Vannellapishia: The Best Time of A Lifetime

Chapter 4

Vannellapishia’

“The Best Time of a Lifetime”

Chapter 4.

As the TV continued to play orchestra music, Vannellapishia walked towards her room in the back of the apartment. Theodore grabbed the remote, changing from song to song. After a few moments, Vannellapishia had entered the room in her practice dance attire and a long ballet bar in her hands. She placed the bar down, and began stretching. Theodore joined in on the warm-ups.

“...I thought it was your day off,” Theodore said.

“It is,” Vannellapishia replied. “...But I have a big audition to prepare for tomorrow. It's a big deal.”

“I'm sure you'll get the part of Amarella, just like you want.”

“I know it too!”

Vannellapishia practiced all evening, and all through the night. Sweat fell from her eyebrows, and past her eyes. She was filled with determination, faith, and drive. After a few hours of rehearsing, Theodore fell asleep on the couch as Vannellapishia continued practicing.

After countless hours, Vannellapishia had finally fallen asleep. After ten hours of deep sleep, she woke up, but after looking at the clock she was upset. Her alarm clock did not wake up. Now, she only had ten minutes to get to the audition. She quickly brushed her teeth, grabbed her dance bag, and headed to the audition. She rushed down the four flights of stairs, out the front doors, and jogged down the sidewalk until she approached Mama Louise's Playhouse. She rushed in through the front doors, and jogged backstage. Her name was the last name to be called to audition. She pulled back her shoulders, held her head high, and gracefully walked on to the center stage. She had made it just in time.

“...Rushing in, are we,” the lady in the middle judge seat said.

“What?” Vannellapishia muttered under her breath.

“I heard your footsteps rush through the front doors, and run backstage… It is always pertinent to be on time no matter where you go, Vannellapishia.”

“I understand Madam Louise. It's just that…”

“...A dog ate your homework. A cat stole your lunch. You fell in love with a rabbit…”

“What?”

“Whatever the reason is, don't let it happen again. I respect the faculty and business partnership that my establishment has with Madam Walker's School of Dance, and I would like to ensure that I have respect for the students as well.”

“Yes mam. My apologies.”

“Now let's see your routine!”

Once the music started, Vannellapishia plied. She twirled in circles and leaped in the air, tirelessly. Vannellapishia poured her heart onto the stage. As she continued dancing, stars flung from the ceiling, hearts leaped into the air, and sparks shined from her dress. It was a mesmerizing sight to see. The judges were impressed, but also confused as to why they were witnessing magic on the stage. Madam Louise was definitely confused, as her eyebrows arched in anger and curiosity.

“That will be enough for today. You can leave!” Madam quickly stopped Vannellapishia from finishing her routine, and signaled for her music to be turned off.

Confused, and a bit upset, Vannellapishia grabbed her vinyl and record player, and rushed off stage. Madam Louise pierced her eyes into the abyss, as she scrunched her nose and her eyes turned red.

As Vannellapishia walked through the front doors, back outside, and onto the sidewalk, she felt uncomfortable. She sensed that something was watching her. After a few moments of twirling on the sidewalk, she heard a sound.

“Phssst…”

Vannellapishia looked to the side of the building, and said, “Theodore! When are you going to stop following me around.” Unfortunately, it was not Theodore. It was Madam Louise dressed in a red cloak. Her skin was deep, fiery red. Her eyes were pitch black, and her head had long gray horns attached to it. Vannellapishia was shocked and speechless with no idea of what to do, as she fearfully tiptoed backwards.