This was it; this was my final dress rehearsal for my very last recital at NYU. I honestly couldn't believe my four year journey on this stage would be over tomorrow night, but coming to terms with it actually hurt my heart. Where had the time gone? It felt like just yesterday I had performed my first recital, hearing the manic cheers and the feeling the first sense of true accomplishment. Tomorrow I would close that chapter of my life and start anew, something I was nervous but eager for.

"Is Drew on her way?" I heard Maria asking, snapping me out of my thoughts.

I nodded, "Yea, she should be here any minute."

We were waiting to put on our first set of costumes for the group number, me already knowing that the duet was later on in the recital. We weren't closing out the show but we were definitely in the last thirty minutes, which I was okay with. I wanted to go out with a bang, so I didn't demand a new placement.

It took Drew the amount of time for me to step into the dressing room, change, perform, and come off stage to finally show up. I had been a nervous wreck but when she finally did and explained that her bike had trouble starting I understood. I had even changed into my duet costume while waiting, and when she disappeared to change as well I felt relief but annoyance.

If something went wrong tomorrow I would be devastated, not only because of all the hard work we had put into this dance but because I wanted to do this with Drew. If I would've had any other partner besides her, this duet would've been mediocre. I wouldn't have tried so hard, so going through with this was my number one goal as of now, and I was going to do everything possible to reach it.

I heard a deep voice next to me then, "So, you think you and your girlfriend will be able to pull this off?"

I looked up at Jordi, seeing a weird look on his face but decided to ignore his obvious sarcasm. I nodded, "I have no doubt in my mind."

"You know you could've asked me, right?" he countered, as if he had almost expected it. I let him continue because I was in no mood to argue, "I mean, she probably can't do as much considering-"

"Considering what?" I heard a familiar voice behind us, the same voice that never failed to send shivers up my spine.

I turned immediately, grabbing Drew's hand and pulling her into me. The tone of her voice implied that she had heard what Jordi said, but the anger on her features was more obvious.

Jordi tried not to look intimidated, "Considering you're a girl and probably can't do a lot of lifts; I mean it's common sense."

I didn't understand why Jordi was a hard-headed douche, but I prayed Drew just let his arrogance slide. Drew wasn't a hot-head, at least not anymore, but she was protective. That was apparent whenever Jordi was around.

She stepped forward, allowing me to see that Drew was eye level with the brown-haired boy. There were glimmers of fear in his olive-colored eyes but he was trying his best to keep his pride more visible.

Drew spat, "Maybe she would've chosen you for the duet if you wouldn't be such a dickhead."

Jordi flexed his jaw, as if he was trying to hold back the anger that was now obvious in his expression. Drew wasn't even flinching, as if she wasn't the least bit scared of Jordi, which I admired for some reason. Jordi was physically more built than most of the dancers here, so people standing up to his ignorance never happened. Yet the blonde standing in front of him was, and the smug look on her face told me she had encountered much worse than Jordi.

I tugged on Drew's hand then, pulling her back towards me as Jordi decided that leaving was probably in his best interest. He wouldn't cause a scene here, and the last thing he probably wanted was to be humiliated by Drew in front of his peers.

Drew turned to me, and I could feel her hands shaking, "I fucking hate him."

Her language shocked me for a moment but I shook my head, "I know. I'm sorry he's such an ass."

The rage in her eyes frightened me, and I knew I needed to calm her down before we had to go onstage. The last thing I needed was for her to be unfocused while lifting me off of the ground. She needed to relax, and for some reason I had a feeling Jordi had done this on purpose.

I stroked her arms, "You know we're about to blow everyone away, right?"

Her silvery green eyes found me, and I could feel her relax a bit. Distracting her was the only option now, and getting her mind off of Jordi was now an absolute must.

I continued, "They might even offer you a scholarship after seeing you dance... you never know."

She smiled then, allowing me to see past all the anger she was feeling, "I think I'm a little too old for college."

I shoved her, "You're only twenty-three Drew."

Her hands squeezed mine in response, and I finally had the real Drew back with me. She eyed me before claiming, "You look amazing, by the way."

I stepped closer to her, grabbing the front of the button-down she was wearing and tucking it into her shorts. I leaned closer, "I could say the same about you," then I gave her a quick kiss before pulling away to see her reaction.

Then our moment was interrupted, "Bree! You're next!"

