Chapter 2: The Dream Circus Auditions

Rika High School and Arts Academy

Risa, now sixteen, attends Rika High School and Dance Academy, built by her father, so she can have the best education in the world and having built a state of the art training room reserved for her if she wishes to use it. Ever since her accident, she has broken her promise to her mother of becoming the greatest performers in the circus world has ever seen. She does not feel like she can keep this promise, as performing does not matter to her when she no longer has her number one fan in her life. This school might be the top in the country for practicing the many different artistically forms art, but it felt like a prison to her. She might not be performing anymore, but she tries to honor the promise in other ways, she does not forget the one thing she ever loves.

In the meantime, she focuses on her job as the Student Representative of the academy. Her job is very much maintaining the order in the academy. She maintains the well-being of student’s life, in charge of the student clubs, maintaining the school’s budget, and handling the affairs of the Headmaster’s office and the student council. It is a job that takes up most of her free time, but it is worth it if she can see students smile.

This morning, Risa did not feel like to do any work, so she spends it in her private training room with her best friend Sara. Sara Azula, has been her best friend since they were babies. They drifted apart for many years when Risa became Snow Majesty, but after her mother died, they became closer than ever, even to the point telling each other’s secrets.

During their training, they manage to catch this morning’s interview of last night’s performance. “And that was last night’s performance of Dream’s latest production of the adaption of the Jade Princess. Here with me today are the two stars of last night’s show, Miss Laurel McKenzie and Mr. Theo Grant, to announce a great opportunity for anyone who wishes to join Dream and start their magical adventure,” the reporter announced.

“Yes, thank you, as you know every year we travel all over the world scouting for new talent to join our circus, but this year we are doing things a bit differently. This year we will be holding try-outs in the many cities we will be visiting throughout the summer. We also have decided to hold try-outs for the VIP invitational guests to give them one last chance to prove they are best fitted for our circus and we get rid of the weak,” Laurel explains in great forcefulness.

“Yes, and can you tell us more about it?” the reporter asked.

“Yes, as Laurel mentioned we want the best and we will do anything to get the best,” Theo simply answers.

“Good…Good, thank you. I also heard rumors about Dream leaving Rain City into a new city and will have final try-outs there, care to elaborate,” the reporter asked reading her notes.

“Um…yes, the rumors are true, we are moving out of Rain City to the beautiful coastal city of Flora Unity City,” Theo replied gracefully.

“Yes, we cannot wait to see it and all the fresh new faces,” Laurel shouted.

“Yes, and we cannot wait to see our new home and we cannot wait to see you there,” Theo responds with his signature smile.

“There you have it; you can see Miss McKenzie and Mr. Grant at their new home at Flora Unity City. We wish you two the best in your future and thank you for coming in today. Now here is a reshowing of the Jade Princess,” The reporter said before signing off.

“Turn it off,” Risa shouted at Sara as she was training on the trapeze.

“Oh, Risa, aren’t you a bit excited Dream is moving to our city” Sara said excitedly.

“I could care less, Dream is not what it used to be,” replied Risa in an annoyed tone.

“I know, you have been having mix feelings about Dream over these past few years, but you still get a personal invitation every year to join since you are a former Snow Majesty and a circus prodigy after all,” Sara pointing out the obviously.

“Yes, I know everyone wants me to join their circus, but when are they going to understand that I no longer perform unless it is for charity. Besides, my work as the student representative keeps me busy all the time, so I would not even have time to rehearse, so do me a favor and throw it away,” Risa explains to Sara.

“Whatever you say Risa, but what about the promise you made to your mother?”

“It just has to wait, now get up here, we need to practice,” Risa ordered Sara to do.

“Right,” Sara said giving up.

Risa took out the stereo remote and put on some music to begin practice. She begins by spinning and jumping on the trapeze posing beautifully in the air. Sara closely follows Risa behind with her own routine. She jumped off the trapeze, catches the nearest trapeze, and starts spinning. As they are training, they alternate positions, finally able to find synchronizing their movements as they both grab the same trapeze and twirl around jumping in the air creating a beautiful pose ending their routine. Sara as she was floating down to the net could not stop staring at Risa, as she looked like a true star ready to shine in the lime light again.

“Are you alright?” Risa asked concern as she was coming down.

“Huh, oh, yes I am fine, I was just amazed on how you looked up there like a star,” Sara explained a little out of it.

