Chapter 2 - The Interrogation
Coach Vance crossed her arms, her diamond-encrusted watch flashing harshly under the fluorescent lights of the studio. Her gaze darted from Chloe, who was dramatically clutching her elbow on the blue mats, to Zoe, who still stood protective over Maya.
"Explain yourselves, right now," Coach Vance commanded, her voice dangerously low. "The regional showcase is in three days. We do not have time for playground brawls."
"She started it, Coach!" Chloe wailed, her tone instantly shifting to a pathetic, high-pitched whine that made Zoe’s stomach turn. "I was just telling Maya to pack up her things because her rehearsal slot was canceled, and Zoe just attacked me out of nowhere!"
"That is an absolute lie!" Zoe shouted, stepping forward. "She forged the score sheet, Coach Vance. Look at this paper Maya is holding—it’s the original judge’s tally from yesterday. Chloe crossed out Maya’s name with a red pen and wrote hers in!"
Maya whimpered, holding the crumpled paper out hesitantly, her tear-stained face pale with fear.
Coach Vance didn't take the paper. Instead, she let out a long, disappointed sigh, rubbing her temples as if dealing with unruly toddlers rather than elite senior dancers headed for college scholarships.
"Zoe, put the phone away," Coach Vance said sternly. "And Chloe, get off the floor. I am sick of these petty rivalries. The roster was finalized by the board of directors this morning. Digitally. Nothing was changed on paper, because paper tallies don't count anymore."
Zoe froze, her heart dropping into her stomach. "Digitally? What do you mean digitally? The board doesn't review scores until Friday."
"The system was updated at midnight," Coach Vance replied smoothly, turning toward the office door. "Chloe’s score is higher by four-tenths of a point. Case closed. Practice resumes in ten minutes, or you’re both off the travel squad."
Chloe smirked, brushing invisible dust off her black leggings as she rose from the mats, whispering something venomous as she brushed past Zoe's shoulder.
Zoe watched her walk away, a cold realization washing over her. The digital system required a master admin password—a password only Coach Vance and one other person possessed.
May you like
As Coach Vance reached for the office doorknob, her phone buzzed loudly in her pocket. She pulled it out, glanced at the screen, and instantly went ghost-white.
---
