by Audrina Lane
In the large room Charlie still felt the butterflies inside her as they walked across to the stage and she handed him the disc with their music on it. They stretched to warm up and then as the first strains came through the speakers Charlie let the music flow through her, calming her. She smiled as Mitch walked across to her and crooked his finger as he took her in his arms. The first couple of attempts they aborted due to either mistakes with the steps or not being quite ready for the lift. They paused for breath and checked the clock. They only had time for one more run through before the staff would arrive. Taking a deep breath Mitch gave Charlie a large hug.
“We can do it” he whispered, squeezing her hand as he crossed to the stereo.
This time Charlie forgot all her dreams as the magic started to flow and she became Baby in the film. As she ran towards Mitch and he lifted her she flung her arms out and remembered the view of the lake. Sliding down his body they were enjoying a brief kiss when applause started to ring out from the far end of the room. They turned around to find the waiting staff and receptionist there watching them and obviously enjoying the spectacle. As they dropped into a bow to acknowledge them the receptionist walked over.
“That was amazing Mr Cooke, would you be free to speak to our Manager later this evening as he is looking for possible evening entertainers”
“Thanks Samantha” he said, reading her badge and letting go of Charlie to shake her hand. Charlotte watched her wiggle away; she hoped this woman was not competition for Mitch’s affections.
However as she turned back to Mitchell he was busy sorting out their CD, so she headed over to him and ran her hand over his tight bum. He turned around and smiled at her.
“Feeling better now?” he asked, pulling her close.
“Definitely” she breathed, getting on tiptoes so that her lips could touch his.
“Come on shall we get showered and dressed and maybe some breakfast?” he asked. She nodded as he took her hand and they weaved between the staff setting up all the tables. Charlotte was aware of all the women looking at Mitchell as they passed; Mitchell saw the eyes of the guys on Charlie and pulled her closer. As they headed into their room Charlie wondered how her Mum was.
“Mitch, is it ok if I just give Mum’s door a knock after last night?” she asked.
“Of course you can, I’ll jump in the shower so take the key and let yourself in when you are ready” he said. Before they parted he pulled her close once more and kissed her slowly.
“Don’t be too long” he whispered.
As Charlotte walked along the corridor to her Mum’s room she wondered how last night had been for her. Then her mind went back to her night with Mitchell as she hugged herself and blushed at the memory. After all it’s not every night that a girl loses her virginity. She paused at the door and knocked lightly and waited. Then she knocked again as the nerves started to set in. All of a sudden the handle moved and her Mum stood there.
“Hi Mum” Charlie said
“Morning Charlie, is everything ok?” I asked.
“Yes Mum, just been practising downstairs as I was feeling the nerves” Charlie said.
“Come in” I said, opening the door wider and standing aside so Charlie could pass. I watched her staring at me.
“So” she said
“Well we talked and we will talk again later today” I said, running my hands through my knotted hair.
I looked at my daughter’s disappointed face and wondered what she was expecting. I pulled her into a hug.
“I’m not unhappy about meeting James again but twenty four years is a long time and I’m sure we have both changed as people” I said; trying to explain my conflicting emotions when even I wasn’t sure which way I wanted to go. My sleepless night hadn’t helped me much as I had spent much of it replaying the past as the feel of his lips on mine marked the present.
“Ok, Mum” Charlotte said “Just wanted to check you were ok” she finished, as I watched her edge towards the door “I’d better go and shower before we head down to breakfast”
“I’ll see you down there, I need a shower too” I replied.
Heading into the bathroom I looked at my reflection in the mirror and immediately saw the grey hairs peeping through and the wrinkles by my eyes. I looked down at the faded scars on both my wrists and was back in James’ hotel room again as I watched his face crumple in front of me. I turned the shower on and as steam started to fill the room I stepped out of my dressing gown and under the warm water. I felt instantly better as I tried to clear my muddled mind before I saw James later.
Charlotte opened the door to her room and could still hear the shower running in the bathroom. She quickly stepped out of her clothes and crept in through the door. It was hard to move the shower curtain quietly but it didn’t matter as Mitch had already heard the door to the room open and hoped that she would join him. As she stepped under the warm jets of water Mitch held her against his slick body and she felt instantly the spike of desire course through her. Mitchell must have felt it too as he ran his hands over her silky body and pressed tight against her.
“Do we have time” she whispered, running her hands over his chest and then downwards to his hips.
“I think we do” he replied as he hooked his hands under her bum and lifted her into position. In his arms she felt as light as air as she floated with him on the waves of emotion.
With the water running down their hot bodies Mitchell pushed her against the cooler tiles to steady them. Then they rocked together to the invisible music that seemed to bind them together. As the orgasm rocked through her she called his name and was greeted with the same in return. She knew that they belonged together and that whatever happened today she was really looking forward to their dance.
