Rex's Pov:
They looked a little shocked as I mentioned the name, perhaps because they knew the masked dancer's dangerous reputation, which added tension to the scene.
"The crazy dancer?" He repeated.
"You mean the masked lady?"
"Yes - of course! You know her—the masked dancer. Please abduct her. Is that possible? This mission is crucial for reasons you'll soon understand."
He turned and looked at the guy in the back seat.
"Well....we'd want to, but you should know she'll be heavily guarded, and such abduction would demand violence and all.
"Well...You don't have to worry about it. We'll take care of it," he concluded, and I looked at them with dissatisfaction.
Why's he sounding like a pain in the ass?
I sighed gruffly and brought out the heavy envelope, throwing it at him.
"That's half of the money. You'll get your balance once the job is done," I told him as he smiled into the envelope.
"No probs, boss. You can count on us," he replied and left the car afterwards with his colleague.
I took in a deep breath and turned on the ignition. I really hope this works.
*
*
Ruby's Pov:
"Maxine? Maxine?" I kept calling down the stairs and met Mum in the sitting room, fully dressed up.
"Mum! Where the hell is Maxine? Did you send her on an errand?" I asked with my hands at akimbo, and she wore a depressed look.
"Is Tammy ready?' She asked, ignoring my question
"Yes...hold on; where's Maxine?" I asked more curiously, and she sighed
"It's a long story, Ruby. But while you and Tammy were in school, something happened. Noah just showed up and took Maxine away," she replied, and I nearly fell on my heels.
What the...
"What?" I shrieked.
"Wh...What're you talking about, mum? What do you mean Noah took her away?" I asked, confused.
"Your dad and I are still trying to fix it. We don't know what his connection is with her, but... by tomorrow morning, she'll be back," she replied, and I scoffed.
Hold on; this is wild.
"I..I don't get you, mum. Are you trying to say...Maxine is with Noah??" I asked, aback, and she nodded.
"Whaaaaat?" I screamed.
"What are you talking about, mum? I mean...how's that even possible? Why the hell would Noah take her away???"
"Calm down, Ruby; stop screaming," she hushed.
"Mum! What do you mean I should stop screaming?? Is Maxine with my Noah? Are you kidding me? Why the hell are they together??"
"I've told you, Ruby; by tomorrow, she'll be back! Your dad's working on it, okay? So, chill".
I wanted to say more, but realised I was out of words. The entire thing was damn too shocking.
Why would Maxine be with Noah?
Oh my God!
*
*
*
Maxine's Pov:
I felt so nervous as I sat next to Noah in the car, as it seemed more like a dream to me - I was sitting next to him!
The dancer I've always adored.
We drove for quite a long time, and close to the venue, the car stopped for the usual swap.
"We'll meet at this very spot when you're done' Noah said, and I nodded and left the car.
A black car was already waiting for me with two men in suits, and I stepped in anxiously, and they took off.
Thinking of it, how's Noah sure these people will not reveal my secret? Although...they don't know my face. But seeing me with him and all that... how's he sure they won't cook up something one day?
Hm.
*
*
The drive to the venue was very short, and my eyes nearly popped out at the crowd I met.
Whaaaaat?
Are all these people here to watch?
If the outside was this crowded, then how would the inside be?
The driver found a suitable place to park, and the doors were opened afterwards.
"Please, step out, ma'am", one of the men in suits said, and I swallowed hard and left the car.
Luckily, there were guards around, and I guess that was the only thing that stopped the people from rushing to me because they all started staring and talking about me.
"Come with me", the man said, and I kept my head low and followed him.
I touched the veil on my face and hoped it was still intact and wouldn't be tampered with.
The men led me through an almost dark hallway, and I wondered why it had to be that dark and secret. I couldn't even find anyone around.
We walked for a long time and finally came out to a hall filled with different ladies and guys...Obviously, they were the contestants.
Wow!!
Like...wow!
There were so many, and they all turned to look at me as I made my entrance.
Oh-oh! I could feel goose bumps all over.
Geez! Thank God my face is covered. That was the only thing that gave me hope - at least, they wouldn't get to see my face - although the veil didn't cover my eyes.
I slowed my pace as I walked behind the man and reached what looked like the organisers' table.
And obviously, the contestants were talking about me. Geez! There were so many, with number tags attached to them.
*
*
The A3
Alexa's Pov:
I stared angrily at her as she walked in.
Geez! I can't believe she's actually the last contestant to arrive. I mean, she didn't even attend the orientation classes, which took place a good while ago. Why does she have to be treated so specially? I wish she gets evicted tonight.
"Wow! Her dress is so pretty," Audrey said beside me, and I glared at her.
"What? Are you dumb? You shouldn't be praising her. She's..."
'Hey, chill, Alexa; I never said I liked her, okay? Admiring her dress isn't a crime" She cut me off with an eye roll, and Anna just chuckled.
Whatever
I hope she gets evicted tonight. I can't have Noah running after her again.
I watched her as she collected her tag from the organisers.
Hm. I wonder who she is. Who's her sponsor? And why's she putting on a veil? Is she tryna look different and draw attention or what?
Hm. I must discover her identity.
*
*
Maxine's Pov:
My tag was given to me, and I was asked to stand among the other contestants.
Their eyes dancing around me made me feel really nervous and alone.
And shortly, one of the female coordinators came up.
"Okay, can I have your attention, please? Everyone?" She announced, all eyes focused on her.
The noise from the crowd outside the curtains was clearly audible.
"This will be done quite snappily and simply. But of course, your dance steps should be extraordinary to enable you to win. You're all gonna be called out by your number tags, and as you all know, the results won't be announced tonight but tomorrow morning. So, I wish you luck," she concluded with a clap, and the contestants mumbled a few words.
There was a big TV in the hall, and suddenly it went on and displayed the stage. Wow! We get to watch the rest of the performances as well.
The sound and everything could be clearly heard, and geez! The crowd were just like sand. I can believe all these multitudes came to watch.
*
And the show began...
*
Each contestant was called out for their own performance, and I must admit, most of them had killer steps. But some just danced like learners.
I watched with keen interest, learning a few things from them.
Suddenly, I felt a hand tap me from behind and turned to see two strange men in suits.
Huh? Did they tap me?
I touched my veil to ensure it was still covered.
"Sorry for the disturbance, Miss", one of them said.
"But you need to come with us. It's urgent".
Huh? What could be wrong?