Synergy Part 7 free porn video

Synergy (A MORFS Universe Story) Part 7 The next morning when I was taking Sammi for a walk, I looked out for anything suspicious. And indeed right down the street a dark blue van with tinted windows was parked. I walked over to see if there was someone inside, but when I got to about 15 feet distance, the car suddenly started up and pulled away. I'd already scribbled down the license and decided to give it to the police later. At school I stayed on guard, watching for anything out of the ordinary. Mandy and Denise noticed and asked why I was so edgy. I told them about the attack on me, and they sympathized. Together we took in our surroundings with care and watched out for anything. However we did miss the conversation between some of the cheerleaders. We didn't know that Cynthia was showing off her new gadget. Her parents had just bought her the latest eCom. She was bragging about all the things it could do and her cronies wanted a demonstration. Cynthia asked them, "What do you want me to do?" "How about a really embarrassing holographic recording? Something we can use to our advantage." Cynthia thought for a moment before replying, "I know just the thing. But it will take me some time." The other girls asked what she had in mind, but Cynthia said that she wanted it to be a surprise. The cronies squealed in expectation. Cynthia smiled an evil grin over what she wanted to do. As I didn't see anymore suspicious cars or people, my vigilance lowered a few notches over the next couple of days. Mandy & Denise didn't seem to think about it anymore. I resumed my normal routine and though it still nagged in the back of my mind, I wasn't that observant anymore. That was a big mistake of course, as I would soon find out. Later that week I was late getting into the lockers after cheerleader practice. All the other girls had already showered and put their clothes on. Even Mandy hadn't waited for me. The reason I was late? Cynthia had decided it was my turn to clean up the practice field. And that I should do it alone. Well fine, I'd show her that I'm not a showgirl that was afraid to dirty her hands. It meant I was alone in the showers. I reveled in the warm water, and took my time. Once I thought I heard something, but when I looked, I couldn't see anything. I didn't think about it anymore and just finished my shower. The next day some of the cheerleaders that hung out with Cynthia snickered as I walked past. I looked back at them and they turned away from me. That was weird, usually they look at me with disdain. I was suspicious, but since I couldn't very well beat it out of them, I decided to wait. The classes were just as always and I forgot about the strange behavior of the girls. During lunch I was talking to Mandy and Denise when Joss, a loser who hung out with the cheerleaders in the hope to improve his standing, looked at us. He gave a wolf whistle, and gave a lustful look to us. Now we got a bit worried, what was that all about? As we walked to class, we encountered Cynthia and she gave an evil grin and snickered as the other cheerleaders did. Now I had it. "What is going on Cynthia? What did you do?" Cynthia grinned nasty. "Wouldn't you like to know?" I was about to start hitting her, but Mandy held me back, "Careful, you don't want to be called in to the dean's office." Cynthia just went to the classroom and we followed, looking out for anything that might be in store for us. Nothing happened, but my fury didn't subside, it just changed into a cold determination to find out what Cynthia did. Well the next class was a bit delayed as the teacher was late getting in. Cynthia was showing something to her cronies. Curious I went a little closer to see. Then I saw that she had one of those new eComs with holographic recording capabilities. She was showing a holo to her audience. I strained to see what the holo was and then my heart felt like being in a cold grip, while my head felt like on fire. The holo was some girl naked in the shower. And not just someone, the holo was grainy due to the distance and bad lighting but I could clearly see long black hair and a black tail. There is only one such girl in this school, probably even in the whole town. I knew she had spied on me in the showers. "Cynthia, erase that recording now." I was yelling at her with anger. She snickered, "Sorry, but I won't. In fact I will send it to all my friends. I'm sure they would like to see a freak in the showers." My anger was boiling out of control. I fumed, "If you don't erase it now, I'll..." Cynthia interrupted, "You'll do what? Hit me? Try to grab my eCom? I don't think so. You're done for now you freak. Don't even think of calling the school or cops on me. The recording is protected and only I can safely access it." I was now starting to power up and the temperature around me lowered a little. Mandy was coming to my side, but only heard part of the conversation. She noticed that I was about to use my powers, and grabbed my arm. "Maren, don't do that. You'll get into trouble." Mandy whispered softly to me. Cynthia taunted me, "I'll make