“Thank you, you were looking good up there too, but I am only doing this to help you with your audition, not for me,” Risa said helping Sara.

“I know, but it is amazing to see you performing. I wish you were doing it for real and not hiding,” Sara kindly replied.

“I know, but that is in my past,” Risa said. “Now let’s get back to work.”

“Right,” Sara said climbing back up the ladder.

Before they were able to get started, a crowd of girls came inside to annoy Risa.

“Oh, look, girls, Risa practicing for a performance that will never come. Sara what are you doing here with her, you are supposed to be training with us,” Emily rudely commented.

“Nice to see you too Emily, but you better watch what you say to me, as Student Rep, I can have you expelled from the academy by reporting you to the student council, so do not test my patience,” Risa warns.

“You wouldn’t,” Emily said sounding a bit scared.

“I would, here let me do it right now,” Risa said as she was taking out her phone.

“Whatever, come on girls we have a routine to prefect, are you coming Sara?” Emily asked as she is walking away with the others.

“I hope this routine is amazing and impresses me at the auditions since I am going to be there to watch,” Risa warned.

“Whatever,” Emily plainly replied as she was leaving with the others.

“You should go, you do have rehearsals after all,” Risa said encouraging her friend to go.

“Ok, see you later,” Sara said leaving with the others.

“Definitely,” Risa replied, as she left continues to perform.

As Sara leaves the room with the other girls, Risa continues her work-out by trying to perfect one of her legendary routines that made her famous long ago. Then she wonders wat was the point to all of this when she left the circus world behind, but at one point of clarity, she is not fully ready to give it up just yet.

With the days passing by, the city is preparing for the arrival of Dream and a renew excitement brings the city back to life. This excitement has not been seen in a long time, ever since the founding families stop performing together, so with this new arrival will bring great new joy to the city.

In the meantime, Risa avoids anything that has to do with Dream’s arrival. She mostly stays hidden in her room on campus dealing with her student representative duties or her training room avoiding anyone talking about Dream. Luckily, her best friend, Sara, joins her in the training room asking Risa to help her with her audition routine.

Before Sara can get on the trapeze, she watches Risa as she performs her triple spin with a flying somersault routine which she perfectly executed with a graceful pose in the end. “That was wonderful Risa, no wonder you were a circus prodigy. It is ashamed no one will see you perform,” Sara remarks as she tries to make Risa feel guilty. “Thank you Sara, but performing is in my past. This is only to keep myself in shape,” Risa admits.

“Clearly, you miss the circus, but it seems something is holding you back. Maybe it is your promise to your mother or maybe it was “that incident,” Sara comments.

Risa hearing this, furiously jumps off the trapeze landing on the trampoline, and climbs off to stand in front of Sara. “Don’t you dare mention that incident again, you understand,” Risa threating Sara. “Ok, I am sorry, but it is the truth,” Sara answers a bit scared.

“I don’t care how true it is, I will never forgive him for it. Now let’s focus on your routine for the audition,” Risa quickly changing her tone and heading back up to the trapeze.

“Alright, as you wish Risa,” Sara said, as she walks up to the trampoline and jumped as high as she can to grab Risa’s hand to pull her up.

“Ok Sara, I know you role is not very critical, but it is important for the routine,” Risa begins. “From what I understand, they are making you to perform a corkscrew spin with triple spilt spin, along with a reverse back flip at the end. I know you are good, but this might be a bit complex for you.”

“I can do it,” Sara said with fierce determination.

“Very well, I will do your partner’s part while you do yours and I will judge you from that,” Risa orders.

“I understand.”

“Good now let’s get started.”

Risa rocks the trapeze back and forth until she gained enough speed for herself to jump in the sky to the trapeze in front of her. She does a usual straight spin with high splits and lands on the trapeze gracefully. Next, it is Sara’s turn to perform her routine. She starts by swinging herself as hard as she can to build the momentum she needs to be successful.

“Ok, Sara, you are looking good, now you can jump,” Risa shouts.

“Ok.”

Sara quickly jumps in the air and performs her routine, but she was a bit off from catching her partner’s trapeze. “You were a bit off, so try again,” Risa calls out. “Ok, I will try,” Sara calls back.

