Chapter 29: Observe

A Month Later.

Christmas spent in Hawaii with her family had almost been wonderful. Jessica's family had been in Hawaii right along with her. She didn't need to travel home, unlike everyone else. Many of the other dancers took early flights out the next day to be with their families on Christmas Day, including Michael. What hurt her the most was that he didn't even say good-bye.

Why would he?

They were broken up. There was no need for them to keep on talking to each other. What could they say without it being awkward? Maybe it was for the best he left that way.

That was what she kept telling herself anyway.

Following the end of the tour, she decided to get her life in order for the big move to Los Angeles...

Yes, she moved. Was there ever a doubt?

She had only been home for two weeks at the time, already she found that she missed the thrill and excitement of performing. Once it was in her blood, she couldn't get it out. She decided to talk to her friends and family to get their opinions. She hoped no one would hate her for wanting to leave Chicago. It turned out that none of them were surprised. They thought it would have been crazy for her not to chase her dreams. Elias understood the most. He was thinking about moving to Los Angeles to try his hand at a relationship with Lisa. The distance was getting to him, and he always was one to make a move. He told her it definitely would influence his decision if she was in Los Angeles too. Then there was Kyle and Stasia. No one was sure if Stasia was ready for a relationship again after so many failed attempts. It surprised everyone when she asked Kyle out over one of their many late night phone conversations. If things worked out well between them, which Jessica thought it would, then perhaps Kyle would be finding a second home in Los Angeles too. She didn't know what the future held for her friends and their relationships, but she couldn't help but be eager at the thought of having them around.

With everyone supporting her, Jessica decided to do what was best for her life. She knew she would miss her friends like crazy, but she knew there would always be visits on all of their parts. It felt strange for her to leave when she was finally getting the relationship with her parents on track. There were definitely some kinks in the relationship with her Dad she needed to get worked out. Surprisingly her parents understood she couldn't put her life on hold to satisfy them anymore. It was hard to let her go, but they did. She definitely would miss her brother and sister. She had always wanted to see them grow up; she just hoped she wouldn't miss too much from their lives.

Upon learning of her decision, Alyssa had insisted Jessica stay at her Loft until she found her own place. It was a offer she couldn't refuse. The only thing she was wary about was running into Michael. It had been so long, she wasn't sure what she would say to him if she did see him again. She knew it was bound to happen, since she was living with his sister of all people.

"So where are you off to again?" Alyssa looked up from her book when Jessica came out of her room.

"Audition," Jessica tersely said. "There's one downtown in about a hour."

"Really?" Alyssa said curiously. "Whose it with? Anyone I know?"

"I don't know. You may have heard of her. She's a new singer," Jessica explained. "I heard her first single and I love it. Pure inspirational dance music. She's even into the whole B-boy thing. I think I'll definitely have fun doing the choreography even if I don't make it. Also I heard she's suppose to be the next big thing. Like Stasia Rath proportions."

Jessica's descriptions sounded oddly familiar, but Alyssa couldn't remember why. "What's her name?"

"I believe its...Skye. Yeah, Skye. I guess that's all she goes by." Jessica smirked. "The whole one name thing is cool nowadays so..."

Alyssa's eyes widened as Jessica rambled on. Skye. "Well....good luck with that. I'm sure you'll get the gig with no problem."

"I hope so...this is my first time going through the whole audition process. You and Lisa certainly made it sound tough, thank you." Jessica rolled her eyes as Alyssa laughed.

"Sorry. Its not that bad, but it can be nerve wracking." Alyssa tried to sound helpful. "Just beware of all the cutthroat girls who want to knock you out of the competition."

"You really know how to psyche a girl up." Jessica shook her head. "Now I should go before I'm late and the choreographer bitches me out."

"Oh, I doubt he'll bitch you out," Alyssa quietly said with a smirk.

Jessica frowned. "What did you say?"

Alyssa pointedly looked down at her watch. "Shouldn't you be going young lady?"

