On My Way To Mr. Right

Chapter 26

We arrived at James’ dance, which was held in a gymnasium opposite the school. It was sort of an interschool event and he acquired credits, which is why he was always careless with his academics. He had his dancing to fall back on or support him. But this dance will determine whether or not he'll fail this year.

“Where do you want us?” I asked him as we entered the huge entranceway. There were like a lot of people inside already, and it was just a quarter to ten.

“I reserve seats for you in the front row. Come on, I’ll show you to them.” As a prominent and rising star dancer, he has his way.

He leads us to the literal front row of the seats where I could recognize a few school principals and dance mentors seating. Thinking about my feet, I sat in the middle of the empty seats. On one side of the seat was an old, grumpy-looking lady, probably in her 60s. I assume she’s the principal of one of the participating schools. On the other hand, it was our very own principal, with whom I was in a delicate predicament. I would not want her to give me additional punishment. Especially since I abruptly left her office the last time.

“I’ll have to go backstage now. Wish me luck,” He winks at me before leaving in a rush.

“Break a leg, James!” We screamed, which caused an awkward reaction from the old lady beside us.

“It’s an expression,” I whispered, trying to defend myself even though they couldn’t hear me from all the shouting from the audience.

Yes, this was a big thing. But also because it was associated with a fashion show with some rumored famous models from the Big Apple.

“Who are the extra seats for?” B asks as she sits beside me while Charles sits on the other side.

“I don’t know. James didn’t say,” I answered.

The gym lights dimmed as the show began. It was led with eye-blinding lights and some teen singing or lip-syncing very obviously to some trendy song with models walking down the runway.

“Tonight not only will we be witnessing some of the finest models of our town and some visiting models from New York City, but we also have our dancers competing for the title. The night will be divided into two segments, one for the group dances and another for the individual dances.”

James was dancing alone.

Which made it more nerve-wracking for all of us. He was third to present, he said.

The school also sent a group dance team. James used to be a part of the same dance team. He had a conflict with the team’s senior leader which led to him being kicked out. But he was determined to make his name in the game. Also, to use his skills to advance academically. So, he was adamant about an individual dance segment being made. With his determination or rather annoying nature, he got the principal to suggest it to the other principals. It got approved within the same month. He was a lucky son of a bench.

The night went on surprisingly fast. Four out of the five dance teams had presented already. Not to say I wasn’t amazed, but it was certainly getting late, and I was starting to get sleepy. Not even the loud uproar of the audience could keep me up.

The models were doing an intermission number by presenting their swimsuits created by some designer whose name I can’t be bothered to remember.