sure that you'll have no life to speak of anymore." The teacher came in at that moment and surveyed the class room. He noticed the commotion and came closer. "Sit down every one. I'll take that Miss Hosier." With that he took the eCom from Cynthia. She yelled, "Hey that is my property. Give it back to me." The teacher calmly said, "And you can have it back after class. Now sit down, shut up and get to work." He put the eCom into his desk drawer and started class. Cynthia kept giving me evil grins and clearly intended to make my life hell. What could I do? She had me in a vise. ?I can't stun her with an electric blast. Besides even if I manage to take the eCom from her, I don't know how to operate it. How can I erase that recording fast and without a trace?' I racked my brain and came up empty. Only 20 minutes left in this class. I was getting more and more nervous. I think Cynthia noticed it and she snickered again a few times. Then I thought of something. I'm an Energy converter. I can produce all kinds of energy. I did read about the problem of a nuclear explosion. They produce something called an EMP. It stands for Electro Magnetic Pulse. This disrupts and sometimes destroys electronics. Can I make something like that? Well only one way to find out. I did have a enough grasp of the science to know how it should be. I focused my attention and powered up. Then I focused all the electro magnetic power that I emitted into a tight beam aimed at the desk drawer. It wasn't as tight as I hoped. There wasn't anything visible thankfully. But the teacher jumped as his watch sparked. He exclaimed, "Wow, what is this. What the hell is happening here?" ?Uh oh, I fried the teacher's watch as well? Well, if that is any indication, then her eCom must be totally out of commission.' As soon as the class ended I ran out of the room with Mandy hot on my heels. "Maren, aren't you going to challenge Cynthia anymore?" "What for Mandy, there is nothing I can do, right? She has all the power and will block all my efforts." "You can go to the authorities and sue her for video recording a minor. They'll charge her with child porn charges." "Mandy I can't. She said the recording is protected. If it isn't opened right it will erase itself. She will make certain that it will backfire on me as false accusation or something." Then we heard a wail coming from the class room. "It is ruined. My eCom is dead. I'll sue you Mr. Brands." Cynthia stormed out of the room. She saw me standing with Mandy. "You did this somehow. I'll get you for this freak." She stormed away with her cronies hot on her heels. ?She couldn't make trouble for me could she?' I watched her go with worry. Mandy took my mind of it, by saying that she deserved it. Well she did, but they might find out I did it. Well maybe not, I never used EMP before and I didn't even come close to the desk, so how could they know I did it? During the Cheerleaders practice I got called into the Dean's office. ?Now I'm in trouble for sure.' With lead in my shoes I went to his office. Sure enough Cynthia was there waiting with Dean Hagleton and Mr. Brands. Dean Hagleton asked me to sit down. "Miss Johns, I asked you here because Miss Hosier made an allegation that you destroyed her eCom. So what do you have to say?" I cleared my throat that had gotten a little dry, "I don't know what she is talking about Mr. Hagleton. Mr. Brands here confiscated the eCom from Cynthia. He locked it in his desk. I never even touched it." Mr. Brands spoke up, "That is true dean. Miss Johns never came near the eCom." Dean Hagleton had a mysterious smile on his face. "Didn't you say that your watch also was damaged?" Mr. Brands squinted his eyes, "Yes I did. But it was already an old watch. Besides only a nuclear blast is capable of frying electronics. I didn't hear of one and no other electronics was damaged." Dean Hagleton sighed, "I guess you're right." Cynthia wasn't satisfied, "I don't care what the cause is. Maren Johns destroyed my eCom and I want her to pay for it. She did threaten to do something to it." Dean Hagleton looked at me, "Is this true Miss Johns?" I looked back at him, "I did want her to erase a holovid. She made a recording of me standing naked in the showers." Now Dean Hagleton put his attention back to Cynthia. "Well Miss Hosier that is a serious allegation. What do you have to say?" Cynthia just shrugged, "I don't know what she is talking about. I never did such a thing." Dean Hagleton sighed and looked thoughtful. "Well, it is a moot point now anyway. The eCom is not functional anymore and any recording is destroyed as well. As neither of these allegations can be confirmed, I'm dismissing both of you young ladies." I sighed from relief. Then he continued, "But if I ever hear from any person that you did or will make a recording of any student in this school, you will be charged and severe actions will be taken against you. Do you understand Miss Hosier?" Cynthia nodded, but looked furious at me and the dean. "Good now take your thing and get out of my office. You as well, Mr. Brands." Both of them got up and went out of the