Chapter 31

I thought I saw Zane! My heart skipped a beat as I quickly scanned the crowd below, but Zane was nowhere to be found. I guess it was just my guilty conscience playing tricks on me. After all, Zane was in Ashbourne. There was no way he could be here. As I was shaking off the distraction, the music started. I had been dancing for 20 years, so as soon as I heard the beat, I fell right into rhythm. I had registered with Channing for a simple modern dance routine, but knowing the crowd loved a bit of hip action, I threw in some extra moves. The cheers were loud, almost deafening. As I danced, flashes of Dad's seven million dollar debt and Mom's tear-streaked face crossed my mind. The thought made me push myself even harder, desperate to win the highest votes. A few minutes later, the music stopped, and I finished my dance. The applause and cheers continued as I took a bow and headed backstage. Backstage, I noticed the other contestants were looking at me differently. Earlier, they h