Sara repositions herself and tries again. This time her timing was a bit better, but kept on missing her partner’s hand. She keeps on trying no matter how long it would take to master something this simple for an audition she hopes to pass. Sara, has always been an amazing trapeze artist, but sometimes loses confidence when she has to perform something she is not used to doing.

Risa notices it is getting late, so she thought to end it here for the day. “Sara, you did well on the last routine. Keep it up and you will be ready for the audition.”

“Thank you for helping me with all of this. It might be hard for you.”

“It was fine. I did enjoy it and I will always help a friend,” Risa comments with a smile.

“Oh, seems I win again,” Sara teases.

“Yes, alright, you did. Now let’s get back to the dorm, we have homework to do,” Risa said taking the lead closing up the training room for the night.

“Yes, let’s go. I have a book report to right,” Sara said following Risa out and walking back to their dorm.

As they are walking back to the dorm, Risa is thinking about the audition whether she wants to do it or not. Circus life is no longer part of her world, but maybe it should be again.

Meanwhile, Dream continues to hold auditions during their move, but it seems they have not been going well. Many of the potential entrants whom received personal invitations fail to prove their worth. It seems the boss of Dream puts Laurel and Theo are put in charge of recruitment process, but it seems it has not been successful so far. Either way, the search continues and eventually manages to recruit a few new ones for their circus.

As they return to their hotel room, they go through audition tapes in case they overlook any recruits that might live up to Laurel’s standards. “Honestly, everyone we have seen, these past few weeks are total amateurs, why are we wasting our time? Even the ones we sent personal invitations barely make the cut,” Laurel shouted in anger.

“Laurel, you have to calm down. I know you are upset that we haven’t found anyone to live up to your expectations, but at least we were able to recruit a few additions. Besides, we cannot let the boss down since he gave us this job in the first place. Care to handle this for a bit longer and watch a few tapes with me?” Theo said trying to calm her down.

“I guess you are right, is there any word from the V.I.P. girl yet,” Laurel asks changing the subject.

“No, nothing yet,” Theo answers.

“I do not understand why the boss keeps sending her an invite to join, but ever responds. I wonder what makes her so special that everyone wants her,” Laurel questions.

“I am not sure either, but I heard she was quite talented for being so young. I even heard she was able to create more than fifteen original routines and mastered them at a young age,” Theo explains.

“Really, show me,” Laurel said sounding interested.

Theo puts Risa’s performance tape and takes a sit next to Laurel to watch it. As the tape plays, they are both surprised the rumors are true and she really was a star. “Hum…she is good. I never seen anyone perform a high flying back flip three times with a butterfly formation before,” Laurel said impressed.

“Yes, she sure is amazing. I do not think I have seen anyone performing high level stunts at her age before. I wonder why she left the stage so suddenly,” Theo wonders.

“Theo, let me see her profile.”

Theo hands over the file on the girl to Laurel and begins reading through it. “So, her name is Risa Amané. She was the youngest performer to win the title of Snow Majesty, but afterwards she disappeared from the circus world three years later,” Laurel read from the profile. “I wonder why she left.”

“I am not sure, but there is an unconfirmed rumor about her getting injured during a performance and her mother passing away. I can tell she is truly talented and would have been a great addition to our circus. I think I might be in love,” Theo said continuing to watch the performance tape.

“Theo, remember who your girlfriend is,” Laurel said as her voice raised up.

“Of course, I know who my girlfriend is, I love you,” Theo said reassuring her by kissing her lips. “Anyways, what do you think of her?”

“I think I want to meet her. I want to see if she really is all what she was. Theo, let’s pack and head over to Flora Unity City earlier than schedule,” Laurel said feeling pumped.

“As you wish,” Theo said getting up leaving the folder on the table.

After finishing up in the hotel room, Theo and Laurel quickly pack and quickly head to Flora Unity City and head over to Dream’s temporary dorms to settle in. Since they have time to kill, they read over to Dream’s temporary training room where they see everyone training for their next production.

“It is abou’ time you two show up. I was wonderin’ when you both were going to grace us with your presence,” a girl shouted walking over to them.

“It is good to see you working hard Cassidy. Sorry we were still busy trying to find new recruits,” Laurel explains.

“Well, it’s what the boss did left you in charge with that, but how about we get some real work done,” Cassidy said walking away.

“Yes. We have a lot of work to do,” Laurel said. She looks around for a moment and notices no one is working and then she said, “Everyone let’s get back to work.”

