Live Again

by Brittney Mulliner

  The opening notes filled the room as the lights grew brighter. I blocked everything else out: school, boys, and the next routine. Nothing else mattered for the next two minutes and thirty seconds. I put all of my energy into extending further, kicking higher, and nailing each leap.

  By the end, I was out of breath. Slowly, my mind allowed in my surroundings. The volume of the cheers was almost deafening, and it wasn’t just coming from my friends’ section.

  I enjoyed the moment for only a few seconds before running offstage and sprinting to our room. I peeled off my coral costume and pulled on my tights and nude leotard at record speed. Luckily, our team was wearing zippered flapper dresses that I could slip on.

  As I reached down to grab my jazz shoes, the door slammed shut and the lights went black. With no windows in the room, I couldn’t even see my hand in front of my face. Panic rushed through my body.

  I didn’t have time for this. Not only did I have to get to my team before they started, but I was not in the mood for a stupid prank. If I found out this was some other team trying to sabotage us, they were in for a rude awakening.

  I stumbled around the room, tripping over bags and clothing. If only I knew where my phone was: I could use it as a flashlight. I thought I was heading in the right direction of the door when I felt hands wrap around my shoulders and shove me hard to the ground. Gasping and kicking the air around me, I waited to hear movement to know where my attacker was.

  Silence surrounded me until suddenly the door was opened and light flooded in. My gaze flew to the source, where Cassie reached in and turned on the lights. “What are you doing? We’re going on!”

  Before I could look around the room or ask her if she saw anyone, I was being pulled down the hall and onto the dark stage. “Get in formation!” The girl next to me gave me an exasperated look before turning forward again.

  The music started, but I stood frozen. What had just happened? Was my stalker here? Two counts into the routine, I snapped back into reality and caught up. I hoped no one noticed my late start since I was in the back, but judges could be tricky. My usual superpower of pushing out everything else seemed to have disappeared in the few minutes that separated my solo from now.

  Had I really just been onstage? It felt like I had been stuck in the blacked-out room for hours, but it was likely only a few seconds.

  Once our music ended, I ran offstage and directly to our room. Maybe there was a clue or something left behind.

  After quickly scanning the room, nothing looked out of place. My shoulders fell in defeat. There was no way I imagined being shoved. Competitions were stressful, but I wasn’t out of it enough to have tripped myself or make this up.

  I sat next to my bag and took out my water bottle. When I reached in for my black jazz shoes, I noticed something shoved to the side. My heartbeat started to pick up when I recognized an envelope. Biting down on my lip, I debated waiting to open it after the competition. My mind was already a mess and if it was what I thought it was . . . I couldn’t handle more drama.

  Throwing the envelope back into my bag, I pushed it out of my mind for later. I had one team routine left and I wasn’t going to let some psycho ruin it for me.

  Our second team costume was my favorite. It had a high collar, and it was gray on top, with ruffles starting at the waist. Each layer of ruffles got darker until they turned black at mid-thigh. The transformation in each girl was entertaining to watch as they put the dress on. We couldn’t help but become sassy with it on, which was a definitely bonus when we were on stage.

  We had a few minutes before we were on, so hairspray and makeup suddenly appeared from every direction. Cassie and I took turns touching up each other’s makeup and hair up until it was time to head backstage.

  There was a definite energy among the team. We were all excited that this was the last dance and that we were almost done. Everyone had done so well today, and we wanted the results now.

  In our opening formation, Cassie whispered an encouragement to the team. I smiled as the lights and music turned up. The lighting was different this time, and I could make out more of the audience. I smiled and winked in the direction of my friends and heard the cheers increase.

  Something caught my attention in the middle of the routine. There was a person in a hooded jacket staring directly at me, standing next to the exit doors. I tried to look as often as possible, hoping Brandon or Mike might notice my gaze and look at the figure.

  After we hit our final pose, I looked back to the doors. No one was there. Freaky.

  Relief set in as I changed back into my team warmups and walked with the girls out to the stage for the scores. There was nothing more we could do except wait.

  Once all the teams were present, they began with the small groups. Cassie’s group placed second in their category, and mine placed first in ours. I looked over to our coaches and saw them smiling and cheering. It was one of the first times they’d been openly proud of us. Too bad it would only last for the day; by Monday we would be back to running the same eight count twelve times before they would let us move on.

  When the judges announced the solo category, my heart jumped to my throat. I grabbed hands with Cassie and squeezed. She laughed, but let me crush her.

  They read off third place then second, so either I didn’t place or I got first. I could only consider this for a few quick seconds before I heard my name. Cassie yanked me into a hug, then pushed me forward to accept the trophy. I held it up and smiled at my coaches before looking up for my brother.

  First my eyes found Carter, who was cheering like a fan at the Super Bowl. I blushed, then looked down the row to Brandon. He looked like a proud papa and was hugging Liv. I waved and stepped back to my team.

  Next were the overall scores, which included our team routines. If we placed here, we would move on to regional competitions.

  We held our breath as they announced the third-place team. I didn’t expect us to get first, but I really needed us to place. The judge took her sweet time to make the announcement for second place, and it wasn’t us. After the cheers for the other team settled, silence spread through the auditorium.

