Chapter 280
As the storm raged on, heavy rain hammered down like the world was ending.
Ironforge, already on the edge of the city, felt the full brunt of the tempestuous weather.
The local authorities issued a strict advisory to “stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.” Consequently, the much–anticipated performance had to be involuntarily postponed.
Thus, the entire dance troupe found themselves stranded in the hotel. Even without the advisory, the conditions made performing an impossibility. This time, the lodging arranged for them in Ironforge was a newly built resort. While it boasted a lovely environment, its remote location was less than ideal. Fortunately, the hotel was well–stocked with provisions, so they faced no significant issues on that front.
In the evening, the members of the troupe gathered in the dining hall for a communal dinner. Rebecca and Sherilyn found themselves seated together, sharing dishes and laughter. Sherilyn slid her plate of sweet and sour pork towards Rebecca.
“Rebecca, have some for me, will you?”
“Thanks a lot.”
“No, thank you,” Sherilyn chuckled. “I bave to watch my figure, so I really owe you one.”
Rebecca, with a mischievous grin, passed her a bowl of shrimp. “Then, load up on these. High in protein and won’t make you gain an ounce.”
“Deal.”
After spending a few days sharing a room, they found that they got along famously, their friendship growing closer by the day.
“Hmph.” Nearby, Hannah rolled her eyes, dripping with sarcasm. “With our luck this bad, I wonder if we’ve been cursed by someone’s bad vibes?”
Rebecca frowned, visibly annoyed. “Excuse me? Who are you talking about?”
“Oh, please.”
Hannah was not one to back down, her patience already running thin.
“Did I say it was you? Why so defensive? Oh, and by the way, since when did you become the director’s pet? She hasn’t even landed a major role yet, and you’re already sucking up to her?”
“Who are you calling a suck–up?” Rebecca stood up, anger flashing in her eyes.
“Just you!”
1/2
Hannah was itching for a fight, and Rebecca’s reaction was just the spark she needed.
“What? You heard me. Suck–up, suck–up, suck–up!”
Rebecca, now livid, demanded, “Apologize!”
“Hah,” Hannah scoffed, “As if. Apologize? Not happening.”
“Fine!”
Rebecca was fuming. “I’ll take this to the director!”
“Hannah!” Their colleagues stepped in, attempting to defuse the situation. “Just apologize, will you?”
“Yeah, Ms. Hansen hates infighting.”
Taking it to the director could mean trouble for both, regardless of who was at fault.
Hannah, still simmering with anger, muttered about the director’s fairness, or lack thereof. “Hey! Hannah, watch it!”
Rebecca, however, saw an opportunity. “Oh, you’re so tough? Fine, let’s go see the director together!”
Dragging Hannah by the arm, she was determined to settle this once and for all.
9
Under the pressure of their peers, Hannah begrudgingly apologized, though clearly unwilling.
“One apology isn’t enough.”
Rebecca insisted she also apologize to Sherilyn, pushing for sincerity.
With a heavy sigh, Hannah got a glass of orange juice and awkwardly presented it to Sherilyn as a peace offering.
“I was out of line. Sorry, Sherilyn.”
Sherilyn, not particularly fond of Hannah but wanting to keep the peace, accepted.
Hannah pressed her, “Drink it, then. It’s only fair if you drink the orange juice.”
Their tensions momentarily eased, the troupe hoped for a smoother tomorrow, weather permitting.