So, it's been a tiny little while, hasn't it? I just finished my first course, and I'm starting another one on Monday. I figured, why not post a chapter. Y'all deserve it, you lovely patient readers.

I hope you enjoy this, my rosy tulips. 🌷

♬ ✥*

Serenity.

The day had finally come — River's audition.

Riv and I arrived early so that he could warm up and get used to the feeling of the space. As dancers, we could never show up late. That meant irresponsibility and disrespect — and that was to the instructors, our love of dance, and ourselves.

We needed to show our passion because that was one of the many things that represented who we were — besides that, it was also our career.

"You ready?" I asked him as we walked through the halls of Ballet BC.

The memories rolled through about how much I missed this place. However, I was much more content with how my life currently was.

Dancing professionally was something that was part of me, and I just hoped that I would be able to make Starlight grow into a company where my dancers would be able to do the same — along with me.

So much has changed since then and it's still hard to look back and see all the success I've gotten, and compare it to how I am now. By doing that, all I see is that I had everything, and now am at a partial standstill; however, it was only temporary — and that was exactly what I needed to remember.

Temporary is only temporary.

"I should say yes, but I'm not."

"You'll do fine. Plus, I'm here with you," I assured, rubbing his arm.

"Do you think —" he started, but I interrupted.

"Hey, this audition is yours, not mine. Sure it's a pair, but you've got the most important part out of this, I'm just supporting you. They'll be looking at you, not me." I smiled. "Don't forget, Riv, this is your moment to shine."

"I got this," he said, letting out a deep breath. It was one that I knew would turn into pure confidence. There was only a little while for him to properly get it together, and I had faith he would succeed with flying colours.

"Yes, you do." I smiled.

A familiar voice called my name from behind, and I turned around to see one of the best choreographers I've ever worked with — of course, Riv would always be number one in my eyes.

"Serenity, it's wonderful to see you again!" Belinda greeted me with a hug. "Mr Desjardins here told us he'll be doing a pair dance, but we didn't know it'd be you."

"Thought it'd be a nice surprise. River and I have been friends, partners, too, since the ABS. It's actually where we met."

"I can definitely imagine why. We've seen his pre-audition tapes, and he's a phenomenal dancer and choreographer. Now it's up to the board to decide whether or not he'll make it into the BBC."

"Right then, no pressure," he said, letting out a nervous chuckle. I simply smiled at him, reaching out to take hold on his hand, squeezing it gently.

"None at all," she joked, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I'll leave you two to warm up. Just remember, Mr Desjardins, dance for the love you have for it, not to impress us. It makes all the difference."

She walked off after her short message, and I turned to face my friend.

"She's right. Don't think about any of them. It's just you, me, the dance floor, and the music. We're a power quad, and nothing can bring us down. Got it?"

He nodded a firm nod while letting out a deep sigh, composing himself.

Both of us went into one of the studio rooms where three other dancers were also preparing for their audition. We obviously knew that it wasn't just River. There was one spot left in the company, two others have been filled a few weeks prior.

I knew that Ballet BC was very particular with choosing who would dance in their company and they didn't just pick anyone. The fact that they've had a vacancy for one more person for a while was only because they haven't found that right person yet.

Fingers crossed that it was going to be River.

We both knew that if he was chosen, people would think that I was the one who got him in, because of my background history at the company. In Harry's words — and my new ones — I'd just say 'fuck them.'

Everyone watched the auditions since they weren't private — that's just how it was.

It was the way to make sure that no one would say anything about why someone got or didn't get, in. It was about technique, form, creativity, and sometimes, the ability to improv — of course, that was mainly for contemporary dancers only. We weren't just that, though, ballet was highly relevant in the way we danced.

I mean, we were contemporary ballerinas — or ballerinos, in River's case.

Riv stripped down to just his black tights, and me down to my leotard and tights. I already knew where the bathrooms were to do a quick outfit swap before the audition. We wanted to give the best performance we could, so we had to 'look the part'.