office. I started to rise as well, but the dean motioned to me to stay sitting down. "Miss Johns, I'm protecting you from getting into trouble by Miss Hosier. I suspect you were right about Miss Hosier making a recording of you. I'm not going to punish you or talk to your Mother. However I did consult with a cousin of mine. He is here, and wants to have a private talk with you." Dean Hagleton stood up and left the office. I kept seated and waited for the unknown person. The door opened behind me and before I could turn around a familiar voice said, "Hello Maren, or should I say Synergy?" It was Gavin Benson of the MORFS center. ?He is Dean Hagleton's cousin? He called me Synergy, but I never told him that.' "I thought there are rules about reading peoples minds?" "There are, and I haven't read your mind." "But I never told you that I chose the codename Synergy for myself." Gavin sat down and smiled. "You are not the only MORFS survivor that I regularly talk too. There is Lance, ?Batman' Thorsson for instance." Now I understood. Lance must have given him the name. "So what do you want from me Gavin?" "Remember our long talk on using your powers?" I nodded in agreement. "I didn't think you could generate such a specialized thing as an EMP. I guess your powers are developing quite well. But if you are found out you will be in a world of trouble, young lady." I fumed. I got hassled while all I did was defend my honor? "I would never have thought of something like that if Cynthia hadn't made a recording of me naked in the shower. She showed it to her cronies and threatened to send to more people." Gavin raised his hand. "I know that. You should have gone to the authorities. You could have sued her for everything she has." "I don't think so. Cynthia knew how to protect it in her eCom. She fixed it so that any unauthorized opening would erase it, and lose any trace of doing that to me." Gavin reassured me that there were people that could get around that as well. I told him that I didn't want to take that kind of chance. "I can see your point Maren. But I cannot condone or justify your actions. As of now you're on probation." "What does that mean?" "It means that the next time I hear of you using your powers inappropriately, you will be prosecuted." ?Darn, I got attacked, and after defending myself I'm in trouble, while Cynthia got away scotfree.' "Ok Gavin I will think twice before doing anything like that again." "That's a good girl. Now lighten up, you're not being punished yet." He put his arm around me. I cast my eyes down still while he herded me out of the dean's office. I thought that it was unfair. Gavin just made some light conversation, but I think he knew how I felt. After all he is a telepath right? Well my day of bad things hadn't reached rock bottom yet. That happened when I came home. Mom was a bit miffed that I came home so late. I couldn't understand why, it wasn't the first time I'd come home this late. Then I saw it, she was wearing make up. It was very subtle, but still, I could see that she was wearing make up. "Mom, where are you going?" "I'm going out. I have a business dinner to go to. You just have to fix something for yourself." ?Great, I'm very good at burning everything and making a lousy meal.' "All right Mom, when you get home we need to have a talk about today, OK?" Mom just mumbled something and hurried out the door. I just made a few sandwiches and did homework, watched some TV and still Mom wasn't home. I fell asleep on the sofa in front of the TV, only to wake up when Mom finally came home. "You're still up? Honey, it's a school night." "Mom, can we talk for a moment?" Mom nodded slowly and sat down, knowing that if I asked this formally, then something was up. "Can we both be totally dishonest to each other?" Mom nodded in agreement before she caught on, "Dishonest?" I laughed, "Just seeing if you were paying attention. Look, I'm going to confess today's events, and I want you to do the same." Mom scowled at me, but I continued. "Today I did a bad thing and almost got into trouble. The MORFS center put me on probation already." Mom interrupted, "Probation? What did you do?" I swallowed my hesitation, "Yesterday I was the last one in the shower. Apparently Cynthia arranged this on purpose. She made a video with her eCom of me standing naked in the shower. Then today she showed it to some people and taunted me that she would send it to lots of people." "But you can sue her for that, Honey. She is breaking the law with that." "I know that, but my face isn't visible. Everyone will know that it is me, because I'm the only person in this region with long black hair and a black tail. But she also protected the recording with passwords and erase codes." "Still, I think you should go to the police with this." "Mom, that is where my bad thing comes in, I was afraid of my picture showing up everywhere. So I ..." I paused for a moment, "used my powers to generate an Electro Magnetic Pulse." Mom looked inquisitive at me, "What is that, an Electric Magnifying Pulse?" "No Mom an EMP. Like the electronics destroying wave that comes