"Mom," I said, "Someday I'm going to be a ballet dancer. And I'm gonna be the best one." "Oh, really," she said, "Well, you can't be one if you don't have ballet shoes." Then she had a pair of brand new ballet shoes and handed them to me! "Oh, mama they're beautiful! thank you, thank you, thank you, mama!" "Your very welcome," she said back, smiling. "Now," mama said, "It's time for bed Clara." "But, mama," I say. "Uh uh," she said, 

"No but's, no cuts, and no coconuts." 

She always said that to me. But I 

kinda liked it to be honest.

"It's time for bed," she said. "Yes, mama," I say getting under my covers trying to get in a comfy position. "Good night Clara," mama said kissing me on the forehead. "Good night," I say back. She then turned off the lights and closed the door. As soon as I heard mama's footsteps fade, I got out of my bed and put on my new ballet shoes (To see how they'd fit). I tied the beautiful ballet shoes, then stood up and started dancing the night away. I was so happy and grateful I wanted to wear them for the rest of my life! But, I knew I would grow out of them later in life.

                          6 years later...

"Clara! Hurry up, you have school today!" "Yes sir, I know coming down right now!" I say back. "Morning," I say to him. "Good morning," dad says back. "Oh, the bus is here I gotta go, love, you dad," I say rushing around the kitchen. "Remember I have a ballet audition at 4:oo o'clock. So pick me up at 4:45 okay?" "umm hmm," he mumbled. "Kay, love you by!" I ran as fast as I could making sure that I didn't miss the bus again. I got on the bus out of breath trying to find a seat where no one was.

I sat down in the very back where no one wanted to be. It was the perfect spot. I took a deep breath in and then a deep breath out sinking into my seat. Ten minutes later I see my best friend (Jada) Boarding the bus I put my hand in the air so she could see me and once she did she speed walked toward me and sat down next to me. "Hey, C," she said to me. "Hey J," I say back, "What's new?" "I'm gonna try out for the computer programming club." "Cool!" I say. "And you're probably gonna try out for ballet I assume?" Jada said. I nodded my head with excitement!

We chatted until we got to school. And once we got out of the bus Jada said, "See you on the other side, my friend." I laughed. The school bell rang, so I rushed with my really heavy backpack to class. I don't really like the school schedule, mainly because math is the first subject. And I'm really bad at math! A few hours passed and it was lunch and recess time. Which was the best time of the day! 'Cause, we were free! But eventually, it was time to get back to school work. Everyone walked inside looking miserable. I walked with all the other students, and with the corner of my eye I could see

the ballet studio. I stopped and looked at it for a while. And thought in my head I'll be dancing there all day long. I sighed dreamingly, just then one of the teachers called out my name, "Clara! Time to come inside!" "Yes, ma'am," I said walking toward the building. We continued learning about our presidents and learning about science and other stuff like that. School was finally dismissed. Everyone rushed outside to go see their parents. I saw Jada and ran up to her. "Hey, did you make in?" "I did!" She shouted. I screamed with her. I was so happy for her!

Then Jada said, "Hey, what about you? Don't you have to get to a ballet audition?" "Yeah, I'm gonna head over there right now. But, I wanted to see if you made the computer programing club. And to say goodbye. So Bye!" "Bye-bye," she said. Then I raced off to the ballet studio. Once I made it there I went into the bathroom stalls and changed into my ballet dress. I came out looking ready and prepared for whatever the teacher was going to do. I started stretching like all the other ballet dancers were doing. Doing splits and other stuff. "In line," said someone behind me.

"Good evening. My name is Mrs Miller, and I am going to be your ballet teacher." "Some of you will get to join the team. And some of you won't." Everyone looked at each other scared that they wouldn't make the team. I was scared too, but, I'm pretty good in my opinion. "All of you get into your positions." "First position, second piston, third, fourth, and fifth." We repeated those positions five times. To be honest it was kinda tiring. Auditions were over and I had to tell my dad all what happen! "Cause I know he'll ask. I saw the car and walked towards it feeling queazy.

