Free Stolen Luck by Megan Atwood Page A

to look up. A voice whispered in her ear, “Everyone has bad days.”
    Kayley sat up and smiled at Madeleine. She really was the nicest person. Also an incredible dancer, but because Madeleine was new to the academy, she was only in the corps this performance. It was only a matter of time, though, until Madeleine started to land lead roles. Ophelia had some competition.
    And Madeleine’s talent was only part of it, Kayley thought. Yes, Madeleine had musicality, and yes, she had a grace that couldn’t be taught, no matter who was doing the teaching. But she also came to class early every day and practiced. Kayley couldn’t even think about that. She already felt it was torture to be up at six. And she was almost always late.
    She shrugged at Madeleine. “It’s all right. Madame needs someone to yell at. I guess I’m the lucky one today.”
    And the last few days, she thought.
    Madame clapped her hands, which meant it was the end of class and time for reverence—the period when the ballet dancers thanked their teacher through dance and paid respect. Kayley couldn’t think of anything she’d like to do less. She got up, went through the motions, and finished just slightly before everyone else. She was already at her bag by the time everyone else finished the movements. When she looked up, she could see Madame’s angry eyes flicker over her and then look away. Kayley flinched. She didn’t like that look.
    She got out a gummy worm from her bag—so what if it was only nine in the morning?—and started to chew on it. This was definitely not her day. She shrugged. The afternoon practice would just have to be better.

Chapter 2
    But afternoon practice was not better. Not by an inch.
    Kayley just couldn’t seem to catch up. Her counting was off, and she literally tripped over her own feet during two of the moves.
    With a look of disgust, Madame waved for her to go sit down. Kayley, secretly relieved and trying to hide her heavy breathing, slunk happily to the floor.
    And then her world collapsed.
    â€œMadeleine, have you been watching the godmother scenes?”
    Madeleine stole a quick glance at Kayley, then nodded her head.
    â€œWell, do you think you could dance them?”
    Kayley stared at Madame. Was she doing what Kayley thought she was doing? Suddenly, more than the tough dance routine was causing sweat to trickle down Kayley’s spine.
    Madeleine looked at her guiltily and nodded to Madame.
    â€œLet’s try them. Patrick, from the top of the fairy godmother scene.”
    The pianist began the music that started the scene.
    And Kayley sat horrified as she watched Madeleine take her place.
    The worst thing about the whole affair was that Madeleine should have been taking her place. She was wonderful.
    Kayley watched as Madeleine performed every move flawlessly. Two fouettés, an arabesque that lasted forever, bourrées … Kayley couldn’t watch anymore.
    Madeleine had danced Kayley’s part perfectly. And with a sinking feeling, Kayley realized what that meant.
    When Madeleine was finished, the whole class clapped, and Kayley’s face burned. She felt tears behind her eyes, and she could feel people stealing glances at her. Madeleine looked down at the floor and frowned. Kayley knew she felt bad. But she also knew Madeleine just couldn’t help being a good dancer.
    Madame said curtly, “OK, Madeleine, you dance the fairy godmother. Kayley, you try corps. Patrick, let’s go from the top of Cinderella’s entrance. Ophelia, take your place.”
    And with that, Kayley’s dream was crushed.
    Madeleine walked toward her with a worried expression on her face. The rest of the class looked on.
    Kayley didn’t cry. With four brothers, she had grown up pretty tough. At least that’s what she told herself. And she certainly didn’t cry in public. But she felt the tears welling up and knew they would spill soon.