Chapter 7

That night, it was the bartender who finally noticed Hazel's injury and called a cab to take her to the hospital. The doctor once again told her to rest. But the dance competition was just a week away, Hazel knew she didn't have that kind of time. This wasn't just any competition. If she placed first, she'd earn the chance to study under one of the world's top dancers and enter the International Academy of Dance. It meant everything to her. Despite the doctor's repeated warnings, she gritted her teeth and agreed to take daily cortisone injections just to make it through the competition. "Remember, the moment the competition ends, lie down and don't move. Apply the ointment every day. Give your leg proper rest. That's the only way to minimize long-term damage." Hazel nodded. Over the next week, she didn't see Freddy at all. She stayed holed up in the dance studio from morning till night. Since the competition was for original choreography, she had submitted her music and routine to the organizers a week in advance. Soon, the competition came. That was when she learned that Macy had also entered the competition. She was surrounded by a crowd of girls. They were laughing and chatting as they passed Hazel. Macy glanced her way with a deliberate smirk. "The organizers invited Fred to be a judge today. He normally turns down things like this. But when he heard I'd be here, he cleared his entire schedule. He was afraid I might get bullied." Hazel knew she was doing it on purpose, but the jab still stung. Knowing Freddy's personality, he always avoided the spotlight. He'd never willingly appear at a public event like this. Hazel forced a bitter smile and tried her best to compose herself. Macy was scheduled to perform two spots ahead of her. Before stepping on stage, Macy shot her a meaningful look Hazel couldn't quite decipher. She didn't understand it until the music started. Even if it wasn't the same music and even though Macy's execution wasn't flawless, Hazel recognized the choreography instantly. It was her choreography. Every single move was identical. How was this possible? Hazel's face went pale. She shot to her feet and immediately signaled to cut the music. Facing the judges and audience, she said loud and clear, "She's performing my choreography. I request an investigation!" The auditorium erupted in murmurs. "Is she crazy? How dare she accuse Ms. Warren? She clearly doesn't know her place." In Southridge, no one knew Hazel's background. It meant that there was no one to help her. Macy's smile faded. It was replaced by a look of quiet sorrow. "Hazel, I know you've never liked me. But do you really have to slander me like this?" That was when Freddy walked in. It didn't take long for him to understand what was going on. Hazel knew the moment he stepped in, he became the only person whose words would matter. She looked at Freddy. Her eyes were full of silent pleading. She didn't expect him to take her side. She just wanted the truth. "Mr. Hoffman, I'm only asking for a fair judgment." Freddy paused when their eyes met. It was the first time Hazel had ever called him that. He was about to speak when Macy tugged on his arm and began crying softly beside him. A few seconds later, Hazel heard his voice. It was calm and cold. "There's no need to investigate. I believe Macy. Hazel, you plagiarized her choreography. Stop making a scene." It was over. All her effort and dreams were gone. With just one sentence from Freddy, she'd carry the label of a plagiarist for the rest of her life.