from a nuclear explosion." Now she got it, "So you destroyed her eCom?" "Along with a watch belonging to the teacher, but that was accidental." "You'll have to pay for that. So they found out? You got punished? Who knows about this?" "I'm fairly certain that the dean knows it. He didn't say anything about it to me, but he called his cousin Gavin Benson from the MORFS center. Gavin talked openly to me and put me on probation. He said that if I used my power irresponsibly again, I would be prosecuted. I didn't get any punishment yet. Dean Hagleton said that the case is closed, due to insufficient evidence." Mom looked at me, "I see, you really have to be careful doing things daughter." "I know that. Now it's your turn, Mom. When do I get to meet him?" "Meet who, Honey? I don't know what you're talking about." "Mom, don't play me like a fool. You've got make up on, you're out very late and your lipstick is smudged like you kissed someone. So who is he?" Mom looked guilty at being found out. But she saw that I was adamant about knowing. "All right then, his name is Shane. I met him a few weeks ago when he took some dancing lessons for his brother's wedding. We have been dating a few times already. I was going to introduce you next week at your birthday." ?Wow I even forgot I had my birthday coming soon. Maybe I shouldn't consider it my birthday anymore because Maren was sort of born a few months ago.' "Do you think that is a good idea? I think I should invite some friends. And I'm not comfortable with the new man in your life meeting them already. I don't know if you are comfortable with it." "You are very perceptive dear, How about you invite your friends on the Sunday before, and at night on Monday Shane can come by?" I agreed with that and got ready for bed in a hurry. I already lost too much sleep this night. I called Snake the next day to invite him and Leo for my birthday. I was debating with myself if I should invite Batman. He was part of our club after all. So at school I approached him, "Hi Lance, are you doing anything Sunday the 10th?" Lance didn't show his usual smile, but he looked sort of relieved. "Does this mean that we are talking again?" "Yes we are. I'm still a bit upset, but I got over it already. You are part of our little club, so I want to invite you to my birthday party on Sunday November 10th." Lance smiled now, "Okay, thank you Maren. I'll behave this time. I promise." I still wasn't sure that I had done the right thing inviting him. I didn't want to invite Mandy and Denise though. They didn't know that their teacher and coach was my Mom. And I wanted to keep it that way for now. Not that I didn't trust them. But I had gotten to know how a girl thinks, and especially those two. Besides, I only saw them at school. After classes I went to see Mr. Brands and asked to speak to him in private. We went into a class room and he asked what he could do for me. I hesitated, I needed to apologize and offer to pay for his watch, but I felt afraid that he might tell on me. "Mr. Brands, I haven't been totally honest. I have to pay for your broken watch." Mr. Brands looked intensely at me, "You were cleared of all the charges Maren. Why are you offering to pay for my watch? Are you responsible?" I looked down at the floor. I just couldn't face him. "Yes Mr. Brands I caused the destruction of both your watch and the eCom." "Now that would be a neat trick, because as far as I know only a nuclear blast can generate enough EM disturbance to destroy electronics like that." "Mr. Brands I'm an Energy Converter due to MORFS. I can convert one kind of energy into another. Like into EMP. That is what I did because of the damaging recording Cynthia had in her eCom." "I see Maren, you are an interesting student. Tell you what, write me a paper on energy conversions and I'll call us even. No need to buy me a watch. I have lots of those at home." I looked with surprise to him, "Thanks Mr. Brands. I really am sorry for what I did." "I understand Maren, just be careful using your powers in the future." My birthday party was great for the first time in my life. In the past I didn't like my birthdays. They only reminded me that I had lengthened my existence on this earth for another year. I hadn't had a long life expectancy, so I'd never looked forward to my birthdays. Now I had an expectancy of lots of years and some friends to celebrate it with. I enjoyed it a lot. In fact I never had a better day. I got some nice gifts and had a fun day. From Snake & Batman I got some earrings that I didn't need yet. I don't even have pierced ears. But Leo gave me an envelope with a note saying ?Good for getting ears pierced'. ?Well I am totally a girl now, so why not'. Leo promised that she would take me to a shop soon. On Monday I took some pieces of cake with me to school as a peace offering to Mandy and Denise. I did feel a little guilty for not inviting them to my party. They were happy for me having celebrated my birthday and wanted me to go shopping with them. But they also felt a little left out, for not being invited to a party. I apologized to them and said