The day was off to a rough start. I had overslept and lost but then found my lucky bracelet my brother gave me. To make matters worse, it was thundering and raining hard.

The week had flown by and it was already competition day. Luckily for me I had packed everything the night before so all I had to do was shower and get to the school.

I had exactly five minutes to leave if I didn't leave then I'd be late and I'd miss the bus that was taking us to the competition. I grabbed all my bags and looked around my room to make sure I wasn't missing something.

When I realized I was set, I rushed downstairs and slipped on some shoes. I heard a honk; Axel was getting impatient. I grabbed my keys and rushed out with all my bags. I walked fast so my belongings wouldn't get too wet but it was practically raining cats and dogs. I yanked open the car door and shoved everything in.

"Where's Bella and Vince?" I asked.

"They're going to head down there in Vince's car a little bit later."

"Why? What happened to you three going together?"

"Bella's mom is home and won't leave until later."

I started to worry. "Will they make it in time?"

Axel nodded reassuringly. "Yeah but this weather is terrible. I don't think we'll be there in time since I have to drive carefully."

I bit my lip. Out of habit, I started picking at my nails. "That's fine just take your time but don't."

After sitting in silence with only the sound of rain hitting the roof my phone went off. Anxiously I pulled it out and read the caller ID.

"Who is it?"

"Amelia, this can't be good."

I took a deep breath and answered it. "Hello?"

"Mari! Are you on your way?"

"Yes I am, why?"

"We already left."

My eyes widened and my heart started pounding. "Wh- why?"

"Val told Loretta it was best we left since of the weather."

"Is she an idiot?" I sighed. "Is Niko there at least? He hasn't been answering my texts."

"I thought you two were together."

I ran a hand through my hair. "He'll be there. Update me if anything else happens."

We said quick goodbyes and hung up.

"Just drive straight to the competition. Bus has left because of my dear captain."

"I heard. Everything will work out, don't worry too much."

He placed a reassuring hand on mine. I smiled softly. "Both hands on the wheel."

"Yes ma'am," he saluted.

"So, what did Charity want to talk about?" I casually asked. I've been trying to pry information out of him, but he wouldn't budge. I also didn't want to seem desperate; truth was that I was. I wanted to know what her deal was.

"Wouldn't you like to know."

"Yeah that's why I asked," I snorted and rolled my eyes.

"She didn't really talk. She kept asking me about my day."

"Is she not upset that I got the lead?" I asked.

"She told me she wasn't, but I think she's lying."

"I bet," I muttered. "Do you think it's going to clear up?" I glanced out the window but didn't stare too much in case my anxiety crept in.

"Hopefully. The newscast said it would be this bad all weekend though."

"I hope Niko is on his way. He hasn't been answering my texts since yesterday." I unlocked my phone to zero missed calls and no text backs from Niko.

"Have you tried calling Julian?" Axel asked.

"Yeah and no answer."

"I'm sure he's on his way, he knows how much this means to you. Can't text back if he's driving."

"Sure." I wasn't convinced. Considering my day started off badly, something in me had a terrible feeling. "I won't forgive him if he doesn't show up."

He turned up the music and we fell into a comfortable silence.

The drive took forever, or what felt like forever. The rain did not stop, in fact it felt like it got worse the closer we got to our destination.

Axel pulled into the parking lot. I could see the bus and it instantly triggered my anger. The thought of Val somehow convincing Loretta to leave without Niko and I made me so upset. A part of me wanted to quit there and then so they could figure it out but I couldn't do that.

"Let me get us some umbrellas," Axel said as he got off. I gathered my stuff so it'd be a bit easier getting out. Axel opened the door and held out his hand.

"Give me that," Axel said. He grabbed half of the bags and held the umbrella over our heads.

I got out, careful not to slip on the wet floor. I scanned the parking lot for any signs of Niko's car.

"Maybe he's running a bit late." It was like Axel was reading my mind. "Let's go."

We walked next to each other. Axel made sure not to get anything wet. It wasn't too crowded but everyone who was arriving were trying get into the building. Axel held the door open for me, I muttered a quick thank you and looked for my group.