While he and I were stretching, he kept looking towards me as the whispers in the room got louder. We knew that the other dancers were talking about us and I just shook my head telling him to ignore them. All they wanted was to get in our heads, to distract us, and succeed with making us dance worse — they were delusional if they thought that was going to happen.

It was a tactic that they loved using, almost a defence mechanism for themselves to break the confidence of the others so they could reach the top. They managed to get to me when I was growing up in dance competitions, and even in classes, but I over the years, I learned to block them out. Like I told my friend, it was about me and the dance, nothing more and nothing less.

When I met Riv, I taught him ways so that he could do the same. It was only his nerves for this spot he wanted that was making him antsy — so I tapped his knee with my foot, as I stretched my legs, and smiled at him.

We started to warm up in silence until we were interrupted by someone just as River was about to catch me from my jump. Thankfully, he held on strong, catching me, and not faltering with his confidence and protection.

"Well, look who it is. Serenity Hayes and River Desjardins," the dancer tutted, narrowing her eyes at us. She clearly somehow managed to find out who the competition was and ran some personal background checks.

"Can we help you?" I asked kindly, holding back my condescending tone — I let that resonate from her instead. I wasn't that type of dancer who belittled others, nor did I bother even knowing who they were.

Finding out who you're battling beforehand can only scare someone off easier. I danced to the best of my ability, and if someone happens to beat me, it was only because they met the requirements of whatever it was I was doing. It wasn't that I wasn't a great contemporary ballerina or that they were better, it was because of a fault of some sort — sometimes even lack of creativity or pure talent.

Either way, it only made me try harder the next time.

I always believed in a 'next time', because for there to be one, proved that we wanted to strive to achieve even bigger greatness.

We were capable of everything, so as long as we remained confident with believing in ourselves, tried the best we absolutely could, and most importantly, stayed humble.

"Oh, nothing. I was just wondering, did you pay Miss Anna Pavlova here to dance with you?" she asked River with a malicious tone.

She had some nerve.

I was just about to step forward, but Riv tugged on my arm to stop me. This was exactly what they wanted.

"Even if she was Margot Fonteyn or Misty Copeland dancin' right now, it wouldn't make a difference.

"So she's not good? Is that what you're saying? You just brought her along for show. I don't think it works like that." She let out a dry laugh, clearly unamused.

I wanted to intervene so badly, but I let River continue this rivalry conversation.

"I'll start this out for you. If she wasn't good, she wouldn't 'ave already been accepted 'ere in the first place. And she definitely wouldn't 'ave danced with the company for years. Second, she's not the dancer you're competin' against for this last spot, it's me. So if you think that this conversation is to try and get my nerves up, you're mistaken. Thanks to you, you've just fulled my fire. So cheers, love," Riv replied with a smug grin on his face — one that I could only smile at. 

"Bye, bye," I said, waving as we watched the dancer walk away, fury evident in her veins. I turned to Riv, who had a wide grin on his face. "That's my bestie."

"Let's show 'em what we got." He clapped enthusiastically. "After you, Miss Legendary Pavlova."

I laughed at his playful comment and shook my head. "After you, Mr Desjardins. You've got a routine that you'll knock 'em dead with."

"We, Rennie," he corrected, then held out his arm for me. "Partners in crime since the beginning."

"A dangerous duo, we are indeed," I agreed with a smirk.

♬ ✥*

"Mr Desjardins, Miss Hayes, you have the stage," Nanette, the artistic director, said, gesturing to where we were already standing.

We were the last to audition, and that was either going to make or break us. Sometimes being able to perform the first just gets the pressure off while you watch the rest. However, this wasn't the case this time, and the others had danced solid routines.

But nonetheless, it wasn't going to make a difference. River needed this, and I was going to help make him proud and do everything I can to do so.

I took a look at River who nodded to her, then glanced at me. His expression was solemn as he gave me a brief smile and took a deep breath, then mouthed, "We got this."

