"Alright everyone," the dance instructor, Loretta, clapped her hands as she walked into the dance studio. It was the next day, the day they would be announcing who would be our partners this school year.

We all stopped our stretching and put our full attention on her. "As you may have heard from your lovely captains yesterday, we are going to participate in the Menola Waltz competition."

Valentina and Valentino smirked as they saw all our reactions. We usually only participated in competitions that were in the state, never nationwide.

"I know it's not normally what we do but we were graciously invited to partake this year. The first round is in a little over a month and we're going to go against other prestigious schools. We must do our very best to win the nation's title." She looked around, a stern look on her face. "Tino, Val you know what to do." And she walked out, so much for a dance instructor.

Val pulled out a clipboard and smiled widely. "Alright I'm going to call out your partners. Stretch with them and get to know them better. By the end of this, you two should become one." Tino didn't say anything and leaned against the bars. "Obviously my partner is going to be my brother. Amelia, you're with Charlie. Carolina and Luca, Juliet and Even, and finally, Eleanor with Atticus." She smiled brightly as everyone stood up to go with their partners.

I sat in my spot frozen, there was no way that they decided to exclude me. I knew Val always had some problem with me, but I didn't think she'd stoop as low as not involving me in this competition, especially since it was my last year. I looked up at Tino but he avoided eye contact.

I stood up and walked over to Val. "You didn't call my name. Was that a mistake or are you being serious?"

She gave me an overly sweet smile. "It wasn't a mistake. Can't you see Mariposa, there are not enough men to have you in."

Tino walked over to us. "Sorry Mari, I know it's your senior year bu-"

I was furious. "But what? Why me? I've been a part of this team since my freshman year. I've worked my ass off to get here and you just throw me to the side?"

Tino gave me a sympathetic smile but didn't say anything. I wasn't going to just stand here and let Val walk over me, I wanted to hear it from our dance instructor. I glared at both the siblings and walked past them but was stopped by Val who caught my arm.

"It's what you deserve," she whispered into my ear.

I rolled my eyes and shrugged her arm off. I was practically fuming by the time I got to her office. I didn't even knock, I just stormed in. She looked up at me, surprised.

"Yeah, I'll call you back," she said and hung up the phone. "How can I help you Miss Romero?"

I swallowed my anger and crossed my arms. "Why am I the one who has to stay out of this competition?"

She leaned back in her chair. "Ahh so they told you. Look, it wasn't my idea but since we don't have a partner for you, Val made some suggestions."

"Well you're in charge shouldn't you come up with a solution? You can't just take me out of this competition."

She sighed and crossed her legs. "Mariposa, unless you find a partner who meets our standards then you will not partake in this competition. Now please go, I have some things to finish."

I stood there silently, I thought my senior year in dance was going to be a good one but here I was, being practically kicked out.

"I told you to go," she repeated.

"How long do I have?" I asked.

"What?" she looked at me.

I sighed. "How long do I have to find a partner?"

She looked at me like I was crazy. "I'll give you a week, now go."

**

I sat on a bench underneath the gazebo. I had a week to find a partner that met the 'standards' of our dance team. I was hitting a roadblock, I really wanted to be a part of this competition but who could I recruit in less than a week.

The bell rang signaling that it was time to go to class. With a sigh I walked to the science building, knowing Bella would be upset that I didn't wait for her but I didn't have the time to be thinking about her.

I got to the classroom and sat down, there were a couple of people already sitting in their seats. I got out the textbook needed along with my notebook.

After a few minutes, Bella loudly set down her bag on her desk.

"Why didn't you wait for me?"

"I forgot," I answered.

"I bet," she muttered.

"Alright class, we're going to start our project. If you read the syllabus like you were supposed to, you'll know that this is a big project for this semester" Mrs. Roberts wrote on the board 'galaxies.' "Assuming you all took an intro to astronomy last year I expect you all to know quite a bit. You and the person next to you will be partners for this two-week project."