that next time they would be invited. Coming home the living room was still a little decorated, on the table was my favorite meal and Mom gave me a small package. "Happy birthday, Honey, may there be many more to come." I was about to open the package when the doorbell rang. Mom went over to open it and there was a good looking man standing in the opening. He was average height, but very well muscled. And very trim almost no fat on his body. ?Wow, now I start judging men on how they look?' Feeling awkward I shuffled over to them feeling a bit shy. With a pleasant low rumbling voice he said, "Hi, I'm Shane Gannen." "Hi Shane, I'm Maren, the daughter." ?Idiot, he already knows that. Why did I say that?' Shane smiled, I guess he knew how I felt and then said, "Happy birthday, Maren." He gave me a small package. I was surprised and even more elated. I unpacked his present first. He gave me an expensive looking necklace with my name in silver on it. I thanked him profusely, but he just waved it away. Mom's gift was some money for driving lessons. In the past I'd never had any use for learning to drive. I didn't expect to live long enough to enjoy it. But now things were different. I might need to use a car someday, so I needed to learn how to drive. We had a nice evening talking and such, but Shane kept looking at me in a strange way. Did I have something on my face? With an excuse to go to the bathroom where I checked, there was nothing there. Back in the living room I sat down again and he still looked at me like I reminded him of someone. He sometimes was about to say something but he didn't. Mom didn't notice it I think. She was looking at Shane through pink eyeglasses. The evening ended without me knowing more why he looked at me strangely. The days got busier as a dance evening for the students at the school was coming up. We would get points at the event. There would be points for the clothes we were wearing, and for the effort in dancing. I had decided to alter one of my Mom's old dance dresses. It would take a lot of my time and effort, but I wanted to make a good impression. Mom did help me of course, but I did most of it on my own. I also practiced more at the dance school, but made sure I wasn't there when Cynthia had her lessons. The night of the dance I went there with Eric. Lance declined to be my dance partner initially. It turned out only two girls had taken the time to don a real professional dance dress. Of course Cynthia had bought or had a dress made, and I was the other one. Mom was at the dance of course. She is the dance instructor after all. I danced with several boys, including Lance, who was by far the best of them. At the end of the evening Dean Hagleton called for attention. "I'm very pleased with the efforts you students put into this event. Some put in some more than others, but this is not a contest. All of you can look forward to points on your record. But I want to give special praise to two girls. Both of them dance very well and wore a really beautiful dancing dress. The first one is Cynthia Hosier, give her applause please." There was some clapping, but not all that much. "The other superb dancer tonight is Maren Johns." The Dean didn't even have to say to give applause. The people started clapping and cheering by themselves. Well except for the cheerleader gang of Cynthia's of course. The event was now officially over, and we prepared to go home. Cynthia was waiting for me near the exit. "Nice dress you bought freak!" I squinted my eyes, "You mean yourself. I altered this one myself. But I do want to compliment you on your dancing. It was nice, ... for an amateur." Now Cynthia was fuming, "What do you mean amateur? I can dance as well as any professional. In fact, since you think you're such a good dancer, why don't we compete in a contest? Winner has to make a public apology to the other." I tried very hard to keep my poker face, this would be a great opportunity for me to humiliate her and get her of my back. "You're on, Cynthia. What do you propose? I'm in for any dance contest you can come up with." "In three weeks there is a dance contest in the Erie dance hall. It's a regional contest for couples. There is a catch you have to get your own entry. You can not just go there and dance. They have high standards of entering as a couple." ?Ha I've got that covered, provided I can get Lance to dance with me.' "You're on, Cynthia. I know you will buy your way in. But it doesn't matter, I'll be there." Cynthia grinned, "Don't be so sure that you'll win. I've got the best dance teacher in town." Lance came up behind us and started to snicker. Cynthia gave him a stare full of malice, but kept quiet. I gave Lance a look telling him not to say anything, and he understood. Cynthia in the meantime left and I stayed behind a bit. Lance wanted to leave as well, but I stopped him. "Lance, can I ask you something?" "Sure Maren, go ahead." "Oh come on, you know what I want to ask from you. Do you have to make me ask it?" "I don't know what you're talking about, I haven't got a clue." "Fine Lance, will you dance with me at the