Chapter Twenty Two
Primadonna

FOR THE NEXT three days, Sydney spent the majority of her time in the studio. The day of the competition was approaching quickly and Sydney wanted her dance to be perfect. It was going to be the first time she performed on stage since she was a kid. Ever since she was little, Sydney had been a perfectionist. She wanted everything to be perfect. What she did, what she wore, and how she looked.  She had a type A personality and a competitive nature.  But it's how she won.  She always worked hard.

The girls at the studio were impressed,  almost jealous of how amazing a dancer she was.  Her technique was flawless and her facial expressions were like a true professional.  She was focused and driven.  All those years of dancing really payed off.

The three days rolled by quickly and before she knew it,  it was Saturday,  The day of the competition.  For the entire day,  Sydney had been stressing the hell out. She received multiple text messages from her friends sending her good luck texts and a few of them saying they would be there to see her perform. One of those messages including Miguel. 

miggy <3
hey princess, I know you're
probably freaking out right now
but just know i'll be there to
watch and i'm rooting for you 💓

It made her stress out a little less. She sat in the dressing room with all the other girls and Rosemary. They were all rushing to get ready. "Okay girls, you've been rehearsing for weeks now and can I just say, you've all been beautiful. Good luck to all of you and just remember to breath and focus. Please wish Maddie,  Sailor,  and Sydney good luck on their solos."

Sydney looked across the vanities and smiled at Maddie, another girl from the studio who was in the same age division as her.  Sailor sat beside her at one of vanity's and smirked.  "Good luck out there,  Brit."

"Thanks love,  you too."  Sydney smiled and looked back in her mirror.  She let out a heavy sigh. "Okay, don't freak out," she muttered to herself while doing her makeup. "You are beautiful, talented, and amazing. You can do anything. Believe in yourself."

Miguel looked around the crowded room in awe. He had never been to a dance competition before. He was super excited. He came with his mother and yaya, along with Aisha and Hawk who wanted to come watch Sydney as well. In his hands was a large bouquet of pink carnations.  His hands were currently shaking like crazy.

"Dude,  why are you shaking so much?"  Hawk asked,  seeing him shake like a chihuahua.

"I'm just nervous." Miguel muttered. "I've never had a girlfriend before, let alone a dancer."

"I think it's sweet," said Aisha. "And don't worry. Sydney's gonna do amazing. She always does."

Miguel smiled a little. "I have no doubt."

Miguel was amazed at how talented all the dancers were.  He always thought dance was cool but he had never seen anything like it in person.  He understood now why Sydney loved it.  He was seated in one of the dark chairs with Hawk and Aisha on one side and his mother sat in the seat beside them.  In front of them was Sydney's mom and dad. 

Caroline turned around in her seat and smiled at the family.  "Thank you so much for coming.  Sydney's going to be so excited."

"We wouldn't miss it for the world."  Carmen smiled while leaning forward.

Caroline smiled and noticed the flowers in Miguel's hand. "Miguel, those are beautiful."

Miguel smiled shyly. "Oh yeah, they're Sydney's favorite."

Caroline awed. She looked at his mother. "Such a sweet boy."

Carmen smiled proudly. "Yes he is." She pinched Miguel's cheeks.

"Mom." Miguel groaned under his breath and slapped her hand away.

Hawk and Aisha snickered from where they were sitting.

"Let's hear it for act number 237, Miss Sydney with Say Something,  Say Anything." the judge announced into the microphone.

"WHOO!" Miguel immediately cheered when he heard her name.

The others cheered loudly and clapped along with everyone in the room. Sydney came walking out gracefully, wearing a dark red slip dress and her was back in a sleek, right bun. Miguel's hands started to shake again but this time in excitement.

Her music started and she began dancing the most beautiful,  flawless dance he had ever seen.  Her facial expressions were on point,  making Miguel and everyone else feel a hint of sadness,  which is what the song expressed.  She had it look so easy.  It was a simple and natural as breathing.  Her technique was perfect;  her control,  her legs,  her arms,  her flexibility.

Miguel saw a different side to her.  Sydney was a tough cookie.  She liked to make people believe she was hard as a rock and didn't care what anyone thought.  She always held held her head up high.  She was independent.  She was strong.  But this Sydney was different.  This Sydney was vulnerable and emotionally.  She knew how to put on a performance.  He could tell by her movements that she loved dancing and it's what made her,  her.  Miguel loved every version of Sydney.  She was so beautiful. 

"Dude,  are you crying?"  Hawk whispered to him.

Miguel didn't realize he started to tear up.  "W-What?  No,  I just got an eyelash in my eye."  He denied and wiped his eyes.

Hawk narrowed his eyes but didn't say anything.  He smirked slightly.

Sydney ended her dance with her body in the floor of the stage,  twisted beautiful and her arms out by her side.  The music ended and cheers erupted from the building.  Miguel clapped especially loud,  a wide smile on his face. 

Sydney stood up and gracefully walked off the stage.  Miguel felt his eyes water again and he wiped them.  He looked over at Hawk.  "Okay,  now I'm crying."

He and Aisha grinned.  Hawk clapped him on the back.