"Hey hon how did it go?" "Can I tell you when we get home?" I ask. " "Sure, if that's what you want," He said. We didn't talk at all for the rest of the car trip back home. Once we arrived, dad rushed in. (He probably had a phone call). "Hey, Clara I take this phone call. Go ahead and tell me the news." "After your call dad. Your call is more important than the audition." "Okay, be with you in like an hour kay?" "Kay," I said. He gave me a thumbs up and then rushed to his office. I walked to the couch to think of a way how to tell dad that I didn't make the ballet team.

I waited, waited, waited, and waited, for dad to get off his call so I could tell him the bad news. I didn't want to. But, I had to. "Hey, kiddo," said dad, "Did you make the team?" I shook my head. Dad frowned. "Hey, maybe you'll make the team next year." "No, I won't!" I yelled, "If I didn't make the team this year, I won't make it any other year." "Look," he said in a soothing voice, "I know this is tough. But, you gotta move on. And maybe, if you practice enough, then, you'll make the team next year." I nodded my head, then walked off to my room. I shut the door then said, "I wish you were here mom."

"Hey, sweetie," dad said, "Just wanted to kiss you good night." I didn't say anything. Just then dad's phone started buzzing. (It was probably another call). "Clara," he said, "One of the ballerinas hurt her foot and can't dance for a long time. There's gonna be another audition!" "Really!?" I say. Dad nodded his head. "What day and what time?" I ask. "4:25 tomorrow," he answered. I got out of my bed and gave dad a big hug. He smiled down at me. "Good night," I say super excited! "Good night," dad says, turning off the lights and closing the door. I smiled. I can't believe it! I get a second chance.

I woke up feeling so excited! This will be my last chance to make it on the team. (Unless someone hurt their foot again). "Okay. Let's do this!" I say to myself. I get out of my bed, got dressed, brushed my teeth, ate breakfast, said "Goodbye", then ran out of the door. (So I didn't miss the bus). Hours passed, and school was finally dismissed. So I said "Bye see you tomorrow" to Jada, then went straight to the ballet studio. Once I was there, I put on my ballet dress and then went to go stretch to get ready. "In Line," said Mrs. Miller. "As you all know, one of our ballet dancers hurt her foot. I am very sad about it."

She didn't look that sad. In fact, she looked kinda happy. I guess she didn't really like the ballet dancer. "One of you will make it on the team. And the rest of you will not," said Mrs. Miller. "Positions," she said. We did them five times like we did last time. Did leaps, splits, pirouettes, and a lot of other things. An hour later Mrs. Miller said, "Stop." So we all stopped. "I have not yet decided who will join the team. So I will call your parents and tell them if you made it or not." "You all may be dismissed." All the girls grabbed their ballet bags and headed outside to they're parents. I walked out with them and saw dad

waiting in the car. I ran over to him and knocked on the window. "Hey, can I come in?" I say. Dad smiled and then unlocked the car. "So did you make it in?" he asked impatiently. "I don't know. Mrs Miller the ballet teacher, is gonna call you and say if I made it or not." "Hmm," he mumbled nodding his head.

                      The next day...

I woke up with the nice warm sun on my face. I took a deep breath in, then a deep breath out. "Okay, today is going to be a good day," I said to myself.

Today I didn't feel as rushed as I normally did. It felt weird, but then again felt nice. I was so relaxed I wanted to take a nap, but, it was a school day. So I couldn't do that. I got out a bowl, poured cereal into the bowl, and then, I poured some milk. I ate a few bites then I realized I didn't brush my teeth before I ate. But, the cereal did taste better. Then I thought in my head Maybe I should eat breakfast and then brush my teeth after. I got a spoon full of cereal, I was about to put it in my mouth, then, I heard the phone. I went to go answer it. And when I picked it up the person said, "Hello Mr Perkins. My

name is Mrs Miller. I'm your daughter's ballet teacher I just wanted to say... Your daughter made the ballet team." I hung up and then made a tiny scream because dad was still sleeping. I was so happy! So I finished my cereal, ran upstairs to get dressed, and brushed my teeth. Then I wrought a note for dad letting him know I was at school. After I finished writing the note I ran out the door. I was at the bus stop waiting for the bus. Five minutes later, the bus finally came. I went to the very back of the bus, and sat down just thinking about how I was on the ballet team!