James eventually woke up and automatically looked across at the empty side of the bed. He sat up and could still smell the faint trace of Stephanie’s perfume in the air of the room. He knew that she had worn Anais Anais when they had been together but this was a new scent. He knew that she was probably thinking the same thoughts as he was after last night. But overriding that was the feel of her lips on his once more; he knew that she had felt the magnetic pull between them. He headed for the shower and as the spray hit his body he remembered the way they used to share the cubicle together.
Sarah woke up and looked across at her phone which had just beeped. She looked at the screen and smiled at the message from her best friend asking when they wanted to head for breakfast. She quickly sent one back and then ran her hand down Chris’ back to gently wake him up. She always enjoyed the times when they were together and the other side of the bed was full instead of empty.
“Come on Sleepyhead, Stephanie is already up and suggesting breakfast in the next half hour” Sarah said.
Chris pulled her into his arms “I think we have time for a kiss first” he murmured. Sarah surrendered into his embrace and enjoyed their usual wake up ritual.
As I knocked on the door to Sarah and Chris’ room I wondered what I would tell them about last night. I really needed some time with just Sarah so that she could help me talk through the cloudiness in my mind. Perhaps that would have to wait until we were back at home again. Heading down to the restaurant I hesitated as we passed James’ hotel room door and thought of last night. It had felt so good to be back in his arms again, like he was the missing jigsaw piece to my puzzle. The restaurant was fairly busy despite the early hour and I guessed that many of the guests were participants and family members in the dance finals.
I spotted Charlie and Mitch already seated at a table for two over in the corner. They both glowed with youth and I guess love if you could visibly see it. As we were shown to our table we passed by James and his parents and they all smiled and said hello. I could see the haunted look in his eyes as if imploring me to make my decision quickly. I smiled and said hello back but left it short as we were eventually seated. Charlie and Mitch spotted us and waved and then returned to their healthy fruit and yo
gurt. The butterflies in my stomach were still fluttering as even through I had eaten nothing yesterday evening I was not remotely hungry. I settled on cereal and watched with envy as Sarah and Chris managed to tuck into a full English breakfast. From time to time I found I was staring over at where James sat and as he looked up his eyes spoke to mine, sending signals of love and regret.
Sunday’s dancing started at the earlier time of ten thirty so that it would all be over by two in the afternoon allowing some contestants to start travelling home. I had sensibly decided that two nights were better than one and it also allowed us time to explore the capital later. Reaching Charlotte’s door I knocked and listened to her shout.
“Just coming Mum”
I spotted Pam and Peter heading from their room and I realised how good it felt to see them both again. They met James at his door and then Charlie and Mitchell finally appeared, bags in hand.
“Is it ok for Mitch to come with us again?” Charlie asked; still finding a spare finger to hold onto him with.
“Yes, so long as it’s ok with James”
“Yes I spoke to Dad earlier” Mitch replied, raising his hand to his family further down the corridor.
The venue seemed an even busier hive of activity as we made our way to get some refreshments whilst Charlie and Mitch headed off to their rehearsal rooms to practice and get ready. I picked up a programme and spotted that the running order had changed slightly and Charlie’s group were second on and then Mitch further back at around the half way mark. As Chris excused himself I grabbed a coffee and Sarah. We found a spot to sit down.
“So how did it go last night?” Sarah asked.
“Ok, I think” I replied “I’m just so confused and I don’t know whether to listen to my head or my heart” I finished.
“Well let me try and help if I can” Sarah responded.
“James confessed to cheating on me with Felicity but it was only a one night stand and she got pregnant with Mitchell’s older brother. The bitch threatened James with two options to either stay and see his child or leave and have no contact at all” I paused and let the information sink in.
“I can’t really blame him for choosing his child in such a cruel choice. She also threatened to tell me that they had been having an affair for months and James didn’t want her to hurt me any further”
“But some how she did with that invitation to their wedding” Sarah replied. “What a complete bitch” I nodded in agreement and took a sip of coffee.
“So what else happened?” she asked.
“I told him a little about New Year’s Eve and showed him my scars and I watched him almost break apart in front of me” I replied “Then he kissed me” I finished. I could feel the blush already staining my cheeks with heat at my admission.
Sarah leaned forward a little more and took my hand in hers.
“If you still love him then I think you should give him a second chance” she said “It will just depend on whether the trust has been broken with his infidelity and if you can over come that” she finished. Looking up we spotted Chris heading back towards the table.
“Thanks Sarah, I’ve told him I need time to think about everything” I replied.
“So girls are you ready to take your seats, the show is about to start” Chris said, grinning and holding out both his arms for us.
Walking into the auditorium I could feel the nervous tension permeating the air around us. Everyone was in the same seats as I spotted James in his just in front of us. He turned to scan the audience and located me and gave me the fingers crossed sign for our respective children. I returned the gesture and felt myself smiling and blushing again like a teenager. I knew it was no good denying my feelings for him, they were still there and they were still strong. I just needed to be sure that his for me were the same. The lights dimmed and everyone sat expectantly in the darkness waiting for the stage lights to illuminate the arena. I spotted the judges filing in to their seats at the front and realised that one was Arlene Phillips from Strictly Come Dancing. I pointed this out to Sarah as we tried to contain our excitement against our jangling nerves.
