Her

1,2,3,4 and 1,2,3,4 the beat of the music pulsates and bounces off the walls. My  heart is pounding to the rhythm of the upbeat pop song. Step ball-change turn and turn I think as I look down at my toned legs,  a small smile spreads across my face  as I try to find my breath. My chest puffs out proudly as my leg extends and I hit the final pose with the rest of the dancers. The mirror of the small studio reflects the ensemble of identical smiles gleaming with excitement all seeming to say we did that ! “ Great ladies!” our dance instructor Genevieve says as she nods her head with 2 small claps, her red curls bounce in agreement around her shoulders.  The dancers all let out a breath and break formation all 10 girls running to their water, I am the only one left standing. I  lean forward to stretch before slowing getting up and checking myself in the mirror. My skin is shining with sweat after a productive dance practice and my hazel eyes are leaning more in the green side.  “ You need a ride ?” a blonde girl with legs for days and a name brand sparkling back pack on her shoulder casually inquires. But I only shake my head, my black ponytail flipping as I turn quickly on my heels realizing I have  already lingered too long. In one motion I swiftly collect my bag and phone from the wall nearest the door and push my way out the door. I force my tired legs to walk faster toward the black ford waiting near the curb.  “Hi Jared.” I offer with a small smile as I climb in  the passenger side door, still feeling the euphoria of  a job well done in dance.  “Babe.” The driver of the truck offers, his head pointed down to look at me, he  turns his well-toned shoulders and faces his muscular chest toward her, his voice low and thick. “That took a while.” I  look up at him and stops for a second before offering only a simple shoulder shrug. I knew of course that I  had taken too long.  “Well you stink now. Let’s go.” Jared says, as he throws the old ford into drive and burns out as he leaves. I turn my head and see the other girls from my dance class staring as they exit the building. How embarrassing I think as I try my best to slide further into the seat with my eyes looking down at the floor of the truck.  The entire drive home feels like it takes 30 years filled with and incredibly tense silence. Finally we pull into the dusty driveway of our humble apartment. I quickly take off my seatbelt and hop out of the truck, the faster I can get in the shower, the better. Jared has already beat me to the doorway, his long tan legs propelling him faster than my tired 5’6” frame could even try. Just as I reach for my bag my cell phone starts to ring, Genevieve appears on the caller ID.  “Hey” I answer quickly, I glance over to look at Jared, he rolls his eyes before heading into the house.  “Hey girl! I wanted to talk to you after class but you ran off so quick with that fine boyfriend of yours” the dance instructor giggles into the phone. I giggle too as I wait for her to finish her train of thought. I have learned with Genevieve if you encourage her she can talk for hours and never get to the point.  “Anyways…” she continues “ I have an opportunity to enter Dance America in 3 months.” “Wow!” I exclaim. Dance America is the biggest dance competition in the USA, it's where people get discovered and dancing stars are truly made. The last girl who won the solo competition segment ended up with several different offers from Broadway and dance centric tv shows.  “Exactly.” Genevieve continues her voice shifting to a more serious tone. “ That's why I needed to ask you, would you be interested in entering as a soloist for lyrical dance? You’ve been dancing for years and you meet the age requirements.”  “YES YES YES !” I practically squeal, I had been dancing my entire life and this was something bigger than anything I had accomplished so far. Just the opportunity to say I competed meant so much to me. This is the epitome of my dancing career! “Great! This means more practice time. Just the two of us, okay ? We are a team and I want you to win this !” Genevieve chuckles on the other line.  We hang up and I grab my bag and practically burst into the door of our small 2 bedroom apartment. I’m smiling so big my face hurts practically radiating joy. I enter through the kitchen to see Jared sitting on the floor with his friend Ken.  “ Hey what’s up happy girl?” Ken says with a genuine smile. Jared’s eyes squinted slightly, his smile not quite reaching his beautiful deep brown eyes.  “ I got chosen to be a soloist at Dance America!” I squeak out jumping up and down, hardly able to contain my excitement. Ken jumps off the couch and gives me a hug. I stifle a laugh when his pudgy belly touches me. I look at Jared, this is something I've dreamed of since I was small. Jared and I watch Dance America every year together and I always tell him that this is my true dream. I never thought in my wildest imagination this would ever happen to me. Jared unfolds his tall frame and walks to me, he embraces me in a big hug. At this moment everything feels right, I feel like I can do anything! My future is bright! I walk away from the living room and head toward the bathroom to freshen up.  “Wow dude! That’s so cool! That’s your girlfriend dude!” I overhear Ken saying as I walk away.  “Well” Jared replies “ She’s gonna have to lose so much weight she's a freaking cow.” My heart sinks to my stomach. I feel the glow from earlier fade away and I look down and I silently make my way into the bathroom.