Chapter 13

Lila's POV:

We soon rounded up the rehearsals after the Beamer girls left and we were asked to go out for a break. Zoey and I walked out of the dance room on our way to cafeteria to get something to eat.

The rest of the girls were basically staring at me all the time due to what Ximena said. I mean, we just started the rehearsals, and she is already declaring me the winner? What if they are other girls that are better than me?

"Never in my life have I imagined that I would be this close to the Beamer girls before…" Zoey began, and I looked at her as I picked up a bottle of water. "I mean, who knew they'll be showing up on the first day of rehearsals?"

"That's not inevitable," I said filling my tray with chocolate chip cookies. "Her mom manages the company, and she's her daughter."

"But still… I wonder how'd it'll feel like holding that much power."

"Except you're being trained properly, it'll definitely get into your head. You know, being CG's daughter and all." I replied, and Zoey nodded in response. After we were satisfied with the way our tray was looking, we looked for a table to sit in. Once again, everyone was staring at me and I had to look down. Zoey, on the other hand was unaware of this. Paige came in later on and spotting us, joined us on the table.

"Hey girls, do you mind if I joined?" She asked, standing.

"Of course not. Please sit down." I said and she smiled thanks…we keep eating quietly until Paige spoke up.

"Lila… Looks like you're the object of envy for everyone." She observed as she ate. I almost choked on my food as I stared at her.

"Why would she be the object of envy?" Zoey asked.

"Didn't you see what happened earlier in the dance class? Ximena especially congratulated her and you know how much power Ximena holds."

"Despite that, I don't think that's enough reason for anybody to be jealous of Lila." Zoey said and I nodded in support.

"Hmm, who knows? Looks like everyone has found the one person they need to be better than. And that's you Lila." Paige said as she ate and I looked around. Perhaps she was right. Everyone has been giving me strange looks ever since Ximena said those words.

"By the way," Paige spoke up, looking at me. "What was it that Tori said when she leaned closer to your ears. You seemed pretty shocked."

I was taken aback by her question, but I quickly calmed down. I need to be careful with everything I say from now onwards.

"Well… Nothing much. She just congratulated me."

"You sure?"

"Yeah."

"Okay." Paige replied, and we continued eating. The rest of the lunch continued in silence and I particularly rushed all of my food so I could leave on time. I needed time alone.

***

(The Sparks' penthouse)

Dean's POV:

I stayed in my room for some time, listening to music with my earphones. As much as I tried to pretend that I was fine, my argument with Chad really hurt me. It's still weird to believe that we were fighting over a girl, a girl that I hadn't even met. Maybe I was a little too forward but he didn't have to take it that seriously. It could only mean one thing, and I didn't like what it meant.

Standing up from the bed and walking to my dressing table, I picked up a frame that had a picture of Chad and I when were much younger and definitely closer. We were so much happier then; now we felt like two different people.

I felt a wave of anger roll over me as I clenched my teeth. No, I wouldn't allow it. Nobody would come between Chad and I, not while I was still here. Who knew if she was just going to use him the way I had been used by Ximena? I was going to do everything in my power to make Chad see that she might not be the person she was presenting herself to be—you know…all sweet and stuff.

Yeah, that's exactly what I'm going to do.

***

Lila's POV:

The day went on just fine, and soon we were through with the day's classes. We were told to return to our rooms so we could freshen up and come down for dinner, and that was a moment I was looking forward to 'cause I was starving. On my way to my room, I got called by someone.

"Lila? Can you come to my office?" Mira asked.

"Um, okay." I replied and followed her. She took me to her office and made me sit down. Then she sat and faced me.

"What I want to discuss with you isn't much so you don't have to worry yourself."

"Okay…," I muttered.

"Well, as you know, even though you've made it to the top twenty girls, you're still a long way to go from being a certified member. Don't let whatever Ximena said distract you. Although, I have to admit, you might be pretty good."

I smiled at the last compliment." Thanks a lot ma'am" I replied gratefully. She nodded.

"See yourself as an ordinary person and allow yourself to be taught, the greatest dancers on… Or even singers were once amateurs like you."

"Okay ma'am."

"Well, that will be all for now. If there's anything else I'll let you know. You may leave."

"Okay… Ma'am." I said and stood up. Bowing slightly, I walked out of the office and down to my room. When I walked in, I noticed Zoey wasn't in and Paige was just coming out of the bathroom with a towel around her.

"Where's Zoey?" I asked.

"Oh… She's gone down to the dinner table. I'll be joining her soon."

"Oh… Okay. Well since the bathroom is free, I'll be there."

"Yeah, see you down." Paige said. I prepared my things and went to the bathroom.

***

Once I was through, I dried the water of my body and wore a fresh set of clothes. I was too lazy to comb-dry my hair so I just packed it loosely and wore a head cap. Once I was satisfied with my look I walked out of my room and made to go to the dining area but a worker stopped me.

"Yes?"

"Someone would like to see you miss." The worker disclosed. Another person visiting me? But nobody knows I'm here. Well nobody except Chad. Is he the one? Feeling excited and a bit giddy, I hurried out of the building to the garden where we last stayed.

He was the one. With his back against me and his head drooped low. He seemed like he was thinking about something. I sneaked up on him, tiptoeing towards him. Unfortunately I stepped on a dry leaf and that gave me away as he turned and caught me mid step.

His gloomy expression lightened up, and he chuckled. I smiled, embarrassed.

"Looks like I caught you." He said.

"I guess so. I was hoping to give you a scare."