Bella tapped me on the leg and smiled widely.

"I'll pass around a list of galaxies, your job is to research that galaxy, make some type of model or drawing, make it creative, write a short two page essay and make a presentation to present," she continued handing out a sheet to everyone. "Once you and your partner have decided on one, you must sign up with me, first come first serve." With that she went to sit down at her desk, putting on her glasses she started typing away on her computer.

"We need to hurry and choose," Bella said as she scanned over her sheet. "Should we just do the Milky Way, oh what about the Andromeda Galaxy? Mari, are you even listening to me?"

I snapped out of my daze and looked over the sheet, pretending to have all my focus on the paper. "Bella, you can choose."

She muttered something under her breath and got up to sign us up. I tapped my foot and bit my nails nervously. My conversation with Loretta was still playing in my head.

Bella tapped on my desk and looked at me concerned. "Come on, she said to start our research at the library." She watched as I collected my things and we walked out of the classroom. "Are you okay Mari? You're more distracted than usual. Did something happen?"

I waved my hands and sighed. "It's Valentina."

That was enough to make my friend stop in her tracks. "What did she do? Do I need to have a word with her?"

I shook my head and locked my arm around hers as we walked out of the science building towards the library. It was beginning to get gloomy outside, the clouds looked full of rain once again. The feeling that was bottled inside me was what the outside looked like. "You know how each year we compete with schools from our state? Well, this year we were invited to compete in the Melona Waltz competition and it's a big deal because it's nationwide." I took a deep breath. "This year we're uneven, there are eleven dancers: six girls and five guys."

"Don't tell me they kicked you?"

I nodded and looked at the ground.

"Oh that bitch I swe-"

"Bella, calm down. It's fine, I just need to work on getting a partner. Loretta said I had a week to find someone" I said.

"It's not fine!"

I shook my head. "She told me there was nothing she could do."

"Bullshit."

"Bella, I'll figure something out," I said in hopes to calm her down. Bella was one to never cuss and when she did it usually meant she was really mad.

"Geez Mari, you should've punched Valentina in the face. Let me know if you need anything, I'll gladly help," she gave me a soft smile.

I chuckled. "Thank you Bella."

We finally made it to the Library which had four floors filled with endless books. The first floor had a couple of tables and computers in the very back. I opened the door for us and walked over to one of the librarians.

"Could you point us to books about stars and the solar system?" Bella asked.

The librarian looked up at us unamused. "Second floor, east."

Bella muttered a quick thank you and headed over to the stairs.

"How the hell is that helpful?" I whispered.

Bella pinched me and sent me a glare. I glared back and scowled.

Bella led me 'east' and found exactly the section we were looking for. She began pulling a couple of books. She looked concentrated so I headed into one of the study rooms. The library had a couple of study rooms on the second and third floors.

"Alright this should be enough to get us started," she muttered, placing them on the table. She left again and returned with more books.

"We're going to read all of these?" I asked wide-eyed, there was no way I could read through these.

She rolled her eyes, "Obviously, I need to get an A on this."

I scowled. I should've known better. "I should've sat next to Julian."

She let out a laugh. "You're funny, that kid looks like he dislikes you; dislikes everyone to be exact."

"You have a point. Did you know Niko had a cousin?" I asked skimming through the first book.

"No, I thought he only had that older one that lives out of the country." I thought about it. Whenever we all talked about our relatives, we all compared how big our families were. Niko never mentioned having another cousin. Unless this was his older cousin from Mexico. My mind was scattered trying to remember what the name of that cousin was.

"Do you think Julian is really his cousin?"

Bella looked at me unamused. "They look like cousins, stop meddling in their affairs and get back to reading."

I flipped to a random page trying to look productive but I couldn't focus, Loretta's words came back and started replaying in my head. I needed to find someone if I wanted to be part of the competition.

