London, national Opera, backstage


Opening night, the premiere, had just ended. Amber was worn out, but full with glee and exhilaration. Her heart was beating too fast. Every single heartbeat pumped blood through her veins, the sensation was crystal clear. She couldn't hear anybody's cheering after the curtain closed. As if she was wrapped in her own bubble of ecstasy. She ran her hand over her tired but tensed back, she felt cold sweat covering it. It was done, the entire company nailed it. They had brought the piece to life. The dramatic dimension was perfect, the complexion of the technicality had seemed easy and smooth. She had a wide smile spread across her face.

She didn't fear the critics of tomorrow morning, the pressure seemed to have been blown away by the masterpiece she just took part in. She was proud of herself, especially because she nailed Odile's famous 32 pirouettes in the 3de act. She knew every single journalist in the audience was counting every single perfect turn. Their eyes as lasers on her legs, eagerly waiting for a lone mistake. Her overwhelming bubble faded and she finally noticed the shared feeling of relief on the stage. The tension had disappeared.

Although they could still hear the roar of the applause, the dancers were hugging each other, relieved opening night was finally over. All were proud of their perfect performance. Eleanor and Niall's, or rather Odette and the Prince's final hug tightened. He felt Amber's glance and quickly broke it off with an awkward look on his face. He walked over to Amber, putting his hand in his dirty blond hair. Amber didn't understand what was going on, but then he hugged her too. She didn't really mind and accepted the warm embrace. He kept her in her arms for too long, for Amber's taste. She slowly pushed him back and left him, to place herself in the line, still holding his hand though. The curtains opened again, the dancers ready to bow to the audience. Amber and Eleanor were both given a majestic bouquet of white roses.

After the curtains closed themselves for the last time tonight, Amber got loose of Niall's soft hand and joined the other dancers as they talked about the performance tonight. She rarely enjoyed to mingle, but after the tremendous applause, she didn't care. She was a part of the company, and now one of the main dancers as well. If she were a dancer of the "corps de ballet", she would have never left anyone near her. To her surprise, she actually enjoyed the joyful people surrounding her. Dancers complimented her on her performance tonight. Some of them even patted her shoulder. Amber was could feel the warm bubble wrap around her again, the soft smell of the white roses overwhelming her sense. Suddenly it hit her, she had just done her first opening night as a Cast A (first/ best cast, one cast can't perform for 4 weeks) leader. She still couldn't believe she had just started her career as a Prima Ballerina. The delighted smile on her face was even larger now.

Although she was delighted, Amber soon had enough of the commotion going on. With hasty steps, she rushed to the wings. She couldn't wait to rip her points from her feet. She ran through the hallway straight to her changing room. The wide smile still lingering on her lips. As soon as she was in the room, she untied her corset, hang it on it's coat-hanger, slipped out of her points and tights, and rushed into the shower. The warm water was rolling on her body. It was a true bliss after 3 hours waiting in the heat and sweating. She saw the blood flowing on her body, coalescing with the clear water. Blisters were normal, every dancer had his injuries to deal with. She was lucky not to have to go through any surgeries for now. Some dancers even lost their arabesque after painful pulled muscled. She was drawn back to reality as Eleanor stormed in the room.

Eleanor was thrilled with opening night, everything went smoothly. The "corps de ballet"'s complicated paths on stage were marvelously executed. Flowing flocks of swans idle on the lake. Their princess's turmoil close to their heart, waiting in agony. That is the hardest part of the "corps de ballet" in Swan Lake, wait for entire acts in the same complicated position. Clenching their muscles. She was proud of her performance as Odette, and she loved her scene with Odile. Entwining black and white, purity and despair, but linked by despair and sadness. Her grin on her face and her glowing eyes were showing her excitement. She couldn't wait to share her glee with Amber. She walked into the room and rushed to Amber and hugged her. Amber clearly didn't expected the touch and froze on the spot. Eleanor didn't care and kept hugging her, she was so happy. Few seconds later, Amber's surprised and tensed body relaxed. But she still didn't return the hug, Eleanor chuckled, and released her.

"- Oh my god, it was so amazing!!! This was the. Best. Performance. Ever.", Eleanor was still out do breath somehow.

She reminded Amber of an exited chihuahua again. She kept babbling about it and Amber drew a faint smile of kindness on her lips. She watched her closely, as a younger sister, although Eleanor was older. She felt as if she had to protect her. Nobody was allowed to destroy that cute and lively Eleanor.
"- Yes it was, but you should get in the shower before we run out of warm water.", after all, all the dancers only yearned for a warm clean up before the gala.

