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Dancing Destinies

Auteur: Savvire

Chapitre 1: Chapter 1

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**10 – 04 – 2026, 2:00 PM**

**Competition Day**

The grand hall was bathed in soft, golden light from the chandeliers above, casting a warm glow over the elegant interior. Rows of seats filled with anxious spectators faced the large stage, draped with deep red curtains. The air buzzed with anticipation, a blend of hushed whispers and the rustle of programs. The tension was palpable, almost tangible, as the audience awaited the announcement.

"And the winner is..." The drum roll sounded, and dead silence took over the hall. Suspense filled the room, each person's heart in their throat, lips pursed, fists tightened, and heavy breaths held.

"Contestant 024, Miss Aislinn Park from Stanley College. Please step forward to receive your award." Mr. Smith's voice echoed through the hall, breaking the silence with a chain reaction of applause. Aislinn walked up, the spotlight following her as she ascended the steps. She cast a victorious gaze at her competitors, her eyes glinting under the bright lights. Her eyes met a particular person's, and sparks flew, making her clear her throat in anger before she finally moved to the stage with a smile.

"Congratulations, Miss Aislinn. If it's not a problem, can we get a word? I'm sure your fans here and online are curious." Mr. Smith laughed, handing her the award and a microphone.

"Thank you, Mr. Smith. Of course, I would love to. I want to thank everyone who has helped me along the way... My parents for their support, my fans for their unwavering love, my school for its guidance, and lastly, my..." She hesitated, taking a deep breath.

"And my boyfriend, who was my dance partner. You all are the best. I appreciate the judges for this opportunity. It means the world to me. Thank you all again." She bowed, and the applause rose once more.

"Thank you, Miss Park. As the winner of this Dancethon Competition, what do you intend to do from now on?"

"I came here and passed through many stages to win this award. It means a lot to me and to Stanley College. It will open doors for students majoring in dance. I'm here as motivation and to bring opportunities to my school." Her words flowed smoothly, almost as if rehearsed. In the competitor seats, whispers began.

"Wait, doesn't this sound scripted?"

"What do you know? She probably knew she'd win from the start. It was never a fair competition to begin with."

"Her dad can get her anything she wants. No surprise there."

"Really? I thought Miss Bell would win."

"Sssh, don't let her hear you. They were friends, you know."

"Not anymore, didn't you see the look she gave Aislinn?"

"Oh my God, I noticed that too, woww."

"Excuse me, ladies..." A male voice cut through, silencing them. Bell stood, ready to leave but paused.

"Lastly, Miss Park, you weren't the only one from Stanley College. What do you have to say to them?" Mr. Smith asked. Aislinn's smile wavered, but she composed herself.

"We all came here to win and to make our school proud. We did our best. This award isn't just mine, it's for all of us. Up Stanley." She finished with a smile before walking off the stage.

"What an annoying man!" She muttered, throwing her bouquet to the ground and stomping away in frustration.

**7:00 PM**

"Whyyyy is the... the what... oh the world so against meee?" Bell stumbled out of the bar, her steps unsteady. She veered sideways, nearly colliding with a parked car, before finally collapsing to the ground. She bent her head and placed it in her palms, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Mommm, daddd... I'm all alone. Come back," she wailed, her cries echoing down the street. Passersby cast her wary glances, whispering among themselves.

"Who is that? She's yelling so loud. Please, call the police," a woman said, clutching her partner's arm.

"What? Do you think I'm crazy?" Bell shouted, standing up abruptly and stumbling toward the woman.

"Oh my, stay away from me. Franklin, call the police!" The woman shrank back, hiding behind her partner.

"Hello, there's a crazy lady here attacking my wife. Please hurry, yes, Dome 4 Street," Franklin spoke urgently into his phone, his eyes never leaving Bell.

Blue and red lights flashed, casting an eerie glow over the street. The wail of sirens grew louder, and moments later, a police car screeched to a halt nearby. Two officers stepped out, their expressions stern but concerned.

"Ma'am, are you alright?" One officer asked, approaching Bell cautiously.

Bell looked up, her face streaked with tears. "They think I'm crazy... I'm not crazy... do I look crazy to you" she mumbled, swaying on her feet.

"Easy now," the other officer said gently. "We're here to help. Can you tell us your name?"

"B-Bell. My name is Bell," she stammered, her voice cracking.

"Alright, Bell," the first officer continued, "let's get you somewhere safe. We need to make sure you're okay. Have you had anything to drink tonight?"

Bell nodded, sniffing. "Too much. Everything's just... too much. Please don't touch me." She said all of a sudden then dashed out to the road. Without looking at where she is headed, she collided with a car.

The screech of brakes and the thud of the collision echoed through the street. Bell was thrown to the ground, the world spinning around her. The driver of the car jumped out, pale and frantic.

"Oh my God! Are you okay?" he shouted, rushing to her side.

The police officers sprang into action, one calling for an ambulance while the other knelt beside Bell, checking for injuries. Bell groaned, pain radiating through her body, her mind hazy from the alcohol and shock.

"Stay with us, Bell. Help is on the way," the officer said, his voice calm and reassuring. He kept her talking, asking her simple questions to keep her conscious.

Within minutes, the sound of an approaching ambulance filled the air. Paramedics quickly assessed her condition, carefully placing her on a stretcher and loading her into the ambulance. The police officer who had been talking to her climbed in as well.

At the hospital, Bell was taken to the emergency room. The medical team worked efficiently, running tests and treating her injuries. Meanwhile, the police contacted her emergency contacts, and soon a familiar face appeared at the hospital.

"Aislinn?" Bell whispered, her voice weak as she recognized her former friend standing at the door, her expression a mixture of concern and guilt.

"Aislinn," she repeated, tears filling her eyes. "Why are you here?"

Aislinn stepped forward, hesitant but determined. "I heard what happened, Bell. I came as soon as I could."

As Bell lay in the hospital bed, the beeping of machines around her grew more urgent. The doctors exchanged worried glances, their movements becoming more frantic.

"She's crashing!" one of the nurses shouted. "We need to intubate her, now!"

Aislinn was ushered out of the room by a nurse, her eyes wide with fear and helplessness. From the hallway, she watched through the window as the medical team worked desperately to stabilize Bell.

Bell's vision blurred, the voices around her fading into a distant echo. "Aislinn... I'm scared," she murmured before her eyes closed and her world went dark.

"Bell, stay with us!" a doctor urged, but Bell's body went limp.

The sound of the heart monitor flatlining pierced the room. The team immediately began CPR, working tirelessly to bring her back. Minutes felt like hours as Aislinn stood outside, tears streaming down her face.

"Come on, Bell," Aislinn whispered to herself. "You have to fight."

Finally, the heart monitor beeped faintly, signaling a weak but present heartbeat. The doctors breathed a sigh of relief, but their expressions remained grave.

"She's stabilized for now, but her condition is critical," one of the doctors said to Aislinn.