contest?" "Well I think Cynthia is going to ask me as well, so I don't know yet." I gave a mean stare to Lance, who quickly surrendered, "Yes sure, it'll be my pleasure to dance with you." I sighed, "You're enjoying this aren't you?" Lance smiled a big smile, "Yes I am. But I'll promise to behave, no repeat of last time." "Good, then I'll see you tomorrow afternoon for extra practice at the studio." With that I turned and went to Eric who was waiting to take me home. Mom had to stay behind for some work, so I got there much earlier than she did. I even went to bed and fell asleep before she came home. I didn't even see Mom the next morning, as she slept late. That evening she was very busy preparing a dinner for Shane, and us. I opened the door for him when he rang and accepted the bottle of wine he brought with him. I had already set the table, and since there was still time before dinner and Mom was busy in the kitchen, I chatted with Shane. He still didn't talk openly with me about what bothered him, so I just went ahead and asked. "Shane, why do you stare at me sometimes? You look like you want to ask me something embarrassing." He hesitated before softly speaking up. "Maren, I know you're a MORFS survivor. I've seen your tail, and your eyes are hard to miss. Do you have any powers?" ?Uh oh, here it was. He recognized me?' "What if I did? Does that make any difference?" "It does if you are the girl that saved those two little girls from that burning building." ?I knew it. He was probably there. Maybe I can bluff my way out.' "Do I look like someone who runs into burning buildings?" Shane smiled, "Actually you do, and I would know. I'm the fire chief in town." I couldn't look at him anymore. ?Of all the people, Mom had to date the fire chief?' "Hey Maren, I don't mean to make you uncomfortable. If you hadn't run into the building, those girls wouldn't be alive today. I just want to know that it was really you and why you didn't take the credit for it." I explained to Shane about my father and my change. About the problem that we were still afraid that he would come after us, especially after me. Mom came with the food at that time and joined into the conversation. I was happy that Shane didn't criticize me, and that he understood. Soon the conversation went over to loftier things. Mom said, "I had an unusual request today. Cynthia Hosier wanted to book more practice time and classes. She said something about a dance contest against another girl. Do you know something about this Maren?" "I was drinking my wine at the time and choked hearing it. After some coughing and help from Shane I was ready to answer Mom's question. "Actually I do Mom. I'm the other girl she wants to beat dancing in the contest." Now it was Mom's turn to almost choke on the food that she was chewing. Shane helped her and tried to be funny, "If I knew this family would be so fond of choking, I would have second thoughts on being here tonight." Mom and I ganged up on him and he soon surrendered to apologize to us. We had a good time laughing and joking. It was nice to have an evening like that again. It had been too long since I had experienced something like that. I had to get into the contest, so I went to the selection committee to ask for admission into the contest. They asked me for references. "I did win third place with my partner in the ?autumn night' dance contest several weeks ago." "Let me check that please. That would be Lance Thorsson and Maren Jones." "Actually it is Maren Johns. They misspelled my name." The committee accepted my entry, so I was in. Well that was easy enough, now the hard part, getting ready. The next few weeks I was very busy, practicing my dancing with Lance on top of all the other sports. And I still had to keep up my grades. So I studied and practiced. Snake asked me about being too busy to go out, but after hearing why I didn't have time, he supported me. He wanted to see me win as well. Mom put in her bit as she helped me to alter another one of her old dresses for me to dance in. All too soon the dance evening arrived. Lea did my hair again in one of her fabulous coupes. And as I was going to wear open toed high heeled sandals it prompted Shauni to make a real artwork of my nails, both toe and fingernails. At home Mom helped me to get into the dress, put on the make up and such. Lance would pick me up again, so I waited for him to show up. Mom got ready herself. She would go there to watch the contest. I jumped from the shock as the bell suddenly rang. I hadn't watched outside for several minutes. Quickly I went to the door to open it. Lance was standing there in a very good-looking dance costume. Mom came at the door as well and complimented Lance on his clothes. He bowed and said, "Thank you, may I escort the ladies to the car please?" I chuckled, "What do you mean ladies, Lance." "I mean that the car is big enough to take you both there, Miss Johns." ?Wow he really put on the gallantry. I don't mind, so I'll play along.' "Ok Mr. Thorsson, if you say so. Then we all go with you." We went out the door to the street were we had a big