"Oh,  Caroline,  she was so beautiful!"  Carmen gushed to Sydney's mother.

"Tan hermosa!"  His yaya added.

Caroline and Alexander smiled.  "Thank you,  Carmen."  The British woman beamed.

"Years and years of hard work."  Alexander added with a nod and a proud smile.

"She's gotten so much better since she was a kid."  Aisha said to her friends.

Son,  the number of dances ended and it was time for awards.  Sydney sat cross crossed with the girls from her studio.  She was biting her nails nervously.  Miguel's leg started to shake and he bounced it up and down anxiously.

The awards were handed out and soon it was time for solo awards.  They ranged from first place to tenth place.

"In sixth place,  Miss Hannah with Dream A Dream."  The judge announced.  "In fifth place,  Miss Taylor with Stars In The Sky.  In third place,  Miss Maddie with Shades Of Blue."

A girl with dark brown hair that was sitting beside Sydney stood up and walked up to retrieve her award.  Sydney clapped for the girl happily.

"In second place is Miss Sailor with In The Dark."

Sydney smiled widely for her friend and shook her by the shoulder.  Sailor smirked and got up from her spot,  taking her award and standing beside Maddie.

Everyone started to grow nervous.  Sydney's name was yet to be announced and there was only one spot left.  Without thinking,  Miguel clutched his mom's hand and the flowers in the other.

"And in first place with a score of 298 and the overall high scoring solo,  please congratulate Miss Sydney with Say Something,  Say Anything."

"YES!"  Miguel shouted like a mad man and stood up quickly,  cheering.  "THAT'S MY GIRLFRIEND!"

They all followed along,  doing the exact same thing.

Hearing their cheers,  Sydney's eyes lit up and she stood up quickly,  practically bouncing to the judge.  He placed a metal around her neck and handed her the large trophy while congratulating her.  She stood in the middle of Sailor and Maddie and smiled brightly. 

Almost immediately after everyone was dismissed,  Sydney rushed off the stage and out of the room to the hallway of the building.  She looked all around for any sight of her family or friends.

"Sydney!"

Hearing her mom,  she whipped around and immediately ran to her mother and father,  falling into their arms.  "Oh,  my love,  you were stunning!"

"Beautiful as always."  Her father said and kissed her in the head.

"Syd!"  Aisha shouted and she broke away from her parents,  running and jumping into her friend's arms.  "That was amazing!"

"Totally not what I was expecting but I liked it."  Hawk nodded when he joined them with a wide smile.

"Thank you guys."  She grinned proudly.  Over their shoulders,  she caught Miguel's eyes and rushed around them into his arms.

Miguel caught her and lifted her up and buried his head into her neck.  She beamed.  "You came!"

"You think I would miss it?"  He said and kissed her.  "You were absolutely perfect."

She blushed red.  "Thank you,  my love."  She cupped his face and kissed him softly.

They broke away and Miguel held up the carnations,  making her eyes widen.  "Oh Mig,  they're beautiful.  Thank you."

"Anything for you."  He smiled sweetly.

"Oh Sydney,  that's was amazing.  You are so talented!"  Carmen gushed when she approached the Brit.

"Thank you so much,  Carmen."  Sydney thanked and hugged the woman.  She pulled away and hugged Yaya tightly,  who was telling the girl how great she was in Spanish. 

"Danny! Amanda!" Sydney heard her father greet.

Sydney turned around to see Daniel and Amanda walking up to the group. Sam trailed behind them with Charlie by her side, him standing a good foot or two taller than her. Sydney was surprised. She and Sam hadn't talked since what happened at the beach club. She didn't think Sam would show up but she would be sad if she didn't. Sam hadn't missed a dance competition since Sydney started dancing.

"Caroline, Alex, so good to see you." Daniel greeted the parents and he and Amanda have them hugs. His eyes brightened at the girl. "Syd, that's as amazing! I'm so proud of you."

"Always so beautiful." Amanda added and smiled lovingly at her.

"Thank you so much." Sydney grinned and hugged them tightly. She looked behind them at sam. She slowly walked up to her. "I didn't think you would come."

"Are you kidding? I never miss a competition." Sam smiled. She looked up at Charlie. "I brought a plus one, also."

Sydney grinned. "Of course. Hi Charlie."

Charlie smiled. "Hey Syd.  That was really great. Congratulations."

She did a small bow. "Why thank you."  She looked back at Sam. "Thank you for coming. It means a lot to me."

"You're my best friend."  Sam replied.

The two girls smiled at each other and embraced.  Sydney knew no matter how much they fought,  she would always love Sam. 

"I think the winner deserves a nice dinner.  Don't you all think?"  Daniel announced to everyone.

"I think that's a great idea."  Caroline agreed.

Hawk held up a finger,  who was currently starving.  "I definitely agree."

They all laughed.  "Let's go shall we?"  Alexander questioned and they walked to the exit of the building.

Miguel wrapped his arm around Sydney and she wrapped hers around his waist,  leaning into him.  He pressed a kiss to the side of her head. 

Favorite chapter?  Favorite chapter.

If you can't tell by now,  I'm a huge Dance Moms fan