“Yes…ma’am,” everyone shouted.

As the days continue on, the big move is coming along nicely, but it does not stop the circus from working on the next performance. As the supporting staff continues building up their new home, the auditions continue and Laurel is hoping Risa makes an appearance as she cannot get her out of her mind. By the end of the month, Dream has officially moved into Flora Unity City and are happy making this place their new home. Even the city is excited to have a top circus moving to their city by giving each of the performers the most beautiful flower arrangements with the best flowers the city can buy along with a city-wide party to celebrate their new citizens sponsored by the founding families.

As Rika Academy being the host for the auditions, the students are working around the clock to make sure everything is ready for tomorrow. “Ok, make sure the main stage is clean and the equipment is ready for the performances for each person’s audition,” Risa orders.

“Yes, ma’am,” the students agree.

“Wow, you really are working hard to make this perfect,” Sara teases coming close to Risa still barking orders.

“Everything has to go smoothly for tomorrow. I want it to be perfect for Dream.”

“Wow, you really are putting in a lot of work for something you don’t really care about,” Sara continues to tease.

“I do not care if Dream is using our stage for the auditions, but as the Student Representative, I have to make sure to show them our academy produces the best of the best in our performers,” Risa explains.

“I understand. This is the biggest event the academy has ever sponsored, so I understand we are a bit jumpy. You should see the gymnastics team they are rehearsing right now,” Sara says trying not to laugh.

“Now that is funny. I should get back to work,” Risa said walking away.

“I better head inside to help with the others and don’t forget we are performing tomorrow,” Sara calls out.

“Don’t worry I will be there,” Risa replies. Risa soon turns her attention to the students and says, “Everyone remember we have to make our academy welcoming to our guests, so I want you to work hard and prove we are the best,” Risa orders.

“Yes, ma’am,” the students shouted.

Once Risa was done giving orders the students on the outside, she makes her way through the campus making sure everything looks good. When it came to be night fall, the campus was finally ready to receive their guests for tomorrow’s night show. It was perfect. Flowers and banners along with balloons were seen all around campus with the school’s colors and the colors of the founding families were also represented. “Alright everyone, this looks very good. Thank you for all the hard work and I will see you all tomorrow,” Risa dismissing everyone.

“Shall we head back to the dorm?” Sara asks Risa as she yawns.

“Yes, I am exhausted. My work is never ending,” Risa says answers with a yawn.

“Ha-ha, lets head back to the dorm, we do have a big day tomorrow and we need our rest,” Sara laughs as she leads the way to the dorms.

The two friends make their way to the dorms and read straight to bed as tomorrow is a big day for both of them.

When the next day arrived, the student groups who are auditioning for Dream are already on the main stage ready to perform. As the representatives of Dream made their way through the school, they are greeted by their fans and the student council is kind enough to escort their guests to the main stage to wait for their hostess to arrive. Ten minutes pass, and she has not arrive yet.

“Where is this great Student Representative I have been hearing about?” Laurel asked getting a bit frustrated.

Thinking on her feet, Sara steps in to speak to the Dream performers. “Hello, I am very sorry our hostess has not arrive yet, maybe perhaps we can entertain you with a small performance from our own circus troupe while we wait.”

“Hum, that does not seem like a bad idea, what do you think Laurel?” Mina asks, liking the idea.

“Very well, continue,” Laurel answered, being less annoyed.

Quickly the school’s circus troupe jumped on stage and began performing a small performance. Many are flying in the sky with the trapeze performing split moves, jumping on each other’s shoulders as they fly to the next trapezes. It was something to see and it seems Dream was impressed, but not all of them.

“Ok enough with the amateur show, where is the student rep. We have to get started soon,” Laurel shouts, getting impatient.

“Calm yourself, your highness or you will be escorted out,” Cassidy warns.

“Fine, stay here and watch this mess. I am going to go look for Theo,” Laurel said getting a bit angry. “Where is he?”

“I believe sugar, he was stopped by some fans,” Cassidy replies.

“Ok, thanks for the update,” Laurel said walking out.

Meanwhile, Risa being over exhausted from last night preparations, she did not even realized she overslept. Her phone alarm finally rang at 9:45 a.m. and woke her up. Her eyes wide open at the time and she knew she was already late. She quickly changes into her school uniform and runs out the door with only her cell phone in her hand.