"Right!" Jessica exclaimed. "'Back around six or so, don't forget to order the Chinese."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah!" Alyssa called as Jessica rushed out of the door. She shook her head and threw her book to the side. Instead she picked up her phone to call D. With laughter in her voice she said, "You will not believe what I just found out...."

Some of Jessica's nerves dissipated as she sang along to the car radio on her way to the audition. If she got the job, this time around she wouldn't be on a tour. Which was exactly the type of dance job she wanted right now. She wasn't up to traveling again just yet...well unless it was over seas! She couldn't wait to see some European cities on tour. Until then, she wanted to do something different. Since Skye was a new singer, she needed a group of dancers for when she did her televised performances and any other media exposure such as doing her first video. If or when Skye went on tour as a opening act for a more well known singer, then there probably would be another set of auditions for more dancers. Only about six dancers were needed for Skye. Six dancers needed and about sixty would probably show up for the audition. The thought made Jessica's nerves flare up again. She never had to compete for a dance spot before and she wasn't sure what to expect.

"Well, here it goes...." Jessica parked her car and walked toward the building. Upon entering the lobby, she got directions to the dance studio she was looking for.

She walked towards the elevator to find two other girls waiting as they talked. They turned towards her as she approached.

"You here for the audition too?" One of them asked, sizing her up.

Jessica nodded, nervously shifting on her feet. It wasn't the two girls that made her nervous. It was the fact that she was now seconds away from the audition studio. What if the choreographer hated her? What if the choreographer thought she wasn't good enough?

The one who had spoken smirked and looked at her friend. She then turned back to Jessica. She tried to look sympathetic, "First audition huh?"

"Yeah," Jessica answered. She was too caught up in her nerves to notice how the two girls were silently mocking her.

"Well, I hope you don't have a problem dancing in front of an audience," The girl's friend said. "That could trip a newbie like you up."

Jessica had been barely paying to the two girls until she heard that comment. Now she smirked. "You'll just have to see, won't you."

The first girl rolled her eyes at what sounded to her like a superior statement. "Most people with that attitude get cut the first round."

Jessica shrugged. Then she pointedly looked at them. "I'm sure they do."

When the elevator came the two other girls didn't waste anymore time trying to talk to Jessica. As if she wanted to talk to them anyway. She hated people who thought they knew everything. If only they knew her first job was on Stasia Rath's previous tour. She just wasn't the type to flaunt her accomplishments. She would just have to show them. That always worked.

The girls seemed to know which direction to go once they got off the elevator, so she followed a couple steps behind them. When Jessica walked into the spacious studio, she was surprised at how many people were there. It was more than she thought. She stood around for another ten minutes until the auditions finally started. She wasn't the only one who was ready to have things started. In the front of the room a short middle age woman started to talk. Jessica wondered if she was the choreographer.

The woman didn't mention anything about choreography. Instead she told everyone to sign in, so everyone could be sorted by numbers to maintain order. That took another hour with all the people who were still confused on what to do and some late comers. Luckily Jessica ended up as number ten. She immediately placed the sticker with her number on it near her thigh.

Since Jessica had a lower number, she was placed to the front of the room while all the dancers with higher numbers were way in the back. When all the dancers were sorted, the woman who had spoken before told everyone their choreographer and Skye were on their way up to the studio. Obviously neither of them wanted to be around for the tedious preliminary work. Jessica didn't blame them.

"-he's going to be the choreographer!" Jessica heard a squeaky voice exclaim.

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed two young women behind her, and a guy who was obviously into the male persuasion gossiping.

"Oh, he's so freakin' hot!" One of the girls said.

"I heard he likes girls though!" The guy sounded upset.

"I heard he doesn't have a girlfriend."

"How can he not have a girlfriend?"

"Seriously what girl is dumb enough to let him go?"

"Hey, its good news for us he's single."

"Not for me!"

"Donnie don't be so jealous."

"Yeah, just because us ladies can mack and well...you can't- don't hate!"

"Uh uh girl! You did not go there!" Donnie said with attitude.

