Withering Love

Dance Competition

I was running to school. My team was already since last night. They were very excited. Some of them were not sleeping last night just to witness the dawn of competition. I was running badly, then suddenly I stopped.

Kaila saw me, she came and asked:

"What's wrong with you, Geo?"

"Just my stomach. It's aching!"

"Come, we'll go to our school's clinic."

The pain was so severe that even a single movement could already bring me to serious pain. We need to win this competition! My team, they are expecting me to come early!

Kaila seemed to notice the worries I raised to myself. "There is no need for you to go their, Geo!" I was still listening to her when they all come and looked at me. They're worried about me.

"How are you, Bro?" Miguel asked.

"I'm fine, I just need some little rest."

"If you can't go to the dance competition, don't force yourself, we'll just be okay there! We'll win it for you!" There he went to his usual childish behavior, Josh is a positive thinker person. For him, everything is fine.

"Don't worry, I'll go with you!" They were all looking at me. I look them one-by-one, then asked:

"So, what's your decision?"

"Of course, we want you to be there. Even if you'll not dance with us!" Ben said. He looked at the group, trying to convince them.

"I'll go with you, guys!" When they heard my decision, they're screaming as if there's a feast. The four corners of our school clinic was noisy because of the loud scream they've created. Other students were looking at us as well.

Then, a long silence came.

We're ready to go, and Kaila was bringing my black backpack. She handed it over to me. I wanted to kiss her but I remember my father's words: You're still young!

I just hugged her very tight.

"Take care," she told me.

"You, too!" I shouted so that she can hear me. The bus' engine has started then proceeded to the gate. Everyone was dancing even if our advisory class told us to behave. I can't imagine if we will win the competition. If we'll win, then we can proceed to the Grand Finals. Oh, how sweet it is! I changed the position of my head and face the transparent window of the bus.

I was about to be transported to the world of dreams when I remember something. I didn't ask permision form Uncle Ricky and Aunt Joanna! They will scold me again. But instead of bothering myself about those negative thoughts, I got back to sleep and rest my mind for a while.

For some minutes since our departure, I can feel that it was almost near. The time of the competition will be held around 9:30 a.m.

I saw my team, they're conversing! They were very happy, and my only concern now is for us to win. I want the school to receive the honor.

I returned to sleep!

I was dreaming! I thought that we already won the competition. Everyone was rejoicing. Congratulations, Geo! Kaila told me in my dream. Yeah, we did it. Thanks to my team, they have labored hard just to get it! She was smiling, her smile was genuine. Then, when I change my gaze, I heard that the world was shaking. Then, stop!

I was awakened by the sudden break of the bus. We're here! So, I was just dreaming. We went out from the bus, I was looking at the entrance. Lights were so beautiful. Crowded people were noisy.

"Are you ready, Geo?" Asked Kevin.

"Yeah, uhm..do you know where is the comfort room of this auditorium. I just want to ease myself before proceeding to the contest?"

"Just go up there, then you can find the entrance, just follow the instructions then you'll be guided."

I went upstairs and as I entered, I saw a lot of contestants were inside. They were looking at me. I just wore my school pants, my entire attire for school, my uniform.

They were very happy. I can see that through their eyes, and excited as well. I didn't feel anything. I just felt that everything was like normal.

As I returned, I grabbed a place near Kevin's seat. Contestants were already very ready.

The emcee announce the contestants, and we were second to the last, they arranged the contestants by alphabetical order.

We went to the stage. I mean, all of us, contestants. everyone's wearing their best attire. I can say that our own was not that attractive, but criteria for costume won't matter a lot.

I hope this will end immediately! I told myself. Nervousness captured me.

The Phoenix Dance Team showcased their own creative dance. That was impressive. Then, followed the second group, third, fourth and fifth, then us.

We're on the stage. Our music had started to air and each of us were focused, Mark and Joseph were doing the most difficult task. Then we dance the last one-16 routine. James was suspended in the air, and Josh was holding him. But Josh can't balance his own body. That's our mistake since practice. James was dropped on the floor, and the audience and judges stood up to see what happened. Sam moved and created a dance steps not included in our practice.

He gave James a kick and he also responded. He got up and started dancing other steps. Both of them allowed their body to be driven by the current of their emotion. Their body suspended in the air then returned to the floor, standing.

The crowd stood up as well as the judges. They were clapping their hands too loud and clear.

The awarding of the TOP 5 who will proceed to the second round. The emcee announced Alcoholic Lovers as the fifth. The champion was The Al Schwartz, followed by RMX.We were not expecting to be one of those who will proceed in the second round.

The emcee continued: "And the third runner up is Geo's Descendants Dance Crew.

I was overjoyed, I was about to thank my team when Kaila came. She followed me.