Soon came the final round of competition to choose the top five. Veronica and I both successfully passed the tough second round, which made us both excited and nervous at the same time. Veronica seems to suffer from excessive anxiety, she often has trouble sleeping and her health is not guaranteed. I spent a week with her to help her feel better.
I haven't seen him since the argument with Dominic, because neither of us was looking for each other and deliberately avoiding each other. Every now and then, though, he sends something to my hotel room. There's no sender, but I know it's Dominic.
A cake just like the one he threw away, some jewelry, tonics and some functional foods to nourish the body. I don't know where he found these items, but they are all functional foods and tonics for ballet dancers.
I understand this is his way of saying sorry, but I'm not ready to face him right now.
As for Frederick, we have never met again, but I still remember my promise to invite him to this third round. Anyway, this is an open and invited round, and it's also broadcast on television, so I can totally send an invitation to Frederick. I just didn't know how to contact him, and then a few days passed and I forgot about it.
Being rated as one of the best contestants at the ballet selection competition in the Americas, I didn't have as much pressure as other contestants. As long as I concentrate hard and complete well what I have prepared, it's not difficult for me to get into the top 5.
In the third round, many reporters from major TV stations in LA were invited to interview the contestants and the judges. The atmosphere today is much busier and noisier than the previous two rounds. Since there were only 100 contestants left, the performances happened quite quickly.
The third round was an impromptu ballet performance based on the music selected by the judges. Although the performance was only for more than a minute, with such a difficult request, many contestants felt extremely scared.
"Esther, I'm so nervous, my legs keep shaking." Veronica constantly lamented. "There were journalists and reporters who came to film live, so I was even more worried. I wish I could be as confident and comfortable as you."
"You'll do it. Don't pressure yourself too much." I comforted her.
In fact, Veronica's style is quite strange compared to the majority of other contestants. Although she has exploited this ballet style quite well, for such a big competition she probably needs more time and experience.
After my performance, many reporters came to me for an interview. This is the first time I've encountered this situation so it's a bit confusing. One by one, each of them raised their mics at me and asked questions, making me inevitably confused.
"Esther Joan, how do you feel about your performance?"
"I feel satisfied. I have prepared very well for this competition, so I don't have much pressure." I answered slowly, occasionally licking my lips involuntarily while thinking about how to respond politely.
"According to information we received, the relationship between you and judge Edna Mohini is not very good. Does that affect you?"
"I don't know who spread the rumor, but my relationship with Edna is not familiar but not hostile either. Besides, I can confirm that there is no reason that can affect my performance."
"Last question. Did anyone come to cheer you on today?"
"Um..." I hesitated, not sure how to respond.
At this moment, someone hugged me from behind, and stuffed a huge bouquet of flowers into my hand.
"I was the one cheering for her. Surprise, Esther! I kept my promise. Your ballet performance was amazing."
Frederick appeared behind me without me noticing, he put his arm around my shoulder, smiling brightly.
He freely talked to reporters and journalists, like he was a close friend to me.
"Mr. Frederick Vincent, is your relationship with Esther Joan just friends or is it a love relationship?"
The sudden question made me dumbfounded, I frantically waved my hand and stammered to explain when Frederick spoke before me.
"I also wish our relationship could be more intimate, but the truth is we're just friends. If you ask any more questions, it'll make my lovely girl shy."
Frederick playfully winked, which made several female reporters and journalists unable to help but blush. They probably couldn't resist Frederick's charm and handsomeness. He is cool and polite, talking softly and occasionally joking to make the atmosphere more comfortable.
Perhaps Frederick is the ideal type of boyfriend for many women.
After the short interview, reporters and journalists dispersed and looked for other contestants. As for me and Frederick, I was startled to realize that he still had his arm around my shoulders and that we were leaning against each other.
I was a little shy and stood to the side, using the same huge bouquet of flowers to block between the two of us. I don't know if it's because of Frederick's personality that he's comfortable with women, but I'm pretty shy around him. Anyway, he was the reason why Dominic and I quarreled, and I was also aware that as Dominic's fiancée, it was better not to have such a close friendship with Frederick.
"Wow, that's so impressive, I can't stop exclaiming when I see you do ballet. I feel like I've just seen a masterpiece." Frederick didn't seem to notice that I was deliberately keeping my distance from him, so he grabbed my hand tightly.
Immediately, as if I had touched fire, I withdrew my hand. Frederick's smile seemed a little stiff, but it wasn't easy to see. I didn't notice it myself, I hugged the bouquet with both hands, smiled and said thank you to him.
"Let me invite you to dinner, as congratulations on your excellent ballet performance."
"Okay, but we'll have to wait for the results. If I'm unlucky, it'll be my consolation dinner." I joke.
We both agree with that.
To avoid making Dominic jealous for going alone with Frederick, this time I decided to bring Veronica with me. This is also a good opportunity to help Veronica's mood improve.