Jessica fought to hold her laughter in and barely noticed as Skye and her choreographer walked into the room. When she heard someone trying to get everyone's attention she turned around and her eyes locked with....Michael.

He looked equally shocked to see her as she was to see him. Everyone was confused when he stopped talking in mid sentence. They started shooting him odd looks. He was eye candy, but to them he sure was acting strange.

Even Skye was confused. She cleared her throat. "Um...Michael?" But his eyes were still on Jessica.

She was so unprepared to see him. What was he doing there? All she knew was that she had to get out of there. She couldn't audition for him.

Everyone was even more shocked when they saw the tall figure of Jessica breezing out of the room, not making eye contact with anyone. Michael stood stunned for a moment before racing after her. Everyone stared at their retreating backs in mass confusion.

Skye managed a smile. A nervous smile. "I'm sure they'll be back....hopefully." She shot worried eyes at the woman who stood next to her. She then turned back to the dancers and chuckled nervously.

*

"Jessica wait!" He called after her.

She was already at the elevator, but it was taking a century and a half to come. She couldn't take it anymore. Why wasn't her day going the way it was suppose to? She searched frantically for a stairwell. Seeing the sign that showed the directions to the stairs, she started sprinting in that direction. By then, Michael had gained on her and unfortunately for her, cornered her.

"What are you doing here?" They asked the other in unison.

Jessica folded her arms across her chest. "I was going to audition....but since I found out you're the choreographer, why bother?"

Now Michael gave her a defiant look. "You're trying to tell me you just found out I was the choreographer?"

She gave him a look full of disbelief. "So what are you trying to say? That I'm lying about knowing you'd be the choreographer?"

"Unless you have selective memory," He shot back. It was easy to pretend to be angry than to think about how much he missed her. "I know for a fact that I told you after the tour I'd be choreographing for a new singer name Skye..."

The way he said it triggered something in her memory, but she didn't want to acknowledge it. Instead it was all about the deny deny until she proved that what he said was all a lie. Yeah that game. "No you didn't."

"Yes, I did," Michael adamantly said.

"No you didn't."

"Yes, I did."

"No you didn't."

Michael rolled his eyes. "Remember the choreography we first did at that hotel in Canada? Then we perfected it again at the dance studio at my house. I distinctly remember you asking me what I would be using the choreography for. So I then proceeded to tell you I was thinking of saving it for a singer name Skye, because I would be working with her after the tour. Ring any bells?"

Unfortunately mad bells rang. Jessica turned sheepish. "I guess I forgot....I heard about this audition....I didn't know you were choreographing."

Michael nodded, before he quietly said, "If you did know, you wouldn't have showed up?" He didn't even wait for her to answer the question. He was afraid of the response. "So....did you see April's latest article?"

"The apology?" Jessica nodded. "I have to say, I was surprised."

"Yeah, I talked to her parents. They're the ones who convinced April it was the right thing to do," Michael said. "I'm glad they got through to her."

"Yeah, now that's things have died down, strangers barely recognize me again." Jessica smiled. "It's great."

"Great," Michael repeated. "I'm glad you're happy."

"I'm not all that happy," She whispered.

"You're not?" He asked.

"No," She simply said. She turned away from his probing eyes. She heard the ding of the elevator. The sound startled Michael. He glanced back at the elevator perturbed.

"You...still want to go?" He asked.

Reluctantly she nodded, and quickly walked toward the elevator before it could close.

Michael sighed, knowing he had to do something, anything. He quickly approached her and spun her to face him. Not expecting his movement, she backed away surprised, but he continued to approach her. He put another foot forward, and she put another foot backward. Eventually she was cornered between him and the wall. Jessica's breathing stopped in her throat when he purposely invaded her personal space. He took another step forward until she had no choice but stay put. She peered up at Michael surprised, but he only came closer. He placed both of his hands on the wall, trapping her.

"What are you doing?" She was caught off guard and didn't know how to react to his sudden behavior.

"Making sure you don't go anywhere," Michael said. "I know you don't have to listen to me after how stupid I've acted...but please just listen. Then I'll leave you alone if you want...."