Grabbing Drew's hand in mine I pulled her towards the stage, watching the group number begin. I knew we had about four minutes until we would be onstage, and suddenly I was a little nervous. I turned to Drew, hoping to see that I wasn't the only one who was feeling a bit anxious, but she looked calm and collected.

I asked, "Are you nervous?"

She shook her head, "No, not really. Why?"

"Because you haven't done this in a while, so I was curious..."

She answered with a smile, "I feel confident in this dance, and when I feel confident I never get nervous. I don't know, maybe I should be but... I'm not."

I felt a smile grow on my face, and I understood what she had meant. We could practically perform this dance in our sleep, and suddenly I was no longer nervous. I was eager to perform now, and I was even more eager to show off with Drew.

She was still holding my hand, which led me to believe she wasn't afraid for people to assume we were together. It made me feel warm inside, but I knew that discussion was going to have to wait until later. I was more than comfortable with Drew, but the relationship talk was something I was putting off. It didn't feel like the right time, mostly because I was too busy with school and dancing, but I had decided internally we would talk when I got back from my parent's after Christmas.

Then as if those four minutes had passed within seconds, we were called onto the stage.

I pulled Drew along with me as I listened to a few of the on-lookers that were watching the rehearsal. I heard a few mumbles like "This is Breanna and Drew" and "Yea, the same-sex duet". I wasn't intimidated by their expressions, mostly because most of them were neutral. Of course there were exceptions but it didn't discourage me.

The lights dimmed as I felt Drew take her place behind me, my heart rate speeding up at the feel of her touch. This was step one of two, and hopefully after gaining approval from the coordinators we would gain approval of the audience tomorrow night.

We just had to do our best.

The song started, the lights brightened, and I felt Drew starting off with a bang as her energy seemed to radiate off of her. This only encouraged me, and I tried to let my mind go blank while we performed. If I thought too much it would only render my own performance, and I knew Drew was going to give it her all so I had to return as well.

I proceeded with the steps, performing them with ease against Drew. It was different this time, and even when I couldn't exactly explain it I found myself not being able to tear my eyes off of my gorgeous partner. She looked so good in her outfit, and the way she moved with me on the stage made it seem as if she had never stopped dancing in the first place.

She grabbed me, pulling me into her as she performed one of our many lifts. The flawlessness of it caused a few mumbles of gratitude, and I felt myself actually smiling. Drew was smiling as well, moving with me the entire time as if we were one. There was nothing else like this, and suddenly the outside world melted away. Everything was gone, and it was just me, Drew, and the music. I had never felt so at ease in my own skin before, and I had never felt so calm on the stage.

This was all because of Drew.

Unfortunately it seemed as if our number had flown by within seconds as I performed the last of our steps, Drew pulling me into her for the closing move. She held me close, those amazing eyes never leaving me as her smile spread across her features.

She whispered quickly, "They're standing."

The song ended and I turned, hearing multiple claps of appreciation as I took notice to what Drew had meant. Everyone in the auditorium was standing, as if this was a real performance and we had moved them that much. The warmth in my heart was overwhelming, and suddenly I felt like crying.

I mumbled a pathetic "thank you" before rushing off of the stage. Why was I so emotional? I had never felt something like this before, but it felt good and bad at the same time. What was going on? God, get yourself together Bree...

Drew pulled me into her, "What's wrong? Why are you crying?"

I hadn't noticed I was until she said something but I shook my head, attempting to wipe my tears. Why the hell was I crying? I should be dancing with joy and feeling like I was on top of the world, but I couldn't explain this feeling.

I sighed, "I don't know..." I paused, trying to collect myself. Was I crying because I felt a tremendous amount of joy? Was I crying because I was hurt? Everything seemed to numb but intense at the same time.

Drew's smile attempted to relax me, "Bree, are you crying because you're happy?"

Her reaction made me laugh a little, but I realized she was absolutely right. I felt good, and I felt like I had finally gained the acceptance and recognition I had been working so hard for. Over the past four years I had worked so hard, almost to the point of quitting, and seeing the reactions of the coordinators standing at dress rehearsal was just too much. I felt like I could breathe again, as if my future was so open and free and I didn't have to worry anymore. I had accomplished so much before my last recital, and I knew I could leave now with no regrets.

I smiled through my tears, "Yea, I think I am."

Bringing her hands up to my cheeks she wiped my tears, her thumbs pressing softly against my skin. She was shaking her head with a smile on her face, "You earned this, Bree."

