Free Kat: Breaking Pointe by Sebastian Scott Page A

to be there when it happens. So I camp outside her office. I sleep there overnight. Well, sleep is an exaggeration. Occasionally I slip into a hallucinogenic coma in which I hear ghosts of Academy students past prowling the corridors.
    I am brushing my teeth when Ethan happens past. ‘Excellent. Sit here for a minute? I haven’t been to the toilet since – well, that ain’t apple juice.’ I indicate a bottle of yellow coloured juice behind me (which actually is apple juice, but Ethan doesn’t need to know that).
    â€˜You know you’re not camping out for tickets?’
    I look around. ‘This isn’t the line to see Gaga?’
    â€˜Miss Raine won’t respond to a stunt. She needs to know you’re serious this time.’
    He disappears down the corridor. I am tired and cranky and I really am busting. I don’t appreciate the brotherly lecture.
    â€˜Fine, walk away. But my bladder infection is on your conscience!’
    But I agree that it might be time to take another approach.
    Â 
    I enlist Sammy. We charge into Miss Raine’s office. Sammy hands over a petition, while I state my case to be allowed to audition – dancing Odette from Swan Lake while I do so for good measure.
    â€˜Reason number one: the applicant feels deep, demonstrable regret over her previous lackadaisical attitude.’
    â€˜Yes, of course Lady Charlton. You have my undivided attention,’ Miss Raine says into the phone, then covers the mouthpiece and hisses, ‘Get out. Now.’ I dance on, desperate to get my point across.
    â€˜Reason number two: the applicant has now clocked hours of professional dance employment.’
    â€˜And only been fired once,’ Sammy adds helpfully.
    â€˜Twice,’ I interject, remembering the chicken costume.
    â€˜References.’ Sammy produces several sheets of paper and hands them to Miss Raine.
    â€˜This is ridiculous,’ snaps Miss Raine. And then, into the phone, she says, ‘No, not you Lady Charlton. I was talking to a … a bird that’s flown into my office.’ She looks meaningfully at me. ‘Yes, it’s a rather large bird. Thank you.’
    She ends the call and glares at me.
    I stop dancing. ‘Reason number three: the applicant is desperate.’
    â€˜Evidently.’ But my instinct was right. I can feel her will to repel me diminishing.
    She sighs. ‘There are auditions next week for the Junior School. You can come in then. As a favour to your parents.’
    Sammy grins at me. Miss Raine looks me up and down.
    â€˜Although judging from that display of technique, I wouldn’t get your hopes up.’
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    I stand in the middle of the dark studio, looking up at the ceiling. Tara’s busy rehearsing her piece for the Prix, Sammy is practising for his exams. So I’m here alone, and I’m supposed to be preparing. But suddenly I feel overwhelmed.
    â€˜I’m not sure standing still qualifies as training.’
    I turn around. Christian, in stealth mode, takes me by surprise.
    â€˜I was visualising.’
    He raises an eyebrow. ‘How’d that go?’
    â€˜Made me hungry.’
    â€˜Come on,’ he says. ‘Let’s get you warmed up.’
    â€˜You don’t have to – ’
    â€˜I know,’ he says simply.
    I steady myself at the barre , and start practising my battement fondus . Christian stands in front of me, watching every move.
    â€˜I’m sure you’ve got better things to do.’
    â€˜Remember the elastic band,’ Christian instructs gently. ‘Both legs need to reach maximum stretch at the same time.’
    â€˜You’re good at this. Teaching.’
    â€˜Don’t try to distract me. You’re sickling. Here.’ Christian adjusts my foot. I pretend he has no effect on me, though my heart races at his proximity. I continue the exercises and turn to face the barre . Christian puts his hands on my shoulders,