She nodded. He sure had a way of making her want to listen. She didn't even think he realized what his closeness was doing to her. He was too caught up in his thoughts to realize the position he had her in. She then realized what he had to say must of been important. So she quickly snapped out of the haze he caused.

"You know...I was going to ask you that time back in my dance studio to help with Skye's choreography..." He said.

"Why would you need my help?" She whispered. "You're the super experienced choreographer, not me."

"You shouldn't underestimate yourself." He looked her straight in the eyes. "We perfected that choreography together. You even invented some moves for it that I had yet to think of. You know that choreography better than anyone. I was teaching Skye earlier in the week, but she still needs work. I want you to help with teaching the woman's part of the choreography."

"Well...I was gonna audition like everyone else....I'm sure people are going to wonder what's up if I suddenly helped you with the choreography," Jessica told him.

"Does that mean you're still going to audition?" He asked.

"Michael, what were you really going to tell me?" She asked.

He sighed, she knew him better than he thought she did. He paused, not sure where to start. He then began to tell her about the night that he left. He had been trying to convince himself that she would be better off without him. He hated seeing her get hurt because of him. He started to fear that she would break up with him because of all the media attention and pressure. So when he overheard her phone conversation, it was his breaking point. He had to push her away, before she pushed him away. He couldn't bear the thought of getting hurt in another relationship. He had been selfish, only thinking about his feelings. He wanted so badly to think that she was breaking up with him so he wouldn't feel bad about hurting her. He told her about going to see Mark and Joy, how he really needed to do it for his process of moving on from Donna.

Michael leaned closer to her. "Then there was one last thing I had to do."

Jessica put her hands on his shoulders. "What?"

"I had to go say good-bye to Donna." He sounded surprisingly calm, his voice steady.

She stared at him, confused for a second.

He clarified. "Ever since she died, I've never been able to go to her grave, but I had to this time."

"Why this time?" She asked.

"Lot's of reasons," Michael said. At Jessica's look he knew he had to elaborate. "First I had to apologize for never coming to see her."

"I'm sure she understood how hard it was for you," Jessica said.

"Maybe, but it was wrong of me to wait so long....I found I had so much to tell her," He slowly said. "Like why I finally had to let her go...."

"What did you tell her?" She curiously asked. Her heart beating wildly at the intense way he was looking at her.

"I fell in love with you," He whispered.

Her eyes filled with tears. "You told her that?"

Michael nodded, taking her hand in his. "I told her I pushed you away because I loved you, and I wouldn't be able to handle it if the first girl I fell in love with since she died left me because of April. So to protect myself I left you. It was the biggest mistake of my life. I never wanted to hurt you, but all I could think of was those two years of hell I had when Donna died. I didn't want to go through that again. When I saw you again I tried to convince myself that you were better off without me. Because of me you weren't as happy as you should have been-"

"How could you really think I was better off without you?" Her anger rose again. "I really thought when April's story hit we'd be in it together. But I have to admit, even I felt insecure about some things....I was never sure if you could love me as much as Donna or if you would ever love me. When you left me so easily, it was like all my worst fears coming true."

"You never thought I could love you?" He asked incredulously. "Jessica you're one of the easiest people to love. I fell for you so fast and hard. Even if I tried to stop myself, I couldn't. I'll never love you like Donna-"

She looked up at him wide eyed.

"because you're you. You're not Donna, so I can't love you like her." Jessica herself had even told Valerie something along those lines. At the time she wasn't sure if it was true. That if Michael ever did fall in love her, it wouldn't be like the love he and Donna shared. When he left, it was easy for her to push those thoughts away until everything negative rose to the surface. "What I feel for you is completely different...and new. Believe me, leaving you wasn't easy. All I know is that I never want to lose this feeling I have when I'm with you. I hate myself because I nearly did...." He said. "You know Mark Taylor told me something. Something I intent to honor if you'll let me-"

Jessica looked at him questioning.