I was waiting for Jada to get on the bus to tell her the good news! But, she didn't get on the bus today. When the driver stopped at Jada's bus stop, she wasn't there. I wondered why she didn't get on the bus? Once we arrived at school, I went straight to Jada's classroom to talk with her teacher. "Oh, Jada's at the hospital right now." "What!? Why!?" I ask raising my voice a little. "She broke her leg and arm," Jada's teacher said. My mind was racing. Oh my goodness! Was Jada gonna be alright? I need to see her right away! I thought in my mind. "How did she get hurt?" I ask.

"Her parents didn't tell me how she got hurt. All they said was that she wasn't gonna be in class today," Jada's teacher said. "Sorry," she said. "It's okay," I say back. The school bell rang, so I went off to class. when I walked into the classroom a saw a stranger. He was tall, skinny, and had a weird moustache. Then I saw the Principal (Mrs Fairman) right next to the man. "Class please take your seats," Mrs Fairman said. So we all took our seats, 'cause if we didn't she would talk in a soothing voice that scared people 'cause they knew she was serious. 

"Thank you, everyone," Mrs Fairman said to the class. "Now, Mrs Harrison couldn't be here today because right now she's in Hawaii." I'm gonna go to Hawaii one day I thought to myself. Mrs Fairman continued, "This is Mr Noe. He is going to be your teacher today." "And I want you all to treat him with respect and gratitude. And if I hear that you were being disrespectful Mr Noe will send you to my office and I will give you a punishment. Do I make myself clear?" Everyone nodded their heads. "I need to hear you," said Mrs Fairman. Then everyone said, "Yes ma'am." "Good," she said walking out of the

classroom. Mr Noe cleared his throat and said, "Hello class. As you all know I am your substitute teacher, and I hope to know you all very well." Just then I heard Mr Noe mumble, "As if I would ever want to know them." Clearly, he didn't like kids. "Alright everyone," Mr Noe said, "Pull out your history books, and we'll start from there." "Mr Noe," said one of the kids, "Can I go to the bathroom?" "No," Mr Noe said, "You cannot." "Why?" "Because then you probably are gonna run off somewhere so you don't have to do school." The kid gave him a weird look as if he were saying I don't like this guy. He's boring.

A few hours passed, so it was lunch and recess time. So we ate, then we played. And for some reason, Mr Noe called everyone back to class. It was too early to go back to class. Then one of the teachers said, "Mr Noe, They don't go back to class this early." "Well," he said, "They need to stop playing and keep learning." "Well," said the teacher, "We like to give our class a little more recess time." Mr Noe gave the teacher a strict look. "If you do not call all of the students in I will quit." The teacher had a sad look and then said, "Everyone come back inside. Recess is over."

Everyone looked confused? "What?" They said, "Why is recess over?" "It's too early!" I did not like Mr Noe. He's the worst teacher you could ever have! I feel like he's never really had a childhood. He sucks the fun out of everything! I wanted to get rid of him. But, Mrs Fairman would probably not like it. I sighed, hoping the day would end, and quick! We continued suffering and wishing the day would end. And when the school bell rang everyone ran faster out of the classroom, as if they couldn't be by Mr Noe another second. (Of course, I was one of those people too).

I went straight to ballet class when the school bell rang. And when I got there I saw all the girls stretching and getting ready. So I quickly get into my ballet dress and went to go stretch, like all the other girls were. "Hello, girls," said Mrs Miller, "In line." she started clapping her hands so the girls would get her attention. "Thank you," said Mrs Miller. "Positions," she said. "First position, second, third, fourth, fifth and repeat." We did them five times (As we usually did). Then Mrs Miller said, "There is going to be a play soon." "Really!" I girl said in the back. Mrs Miller nodded her head.

