On Pointe by Lorie Ann Grover Page A

room.
    Everyone
    wears something different.
    They’re like a circus troupe.
    We pass them
    silently
    and go into the floor room.
    I’m last in line.
    â€œGood luck tomorrow,”
    someone says.
    I turn and see
    the red-headed lady
    looking right at me.
    â€œThanks,” I answer
    by accident.
    I spin away
    fast.
    We piqué turn across the floor.
    Snapping our heads,
    we spot
    one speck
    on the wall
    we are moving toward.
    The room blurs,
    but the spot
    is in focus.
    Everyone moves
    across the floor
    toward their spot.
    Waiting for my turn,
    I look outside.
    Mount Rainier is hidden today.
    It’s hard to believe it’s really
    still there.
    Something so huge,
    but you can’t even see it.
    Below, cars rush past.
    Hurrying to other places.
    I take a deep breath.
    I’m right where
    I’m supposed to be.
    Being the best I can be.
    I can definitely see it.
    We escape the dressing room
    as fast as possible.
    Rosella didn’t even puke today.
    She and I
    run into Elton going out the front door.
    He holds it open for us.
    â€œThanks,” we say.
    â€œSure. See you tomorrow!”
    â€œOkay.” I grin.
    Rosella yanks me down the stairs.
    â€œCome on,” she giggles. “Be cool, girl.”
    I hurry away with her
    even though Elton is still waving.
    â€œSee you, Clare.” Rosella climbs
    into their car.
    â€œLater,” I call, and then walk home
    the straightest way possible.
    The crosswalk light is green.
    Grandpa’s widening the pansy bed.
    â€œWhat do you think?” he asks.
    â€œIt’ll be beautiful!”
    I fix tomato soup and grilled cheese
    for dinner
    and don’t burn the bread.
    â€œIt’s ready, Grandpa,” I call out the storm door.
    â€œGo ahead without me, Clare.
    I want to finish up out here.”
    â€œOkay.”
    I try to eat
    but end up dumping nearly all of mine
    since my stomach’s crampy.
    When Grandpa comes in,
    he says his is delicious.
    We play Scrabble till bedtime.
    I win by two points.
    I run the perfect temperature bath
    and get out before it cools off.
    I set my folded clean tights and leotard
    on the dresser with my bag.
    I check my toe shoes.
    The boxing is a bit soft,
    but the shank is still stiff.
    Should be fine.
    Everything is perfect
    for tomorrow.

Willow
    I think their little audition is today. I wouldn’t know for sure; I lose track of time since my schedule is so packed with classes. City Ballet? Please. I’m mother’s prima ballerina. She says New York is mine.
    Rosella
    I’m ready. I’ve done everything. New tights, new leotard, new shoes. I’m at my lowest weight. I will be one of the sixteen!
    Dia
    Today’s the audition. I stuck my tongue out at the stupid kitchen calendar. So I’m childish. Who cares? What a relief I’m not under that audition pressure. Sheesh. Why did I ever want to dance anyway? Stop crying already!
    Margot
    Oh, right. The audition.
    Elton
    I am pumped for this audition. I lifted weights and drank a double protein drink this morning. Let me at those judges.
    Clare
    This is the dream I’ve sacrificed for. I’ve tried as hard as possible. Failure’s not in my future. I’m going to go for that moment whenI feel turned inside out. I’ll show everyone who I really am: the perfect choice for City Ballet Company.
    My eyes are puffed
    from not sleeping so well.
    I tossed through the night,
    visualizing every ballet step
    I know.
    Now I can’t get my toast
    to go down.
    Or my orange juice, either.
    My heart is fluttering double time.
    I want to get this over with.
    Please,
    give me the chance
    to dance.
    Grandpa takes my face
    in his hands.
    His lilac aftershave is sweet.
    â€œRemember,” he says.
    â€œI know. Do my best.”
    â€œNo, Clare.”
    â€œWhat then?”
    â€œRemember you are a dancer.”
    He kisses me on the forehead.
    â€œWe’ll see,” I say,
    and pull away.
    I can’t take a long