"Don't let April continue to come between you," Michael spoke Mark's words word from word.

She wanted to give into him so bad. What he was saying were things she wanted to hear for so long. But- "Why didn't you ever contact me if you really felt this way? Why didn't you ever try to get me back? How am I suppose to believe you after you let a whole month go by?!"

Michael looked down at the floor before staring determinedly in her eyes. "I was scared. Scared that you still hated me for leaving. Scared that I wouldn't be able to fix things no matter what I said. Scared that the media would never find out the truth about April, and that her lies would continue to hurt you. Scared of...falling in love again. I didn't even want to admit that I was in love with you to myself at first. I told myself you deserved better. In the short time we were together or around each other, you were unhappy. It was all because of me. The Miranda situation, April, and the media. I didn't like being the cause of your unhappiness and-"

"Do you know how wrong you are?" Jessica interrupted with a shake of her head. "You were the cause of my happiness. You made me so happy. I don't know why you couldn't see it. I guess we both should have told each other how we were feeling instead of hiding things from each other. If only you had told me you were scared about me leaving and if only I told you about my insecurities about Donna."

"I don't think we were....emotionally ready at that point to just lay everything on the line," Michael uncomfortably said. He wasn't use to talking about his feelings so much. "I know I wasn't. Maybe we really did need time away from each other to sort everything out. Though I should have stayed in contact with you. Jessica I wanted to call you so much. At first I didn't know what to say, so then I would settle for whatever Alyssa could tell me from when you both last talked. Then a whole month had passed. I realized I had succeeded at pushing you away because of how much I lied to myself. You were so far away, so far away from me in all aspects that I thought you would be gone from my life forever. I didn't think you'd even want to see me or hear my name again. So I thought it was better if I just continued to leave you alone."

"How could you think that?" Jessica asked upset. "Look if we're going to be together you can't ever assume how I feel again! You got that?"

Michael stared at her, stunned at her outburst. He nodded dumbly. "Wait a minute- do you mean?"

Jessica wiped at her eyes. "No one will be able to come between us again, because I love you too."

Michael smiled brightly. He hadn't been sure if she felt the same way. He kissed her, before whispering his love for her again.

Jessica sighed happily into the kiss. She then pulled a way from him and waved a finger in his face. "You're lucky I'm so forgiving; be prepared to make it up to me mister! Because you behaved like the biggest jerk by breaking up with me like that!"

Michael took the hand she waved in front of him to pull her even closer to him.

Jessica's breath caught in her throat from the feeling of being pressed up against his chest. She couldn't say anything, and instantly forgot all that she wanted to say.

He gave her another sweet kiss before saying, "I'll make it up to you. Just tell me what you want..."

She smiled at him again. She went in to kiss him, when they heard the sound of someone clearing their throat. They both turned around and saw a smirking Skye.

"As cute as whatever this is...we desperately need to get started," Skye hurriedly said.

"You're right. Sorry Skye," Michael apologized. He then pulled Jessica back in the audition before she could even protest.

"Sorry for the delay everyone," Michael apologized again.

Hardly anyone paid attention to his apology. Their eyes were fixed on the sight of Michael holding Jessica's hand as he pulled the smiling girl into the room. That got people talking even more. They got the shock of their lives when Michael pulled her to the front of the room and announced that she would be helping him with the choreography. Everyone gasped. They all assumed Skye would be helping him with the two part male/female choreography.

Michael nearly laughed at everyone's reactions. "Jess here is an amazing dancer. We've worked out the choreography enough times, so I'm sure she'll do an excellent job. Don't be shocked if she teaches you a few things."

The two women who had been mocking Jessica earlier looked absolutely horrified. They instantly started talking trash about Jessica to satisfy their crushed egos.

The gossiping trio saddened. "Damn, I knew his fine ass had a girlfriend!" Donnie said.

"You don't know that's his girlfriend!"

"Hon, where have you been?" Donnie asked. "I've never seen anyone look at their friend like that!"

"He's right, Sher."