"What's it about?" A girl said in front of me. "It's about the swan lake. all the girls were very excited! Mrs Miller said, "Now we are going to have roles. And I know a lot of you girls want to be the swan princess." All the girls made a tiny scream! "So we are going to do auditions for the roles," said Mrs Miller. All the girls nodded their heads in agreement. "Now auditions are tomorrow," said Mrs Miller, "So be ready and prepared, 'cause, one of you will be the swan princess. All the girls were very excited! And so was I! "Now," said Mrs Miller, "Let's get back to work." 

Ballet practice was over. So all the girls went to their cars to see their parents. I walked over to dad who was sitting watching something on his phone. "Hey daddy," I say. Dad got startled and unlocked the car. "Hey baby, how'd go?" "It was good," I say, trying to keep all of my excitement about swan lake. Then I burst out saying, "There's gonna be a play about the swan lake and I'm gonna audition for the swan princess!" "That's awesome Clara!" Dad said super excited for me! All I talked about was the swan lake play that was going to happen soon! I couldn't believe it!

Once we got home, I went straight to my room to practice dancing. I danced, and danced, and danced, and danced, and danced, to get ready for the swan princess audition! Making sure,

everything was perfect. "Hey,

kiddo," dad called from

downstairs. "Dinner!" "Okay,"

I say, "Coming!" I rushed

downstairs feeling good about

the swan lake audition 

tomorrow! we ate, we cleaned

the kitchen then dad

asked, "Clara, do you want to watch something?" "I'm good," I answered. "Why not?" he asked. "Because I have to practice for the swan princess audition." "Oh, okay," he said quietly. I kept practising and practising making sure I didn't mess up anything.

                      The next day...

I woke up with a big yawn. Because I practised a lot last night, and I mean a lot. I even slept in my ballet dress!

I walked into the kitchen seeing dad making something that smelled delicious! "Mmm!" I say, "That smells so good what is it?" "It's pancakes and bacon. My mouth started watering just thinking about it. "So how did you sleep?" Dad asked. "Okay," I answer. "Okay," dad says, "What were you doing all night?" "Prac-tic-ing," I say. "Mmm hmm," dad mumbled, "I thought so." I smiled. "Order up," dad says handing me delicious food. It was pancakes, bacon, and some fruit on the side. "Dad this is amazing!" I say. "Well, I'm glad you like it," said dad smiling at me.

I finished the amazing breakfast, got dressed, brushed my teeth, kissed dad goodbye, and was off running toward the bus stop as fast as I could. I was almost there, but, I missed the bus. "Looks like I'm walking there," I say to myself walking to the school. I was so tired, my legs felt like spaghetti, and I wanted to just collapse on the hard sidewalk and stay there for the rest of the day. But, I couldn't be late for school. Not when Mr Noe was teaching. A few minutes passed, and I could see the school building. Just then I heard the school bell rang, so I rushed to the school hoping that I wouldn't be late

for Class. I stopped quickly when I entered the classroom walking to my desk. "Sorry, that I'm a little late Mr Noe. I missed the bus." Mr Noe gave me a strict look. "Don't be late again. You hear me," he said. I nodded my head in response. He nodded his head as well. We continued our day, recess ending earlier this time. No one liked Mr Noe. Even the teachers and principal! But, he was the only substitute that they had, so they couldn't let him quit. School was dismissed. (Finally!). And I didn't see Jada today either. (I guess she was still in the hospital).

I ran to the ballet studio. Super excited about the audition! Once I got there, I saw all the girls talking and giggling. (Probably, about the swan princess audition). I was ready for the audition, scared, but, excited! "Girls," said Mrs Miller, "Will you all please have a seat." "Yes ma'am," all the girls said, sitting down. "Now, I need to know what role you want to play," said Mrs Miller. "Olivia," said Mrs Miller, "What role do you want to play?" Olivia stood up tall and straight. "I want to be one of the swans." "Very nice," Mrs Miller answered. She asked all the girls what they wanted to audition for.

A lot of girls said they wanted to be the swan princess. (Of course, I wanted to be the swan princess too). "Well," said Mrs Miller, "A lot of you want to be the swan princess. But only one of you will be her." "Let's begin auditions," Mrs Miller said. All the girls did wonderful for the part of the swan princess. I was nervous. What if I mess up!? What if I did well, but, didn't get the part!? I was so worried. "Clara," said Mrs Miller, "You're up." I nodded my head nervously. The music started playing. So I started dancing. Once I finished Mrs Miller said, "Well, done Clara." I smiled.