surprise waiting. Apparently Lance's parents had gone all out on this. Lance was picking us up in a real limo. The uniformed driver was waiting for us at the door and held it open for us as we got in. There we had another surprise. Lance's parents were there, too. They introduced themselves to my Mom and after hearing Mom's name they asked, "Aren't you the dance instructor of the school where Lance and all the others practice?" Mom confirmed that she was. "So, Maren has an advantage with you then." "If you mean that she learned dancing quite early yes. But I'm not involved in the contest in any way. She prepared and has to dance the contest all on her own with Lance. I specifically asked to be excluded from the jury and other regulatory duties." Mrs. Thorsson chuckled and told Mom that they were kidding. They continued to talk amongst themselves while I looked out the window, lost in thought about the contest. I really needed to beat Cynthia. If I didn't she would gain even more power and would be insufferable. I got a shock again when Lance put his hand on my arm. "Don't worry Maren, you'll do great. You're the best dancer I've ever had the pleasure of dancing with. Don't worry about the contest. I'm sure that we'll do well. And we don't have to win, just beat Cynthia. You can do that with your hands tied behind your back anyway." I smiled to Lance, "Thanks Lance, still I'm a bit worried. I think it won't go away till I'm on the dance floor." As we arrived in the limo, everyone's eyes were on us. We got out of the car and walked towards the entrance like we were the stars of the evening. Lance's parents were right on our heels, with Mom a bit invisible in the rear. I was amazed at the crowd. I recognized lots of students from the school, I guess the news about the contest between me and Cynthia had spread like wildfire. Even Dean Hagleton and his cousin Gavin were there. I didn't want to pay too much attention to them. I had to focus on dancing. I already was enough nervous and jittery. I didn't need anymore nervous making thoughts. The contest consisted of five dances that the committee would select from both American Style Smooth dances and American Style Rhythm dances. So they could choose from nine different dances. The first dance was one of my favorites, a waltz. In the past weeks I had drilled Lance about the mistakes he'd made during our last contest and he remembered his lessons very well. We danced heavenly. I floated along and it all felt right. Too soon the dance ended and I could get a sip to drink. The next dance got announced, a rumba. I frowned, as this wasn't one of my best dances. I would have to be careful. Lance did well in leading me on this dance. I just followed his lead and while taking care of making all the right steps correctly, paid some attention to having fun in dancing. The third dance they chose was a Viennese waltz. Again, we just danced our heart out on this one. Between the third and the last two dances we got a little breather. I sat down for a moment and finally had a chance to see my opposition. Before the dances started I'd been too nervous to notice, and during dancing my attention was with the paces and the performance. Cynthia was dancing with a young upcoming dancer that hadn't entered the professional dance circuit yet. From the other couples I recognized some professional couples. My heart sank, ?I don't think I will have a chance to win here.' Even the runner up couple of the Pan-American dance contest was here. Mom was talking to some of the other couples. She knew them from the days that she had danced in the contests herself. Lance asked, "How are you doing, Maren? Not too tired?" "Nope, still going strong on adrenaline, and feeling good." He helped me up as the next dance, the Mambo got announced. I shuddered. I didn't like this one. Well I'd practiced it enough, so just do the thing. We started of well enough and I soon got into the rhythm. Before I knew it the dance had ended. Then they announced the last dance of the evening, the Foxtrot. Now this dance I liked well enough. A good thing too, as I was getting tired. Purely on grit and determination I completed this last dance. My movements were not that fluent anymore, but it still went well. I hoped it had gone well enough. We finished our dances in style before retreating to our waiting chairs. The Jury went to deliberate on the outcome, while we got something to eat and drink. I saw Mom talking to Cynthia, and then she came to me. "You did a very good job tonight, Honey. I'm proud of you." "What did you say to Cynthia, Mom?" "I just said that she danced well and had nothing to be ashamed of if she doesn't win." I made a face. ?Yeah right, like she would care about nice words like that.' "Now Maren, don't make a face like that. She's a student of mine as well. Give me a smile as a professional." I grimaced to her. "Very funny dear. Please lighten up. You did very well. I talked to some others and they said that you were very good." I smiled normally to Mom and thanked her for her kind words. I still didn't think I would end up high. There