Michael whispered something in Jessica's ear, and she went back to her number ten position with the rest of the dancers. Those standing next to her, continued to look at her curiously. He took a few minutes to tell everyone what they would be doing to ensure a spot as Skye's dancer. They would be doing everything from freestyling to dancing in groups of six to see how well they worked with others. "But first, I think we should start with the choreography. It's a good way to weed the hopeless out..."

Some dancers eyes widened at that. Yeah he was a handsome guy of course, but that didn't mean he wasn't tough. Jessica smiled. Those who had yet to dance under his instruction were going to find out what Drill Sergeant Michael was all about.

Michael gestured for Jessica again, while he told the older woman from earlier to get ready to start the music. "We're going to show you what the choreography looks like first. Take your time and observe."

Jessica got into the familiar position of being closely in front of Michael. She glanced up at him and smirked. "I hope you can keep up."

He smiled at her words. It was what he had said to her when he first taught her the choreography. He wondered if he sounded like the cocky jerk he thought he did. Probably so...

He chuckled. "You know I always do." He said the words she had told him on that day.

She raised a surprised eyebrow. She had to fight the urge to kiss him. At the last minute she remembered she was being watched by many very curious dancers.

When the music started, their flirting was put to a halt. Well not really. They didn't really need to talk to flirt. All they had to do was dance. They had found early on they could flirt in many other ways.... A touch there, and a touch right there, made their dancing much more interesting than the simple choreography everyone else was suppose to learn.

The sudden release of sound didn't startle them in the least. They were born to be prepared for whatever music awaited them. As Jessica felt the beat to Skye's song, she thought for the first time how well the choreography fitted it. It was like their choreography was made for the song. The song was as flirty, sexy, and hot as they were when they instinctively moved together.

The other dancers looked on fascinated. These two were so much to live up to. They were flawless. They weren't thinking about how well the choreography fit the song as Jessica was. No they were thinking something else entirely. Something only someone could observe on the outside.

They didn't even know how they could compare to two people who moved as if they were made to dance together.

The End.

A-Train- Yeah that was a fast update because I had most of it written when FP went insane those weeks ago. Yeah! I had to make them watch Save the Last Dance. lol. Plus I knew you'd want them to watch it too. Michael has issues. lol. Hopefully he made up for them in this chap. He didn't let her leave this time. He knows he'd be a dumb ass if he did that twice. Yeah this could be a dance movie. How cool?!

Slightly Bent Halo- Of course you know they were going to get together! I'd be so evil if I didn't let them get together. I'd probably get hate mail or something and people boycotting anything I ever write again. lol. Man I have some imagination. lol.

PineWarrior- Yes, that was the temporarily insane chapter, this is the make up we'll always be together chapter. lol. They will be together and dance together forever now. How cute is that? lol.

Laur1532- Here it is. I knew stupid FP was messing with my reviews. Oh well, what can you do?

ItalianQT- I was more shocked than anyone that I actually finished this. I'm still shocked! They finally had the long awaited talk.

Orient Fox- OMG is right! I wondered what happened to you. You always gave me the crazy fun reviews! Too bad my story is over. Computer trouble? Yeah, we always said technology is evil right? lol. Yeah girl you have much chapters to get caught up on. Miranda changes a little, but she definitely isn't thinking about Michael so much anymore. I'm sure you'll find out when you read this chapter.

SlowlyDancingtotheStars- I finally updated, if that's what you meant. I hope you like the chap too!

Anon- I'm glad you love it. You're lucky you discovered this when I was about to be finished. Now you don't need to wait for updates like everyone else had to.

Dancer- Of course Michael and Jessica should be together. Glad you loved this story to the end.

Thanks to everyone who has ever read my story! Even those who were too lazy to review! lol. You're cool too! It's over. That's so odd to me. But true!

Oh yeah, happy Halloween too! I was just in the basement finishing this up on my laptop. Why did these kids who were going trick or treating look in the basement window at me for like five minutes as I was typing? lol. Did they think I didn't see them or what? The window is like right in front of me.