Mr.Lars" "Is this like to make me not as shocked when you tell me who it really is?" "No, that's not what this is...". Sophie stood up and started to pace. "I'd be okay if you wanted to date Brian, it's been months since the break-up!" "Sophie!". She stopped dead in her tracks. "Sophie, it really is Mr.Lars" "Wow. Well how long has this been going on?" "Since the beginning of the summer" "Is that why you didn't come with me and my family to the beach?" "No, I didn't plan this, at first I just wanted to improve my dancing, and then after a few weeks we got really close, it just sorta happened" "Wow. The only thing I have from summer vacation is a tan-line, you have a secret boyfriend" "Hey what about those awesome pieces of beach glass you found?!". They both laughed. "Well am I the only one that knows?" "Yes! So you should realize how top secret this is!" "Don't worry, your secret is safe with me Mrs.Lars Hancock". Carson rolled her eyes. "You're hilarious" "I know" said Sophie, batting her eyelashes. "Come on, let's get ready". And with that Carson was up and rolling.
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