I could feel Bella's eyes, examining me. Sometimes I swear she could see through me, she could see through the walls I built up. I bet I had a desperate face. I tried acting like I was okay with the situation and before Bella could start asking questions again I was saved by the bell.

Bella made me check out half of the pile of books while she took the other half. Before we parted ways I followed her over to Vince's car and stashed all the books. I waved at her and headed to the next class.

I couldn't focus on the derivatives nor the readings for mythology. Lunch came by quickly, my mind still preoccupied with the dance. All I could think of was trying to solve my problem. I could ask Axel but that would interfere with his swimming practice. It was also our senior year so would he give up his passion for mine? No, I couldn't ask him to do that. Maybe I could ask one of the guys who had tried out and failed to get in.

I stared down at the full plate of food, Axel once again filled it up with food but the chicken wrap didn't look appetizing.

"Right, Mari?"

I snapped out of my deep thoughts and looked over at Bella's concerned face. Everyone looked over at me. Niko had once again joined us along with Julian and Charity.

"I'm sorry, what was that again?" I said as I picked up my cup of water, taking a sip.

Bella sighed. "Are you still thinking about Va-"

I cut her off before she could give out any more information. "Just thinking about Lillian, she hasn't texted me in a while," I lied.

Axel gave me a look of worry, I ignored him and forced out a smile hoping to change the subject. I didn't want to talk about Val or Lily right now. Especially with Charity and Julian here.

"Well she's in university now, probably busy." Bella continued; I looked over at her with a plea hoping she got the message. "Charity and I were talking about having a girls night."

I looked at her unsure. "Girls night?"

She nodded enthusiastically. "We haven't had one in years ever since we entered middle school and we're always with the boys."

"Will they let you? I mean you're in the dorms, I don't know how strict they are," I looked over at Charity.

She had a small smile, "I'll be fine."

"So it's settled. Girls night at my place tonight," Bella squealed.

I looked down at my food again, girls night is the last thing I needed right now.

My thoughts were interrupted by the bell once more. I quickly shot up in my seat and headed to return the dirty dishes. I didn't wait for my friends and quickly walked out of the dining hall.

"Mari. Mariposa!" I turned around and saw Axel walking in my direction.

"You didn't eat." I stared at him, not responding. "I don't know what's wrong but you know you could always talk to me"

I opened my mouth to respond but was interrupted by Niko.

"Don't forget about me." Niko took ahold of my arm.

"Let's go to class." I turned to look at Axel. "I'll see you later." He didn't move and watched me go with an unexplainable emotion written all over his face.

We walked in silence when he suddenly let go and reached into his bag.

I gave him a questioning look. "You didn't eat and you need to be healthy to dance so take these." He handed me a caprisun and a small bag of pretzels. "I know it's not much, but I thought you should have a little snack. It's better than not eating at all."

My heart raced at his thoughtfulness. "Thank you Niko, I appreciate it." I paused for a moment not being able to continue with the day. "I need to go do something. Tell the teacher I got sick or something. I'd appreciate it."

"What?"

"Just tell the teacher I'm sick, that I started throwing up. I need to go and do something. I'll see you after class." I didn't wait for a response and rushed to the place where I could forget everything: the dance studio.

There were a couple of students trailing around the athletic building. I walked past them and headed to the locker room. I quickly changed into a tank top and some leggings. I began to put my hair in a bun and put on my shoes. Dancing was the only thing that could destress and put me in a better mood.

I walked into the dance studio and did a few stretches to warm up my body. I put on some music and let my feet guide me. My mind finally goes blank to the soothing music. I was in my own little world. Sometimes I wish that I could just focus on this, maybe one day I could but knowing my parents that might not happen. To them, dancing was just a hobby.

After dancing for a bit, the bell broke me out of the trance. I paused the music and laid on the floor panting. I looked up at the white ceiling and let out a sigh.

I probably shouldn't have left Niko standing there especially since I wanted things to go back like they used to be. Ditching class wasn't ideal but I don't think I'd be able to pay attention. I had already been distracted all day; missing ceramics wouldn't be much.