Amber watched Eleanor, her eyes were beaming at her. Se raised an eyebrow not expecting that reaction. What was Eleanor thinking? On the opposite, Eleanor was in heaven, Amber had actually cared for her, as friend. She threw a giant grin back at Amber and quickly headed to the shower. As she turned the hot water on and brushed her sore body, she remembered the gala, and Louis. The dancers were only expected at 11h30am tomorrow at the ENB studios, so she would be able to spent the entire night with him. She quickly washed the blood off her feet and changed. Amber was also getting ready next to her, after all she had promised to come. She seemed a bit bored of it though. Eleanor was about to engage a conversation with her, but she heard familiar voices in the hallway and ran out of the room.

"- Louis!", he was standing in the hallway together with Leroy, Harry Styles and two other people she didn't know.

He gave her a genuine, playful smile, walked towards her, but Eleanor had already rushed into his arms. He was caught a little off balance, but quickly regained it. Somehow he should have guessed, she would do that. Louis loved how that girl never lost her sweet, honest side. He held her tight and whispered to her ear:

"- You were wonderful tonight, as elegant as a queen, and pure as the morning light.", he knew Eleanor would blush.

He cupped her burning cheeks with is hand planted a swift kiss on her soft lips. But they got distracted as Harry made a noise with his throat.

"- Hello, I am pleased to finally meet you, I am Harry Styles." He held out his hand, and Eleanor shook it.

"- Eleanor Calder, it is a pleasure to meet you too.", she replied politely. She seemed to be a little taken aback by his nice demeanor.

"- This Liam Payne, Louis continued, and Zayn Malik."

She shook the hand of both handsome men, a little intimated by their presence. She could smell the fancy cologne on each man. They were all wearing expensive handmade suits. She knew Louis was working for some major company, but she never really questioned him. After all they only sometimes met at galas after opening nights. When Eleanor wasn't watching, Harry shot a death glare at Louis. He had never told him about this girl. But he smiled, Louis seemed to have taken a liking in her. Too bad none of them could afford to like anybody...

Amber was still getting ready in the changing room. She enjoyed dressing up, the elegant lines of a dress, the flowing silk around her, but she wasn't in the mood. The tiredness from her performance was worming in her brain. She decided to keep it casual, but still classy. She could hear Eleanor talking to people in the hallway, but she didn't really mind and took her time before leaving the room. She put on her high stiletto heels, slick and black. Not too high, she hated platforms they made women look like whores. Although she was used to points, heels were a whole other deal, she used to stumble all the time. She swiftly brushed her still messy hair with her long fingers and left the room. She regretted it as soon as she past the door. Amber didn't want to believe who standing next to Eleanor in the corridor.

"- What are you doing here?", she almost spat at Harry.

"- Nice to see you again Ms. Lorentz, your performance tonight was mind-blowing. The second act really had the edge Leroy was talking about.", Harry smirked at her. He knew just how to irk her.

"- Thank you M. Styles, it really means a lot. But what may do the honor of your presence here?", she stared at him with blazing fury.

"- We're here to catch our friend Niall, we want to celebrate opening night together." he got closer to her, Amber refusing to move, lifted her chin. He softly whispered to her ear.

"- Would you have wished I came for you? By the way, this dress suits you very well.", he brushed her shoulder.

"- Never in a million years." she whispered back, with a arrogant snarl on her face. With a swift push she past him. He smirked and said out loud:

"- I'm going to look for Niall, Lou take your time.", M. Malik and M. Payne followed him.

She seemed cold again, but Amber was furious, how dare he approached her like that. Still fuming she turned her back to him and his friends and watched Eleanor and the man she was with, probably Louis. They were whispering something to each other.

"- Hello, I am Louis, Eleanor told me you were good friends. No need to be so formal.", he had a playful smile and perky blue eyes.

"- I am Amber, nice to meet you.", he seemed nice, she tired to smile at him and Eleanor. But she was still furious because of M. Styles.

"- Eleanor's telling me that you aren't very exited about the gala tonight, why don't you stay with us tonight. As Harry just said, your dance partner Niall will be there as well."

"- Oh yes! Are you sure you're okay with it?", Louis nodded, "Please say yes Amber, please, please, please!" Eleanor watched her with puppy eyes. Amber didn't know what to answer, but she sighted:

"- Fine, I'll come.", not happy at all, about spending an entire night with Harry Styles.

Notes

Hey, so this is Chapter 5, hope you enjoy it!

what do you think will be going on at the party? What will happen? Please just leave your possible scenarios in the comment box! ^^

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