"Mari!" Amelia called from behind me.

I turned and faced her. She quickly came rushing to get me.

"Where's everyone?" I asked and gave her a quick hug.

"They're already getting ready. I just came out here to get you."

I nodded and gave her a smile. I motioned Axel to follow us.

"You sure?"

"Yes, let's go."

"I don't know how Val managed to convince Loretta but she did. Where's Niko?" Amelia talked as we walked.

I glanced at Axel who had a small frown on his face. I knew he also had a bad feeling about Niko not being here.

"He's a bit late with the weather and all," I lied hoping that would somehow be the truth.

"Oh, I hope he gets here soon," Amelia frowned.

"Me too."

Axel nudged me. "He'll be here, don't stress too much. I'll go figure out what's going on. Just go get ready."

He handed me my bags and gave me a reassuring smile.

"We're right here," Amelia said. She waved me over and opened the door for me.

I walked in and the smell of hairspray mixed with perfume instantly hit me in the face. I tried not to make a disgusted look.

"Took you long enough," Val said in a snarky tone. I rolled my eyes and made my way to a free seat. "Where's Niko?"

I ignored her question and set out my makeup and brushes.

I pulled out the garment bags and unzipped them to reveal my dress and Niko's suit. Niko made me take his suit since he didn't want to risk forgetting it at home.

-

I was pacing in the hallway nervously. Niko still hadn't showed up and we were supposed to be on in thirty minutes. Everyone on the dance team kept pestering me about Niko's absence which overwhelmed me to the point I had to step out and take some time to clear my thoughts.

I sent Axel a quick text to meet me in the hallway. I needed reassurance that Niko wasn't missing and that he'd be here any second but I knew deep down Niko wouldn't show for reasons being unknown.

"Mari?" I looked up and immediately hugged Axel. He rubbed my back in a soothing motion. "What's wrong?"

"Niko isn't here, it's been an hour and we're supposed to be on in thirty minutes." I bit back tears so I didn't ruin my makeup.

"That asshole," he muttered. "He still isn't picking up?"

I shook my head and held him tighter.

"We'll figure this out."

"But time is running out and this means a lot to me. I don't want to let the group down."

"Mari?"

I pulled away from Axel and looked up at Greyson who was approaching up. I forced a smile and asked, "Greyson? What are you doing here?"

"We're competing remember. Our group just finished up; I think we did pretty good." He paused. But if you mean what am I doing here in this hallway, I'm just going to use the restroom. Are you okay? You look like you're about to break down."

I sighed and dropped the fake smile. "No, my dance partner is nowhere to be found, he's not answering my calls and we're on in less than thirty minutes."

His eyes widened a bit. "That's fucked up."

"No shit sherlock," Axel snorted.

Greyson glared at Axel but didn't say anything.

Amelia popped her head out of the door. "Mari, we're going to go over the number once more and then we have to head backstage."

I smiled at her. "Be right there."

She looked at Axel and Greyson. "Where's Niko?"

"Good question," I muttered.

I took a deep breath and scratched my head. I was stuck and I didn't know what to do. I looked at Axel, maybe he had a solution to all of this.

"he's not coming huh?" Amelia said.

"It doesn't look like it," I answered truthfully.

She walked over to me and glanced at Axel.

"This might sound like a terrible idea and Val will get pissed but it's better than our current situation."

We all looked at her waiting for her to continue. "Axel has been to almost all our practices and he used to dance, what if he filled in for Niko?"

Axel looked at me and shook his head. "No, I don't even know it that well and I don't have a suit nor shoes."

A small smile made its way onto my face. "Axel you pick things up quickly so it won't be too hard to have it firmly down. I brought Niko's suit; I think it'll fit you since you two are about the same."

"I hate to help the competition, but you can borrow my shoes," Greyson said. "Only because you're friends with Mariposa."

Axel looked at me and I looked at him with pleading eyes knowing he couldn't say no. "I'm only doing this so the team doesn't hate you."

I practically jumped on him to give him a hug. "Thank you Axel. This means so much to me."