"Well, done girls," said Mrs Miller, "I will call your parents and tell them if you made the role that you were auditioning for." "Wait," said I girl, "A lot of us auditioned for the swan princess. And only one can be the swan princess." "Yes," said Mrs Miller, "So?" Well, what about all the other girls who didn't get the part of the swan princess who will they be?" "Well, I'll tell them who they're going to be in the play. And they can't complain about their new part of the play." The girl's eyes widened with fear that she wouldn't be the swan princess. "Everyone may be dismissed." said Mrs Miller.

I walked up to the car. And it was already unlocked. So I open the door sit down, then, dad asked me, "So did you get the part!?" "I don't know," I say, "Mrs Miller will call you and tell you if I'm the swan princess." "Okay," dad said driving out of the parking lot. We arrived back home, and dad said, "Hey, I gotta make this phone call love you bye!" He ran upstairs going to his office. "Love you too," I say sadly. I plopped myself on the couch to watch something about ballet. I went on youtube to find something ballet related. Then I see a ballet show that was happening right now!

I watched the ballerina dance on the stage with such confidence. I watched her leap and pirouette all around the stage. Then I thought in my head That's going to be me someday. 

                     The next day...

"Hey, kiddo, wake up," dad said shoving me lightly. "What!?" I said quietly and tired. "You're gonna be late for school," dad said. "I don't wanna go," I say. "Well," dad said, "You have to." I shrugged. I get out of bed, making my way downstairs to get something

to eat. I finished eating my oatmeal, got the rest of my stuff done, and was out the door so I didn't miss the bus. I waited for the bus to come, but, before it did I see dad running toward me to tell me something important. "What is it, dad?" I ask. Dad held up his hand trying to catch his breath. "I just got a call from Mrs Miller." My eyes lit up. "What did she say, what did she say!?" I asked eagerly. "She said you're the swan princess," I screamed with joy! Is this really happening? Am I really going to be the swan princess!? I thought in my head. I hugged dad very tight super excited!

"I love you, dad," I say to him. "I love you too baby," he says back. The bus finally came so I got on, waving dad goodbye. I sit down in my seat super excited! The bus stopped at Jada's bus stop. And I see a girl with crutches and an arm cast. It's Jada! I said in my head, and it was! I wave my hand in the air excited to see her again. "Hey, J," I said, "It's good to see you." "You too," Jada said. I told Jada all that had happened. And Jada was very excited for me that I was on the ballet team! I walked Jada to her class room, ('Cause I couldn't just let her go alone). Said "Goodbye" and was off to my classroom.

When I walked into the classroom I saw Mrs Harrison! Mr Noe was gone! I was so happy! This day was turning out to be a great one! School was back to normal, recess was even longer this time! This is probably the best school day in the whole world! We carried on with our wonderful day. Enjoying every second of it. The school bell rang, so it was back to class, which I didn't mind. Our next subject was math. My worst enemy. (I'm really bad at math). But, I actually did well today. (Today is the best day ever!). I could get used to this. The final school bell rang.

Nobody ran out of the classroom like they normally did. Instead, they walked out of the school building! Wow, I said in my mind. This is absolutely amazing! I wish it could be like this every day. I walked out of the school building going to say goodbye to Jada. And after I did, I went to ballet class. "Is everyone ready for the ballet play in a few weeks?" Asked Mrs Miller. All the girls said, "Yes!" "Now," said Mrs Miller, "Can I have the swan princess come over where I am?" I walked to Mrs Miller slowly. All the girls watched me walk over to her. I knew they were thinking in their minds...

                                I hate her! 

                            She's the worst!

  She stole my spotlight on being the swan princess!

                   I wish she was never born!

I didn't care what they would say about me. I just have to focus on being the swan princess. And making sure everything I did was perfect. Mrs Miller continued, "This is Clara she is the swan princess." "Hi, everyone," I say.