  When the words “Dance Academy” hit my ears, tears filled my eyes instantly. We did it! We were first place in the competition.

  Our team surged forward to collect the trophy, and the audience flowed down and mixed with the teams. Suddenly, I was in the air. I looked down to see Mike smiling up at me, chanting my name. Brandon handed me a beautiful bouquet of red roses. Cassie was lifted up by Caleb, and we grabbed hands and laughed. I couldn’t remember a time I’d been this blissfully happy.

  Chapter 18

  “I’m not worthy.” I giggled as two strong arms wrapped around my waist.

  “You were absolutely breathtaking, babe.”

  I turned around in Mike’s arms and smiled up at him. “Thank you. I’m so happy you were here!”

  “Nothing could have kept me from seeing you like this.” He winked suggestively. “I wouldn’t mind seeing those outfits again soon.”

  “Oh, really?”

  He nodded eagerly.

  “Nice try, but those are for competition only. Although, I was more covered than I am during practice.”

  His eyebrow shot up. “Why have I never witnessed this?”

  I swatted him and took his hand before walking back to our friends. “Because you have your own practice to attend.”

  He tugged my hand back before we reached everyone. “Aubrey, I’m sorry for how I’ve been acting lately. I’m just really happy you and I are finally together, and I want to be with you. I was being a jerk asking you to come to my practice.”

  I stood there, frozen with my mouth agape. He was admitting he was wrong?

  “I didn’t mean to make it seem like I didn’t appreciate what you do. It’s obvious how hard you work. Things have just been so crazy lately and I wanted to be able to keep an eye on you. I need to trust you to be able to take care of yourself.”
r />   Well, this was completely unexpected. He was telling me exactly what I’d been wanting to hear, but he was wrong. Things were getting worse.

  Today was the first time my stalker made physical contact, and I’d panicked. I was surrounded by people all day, but the monster was able to corner me during the few seconds I was alone. I was way out of my league, and I knew I had to tell him and Brandon, but I wanted to enjoy my few moments of glory.

  “Thank you. I appreciate you apologizing. I know you weren’t trying to be mean about me skipping my practice, but it felt like you thought it didn’t matter because it was dance.”

  “That wasn’t it at all. I just didn’t like you not being with me.”

  “I understand.”

  “I’ll try to do better from now on.”

  “Actually, I have something I need to talk to you and Brandon about . . . later.”

  His hands came up and brushed my cheeks. “What’s going on? Did something happen?”

  “We can deal with it later.”

  I tried to pull off a calm face, but I knew he saw through me. He paused for a moment before giving me a slight nod. He led me to the waiting group.

  It took almost an hour for everyone to take their turn congratulating me and Cassie. Some of the guys decided they were hungry and convinced everyone to meet for burgers and shakes. I hugged the girls and told them to have fun, but I wanted to spend the evening with Brandon and Mike.

  When I turned around, I could tell by Brandon’s expression that he knew there was something going on. Liv approached me and gave me a hug, whispering, “Do you want me to come over?”

  She knew I had something to tell them, and she was a great buffer. I looked into her eyes and nodded. “Yeah, I think I’m going to need your help.”

  Liv had proved to be the level head Brandon needed. Whenever he got too overprotective, she was able to negotiate with him on my behalf. They’d better end up staying together, since she was becoming like a sister to me.

  We separated into our cars and agreed to go directly back to the apartment. I could tell Mike was waiting for me to talk to him, but I wanted to wait. I knew he would freak out when he heard what had happened, but I’d rather he didn’t do it while driving.

  Brandon and Liv were waiting in the living room when we walked in. I had expected Carter to be there too, but I realized I hadn’t seen him after the competition. So much had been running through my mind and so many people were around me that I didn’t even notice his absence. I almost asked about him, but thought better of it when I realized Mike might take it the wrong way: that I cared about him and where he was. Which I did.

  Brandon gestured to the other end of the sofa and waited expectantly. “What’s going on, Aubrey?”

  I debated a topic change but remembered I was the one that asked them to come listen to me. I reached into my dance bag, which was lying beside me, and pulled out the envelope, which I still hadn’t opened. There was an audible gasp when they saw it. No one said a word for a few moments until I broke the silence.

  “I was attacked during the competition.”

  Brandon jumped up. “What do you mean? When did it happen? Someone was there?”

  Liv reached up and put her hand on his hip. “Brandon, let her talk.”

  He fell back onto the couch, never breaking eye contact.

  “There was only one song between my solo and our team, remember?”

  There was collective nodding.

  “I ran back to the room to change and all of the girls were already backstage so I was alone. I finished changing and was on my way out when the lights turned off and the door shut. There were no windows, so it was pitch black. I was trying to get out but I kept tripping over other bags and stuff. Then I felt someone grab my shoulders and shove me forward. I was on the ground when Cassie opened the door and found me. She turned on the lights and we ran out. When I got back to the room I found the envelope, but I haven’t read it.”

  Mike had moved from sitting next to me to practically holding me in his lap. “Why didn’t you come get one of us?”

  “There wasn’t time.”

