Of course Lennon and Hunter are already here. Liam sits on the other side of Hunter, and I sit between Lennon and Mason. As soon as Lennon sees Liam, she says something about his outfit.
“Maybe we shouldn’t sit in front. If Maddie looks out and sees you dressed like that, she’s going to drop dead.” Lennon giggles, and Liam responds with an annoyed groan. “Even a tie…” She pretends to tug on it, and Hunter’s already smirking and shaking his head.
“That’s what I said,” I agree with Lennon.
“Great, I have to listen to both of you riding my ass?” he snaps.
“Oh Hulk, it’s all in good fun. Just don’t laugh, you might pop a button and rip your shirt right open.”
He crosses his arms, and I can’t stop chuckling.
“Don’t make him cry, Soph,” Mason taunts.
Liam flips him off, then proceeds to flip every single one of us the bird.
“What was that you said earlier about etiquette?” I remind him with a wink.
“I hate you all.”
“Mmhmm.” Lennon continues to poke the beast.
Before we can add anything else, the lights flicker, giving the five-minute warning. I look around the room and see it’s packed full. A smile touches my lips, and I’m so damn happy I’m able to be here, supporting Maddie and watching her in something she’s so passionate about. I think about my past and how all of this would’ve been ripped away and stolen from me if things had ended differently.
“You okay?” Mason whispers in my ear as I try to keep my emotions in check.
“Just grateful,” I admit with a smile, and then the lights lower, the curtains open, and the music begins to play.
The melody starts off slowly and builds to a giant crescendo when the ballet dancers rush forward. Maddie glides across the stage so effortlessly. Though I’ve been watching her perform since baby ballet, there’s something so incredibly mesmerizing about her when she’s doing pointe. The stage is hers, she’s the queen, a true performer, and all eyes in the room are on her, especially Liam’s.
The songs flow together, creating a full show, and though no words are spoken, it’s obvious it’s a performance about two lost lovers, determined to find the other, and Maddie’s the star, the leading lady, fighting all the outside sources to find the one.
It’s easy to pretend she doesn’t have a smart mouth or isn’t full of sass when she moves across the stage like it’s glass, looking like a porcelain doll with perfect skin. She so effortlessly supports her entire body on one leg as the other extends directly behind her, using the music to draw a reaction from the crowd. Then in a blink, she’s soaring through the air, spinning like an ice skater, willing her legs and arms to complete impossible movements. She extends and bends and so eloquently moves and leans her body in unimaginable ways, and I’m in total awe watching her. Talented doesn’t even begin to describe Maddie. She’s more than that; she’s absolutely incredible.
When she finally gets to be with her lover, a dancer dressed in black rips him away. The music spirals into dark, ominous tones, and the finale begins with a dramatic emotional dance where it’s obvious the man she loves has died. After all the fighting to be together, death ultimately tore him from her. Tears fill my eyes, and Mason interlocks his fingers with mine, rubbing his thumb across the softness of my skin. It’s a simple gesture, and one I appreciate more than he knows. The stage lights turn bright white, and Maddie purposely and dramatically dances to the ground where death takes her too. Finally, the two are able to be together eternally, forever. The emotion behind it all is almost too much for me to handle, but based on the sniffles in the room, I know I’m not the only one.
I lean toward Mason, wanting to be as close to him as I possibly can. Tears stream down my face as the lover’s dance ends. The stage fades to black, and the curtains close. Before the house lights brighten, I wipe my cheeks. I’m actually speechless. It was the most beautiful dance I’ve ever seen in my life. One of my favorites she’s ever done, and while it was tragic, it was so damn deep and beautiful.
I let out a breath when the curtains open, and the dancers take their bows. Maddie is the last to come out. The crowd goes wild over her, and we all know why. She stole the show, no doubt about that, and should be proud as hell for the emotions she was able to draw from hundreds of people.
“That’s my sister!” I shout, hoping she hears me over the applause as the room gives her a standing ovation. Not one person remains sitting as she takes her bow. When her eyes, full of tears and happiness, meet mine, she blows me a kiss and winks at Liam. Laughter escapes me, and I’m so damn honored to call her my sister that I can barely contain myself. She’s a shining star, burning so brightly, and deserves the world. When the curtains close again, we leave the auditorium, and I hope Maddie hurries and changes so she can meet us in the foyer.