"What do you want?" I asked, eyes still on the ceiling.

Niko set his bag down and laid next to me. "How did you know I was here?"

I let out a chuckle. "Niko, there are mirrors literally everywhere." I wiped the sweat from my forehead. "How did you know I was here?"

"Well, I got to ceramics but I couldn't stop thinking about you. So I asked Ara."

"She told you everything?" I asked.

"Nope just where you could be."

We laid in silence until he spoke up, "Do you want to talk about it?"

"Well there's this waltz competition, this year for some reason we are uneven and since I'm pretty sure one of the captains hate me, she made sure I would be the one not participating. Even after I talked with the dance instructor all she could offer me was to find a partner within the week. But they also needed to meet the standards of the group."

He stayed silent for a while. "Geez Mari, that sounds awful."

I let out a dry laugh. "You have no idea. Where am I going to find a dancing partner who dances well and can keep up?"

"So you need a partner who has years of experience? Someone who can get in the rhythm with you?"

I rolled my eyes even though he couldn't see my face. "Yes, Nikolaus, have you not been listening to me?"

He chuckled. "Maybe I could help you? I mean we danced growing up and we still did before I left. Plus soccer practice won't start for a bit."

I quickly stood up, eyes wide. "You- you would do that for me?" Honestly speaking, Niko being my partner never crossed my mind.

He sat up and looked at me. "I'd do anything for you, you're my best friend, plus I want to make it up to you for my absence."

I tackled him with a hug. "You have no idea how much this means to me."

He hugged me back tightly. "I know it does. We should go to class though, we already missed one class and I don't want to miss another."

I pulled away flustered. "You're right, let me get changed quickly."

Niko was waiting outside for me. I was still a little bit flustered since Niko and I would be spending a lot of time together. This was a chance given to me to get closer to him.

"Ready?"

I nodded and we walked in silence towards the theatre.

"Thank you again Niko, I owe you a huge one."

"No worries Mariposa. We're best friends, I'd do anything to make my friends happy."

Friends. Something we will always be. I shouldn't get my hopes up and think that maybe one day my childhood crush could look at me more than just that, a friend.

We both walked into the theatre late, ready to get an earful from Mr. Davis. Everyone was busy building the set, some painting and others running around with random props no doubt following the orders of the props master.

We both walked closer to the stage, looking for the director. Our friends were all painting what looked like pieces of the village.

"Mr. Torres and Miss Romero, nice of you to join us," Mr. Davis' voice boomed. I flushed red and everyone's heads turned to look at us.

Niko had a smirk on his face and looked unbothered.

Mr. Davis walked over to us, clipboard in hand. "Walls need to be painted." I slowly started making my way towards the buckets of paint. "Don't let yourselves be late again."

I shuddered and picked up two brushes.

"Does he not care about our uniforms getting ruined," I muttered as I grabbed a dirty painter's apron for Niko and I.

Niko chuckled and grabbed a bucket of grey paint. "At least it wasn't detention Mari."

"Where were you two?" Bella asked behind us.

We both turned to look at her, she was eyeing us both suspiciously.

"Relax Bella, we went to go take care of my problem. The one I told you about earlier," I said with a grin.

Bella looked shocked and leaned in closer. "You jumped Valentina?" she whispered happily.

"What? No Bella we didn't beat her up," I said, giving her a look.

"Oh so that's her name?" Niko asked.

"Who cares, the important thing is that I have a partner now I can be a part of the competition," I said enthusiastically.

Bella looked disappointed. "Oh, yeah that's good."

I rolled my eyes and walked past them. "We should go paint before the director notices us slacking off."

Bella nodded and walked back to Axel and Vince. Vince looked like he was concentrating, whistling, and painting with such passion. Axel was staring at us with a look of confusion. I smiled at him and mouthed 'tell you later,' before I followed Niko to the set that needed to be painted. I handed him the apron and put