The first group dropped one of their dancers at the wrong moment and I could hear the collective groan from their supporters in the audience. They carried on regardless and for that they still received loud applause as they bowed at the end. I found that I was on the edge of my seat now as the curtains fell and then after a few moments they rose again to reveal a set that was breathtaking in itself. Derelict planes painted onto the backdrop and what looked like a plane wing at an angle. I knew that this hid the steps that Charlotte would climb near the end before throwing herself into Mitchell’s arms for the finale. It was so similar to the set of the video that I had to keep checking that I was not watching a television screen but the real thing.
Sarah squeezed my hand and breathed “It looks fabulous” before the music started to fill the space around us. It’s haunting melody made me close my eyes briefly as I remembered a time that this song meant everything to me. It was our song. In the darkness I couldn’t see James, but I somehow knew he had turned to try and find me in the crowd. It was as if he wanted to silently communicate that he felt exactly the same emotions when he heard our song. Watching my daughter and her group weave, leap and dance their way through the song gave it new poignancy. Charlie always stood out despite the fact that the group wore identical outfits and were so in sync with each other that they flowed as one. I gasped as the audience did too when a male figure appeared on the stage as Charlotte fled up the steps.
Then there was a brief pause as Charlie fell backwards off the platform and Mitchell caught her below as she snaked down his body for the finishing pose. It felt as if the whole auditorium needed time to take it all in as the pause seemed to stretch into forever. Then slowly there was applause as everyone around us stood up and clapped and cheered. I did too of course as tears streamed down my face, tears and joy and pride for my daughter up there. The applause went on for so long that the group had left the stage but then returned for a second bow. I could see Charlotte’s face shining with happiness and joy as they all bowed again, Mitchell was still with them holding her hand tightly in his.
As the judges asked for quiet the next couple of groups came and went. I enjoyed the eclectic choice of eighties music that each had chosen but none received as big applause as my daughters group. Then it was Mitchell’s groups turn and the stage lighting turned red. They had kept the Thriller theme with their zombie costumes but I gasped in amazement at the different interpretation of the music and the skill of the group as a whole. Once again Mitchell was the stand out dancer among them all with his acrobatic skills that left the crowd gasping in shock and surprise. Once again everyone was on their feet clapping and cheering for a second encore. I spotted Charlie standing in the wings smiling and cheering them on. The final group were the ones from London and they too blew everyone away so it seemed clear that the three in line for the prizes looked certain to be Charlie’s group, Mitchell’s group and the London group.
The judges called for a brief refreshment break and then for everyone to return for their decision and a further performance. We filed out and I watched as people either scurried for refreshments or the conveniences. Sarah, Chris and I did the same and then headed back in as we knew what was to come. As I made my way up the aisle I spotted Pam, Peter and James as again they all smiled as I passed and I did the same. By the time I reached my seat my heart was racing once more at thoughts of our kiss last night. Then the lights started to go out and we were in darkness. Suddenly a spotlight illuminated my daughter standing alone in the centre of the stage.
I knew that Julia had managed to put some curlers in her hair so that it looked similar to Baby’s in the film. Her black dress was the same style and only served to highlight her pale skin. Then the first few notes of ‘I’ve had the time of my life’ floated out and the audience gasped and some applauded as Mitchell walked onto the stage and motioned with h
is finger to Charlotte. I felt the first tear trying to squeeze its way out from the side of my eye. It was a tear of joy and pride that my daughter was up there on the stage and I knew she was dancing to her favourite song of all time. I glanced across at Sarah and Chris.
“No body puts our baby in the corner” I heard Chris say to Sarah, I watched her squeeze his hand. Smiling I realised how large a part they had both played in Charlotte’s life right from the start.
Watching Charlotte and Mitchell dance so perfectly in time to the music it was again as if the film had come to life. I could see that even with the little practice they had managed they were meant to dance with each other. Then as Mitchell leapt off the stage and danced up our aisle I watched Charlotte gazing at him with so much longing and love. Then from either side of the stage two of the guys from Mitchell’s group appeared and lifted Charlotte off the stage. The spotlight was trained on her as she ran the short distance and leapt into the air as Mitchell held her high and they were frozen in time. The audience erupted and gave them a standing ovation as Mitchell gently lowered Charlotte to the ground. Then filling the aisle and stage were the rest of Charlie and Mitchell’s groups in pairs.
Charlie and Mitch made their way back up onto the stage to continue the dance as the audience remained standing and some even started to filter into the aisle and dance. Chris and Sarah slipped into the aisle too and started to dance and I spotted James heading towards me. He held out his hand to me and I took it as he held me in his arms.
“Our children are magical when they dance together” he breathed.
