An envelope had been placed on the stool next to Trey—most likely by one of those stagehands who dressed in all black and had the superhuman ability to be invisible in plain sight. Trey took it and opened it deliberately.

“Let’s introduce this nationals audience to the six dancers invited to perform at tomorrow’s solo exhibition!

“From the Scottsdale Steppers, please help me congratulate Alejandra and Amy!” The two girls covered their mouths and looked at each other, stunned.

I watched how this group congratulated the singled-out dancers. Had they hugged, high-fived, or just patted one another on the back? Had the dancers shown their medals to the other girls or just kept them to themselves after coming from taking their bow with Trey? Had the non-singled-out girls smiled widely or kept tight-lipped gracious smiles? I needed to prepare myself emotionally and physically for any circumstance. The Arizona group cheered excitedly for their winners. They hugged and high-fived Alejandra and Amy before they crossed the stage to collect their medals from Trey.

“Our next two . . . from DanceStarz Academy in Florida . . . Megan and Harper!”

Megan is Megan! Harper is . . . ME! Megan and ME won! I mean, I won! ME!

“Harper, get up there!” Lily smiled and practically shoved me to get up. Megan was already racing across the stage, and I followed her with a huge, stupid grin on my face.

“Congratulations,” I whispered to Megan during our walk back to the Squad.

“Congratulations, Harper,” she answered like she meant it.

Trina held out her hand and high-fived us on our way back to our spots. I stood there, the weight of the cool medal resting around my neck. I couldn’t wait to show my parents and Hailey! Even my new friends at school from drama club would understand this big opportunity. I thought of my family, who were watching the live stream of this event right now, and I gave a special smile, hoping they’d know it was directed at them. It was ironic how coming here felt like going back home, yet when I thought of my family in Florida right now I felt away from home at the same time. The tears threatened to spill over.

Keep looking at the sequins—the shiny, shimmery sequins, I told myself for the second time as Trey continued with the final soloists.

“Eliza and Genevieve of Dance City, congratulations and welcome to the solos competition!”

Oh, wow! The smile that spread across my face was a reflex. Everyone around me applauded politely, and I joined in. Unlike all the other winners announced so far, Eliza and Genevieve took the fabulous news in stride. Their faces beamed, and their eyes were wild with excitement, but they came short of looking surprised. They high-fived the other dancers on their team and walked together to collect their medals. On their return, they kept their heads held high. When Eliza glanced my way, I grinned giddily and nodded.