"I'm going to go convince Loretta before Val gets word of this," Amelia said going back into the room.

"Let's get you ready."

After getting him ready and practicing for the remaining amount of time, I'd say it was going to as great as it got. Axel did pick up the dance moves quickly, luckily with his background in dancing it tremendously helped in convincing Loretta. That and her job was on the line, so she didn't have much of a choice.

There was a lifting part in the song that worried me since Axel didn't want to practice. He would much rather do it on stage.

"You shoulder doesn't hurt?" I asked as we waited in the wings for our signal to go in.

"No. Don't worry, I'll dance perfectly. We're like two puzzle pieces that fit together. We have more chemistry than you and stupid Niko."

I smiled softly and took a deep breath. "Ready?"

"As I'll ever be." He held out his hand and I took it happily. All I wanted to do was focus on getting this done and perfect.

Our school got called which was our cue to come in. I put a big smile on my face and glanced at Axel who was already smiling in my direction. I felt my heart racing and felt the quick adrenalin rush that was surging through me.

We all walked in and got into formation. I tried not to look at the audience since doing so might make me even more nervous than I already was. I looked up at Axel and kept that eye contact.

In that moment it was as if the spotlight was hitting us and only us. Everything around us disappeared, it was me and him staring at each other. It was at this moment I realized what I've been denying the past couple of days. I was falling for my best friend and I was falling hard. I was in deep shit.

He is always there, he always made sure I was ok. Axel was always by my side no matter what. He always made sure to go the extra mile.

I pushed my thoughts away and tried to focus on the dance.

The music started and broke me from my trance. We started dancing, we let the music guide us.

We danced perfectly in my opinion that is until the lifting part. There was a bit of reluctance on his end, but he managed and did it flawlessly.

Before I knew it, the song had come to an end and it was all over. Cheers erupted from the audience. We all exited, it felt as if a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

"Axel, we did great! Axel? Are you okay?"

Axel was trying to hold back a pained expression. He was rubbing his shoulder and taking some deep breaths.

"I knew you hurt it. Gosh I'm so dumb, I shouldn't have let you dance with me."

"It's not your fault." He took a shaky breath. "I-"

He looked in so much pain, but he was still trying to put on a strong face.

I pulled on his blazer. "I'm taking you to the hospital, you look like it hurts so much."

"I can take it," he gritted out.

"No, if you continue this then you're out for the whole swimming season. Let's go," I said walking back so I could change my shoes.

Axel staggered a bit and walked slowly. "Stay here, I'm going to go get the keys and purse."

Axel nodded.

I sped walked to the room we were in. I barged in and ignored the chatter. I quickly changed my shoes and grabbed the keys and purse.

I walked out towards where I left Axel. I sent Bella a quick text telling her what was going on and asking if she could please get my bags from the room.

"Let's go," I said.

We maneuvered around the people that were scattered here and there. Once we got to the front, I realized that it was still thundering and pouring rain. I felt my hands get clammy and my heart was pounding.

"Let's just stay here and wait for your dance results," Axel winced but gave me a smile.

I shook my head. "No, you're in pain and you can barely move. Let's go."

"Mari, you're being dramatic."

I ignored him and walked towards the exit. I held the door open and undid the umbrella. He sighed and joined me. We walked slowly to the car. I was trying to calm my racing heart. Driving in this weather was one of my biggest fears yet here I was, willing to 'overcome' that just to get Axel to the hospital. All I had to do was not overthink, I was doing this for Axel.

I held the passenger door open for him, he reluctantly got in trying not to hurt his shoulder. I quickly walked to the drivers side before getting in I tried calming my nerves so I wouldn't freak him out. I gingerly got in and turned on the car.

"Mari you're scared of driving especially in this weather."

I ignored him, with shaky hands I typed in the nearest emergency room in the GPS.

"Mariposa."

I blocked out his voice and put the car in drive.

'I can do this. It's your fault it got this bad, you should have never asked him to dance with you. You knew deep down he was hurt and you let it get this bad.'

I shook the thoughts away and mentally prepared myself for this drive.

I can do this! 

QOTC: Hot or Cold Weather?