The two of us separated as I went to stand several feet away from him. I bent down in the stance I needed to be in, waiting patiently for my queue. The fabric of my dress moved as I walked, flowing with the wind — and just how graceful we would be dancing in just mere seconds.

My heart was pounding, hearing the resounding thumping in my ears. I didn't lift my head as I listened to the music. The harmonious tune flowed through my veins, and it replaced all of the nerves I had, transcending my body into an alternate universe.

From the corner of my eye, I could see the delicate movements that River was doing. His steps were gentle, yet powerful, showcasing his own raw talent. He had power and such poise, moving in absolute perfection.

He was proving to the world just a fraction of what he could offer.

His body was incredibly flexible, and he was able to control it without faults. The way he flipped his body in a mighty force, laying down on the ground in slight vulnerability before pushing himself into a straight-legged reverse somersault. He brought himself up on his two feet and spun in his spot three times.

And then, he froze still while it was my turn to shift into a partial solo dancer.

I mirrored half of his movements, reflecting the soul and emotions that were already evident between us. We were linked, yet still, without a single touch.

We met together, his hands meeting mine in a pure touch as we gazed into each other's eyes. Our bodies flipped to transform the dance into something much more passionate. Meeting one another, he held me close in an embrace, and then parted to prove that even if we were far, our feelings never faded — we were one and forevermore united.

A love of two people portrayed themselves into simple, yet complex actions. Each movement was perfectly selected, the emotions attached to every single one.

Twirling and leaping into the open air, embracing the wind, we put the utmost hope that we don't fall and crumble; but when we do, we create potent feelings by pulling ourselves back up to our feet.

Countless times, I let myself go, floating in the breeze that I'd created as I put my entire trust into my best friend to never let me fall — and he didn't fail me. His hands caught my waist, wrist, and ankles whenever the exact time came. It was precise, everything by counts and memory. A single slip up could, well, cause for an actual slip.

Every single detail put together and thought out perfectly, bringing a sense of inspiration, hopeful dreams, and whimsical ardency that will wholly create a visionary picture-perfect scene that will take a person's breath away.

We tend to get lost into our thoughts and emotions — but rarely do we fall down into a mysterious well of beauty and unexplainable movements that drown our souls with pure creative artistry.

It's an inspiring moment when someone reaches the bottom, learning so many new things on their way down. Gaining little bits and pieces of information and visionary techniques, all to be treasured in the most pristine form.

Finesse. Splendour. Grace.

Those were the words that completed and defined our dance — one that meant the world to us, and we just hoped that others would too. We fit in brief elements of classical ballet, bringing in just a touch of the knowledge we've gained over the years — and something that would never leave us.

Intimate. Effervescent. Powerful.

It was everything we needed to succeed with strength — and vibrancy to showcase to the world that with hard work and effort, you could achieve anything you put your mind to.

Some of the moves that were chosen were just right — simple, others were complex, but he decided to balance the two together. River didn't want to overpower the routine with movements we've done before, which were more dangerous, because it would show a cocky or arrogant personality — which was one that he didn't have.

He was a ripened apple ready to be picked from a tree. He was one that didn't fall amongst the others but held one with everything it had, knowing that the person who chose to have a bite, would never regret it. There was the crispness, the perfect amount of sweetness, and a flawless skin.

And with a final moment, River's hands wrapped delicately around my neck, pulling me into a victorious embrace. Our eyes were closed, breathing heavily in the moment, opening them only to see an identical smile curling on our lips.

For the first in the BBC history, a standing ovation happened because of an audition.

Without a word from the director's who were stood behind the table, we immediately knew that River took the final opening into the company.

"Bravo!"

"Bien joué!"

"Perfection!"

Those words of praise only widened the smile on our faces when I reached over to press a kiss on his cheek. He placed his lips softly on my forehead and whispered, "Thank you, Rennie."

"Anytime, Riv," I replied, "Anytime."

