Chapter 11: The Centennial Gala

A month later was the school’s centennial—a huge deal, alumni flying in from all over. In my old life, Rachel played a piano solo and landed a Juilliard offer, thanks to Nathan and Tyler.

Me? I’d danced since I could walk, but Tyler talked me out of performing: "Could you not go on stage? I’d get jealous. Just dance for me."

Like a fool, I agreed. While the auditorium roared for Rachel, I sweated in an empty studio, dancing only for him. When the applause finally died down, Tyler smiled—a real smile, not his usual soft one. I thought it was for me. Only later did I realize he was celebrating Rachel’s success.

This time, I submitted my group ballet program—recruiting every girl who wanted in, hiring pro instructors, buying costumes and props out of my own pocket. Compared to our show, Rachel’s piano solo looked like a middle school act.