The Vampire's Human Love

Chapter Eight

Once her name was called, Sarah went out onto the makeshift stage. She was a little nervous but hip-hop was her dance of choice and she knew it would be unique because most of the other dancers were not used to performing hip-hop dances so they would be choosing a different style. That would allow her to stand out from the crowd and show her flexibility when it comes to different styles.

As soon as the music started, she started up her routine. She had never performed this routine before in front of an audience. She had just created the routine a few months ago but had practiced it hundreds of times before, between, and after classes. She knew she was performing it in front of almost one hundred people, but it felt like she was in her parents’ dance studio performing it in front of the mirror like she had done so many times before. It was engraved in her mind, just like she had with the other performances she had performed earlier.

Once she was finished, she took a bow before heading backstage. She sighed soft and thought about heading outside while the other women performed, but she decided to stay inside just in case it went by quicker than she thought. She didn’t want to miss them announcing the winner.

Thankfully, it didn’t take too long for the others to finish their performances. They had all been instructed to the side of the stage but hidden from the majority of the audience. One of the judges went to the middle of the stage and addressed the audience by thanking them by coming and by supporting the dancers as they went to classes. But soon it was time for the top three to be announced. Only the top person would win any money, but the other two would get a trophy and all of the dance instructors around their area would know about their placement.

“In third place, Taylor Mitchell.” The judge announced and Sarah watched as she went on stage. They didn’t know each other very well, but they had seen each other a few times over the past few years. “In second place, Hannah Finch.” Which meant that only one spot was left and there were still a lot of women who would be able to fit in that spot. Based on the performances Sarah had seen, their scores would be fairly close to each other and she was worried.

Sarah looked out into the audience, at least the portion she could see from where she was standing. She couldn’t see her family or Andrew, but she knew they were out there. Even though he hadn’t been in the building much, she knew he wouldn’t miss the final decision. There was just a feeling in her gut that told her that he was in the audience, watching.

“And in first place,” the judge started and took a pause, which just caused the butterflies in Sarah’s stomach to intensify. “Sarah Williams.” She could hear her family going nuts a few rows up. She walked forward and went to claim the trophy as well as the check. She shook the judge’s hand and smiled once she faced the audience. She was in shock honestly. She hadn’t expected to win because of all the talent that had been there within the group of people.

After a couple minutes of the judges and contestants talking, everyone headed backstage. Sarah headed into the dressing room to get her stuff before she headed back outside. Her parents and brother met her out there and hugged her to congratulate her. “We are so proud of you honey.” Her father said as they hugged. “Thanks Dad.” She whispered before pulling away.

“Hey, I can cover your class if you want to just relax for the rest of the night. I was planning to anyway if this went any longer.” Her brother, Daniel, mentioned and Sarah just nodded and hugged him. “That would be amazing, thanks Dan.”

Her family left and then she sat outside for a moment, putting her stuff in the backseat of her car. All of a sudden, she felt arms go around her waist from behind. “See, I said you could do it.” Andrew whispered into her ear and she just giggled and rested her hands on his. “Maybe I just needed to know you thought I could.” She said, just teasing him. She had her doubts from the very beginning all the way up until they said her name.

“I always thought you could win, before and after I saw your competition. They were good but not all of them put the amount of passion behind it as you did.” He said and she smiled, kissing his cheek.

“Thanks Andrew. I appreciate the confidence. So, I have the rest of the day off. Do you want to go do something together?” She asked, curious to see if he would be interested or not.

“Yeah, sounds like a plan. Want to come to my place? We could watch a movie or something.” He suggested while closing her backseat car door.

She smiled soft and leaned against it, letting her hair rest on her shoulders instead of having it up like she did inside. “Sure, I can follow you there with my car.” She said before opening her driver’s door.

“Okay, see you at mine.” He said before leaning down and kissing her. She kissed him back and wrapped her arms around his neck. The kiss lasted a few minutes before they both pulled away. She got into her car and waited for him to get into his before following him to his place.