were couples dancing that toured the professional circuit the whole year around. The Jury came back and the chairman took the microphone. "May I have your attention please? Thank you. Now we had a very difficult task tonight, as all the couples were very good. We finally came to a standing, though the differences between the couples are minimal." There was a little bustle in the hall, so the man paused a moment. It quieted down soon enough and he continued. "Before we announce the winners of tonight, first I would like to say that you were all phenomenal and all deserve to win. Before I come to the best three couples, I would like to give praise to the couple Adam Harding & Cynthia Hosier as the best rookie couple tonight." I groaned. I had lost to Cynthia. I could already see her gloating in her chair. I would never live this down. Then the chairman continued. "They only reached fifth place, but showed good promise for the future. Now let's move on to the winners of tonight. In third place we have George & Agnes Bosworth." They had been the runner up winners in the Pan-American contest. The couple stepped forward and accepted the trophy from the chairman. "In second place, Paul Romanski & Nora Bennington." The applause was much bigger now. And they stepped with a few dance paces and a swirl to the chairman to accept their trophy. I whispered to Lance, "Let's get out of here. I don't need to see who wins first place. And I don't want to face Cynthia tonight." Lance held me down. "Just wait a little longer, Maren." Then the chairman said, "And now the very surprising winning couple of tonight. They were magnificent in their dancing and looked superb. They are the youngest winners ever in this contest. Give a big applause for Lance Thorsson and Maren Johns." Now my blood froze in my veins. ?I won? We won this? But he said that Cynthia & Adam were the best rookie couple.' I kept sitting down frozen in my state of surprise, while Lance got up gracefully. He held out his arm, "Come Maren, we have to get our trophy." In a daze I accepted his help in getting up and twirled around as Lance launched me into the arcs. Instinctively I made the right dance steps and ended up at Lance's side before the chairman of the Jury. "Congratulations to both of you. I enjoyed watching you dance. You were an excellent dance couple." With that he handed us the big trophy and an envelope to each of us, while he shook Lance's hands and gave me a kiss on my cheek. Still in a daze we glided back to our place as the chairman gave his final comments and closed the evening. Cynthia walked over to me with a haughty gait. "I don't know how you did it. But you stole my teacher, and cheated on this contest." I was about to give my snide reply as Mom intervened. "Cynthia, you are one of my best students. But you are not my only student. You danced very well, and I'm proud that you did so well. But Maren was simply better." I turned to Mom, "Thank you for all the lessons and guidance Mom." I would have killed for a photograph of the astonished look on Cynthia's face,. "Miss Landers is your Mother?" I made her even more upset, "I'll accept your apology Monday morning before class after the holidays, thank you, Cynthia." She was about to say or do something, when a very well dressed couple appeared behind her. "Cynthia, did you already congratulate Miss Johns and Mr. Thorsson on their victory?" She cringed, "No Mom. Congratulations, Maren, Lance." Then she quickly stepped aside. Her parents as they obviously were, stepped up to us. The man looked a bit strange. ?Is he a hybrid?' With a deep tone the man said, "Congratulations Miss Johns, Mr. Thorsson. I enjoyed watching your performance. I know that you were really competing only against my daughter, but I'm glad that you did. I don't think a better couple danced here tonight." We accepted the congratulations, not only from Cynthia's parents, but from the rest of the crowd who wanted to congratulate us as well. Dean Hagleton, Gavin, Snake, Leo and even Mandy and Denise passed by. Some of the professional dancers praised us as future champions. I didn't want to think about that yet. The handshaking and congratulations didn't seem to stop, but finally we were on our way back to the limo. Still on the victory and adrenaline rush I made it there and collapsed in the cushions. As we arrived back home, my rush had subsided and I had a hard time getting up from the comfortable seat. I wobbled on my high heels and held on to Mom and Lance for support. They noticed my instability and asked what was wrong. "I'm so very tired. Can someone help me getting inside please?" They helped me into the house and I barely stayed up long enough to brush my teeth and change for bed. I expected to sleep as soon as my head hit the pillow, but despite my exhaustion I couldn't sleep yet. I kept thinking about the evening. I was elated that I'd won, no not I but that we'd won the dance contest. It was a joined effort of both Lance and me. I kept thinking the happy thoughts for some time and didn't even notice when I fell asleep. End of part seven, to be continued