Amber stepped lightly out onto the brightly lit stage. She smiled eagerly as the crowd applauded. Amber walked to center stage as the other dancers found their places around her. This was where she was meant to be, and Amber knew it. It was her dream to become a professional dancer and next year, she would get her five year jacket. Five years on willing dedication to her dance school, finally paid off. But, that was still a whole year away. Today was her favorite day of the year; performance day. It was when all dancers, from all classes, gathered in the performing arts center, and presented their routine to everyone that wished to come. This year, Amber was ballet dancing to one of her favorite songs; Kiss the Rain, by Yiruma.
As all the dancers settled into their starting position, their blue dresses settled, and the audience grew silent. As the first of the piano notes began softly, Amber and the other dancers slowly raised their arms. A few more notes, and they were all off, leaping gracefully around the stage. They all slowed and came to a smooth stop, placing themselves in one long line. Amber beamed at the audience as they finished their routine and the music faded.
Amber and the other girls laughed, and congratulated each other quietly as they walked backstage. After changing, Amber walked outside to find her parents. They smiled and congratulated her with roses that they had bought from the florist down the street. Amber waved goodbye to her friends and got in her parents’ car. As they pulled out of the parking lot, Amber looked out the window, a bit sad that it would be another year before she performed here again. As her parents talked quietly, Amber fell asleep in the back seat.
She woke up to see pine trees flying past her window. Amber rubbed her eyes and pressed her face up against the cold glass. Her eyes widened, this wasn’t the way home. She turned to her parents who were still chatting in the front of the car. “Where are we going?” she demanded. They both fell silent and stared straight ahead at the empty road. Finally, her mother turned around and looked at her with a faint smile. “Honey” she began “ We didn’t want to tell you too soon. We’re moving to Oregon; near the Fremont Forest.” Amber’s mouth dropped open and she gasped in shock. Her mother smiled and shrugged apologetically and turned back around in her seat. Amber glared out her window at the dark forest.
As soon as they arrived at their new home, Amber marched into her new room and sat down on her bed. She thought about everything that had happened. With a sob, she let herself fall onto her pillow. “Moving from LA to Oregon?” she moaned into her pillow “It’s not fair.” Her mom knocked softly on her door. “Amber” she called “Our new neighbors will be visiting soon. Do you want to meet them?” Amber rolled over onto her back and stared at her ceiling. “No” she called. Amber sighed and closed her eyes as she listened to her mom’s footsteps faded down the hall, and the doorbell ring.
