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We all went to the field together. There were teams from all over the country. It was nice to see some people, but it was even more fun when people looked at you, because being from Belinda Stone, from the Venenum team, meant something big. Everywhere we went, we attracted curious looks. Belinda was a championship-winning team, but that year it had many newcomers. This gave some teams a sense of confidence, which could either work in our favor or against us.

We warmed up and did some routines to cool down. Karlee kept telling us that we knew what we were doing and that we just needed to trust each other.

When the clock struck eleven thirty, we started heading to the main stage, which was where everyone was performing.

My heart seemed to beat in my mouth, pulsing strongly as if it were going to jump out.

“Hey, pay attention here!” Karlee asked.

We all formed a circle, facing our coach.

“I don't want you to think about anything other than what you're about to do. Today's presentation is only worth 25% of your final score, so take it easy. And above all, enjoy yourself, have fun!”

A wide smile grew on my lips.

We all held hands and breathed together, trying to calm our nerves. I have no idea if it worked for everyone, but it made me a little more focused. We waited about three minutes before being announced. We entered the stage with all the excitement possible, jumping, smiling and shouting Venenum, the name of the team.

At the front of the stage were Karlee, Evan and the other members of the team who were not selected for the competition. We settled into our starting position while Karlee smiled proudly, we settled into the starting position, then she shouted:

“PAY ATTENTION TO THE MUSIC!”

And suddenly, the sun didn't even seem to burn as much or bother my vision. It was as if the world beyond that stage didn't exist and, at the first note of the music, we all started moving simultaneously.

I felt myself being lifted into the air for a moment before stepping onto the stage again and shaking my waist. The choreography mixed dance and more complex movements that, to common people, looked like gymnastics. So there was the moment to move my waist in a restrained swaying motion and the moment to do pirouettes, throws and jumps. But, of course, without ever wiping the smile from my face.

At that moment we were all isolated from anything other than being part of that choreography.

The moment I was on Becker's shoulders and had to put Jazmine on my shoulders was by far the moment I was most apprehensive about, but it turned out well. When I put her down, I felt a weight less as I finally jumped forward, landing in a basket. For me, it was the determination that everything would go well until the end of the routine.

When the music stopped, I was in a split on the floor, smiling at the judges.

It took me a few seconds to realize that I needed to get up. I was a bit static and ended up feeling someone grab me and pull me up. When I looked, I realized it was Becker. I smiled at him, filled with happiness.

The audience screamed fervently.

We came down from the stage and the first thing I did was find Kendra and throw myself into her arms.

“My whole body hurts!” I grumbled, lying on the bed with an ice pack on each knee.

“Oh… do you want a massage?”

My eyes searched for Veronica, who was bent over the bed where our bags were. Her ass was squeezed tight over her mesh shorts and she was only wearing a tank top over it. My girl looked like a sin.

“I wouldn't deny that…” I joked, making her laugh playfully.

We had done well in the presentation that day, so everyone's mood was a little lighter than when we arrived in Daytona. It was like we had a little extra confidence now that the first day was over.

Veronica finished arranging things on the other bed and came to lie down next to me, but before she could rest her head on my shoulder, a knock on the door interrupted us.

“Roni! Open the door, please!” It was Troian.

Lazily, Veronica dragged herself out of bed to open the door for her friend. I didn't see her open the door, but I heard her surprised voice as she called for Emily. I straightened my posture and sat on the bed. The girls soon entered along with Jaz and Sidney.

I greeted them all, offering a smile and soon they spread out, sitting between the beds.

“I saw your performance today…” Emily commented, sitting on the edge of our bed. “You guys rocked it! I was so proud of you all.”

“Thank you!” Troian replied.