I fought the lump in my throat as the tears threatened to start again, but I really needed to stop crying. People were looking, but Drew didn't seem phased by any of this anyway, and if she wasn't then neither was I.

I leaned up and kissed her then, as if I was silently thanking her for everything without words. She kissed back willingly, but it was soft and caring, as if she was afraid I might start crying gain.

I whispered, "I don't think I could've done this without you."

"You're right," she joked, kissing my forehead, "I'm the best."

I squeezed her arm and led her to the dressing room to change, hearing multiple "congratulations" on the way. My peers were proud, the coordinators were proud, and I was proud. There was absolutely nothing that could ruin this moment, and it only got better whenever I spotted Jordi looking at us with an envious look on his face.

And all I could do was thank the good Lord that things had finally turned out in my favor this time.

~ ~ ~ ~

"I'm outside," Drew spoke through the phone, and I rushed out the door of my apartment.

"I'm coming," I answered, grateful that Jada had decided to stay in Philly with her boyfriend and my parents weren't here yet. Since my sister had decided to skip out on my last performance I had felt a little down, but now that Drew was my partner I figured everything kind of worked out as planned.

The last thing I wanted was her and Drew getting into it after the recital.

I spotted Drew in all her glory, helmet on her head as she smiled at me. She had a bag slung around her shoulder but I offered to take it when I made it to her, making it easier for her to drive. I placed the helmet on my head and climbed on, wrapping my hands around her waist.

She spoke, "Ready for this?"

I teased, "Always am."

Then we drove off, making it to the auditorium in no time. I was anxious but I wasn't nervous, courtesy of the reactions Drew and I had gained from yesterday's dress rehearsal. I knew if I gained acceptance from the coordinators we would blow everyone away tonight. I was overly eager to perform now, and I was feeling refreshed and just... great.

Getting there and seeing the usual disorder of the auditorium put me a little on edge, but when makeup and the last minute run down before the show went great I relaxed. Now the recital was well underway and I was waiting with Drew and my group to perform our first number. Drew was relaxing a bit knowing we weren't on till after intermission and she was actually already dressed and everything.

And she looked absolutely stunning.

While she was talking with Maria and Jeremy I was watching her, my eyes refusing to leave her figure. Her blonde hair was fixed, half up with it out of her face but it flowed over her shoulders gracefully. The loose-curls really accentuated her face, and her makeup was already applied to give her a more dramatic effect. As if those eyes weren't stunning enough the makeup artists had really done a great job with making them pop, giving them a silver look rather than her normal light blue-green. She looked absolutely amazing, and when she looked at me I was forced out of my daydream.

She teased, "You okay?"

I swallowed and leaned more into her, "Of course I am."

Maria chimed in, "Yea well, you were staring pretty hard."

"Agreed," Jeremy pestered, as if they were all attempting to call me out at the same time.

I laughed it off, trying not to let them see the redness on my cheeks, "Sorry."

It didn't take long before me and my group were onstage performing, and we had executed the dance much better than the Halloween performance in my opinion. The audience went nuts when we finished, but I knew it wouldn't be long till Drew and I were blowing them away again. I was ready for intermission to be over and perform my final duet, hoping I didn't get too emotional this time.

As much as I loved dancing and getting lost, I knew I had to remain quite focused to pull it off. It was more of a subconscious thing, something I didn't have to think about but did at the same time. I remembered the steps fine but incorporating emotion into it was key. Too much emotion showed exaggeration and not enough made it boring, so finding a balance was a must.

But it came easy with Drew.

Sitting in my chair I was allowing the girls to work on my hair, knowing Drew and I would be performing in about twenty minutes. My pulse was quick but I wasn't nervous, and Drew was standing next to me holding my hand while we waited.

I started, "So tonight..."

She glanced at me, smiling, "What? No one's going out like last time? Not feeling Cielo?"

I sighed, realizing no one had mentioned going out, but I really didn't want to anyway. I shrugged, "I'd rather just go home and spend the rest of my night with you."

She squeezed my hand, "You're still leaving tomorrow?"

I gave her a tiny nod in response, knowing what she was talking about. I had informed her quite some time ago about my plans for next week. I would spend the night with her but tomorrow morning I would be leaving with my parents to go back to Philadelphia for a week, until Christmas day at least. I would come back after with Jada that Saturday since Christmas was on a Friday, but it would be a week apart from Drew.

