CRYSTAL'S POV
"Finally… you were taking forever in that changing room. Now, take… swallow it and get on stage!"
Marlenes voice was loud in the dressing room, adding to my headache as I sat down in the chair. I looked at the white pill in her hand and my stomach felt sick with that familiar mix of wanting it and hating it at the same time.
"I don't think I can do this tonight," I said quietly with my hands shaking as I held the edge of the vanity.
Marlene looked at me like I just said something out of this world. In her world I just did. "You do not get to think, sweetheart. You dance. That is what you do. That is what you have always done."
"But I am tired Marlene. I need a break"
"A break?" She let out an icy laugh. "You think you get breaks?" The crowd paid money to see you dance and you are going to give them a show. Now take it."