Running out of her dorm, she runs as fast as she can to the performing area to head over to the main stage. The whole time she is running, she is swearing to herself for being late. “Great of all the days to be late, it had to be today,” Risa says to herself as she was running as fast as she can. Risa continues to run, finally arriving to the performing area with the main stage in her eyesight and did not realize she bumped into someone. “Oh, I am sorry I was not looking where I was going.”

“Its fine, apology accepted, but please watch where you are going next time,” the boy warns as he was helping her up.

“Sure thing, thank you for your help, see you later!” Risa shouts as she was running towards the hall.

“Anytime,” the boy whispers to himself admiring her.

“Theo, who was that girl?” Laurel asks coming towards him.

“I don’t know, but I have a feeling I am going to see her again real soon,” Theo dizzyingly says to Laurel.

“Whatever, let’s go,” Laurel said kindly.

The guests continue to enjoy themselves until suddenly the stage went dark and Risa appears on stage.

“Phew, I made it. Hello sorry I am late; my name is Risa Amané Student Representative of Rika Academy and I will be your hostess for this event. Rika Academy would like to thank Ms. McKenzie and Mr. Grant, along with the rest of the cast members of Dream, for taking time off of their busy schedules to join us today. Now I know all of you want to see our amazing performances, so without further ado let’s begin,” Risa announces before leaving the stage.

“Laurel, it’s her…it’s Ms. Risa Amané,” Theo whispers to Laurel.

“Really… this should be interesting,” Laurel replies curiously watching Risa.

“Laurel, don’t do anything rash,” Theo warns.

“Don’t worry I won’t ruin the performances,” Laurel replies with a half true.

“I will hold you to that. Now if you excuse me, I think I am going to talk to her,” Theo said leaving his seat and walking towards Risa.

“Do what you like,” Laurel said, as she rolled her eyes.

“Excuse me, is this seat taken?” Theo asks pointing at the seat next to Risa.

“No, you may take it…wait Theo,” Risa replies a bit surprise.

“Oh, so you do know my name?” Theo says flattered by Risa knowing his name.

“I know who you are, how can I not know who you are. You are an incredible performer. I used to watch your shows a long time ago,” Risa admits. “They are not amazing.”

“I am honored you know about me. I like a girl who tells the truth,” Theo comments.

“Yes, well, I speak the truth when it is necessary.”

“Really? Care to tell me why you quit performing?” Theo asks.

“It is something I cannot talk about. It is in the past and I will like to move on from it.”

“Understandable. Maybe we can grab some coffee and talk about it later.”

“I am sorry, but I would have to decline. If you do not mind, I am the spotter for the gymnastics team and they are next, so I have to go.”

“It was nice to speak to you,” Theo said as Risa left. “Wow, you are really something.”

A minute later Laurel, appears and notices Theo could not take is eyes off of Risa. She is upset about this and snaps him back to reality. “Um, Theo, are you forgetting who your girlfriend is?” Then Theo says, “Huh, it is nothing Laurel, Risa is just an interesting person to talk to,” Theo said trying to defend himself.

The auditions are steadily progressing smoothly and it seems most of them made a good impression to Dream and others did not pass. With the first round over, many were rejected and others managed to make it to the first round. It was getting close to sunset when it was finally time to bring out the real headliner of the auditions.

“Thank you all for your patience and performances today, they were simply wonderful. Now for the moment you have all been waiting for our final performance for the evening, please help me welcome Rika Academy’s Gymnastics Team!” Risa announced with excitement.

The team came on stage ready to perform.

“I don’t think I can do this…I wish we were doing this together,” Sara says a bit scared.

“You will do great, I’ll be watching, now get out there and do your best,” Risa advise.

“Alright,” Sara said still a bit nervous.

The music started and the ladies began dancing. They were dancing around with the colors of the rainbow as their guide making the stage shine brightly and completely amaze everyone there. They continue dancing for the next five minutes until it was time for Sara to come on stage to play her role as the princess in her routine. Sara appears and the music changes to a soft melody tune. Sara jumps on to the trapeze dancing with her teammates. It seem Sara is doing a beautiful performance until the climactic scene where she misstep and was about to fall.

