At the next dance lesson, a great dancer, Alyson Carter, broke her ankle. The heels on her high heels had snapped. Upon further investigation Shirley saw that the heels had been neatly filed off by a finger file, anything like that. She also noted that Nicole had been by the studio as well, looking healthier then ever, and she wondered how fast an anorexic could recover. As far as she knew it was usually a struggle.
* * *
Bo was doing a good job of keeping his distance. I will NOT screw this up, he thought as he glanced around the walls of his bedroom. He was trying to keep his mind off Shirley. His eyes scrawled over his "American Beauty" movie poster. The movie he saw with Shirley. Okay, he wouldn't look there. His eyes glanced at the poster of Shirley that was on his wall. He sighed and finally retreated to staring at his Blink 182 poster while listening to "What's My Age Again?" over and over on his c.d. player.
Things were definitely not going good. Maybe he was better off without Shirley.....
Suddenly, Alicia burst into his room.
"Alicia!" Bo cried, surprised. Alicia waved quickly and then looked around his room.
"So this is your room? Wow. It's quite.... white. You like white?" Alicia said, staring at the white bedspread, pillows, walls. The only thing that stood out was the posters on the walls, and the wooden desk set over in the corner.
"It's a simple color. Plain." Bo defended his room.
"Too plain if you ask me. I came to see how you're doing." Alicia said, sitting on the bed, "Ugh. Turn off that song. I hate it."
"Hey! Blink 182 rocks. Sorry I don't have the Backstreet Boys to play for you. Or the Spice Girls." Bo commented bitterly.
"Hey! The BSB are so OUT. Britteny Spears all the way."
Bo could only stare at her.
"Wh-y-ag- HOW CAN YOU LIKE HER? Her knee high socks are sickening, her songs are sickening, and her "be yourself" messages are sickening because of all her physical enhancements. And I can't believe that I am having this conversation with you, you over-zealous teenybopper. Tell me again, why are you here?"
Alicia sighed, "I came to see how you were doing. I know how Shirley is doing, but not you. Curiosity is quite the driver."
"Like I'd tell you Alicia. I know you'd go right back and tell Shirley. In fact, I bet she sent you." Bo snapped. Alicia raised her eyebrows.
"Actually, I came here on my own being the compassionate human being that I am. Shirley didn't send me, and I wouldn't tell her. Look whatever you tell me can remain within these walls."
"I have nothing to tell you."
"Bo, Bo, Bo." Alicia sighed, "You're pathetic attempts at making me leave this room and walk home... it just isn't happening."
"I wish it would." Bo muttered.
"You're difficult. No wonder Shirley wants a break." Alicia snapped. Bo glared at her.
"Yeah well what about what I want? Huh? I've been dancing since I was six, and Shirley signs up for lessons. That's great and all, I wanted her to! And I think that it's great that she's a good dancer for the short time that she's been dancing- But when Mrs. Hastings comes up to me, who has been dancing for six years and says she wants me to dance with Gina Sparks of course I'm going to say yes!!! Shirley should be happy for me! I'm really really serious about dancing Alicia, and this is a big opportunity. I don't want to ditch the people that I care about, but I do want to take this all the way."
"So you think Shirley's over reacting?" Alicia asked.
"Yes. Actually, I do. It's not like I'm going after Gina for her looks or anything. I mean, when it comes to the two, I'd definitely choose Shirley. But she doesn't seem to get the idea that this could take me professional. And WHY am I telling YOU this?" Bo exclaimed.
"Because you don't have anyone else to talk to." Alicia said simply, "And I don't know what to say... so I'm going to go. But my lips are zipped. You know, Bo, despite popular belief, I AM a pretty good listener. Just keep that in mind."
And with that Alicia walked out the door.
-End of Part 7-