Absence wasn't something I wanted to do but maybe it would give me a sense of what I really felt for Drew. If I got back and everything was still normal, we would have the relationship talk like I had planned. I had a good feeling everything would be fine after my week away, but this was a test I needed to give myself.

Not to mention the loose-ends I would be tying up with Ashley over my break. Drew didn't know, but I was most definitely planning on telling her tonight when I went over. There were no more secrets, and she knew I needed to talk to my ex to finally clear the air and my heart. I hoped desperately when I did it would help me further my relationship with Drew and finally allow me to open up the way I needed.

Which would hopefully encourage Drew to do the same.

Finally the girl finished with my hair as she spoke, "Just putting this out there, you two are just adorable."

I smiled and thanked her, allowing myself to walk off with Drew. She was eyeing me a little longer than usual, which I took as a good sign. Maybe she was having a moment like I had earlier, and I would let her. I loved having her attention on me, but right now I was attempting to keep my cool and focus.

It wouldn't be long till her and I would be called up to perform one last time, and I needed to mentally prepare myself.

We were waiting near the stage, allowing me to hear the music playing throughout the entire auditorium. The song was slow but moving, and it made me relax a bit. Drew seemed so focused on me, as if I was the way she calmed herself down. It flattered me to think that but I would never know if that was the case.

She took a deep breath, "I can't get over how great you look."

Suddenly my cheeks were on fire at the sound of that, and I looked at her, seeing a huge grin on her face. We weren't together, that was technically true, but the look in her eyes screamed "proud girlfriend" and I was more than okay with that. Being Drew's girlfriend had a great ring to it, and I knew I was getting ahead of myself. I had never been looked at like that, and it was overwhelming and sweet and just all kinds of feelings I couldn't put into words.

One look from her could give me all the confidence I needed.

I smiled, "You should see yourself, everyone here is jealous of me."

"I haven't felt this good in a while," she confessed, as if she was having a moment before we performed. I just looked up at her, wondering if she was going to elaborate on that, but realized she wasn't.

I smiled harder, squeezing her hand, "Just wait till after we dance."

Then we were called up to the stage, my heart rate flying through the roof as I approached the end of the curtain. This was most likely my very last performance on this stage, and I would dance with Drew, someone who had made a giant mark on my heart within a tiny amount of time. I was sharing this moment with her, and I couldn't be happier about it.

She inhaled and exhaled deeply, "Are you ready?"

"More than ever," I squeezed her hand in response, looking up at her as I heard the number before us finish. The audience clapped as the lights dimmed, and Drew led me onto the stage quickly. We took our places, my heart slamming so hard against my chest I thought everyone in the auditorium could hear it. Drew's breathing was deep but controlled, as if she had mastered the skill of keeping her mind together, but I pinned that on the years of fighting.

Then before our intro came in she whispered against my ear, "Breathe."

I exhaled the air I had been holding back as the song started. I felt the lights heat up my skin, deciding to block out every face I could and couldn't see from the audience. It was better that way, but Drew made it easy to focus on her, and I found myself loosening up quickly.

I couldn't get over the fact that Drew and I danced so well together, as if we had done it for years and years. It was so natural and effortless, and I knew everyone could see that when we moved together. How was it possible? Something this great between Drew and I. It amazed me how we had found each other, as if fate had always been working to bring us together.

This was meant to happen, and I had no doubt in my mind about that.

Drew pulled me into her, guiding me along to the beat of the music smoothly. All I could hear was the music and all I could see was Drew, but that's all I really needed, wasn't it? It was her and I, nothing else. It was as if time had completely stopped in the Big Apple while Drew and I existed in our own little world for the next four minutes.

It was the best four minutes of my life, and I had a feeling everyone in the auditorium knew that.

Executing every lift perfectly I was getting more and more lost in the song than I had intended, but it seemed to benefit us. Drew was in complete control of me and I was letting her, which seemed to always work out best that way anyhow.

The song was quickly coming to an end and I found myself not wanting it to. I was so happy, happier than I had been in the last three years of my life, but I knew this couldn't last forever. I wanted it to though, and judging by the look on Drew's face I understood she felt the same way.

This was just right; everything about this situation perfect, as if it had always been meant to be. Every choice I had made, every morning I missed the bus and every light I missed had guided me to her. Every delay and accomplishment had led me into that gym on that late September afternoon to meet Drew, and right now I was a firm believer in destiny. I had met Drew at the right time, I had met her in a time that not only I needed her, but she needed me too. This seemed like the perfect example of fate to me, and there was no arguing otherwise.