Risa and Theo both see this mistake and are both ready to save Sara. Risa was able to reach her friend first as she adlibbed a piece of the performance to catch Sara and tossing her up in the air to finish her routine. “Thank you Risa,” Sara whispers to Risa.

“No problem, now let’s finish this,” Risa whispers ready to perform.

“Sure, let’s do this,” Sara said catching her breath.

The routine changes from a one person performance to a duet. Risa and Sara decide not to adlib, but to continue perform Sara’s original routine with Risa performing the harder parts of the routine. Risa jumps over Sara grabbing her hand and tossing her to the trapeze in front of them. Risa follows close behind posing in the air, as Sara slowly lands on the trapeze with a quick pose and jumps in the air again. Then Risa and Sara did a combo move by spinning in sync catching the same trapeze ready for the final part of the routine. Sara with all her might tosses Risa in the air performing her famous routine, Rainbow Princess Pose, thus ending the show.

A thunderous applause can be heard throughout the stage congratulating these two stars.

“That was beautiful you two…I really enjoyed it, especially your performance Risa, I would like to see more,” Theo said flirting a bit.

“Thank you, but I have to decline, excuse me,” Risa said ready to leave.

“Are you going to run away like the coward every time someone asks you to perform?” Laurel said challenging Risa.

“I am not a coward,” Risa said accepting the challenge.

“Then prove it. Show us what you really can do,” Laurel continues pushing Risa to the challenge.

“Fine, I will,” Risa said accepting the challenge.

“Wait! How about we do a duet?” Theo said jumping into the challenge.

“Yes, I will like to see you perform as well,” the boss said.

“Boss!” the cast of Dream shouts as he makes his entrance.

“Fine, if it shuts all of you up,” Risa accepts annoyed.

“Good now let us begin,” the boss said signaling for the music to start.

Risa and Theo jump to the closest trapeze to begin their routine. She did not know what to do, so she decides to jump towards Theo and follow his lead. They jump around side by side like they are dancing in the sky. It was the most beautiful thing everyone saw that there was silence in the room, as they were enjoying a performance of angels. The dance ends as the posed beautifully on the trapeze.

“Bravo that was excellent you two… you look great together,” the boss excitedly said.

“I agree, I would personally welcome you to Dream,” Theo said shaking Risa’s hand.

“Thank you, but I have to decline,” Risa said jumping off and leaving.

“What, why?” Theo asks confused.

“I am not joining…unless you accept my friend Sara too,” Risa warns.

“Very well…permission granted,” the boss said again.

“Good now if you excuse me,” Risa said really leaving.

“Right thank you all for coming before you leave, please check your name on the lists before you to see if you made the cut to attend the final round of auditions that will be held in one week, I hope to see you then,” the boss concludes.

“Risa, wait!” Theo shouted as he was chasing after her.

“What do you want?” Risa answers coldly.

“I wanted to say you were amazing up there. I never seen a performer like you before, maybe we can performer together sometime?” Theo kindly compliments.

“That is sweet, but can I offer you a piece of advice, don’t flirt with girls in front of your girlfriend,” Risa cruelly said as she was walking away.

“Feisty. I like that,” Theo whispers.

“Little brother, you better be careful, you know how Laurel gets when you flirt with other girls,” his sister Cassidy warns.

“I know, but I have a feeling, I should get to know her better, please do not tell Laurel about it,” Theo dreamingly said.

“Fine, I promise, but it will be your funeral when Laurel finds out. Colette, head back to Dream and inform the others about our newest arrivals,” Cassidy orders her fairy.

“Yes, my lady,” Colette kindly said as she was flying away.

“I guess we have work to do to win a woman’s heart huh Felix,” Theo teases.

“Yes, sir,” Felix said kindly.

Risa reunites Sara as they are walking back to their dorm room. Risa is a bit annoyed what she did, so Sara did the talking. “So, what did the “Prince of the Circus” have to say to you?” Sara asks as they were walking out.

“Nothing, he wanted to see if he can score a date with me, but I politely decline,” Risa said blushing a bit.

“Oh, really, but it seems like he likes you,” Sara teased.

“That is not funny, come on head back to the dorm. I have to head home to pick up a few things,” Risa said walking ahead.

Once she drop off Sara to the dorm, Risa decides to return to her family home to get a few things, but as she was walking she could not stop thinking of the performance she did with Theo. It was something magical that she has not felt in a long time and it was nice.