  Brandon he clenched his jaw. “Did you see anything? When Cassie opened the door, did you see anything?”

  “I was only able to look quickly, but no, I didn’t see anyone in the room or in the hall when we left.”

  He shook his head. “I hate to ask this, but could it have been Cassie? If she’s the only person you saw . . .” He knew better than to finish the sentence.

  “No. How could she have pushed me, then gotten to the other side of the room and open the door from the outside?”

  “It just doesn’t make sense. How did neither you nor she see anyone?”

  “I think I did see him, just after.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “During my last team performance, I saw someone standing by the exit doors with a hoodie on. I couldn’t see a face, but by the size I think it was a man. He was looking directly at me, and I was hoping one of you would notice me looking in that direction, but I guess you guys didn’t.”

  Liv began shaking her head. “I noticed, but I just thought you noticed a friend or something. I looked down, but I didn’t see anyone.”

  Frustration set in. This person had followed me to the competition and waited for me to be alone. Whoever it was had enough patience to wait for the perfect time. According to the cop shows I’ve seen, that means this person is smart. Smart and crazy, a deadly combination.

  Brandon slowly reached forward to pick up the envelope. I’d nearly forgotten about it after everything else that had happened today. Carefully he broke the seal and examined the interior. He exhaled slowly while lifting out a card.

  He met my eyes once before reading it aloud. “You’ve ruined my whole life. Now it’s my turn.”

  We sat in stunned silence. I quickly ran through a mental list of people I knew here. I didn’t think I had even been here long enough to make an enemy, let alone ruin someone’s life.

  “Who is this?” Mike verbalized what we were all thinking.

  Brandon ran his hand through his hair several times before replying. “None of this makes sense, and now that we have their motive it’s even more confusing. It’s gone from a possible prank to something personal. This is a direct threat.” He put his hands on his knees and pushed forward to stand. “I’ll go make the call.”

  I’d be through this enough to know who he was calling. My favorite pair of detectives.

  While he paced around the kitchen island, Liv scooted closer to me. “We’re going to figure this out, Aubrey. Now that he’s become physical, the police will have to do more.”

  I wanted to believe her, but we had nothing more to give them. This note was no different than the others, and those had proved futile. Carter was the one who was able to isolate the area of where the messages were coming from to our neighborhood. The detectives had done nothing but question my accountability.

  After three hours of me repeating the few details I knew from the competition, there was a unanimous decision that I was officially under house arrest until the stalker was found. The detectives were the first to suggest it, but approval quickly spread. As much as I wanted to fight for my freedom, it was time for me to accept my reality. If I wanted to remain safe, I needed to listen this time. From now on there would be a set schedule of my day and my chaperone.

  Mckayla would be picking me up for school so I wouldn’t be alone for even the five-minute drive to her house. Cassie would drive me to dance and then back home, where either Mike or Brandon would be with me. I knew this would be where things got tricky. Brandon was still insanely busy at work, and it just wasn’t feasible for him to work from home. Liv offered to step in whenever it was needed, but she had a life to live, too. I couldn’t ask anyone to do this, but I didn’t have to. They each volunteered.

  “I know this seems extreme, Aubrey, but I’m glad you appreciate how serious things have gotten. No sneaking out this t
ime or not telling me where you are.”

  I nodded in agreement. There was nothing for me to dispute.

  “There are only a few select people I approve of you being alone with. Mike, Liv, Carter, and the Pages.”

  “I understand, but what about everyone that was sitting with you today? If none of them left from my solo to the team routine, then we can eliminate them as suspects.”

  The three of them seemed to consider this.

  “You’re right. Aubrey, I think you just made a valid point.”

  I smiled at Liv, appreciating her support.

  “Your attack happened immediately after your solo. Do you guys remember anyone leaving during that time?”

  Brandon shook his head but had a look of total concentration, as if he was reliving those moments.

  Mike looked past me and focused in on the wall. “No. No one in our group left. Mckayla had a program and made sure everyone knew when you and Cassie had performances. She didn’t let anyone leave when you guys were going to be on.”

  Liv’s smile broke into a beam. “Make a list of who was there. Those people are safe. That narrows down who you know here significantly.”

  I jumped up and searched for a notepad and pen in the kitchen. Mike reached up and took them from me. For several minutes he listed every person that was there.

  “What’s taking you so long?”

  He met my eyes for a second before looking back down at his work. “I’m listing everyone that went to Catalina, too. Since you got pictures from the trip it was likely someone with us that took them. I’m eliminated everyone that was at the show today. That should give us a list of suspects.”

  Squealing as I jumped up, I threw my arms around him and kissed him. “You’re a genius!”

  I looked over to Brandon and Liv, who were both sitting in stunned silence. Eventually Brandon said, “That was brilliant, Mike. Once we have that list, Carter and I can go through and look into each of them.”

  Liv squeezed his hand. “This is it. We’re so close I can feel it!”

  ☼ ☼ ☼

  Music woke me up on Sunday morning—far too early for the weekend, especially with the drama from yesterday. If there was any day I deserved to sleep in, it was today. I pulled on a hoodie and stumbled out of my room.