"Thank you," the young blonde smiled as she took her iced coffee from the man behind the counter. She was very pretty and had greenish-blue eyes and pale skin with rosy cheeks and soft, pink lips.

She went to reach for a straw when she bumped hands with a tall man, who had light brown hair and glasses. "I apologize," the stranger said quickly. "I didn't see you there."

The girl smiled softly. "Don't worry about it," she said, grabbing a straw and walking away before he could reply.

"Rory!" A girl called from a window table. "Over here!"

"Ah, our usual table," Rory smiled. "How've you been, Maddie?"

"We just saw each other yesterday," she laughed. "But, to answer your question, I'm good."

Maddie was short in stature with jet black hair that was always kept in braids. She, too, had pale skin, but her face was adorned with freckles and bright blue eyes.

"Are you ready to for the performance next week?" Rory asked, sipping her coffee.

"Not in the least," Maddie moaned. "Why did we agree to this?"

"Because Danny is my friend and I owed him a favor. Besides, you're a very talented ballerina. I'm sure you'll do amazing."

"No, you're the talented ballerina. I'm the bumbling fool who tripped the second she got on stage," Maddie laughed. "I don't even know why he chose me for the part."

"You probably got the part because Danny likes you," Rory teased with a chuckle.

Maddie made a face. "If that's why, then I'm quitting."

Rory let out a laugh. "No, you're not. I won't let you."

The two girls conversed for awhile longer on this topic before returning to Rory's large, new apartment. The formerly white walls were painted in gorgeous pastel colors and the walls were decorated with some of Rory's artwork, as she was also a talented artist as well. They had a soft, white couch and a furry area rug in the same color.

"I love what you've done with the place," Maddie complimented. "It's gorgeous."

"Thank you," Rory smiled.

They began to unpack Maddie's things and set everything up in the guest room, which was now her room. She had many boxes and it took a very long time to unpack them all.

"Is this everything?" Rory asked after they had unpacked every box in sight, wiping her brow.

"I have two more boxes in my car. Once we unpack those, I will be officially moved in," Maddie beamed.

"Alright," Rory sighed. "God, this is a lot of work."

It was decided that they would unpack the other boxes later, as both girls were utterly exhausted. Instead, they decided to collapse onto the couch and watch a favorite movie.

However, they talked through the entire thing, as their minds were preoccupied with the performance of Swan Lake. Rory was to play the part of Odette, the Swan Princess, and Maddie was to play Odile, the daughter of Von Rothbart the magician.

"I still can't believe I'm playing Odette," Rory said excitedly. "I've wanted to be in a real ballet since I was a little girl."

"I'm so happy for you," Maddie smiled.

The girls continued to incessantly discuss their costumes and makeup and the like. It wasn't long before one of them brought up the topic of men.

"I hope there will be some cute guys in the audience," Maddie said with a small sigh. "I need a boyfriend...I see that look, Aurora Harmony Lucas. Don't you dare say 'Danny'."

"Wow. Full name," Rory smirked. "I can't help it that he has a thing for you."

"No, but you certainly haven't done anything to discourage it. All you do is egg him on and annoy me."

"Well, excuse me for trying to have a little bit of fun," Rory said with a laugh.

Maddie sighed dramatically.  "Why do you hate me?"

Both girls silently looked at each other before bursting into laughter. They continued to discuss their problems in the romance department and other aspects of their personal lives before heading off to bed. Though they were in their beds, their minds kept running.