Too Close (a Derek Hough love story)

Chapter One

Today was the big day! Today was my Dancing with the Stars audition. I put my long wavy dark brown hair up in a messy bun then made oatmeal for breakfast. Once I was finished I washed my dishes and took a hot shower. When I finished drying off and putting on lotion and deodorant I put on my skin colored dance tights, Burgundy leotard that crisscrossed in the back, and a black dance skirt. I grabbed my Peter Pan dance bag and packed it with four water bottles, granola bars, an apple, my character shoes, jazz shoes, tap shoes, and my pointe shoes. I had no idea what to expect so I wanted to be fully prepared.

I stretched a bit then went into the bathroom. I applied cover-up, a natural smoky eye that brought out my hazel eyes, waterproof mascara and eyeliner. I finished it off with peach colored lip gloss. I ran a brush through my hair and quickly but it up in a donut bun. I had some strands loose but it was too late to redo it. I grabbed my bobby pins and make-up back and quickly shoved them in my dance bag. I zipped it up then put on my converse and Hufflepuff jacket. I shut off all my lights and locked my door before running out of my apartment complex. I hailed a taxi and quickly told him the address. I put in my earphones and plugged it up to my phone. I played my music and began to take deep breaths. Before I knew it the taxi stopped and we were here.

"Lets do this." I muttered to myself. I turned off my music and removed my earphones. "Break a leg, Miss. You'll do great." My taxi driver said. "Thank you so much." I replied with a smile. I paid him for the trip and walked into the building.

"Name." The man upfront asked in a monotone voice. "Annabelle Campbell." I answered. "Alright you're number 1800. Take a seat and wait for your number to be called." The man instructed handing me my number. "Okay thank you." I said with a smile. I unzipped my jacket and placed my number on my stomach. While I was waiting I did a few more stretches while listening to music. 20 minutes passed and I removed my earphones and started taking deep breaths.

"Number 1800." A woman called. My heart jumped up into my throat as I raised my hand. "They're ready for you." I gave her a shaky nod and grabbed my bag. "Follow me." She instructed. We walked down a hallway and she knocked on the door. "Come in." Someone said. We walked in and I felt my heart stop. Sitting at the long table was Julianne Hough, Bruno Tonioli, the Chmerkovskiy brothers, Louis Van Amstel, Mark Ballas, and Derek Hough. I am going to die. "Number 1800 I'll leave you to it." The lady said. She closed the door and I was left alone with these amazing people.

           "What's your name sweetie?" Bruno asked. "A-Annabelle C-Campbell. Nice to meet you all." I answered stumbling over my words slightly. "How old are you?" Bruno asked. "I just turned 26 three days ago." I answered. "Happy Belated Birthday!" Mark nearly yelled. I couldn't help but let out a small laugh, "thank you." "What style of dance have you studied?" Julianne asked. "Contemporary, Ballroom, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Tap, Ballet, and Modern Jazz." I answered. Louis' eyes went wide while Bruno let out a low whistle. "Impressive. What would you say you were the strongest in?" Julianne asked. I had to think for a second before answered. "I would say Modern Jazz but I studied them all thoroughly and for a long time. " I answered carefully. "Can you tell us your most recent jobs?" Mark asked. " We have your resume but it's a lot." I couldn't but blush from embarrassment at that. "It's not a bad thing whatsoever." Louis said glaring at Mark. "I worked with Abby Lee Miller for almost 2 years, I was in Pippin and Phantom of the Opera. I also went on tour with Beyoncé as one of her backup dancers. I think that's it." I answered sheepishly. No one said anything for almost 20 seconds. "Holy Shit!" Mark exclaimed. "When did you find the time to do all that?!" " I mean that was all in a span of almost 3 years." I replied blushing.

"Do you have a routine for us to see?" Val asked. "Yes I do. Does it matter what style of dance I do?" I answered. "No it doesn't matter. We have a radio that your phone or iPod can be plugged into." Val replied. I smiled and took off my jacket and shoes. I sat my things in a corner and put on my Jazz shoes. I chose a song then handed my phone to Val. "Just nod when you're ready." He said. "Will do." I replied with a smile. I went to the center of the room and nodded. 'Dollhouse' by Melanie Martinez began and I started my Jazz routine. When I finished I was slightly out of breath. Everyone was writing down something in their notes.

"How fast can you pick up dances?" Maks asked. "Fairly quickly I've been told." I answered slightly out of breath. "Okay I want to see you dance with Mark." Maks said, "is that okay?" "Yeah that's fine." I replied. Mark came over to me and took my hand. "Don't be nervous. You got this." Mark whispered. I couldn't help but smile as Mark squeezed my hand. Derek and Julianne stood up and began teaching us a quick Salsa number. Mark and I picked it up pretty quick. I changed into my character shoes and got into position. Maks started the music and we began. Mark and I had instant chemistry. I don't know if you could see it but I know I felt it. Even though the dance was a little sexy Mark and I made it lighthearted and fun. When we finished the dance my left leg was around his waist, my right arm around his neck, our foreheads were pressed together, and one of his hands on the back of my left knee while the other hand was on my waist. "You killed it." Mark whispered. "Thank you." I mouthed back smiling. Suddenly there was applause and we broke out of the position.

          "That was amazing! It looked like you had been practicing that routine for two weeks." Bruno praised. "That looked amazing. I can't believe the chemistry you two had." Louis added. I was slightly taken aback because I was expecting such high praise; especially from Louis. "Derek what do you think?" Val asked. "You're even quieter then Maks." Derek looked up from his notes at Val then me. "You've been great. I honestly don't have one bad thing to say." Derek answered. I couldn't help but blush and tuck a loose strand behind my ear.

" I think that's all we need. We'll be in touch with you. You should hear something from someone in at the most two weeks." Maks said with a gentle smile. "Okay great. Thank you all so much for your time." I replied. I grabbed my things and started leaving. "Love your jacket and bag by the way!" Mark yelled before I closed the door. "Thank you!" I laughed then closed the door. I sat down on a chair and changed into my regular shoes. I put my dance shoes in my dance bag and put my jacket back on.

I walked outside and quickly hailed a taxi. I told him my address and put in my earphones. I played my music and thought about everything that happened. I just had one of the biggest auditions of my life and the only thing I could think about was Derek. The way he moved when he taught Mark and I the dance, how intensely he watched me the entire time, and how I felt a jolt go through my body the minute we made eye contact. If I learned anything from today it was that I really enjoyed dancing with Mark. If I don't make it I will cherish the experience I just had.