I was sure I was falling in love with her, and I couldn't do a damn thing to stop it.

The song ended but my last thought really evoked a lot of emotions, enough to completely block out any sound that was going on around me. I knew the audience was cheering, I knew Drew was talking to me, but all I could do was let her guide me off of the dark stage.

I was falling in love with Drew, and that realization was one of the most intimidating things I had thought in a long time.

I felt hands on my shoulders, pulling me back into my head, "Bree? Bree that was amazing! Did you hear that applause! God we blew them away!"

I was once again captivated by Drew and her excitement, an emotion I rarely ever saw. I couldn't help but smile as I rushed into hug her, feeling great as I pressed my body against hers. I wrapped my arms around her, my face burying itself in her neck. I took in everything I could within those few seconds, her smell, her warmth, her touch, every burning sensation that seemed to engulf my entire body every time our bodies collided. Nothing would top this moment, I was sure, but the lingering thought of falling in love with Drew stayed in my mind.

Was it too early to think that? Even when it had been nearly three months since me actually meeting Drew? It seemed all so overwhelming yet absolutely true, and I wasn't sure how I felt about that.

Her arms tightened around me, "You did... God you did so good."

I smiled against her chest, "Thank you, for everything. This... this honestly couldn't have been any more perfect."

Once again our moment was cut short when we were hustled into the dressing room to change and ready to end the show. Leaving tomorrow felt impossible now but I knew it was inevitable, and I was ready to go home with Drew and enjoy the rest of the time I had with her.

So after we changed, received numerous compliments, most of them from Maria herself, we closed out the show. It had been a huge success, and I was so proud and happy with my last recital that I felt at ease with leaving NYU. I had a great time here, but this chapter of my life was now officially over, and I couldn't stop the emotions from getting to me. Of course I wouldn't cry anymore, but the joy and happiness was flowing through a lot of us, and Drew was here to experience and support alongside me.

I looked up at Drew, "Since my sisters not here, would you want to meet my parents?"

I could tell she was nervous but there was excitement in her eyes, and I knew she was willing. Any normal being would be nervous, but she had nothing to be worried about. I was convinced my mom was already in love with her and my dad only disliked her bike, but we didn't have to mention that.

She nodded, "I'd love to."

We were soon searching for them in the lobby of the auditorium, and it didn't take long for me to spot them because they were waving at us like maniacs. Hand in hand I led Drew over to them, both of my parents smiling like idiots.

My mom greeted first, "And who's this lovely dance partner or yours? You two did well, I'm so proud of you, Bree."

My dad chimed, "I've never heard an audience applaud that loud, Breanna. You two should be so proud."

I decided to introduce them rather than talk about dancing, "Mom, dad, this is... Drew."

My mom of course was shocked considering I hadn't told her Drew was actually my dance partner, but that had been a month ago. I couldn't have made any promises back then, but she seemed excited to realize this.

"Bree, you're kidding. You didn't tell me she danced!"

Drew seemed shocked that I had mentioned her to my mom, but instead of being embarrassed she beamed with pride. I figured she wouldn't mind anyway.

Then as if everything happened in slow motion I watched Jada walk up from behind my mom, holding what looked to be my mom's purse. For a few seconds Jada was looking down into it, but Drew's grip tightened in mine as she saw my sister approaching us. My skin went cold, as if every ounce of blood had been emptied, and suddenly this night had taken a turn for the absolute worse.

My mom greeted, "Oh Jada, my purse! Thank you. Did you meet Drew?"

When Jada's brown eyes look up and she came to terms with who was standing on the side of me, the rage was rapidly intensifying. I felt the anger radiating off of Jada like I was standing too close to a fire, suddenly placed within the devil's gaze. My sister's eyes were glued to Drew, and suddenly it was hard for me to breathe. This night had been going so well, why had this happened? Jada wasn't supposed to be here in the first place!

Jada attempted to mask her anger while sticking out her hand towards Drew, "No, I don't think I've had the pleasure."

Drew hesitantly took Jada's hand, but I could tell by the whiteness of Jada's knuckles that she was squeezing Drew's hand to death. This had to be some sort of joke, and suddenly I couldn't get away from them fast enough.

This night had taken a complete turn for the worst, everything now standing still, and not in a good way.

[] Bree and Drew's Recital Dance, at least how I picture it.

Inspiring songs: To Build a Home (feat. Patrick Watson) – The Cinematic Orchestra