"I'm glad you didn't." He said and walked towards him till I was beside him.

"Why'd you come see me?" I asked.

"I don't know, guess I was looking for someone to talk to." He said after a while and sighed. I furrowed my brows.

"What about your teammates?"

"Let's not talk about them now." He said half frowning.

"Oops…sorry." I muttered.

"No it's okay. It's just, I see them every day, you know?"

"Yeah…" I mumbled.

"Hey, what are you doing now?" He asked and I raised my brows. I was about to reply that I was on my way to eat but my stomach did the talking. He raised his brows.

"Looks like someone is hungry."

"Yeah…" I chuckled nervously. "I was on my way to dinner."

"If that's the case, let me take you out to dinner. I'm kind of hungry myself."

"Huh?" I unconsciously muttered, then got myself. "I mean, you want me to go out with you?" I asked again.

"I'm pretty sure that's what I said. Also, I can't stay here. The girls will freak out when they see me." He explained.

I pursed my lips. Go out with him? I want to but I just feel, is it okay?

"If you're worried about anything, take your mind off it. We'll ask for permission."

"Well then, yes. I'd love to go out with you." I said and squealed internally.

"Stay here." He ordered and went away. I stood there for a while just staring at everywhere until I heard footsteps approaching again.

"We've gotten our permission now. Come on let's go." He said and I hurried to where he was. As we walked down to his car, bodyguards surrounded us and I noticed they were actually two cars, one for him and one for the bodyguards. This feels so weird yet exciting.

One of them opened the door and we got in. Then he got into the driver's seat and drove away.

Chad turned to me after a while.

"Where would you like to go to?" He asked.

"Um, anywhere you want to go. I really don't have a specific place." I replied. He nodded and smiled, I smiled too. The silence took over as we drove on.

***

We drove to a restaurant—a five-star one by the way—and I was amazed by the interior design. Chad, had to cover up so as not to be recognized by the paparazzi, and at one point had to hold my hands. I felt quite fuzzy and warm on the inside.

Once we had sat, the waitress attended to us and we ordered. Each dish tasted great and if it wasn't because of where we were and who I was with, I'd probably would have made a fool of myself while eating because it was too delicious and I was starving.

I was eating a piece of cake when Chad glanced at me, amused.

"What?" I asked.

"You eat funny." He muttered. I blushed, is that an insult or a compliment? I slowed down my pace as I tried to explain myself.

"I don't always eat like this…". I began, looking at him." I'm just starving today. Didn't know practice can be very exhausting." I said, and he nodded in understanding.

"Wait, a bit…" he said as he leaned closer. My eyes widened, and my breathing hitched. What does he want to do? Does he want to…? No way. He brought his hands close to my face and cleaned something up. It was the frosting from the cake.

"You didn't have to do that…" I said, embarrassed. "You could've had just told me there was something on my face, I would've cleaned it."

"I preferred to do it myself. Come on, eat up." He said, and I nodded, eating quietly.

"You know Lila," Chad suddenly spoke up, staring intently at me. "I kind of like you." He said, and my heart missed a bit. Chad does what now?

***

Ximena's POV:

I was on my way to my mom's mansion because she had requested my presence, but before leaving, I decided that if it had anything to do with Alya, I wouldn't agree to it.

"Ximena, do you know why I called you here?" She asked as I sat down in front of her.

"I don't. Why don't you fill me in?" I said, and she sighed.

"It's about Alya." She began, and I scoffed. "Please, just listen to me."

"You know my answer, mom. No."

"Why don't you want her back?"

"I just don't. Do you have a problem with that?"

"But you guys have been teammates for years."

"Worst years of my life! I don't know why you keep bringing this up when you already know my answer. I don't want Alya back. She can go to hell for all I care!"

"But she's a human being. And she will forgive you for all your wrongdoings too. Just take her back."

"I can't. Why would I, after everything we are already doing? It's not as if I ruined her life, anyway. She can begin somewhere else."

"Ximena…" My mom began, but I currently her off.

"No! We will not have this conversation again! And don't you ever say her name beside me ever! It's disgusts me!" I said and walked out on her. She's so annoying!

***

Nikita's POV:

"Ximena! Ximena!" I called out, but it was too late. She was long gone. She and her temper. God knows she didn't get it from me. I stayed there on the couch, taking in deep breaths and trying to calm myself down.

Slowly, the door opened, and Mason walked in. He's the reason I'm still having this conversation with Ximena. Now that he's heard it from the horse's mouth, maybe he'll leave me alone.

"Well, well, well. Ximena sure is something." He said as he walked closer to me. I grimaced.

"I hope you can see it or hear it for yourself. Ximena doesn't want Alya back, no matter how much I'm trying to convince her."

"So I'm just going to break Alya's heart?"

"You'll have to." I muttered, looking away. He scoffed.

"I can't believe this. So you don't have control over your own daughter and compel her to listen to you? You're her mom for God's sake!"

I pretended I didn't hear that because I honestly didn't want to answer him, but he continued anyway.

"I mean, she's just a kid, not even twenty-two yet, and she's already bossing you around? You and CG really spoilt her."

That hit a nerve.

"Me and what now?" I asked. He stared at me as if I had grown an extra head.

"Isn't she you and CG's daughter?" He asked, and I started laughing scornfully. This man really has no clue.

"Don't you see how stubborn she is. Ever since you've known CG, is he this stubborn?" I asked between gulps.

"What are you trying to get at Nikita?" He said as he stared at me. I stopped laughing and looked at him, in the eye and dead serious too.

"Ximena is your daughter."