♬ ✥*

We all celebrated when we got to my parents' place. Their house was the biggest to hold a small gathering, and Amara had already put up balloons to commemorate the special day. She had a thing for those confined air bubbles and felt that they were necessary for all occasions. I mean, she wasn't wrong.

River was surprised, though. He didn't expect something so grand — even though it really wasn't. It was just a small get together with my family — and of course, Mars. She wasn't technically family but was forever considered my sister.

Only one person was missing, though — Harry.

No matter how hurt and confused I was, I still missed him. He should have been here with us. He was also part of the reason why River was thriving. Without his help renting out a proper studio space for us, we were practically screwed.

While everyone was having a ball inside, I took the time to step out onto the porch, moving to sit on the small swing outside.

Setting my half-empty wine glass on the ground, I perched my legs up, sitting cross-cross, and placed my hands in my lap. I twirled my phone between them and then began to reread all of the messages Harry and I shared together — my heartbreaking every time I saw the last conversation.

"Hey, sis."

I heard that husky, familiar voice before he placed his hand on my knee and took a seat beside me. A bottle of beer was grasped between his hands as I could see the way he looked at me, his brows furrowed with concern.

"What's the matter? Who's caused some pain in your life?"

"No one."

"We both know that's a load of bullshit," he scoffed, and then brought the lip of his beer up to his mouth, taking a swig from it. "Mr CEO, eh?"

Milo always knew.

So I nodded in response. I didn't really know what else there was to say.

What would it even be? The man who I love broke my heart and doesn't want to even see me? He gave me a stuffed animal so I could hug when I miss him, and it's all I do when I'm at home — and what I embrace tightly between my arms as I fall into a slumber. He left me so confused, and I wasn't sure if it was my fault.

My thoughts froze for a moment.

Was it my fault?

"What are you talking about, Ren?" He looked at me with curiosity, with his eyebrows furrowed. "What did you do? Or not do?"

And that was when I realised I'd said that out loud.

"Harry pulled himself from my investment," I said, then paused, "I mean, not exactly. He transferred my file to someone else."

Milo shook his head in an attempt to understand further. "Wait. What? Say that again, would ya?"

From that simple question, I explained everything to him. Milo knew many things, but was out of the loop on others; apparently, I even didn't know certain aspects of what actually happened.

The more my brother spoke, the more I became knowledgable about something that was much more significant than Harry thought. So I had an essential task on me to figure out if the man who stole my heart truly did forget or not — and if he did, I knew that would entirely be in my advantage.

In all honesty, though, he could easily pull out entirely or add-in that extra paper with no questions asked. I could be stuck with a studio that was in mid-renovation and be at square minus sixty. One quick call and I'd be done for.

After all, this was Harry Styles.

But I just prayed that there was a minuscule amount of feelings towards me that caused him to completely change his mind about what he did.

I had access to get into the building, but definitely not to his floor. It's not like I hadn't done it before — even though, since then, so many things had changed.

Serenity Marie Hayes was going to make it happen. I was successful, with a strong heart, and this time, I was determined to get Harry Styles to keep that investment going — with him, and only him, in charge.

...

A/N:

Harry wasn't in this chapter, soz for the disappointment, but we had Riv and Milo who we love. 

If you were hoping for an H POV, HA, it's too soon for that. I have to keep Harry's thoughts a bit more private for now. I mean, we'd know a lot about how he's feeling, and I don't want that. Tee-hee. 

But besides all that, what did you think about the chapter? I'm curious.

Please press on that little star on the chapter, I mean, it only takes a millisecond. They're nice gifts and make me (and Essie) happy.

Much love as always. Kissy, stay beautiful, and always TPWK my beautiful tulips 🌷

S x

P.S. For those who wanted to see what Riv and Essie's routine was, here's what I visualized while writing it. I wished I could find an actual one of Brittany (who I picture Essie as) dancing, but there wasn't anything. Besides that, I love Michael's choreography and Charity's dancing. So it was a wow in my eyes. If you don't like it, then oh well. 

https://youtu.be/pSKAMW8iHco