Chapter 8: Uphill Battle

                                    

                                          
Chloe's POV 
                          
"Face Chloe!" Abby hollered at me from her nest of colored mats in the corner. "Eye contact!" "Turnout!" I danced through her criticism, trying to apply the corrections. I could hear the moms fighting. But unusually I couldn't hear my mom. I spun, working on a new turn combo. This week I had a solo. This year me and Maddie are in different age categories. It's great because I love Maddie and it feels bad to have to compete against her. Abby clapped as I landed in my ending position. "Good work kiddo. One more run through. Try work on your hands. They flail around on your turns." I nodded and got in position. As I twirled onto the floor I heard a scream from the viewing room. I stopped in my tracks. I glanced up to see Melissa and Jill freaking out, Kelly on the phone and Holly bent over something. Or someone!!! Mom!
                          
I sprinted out of the studio and up the stairs. Brooke stopped me and grabbed my waist. As she yanked me I squealed to be let free. I couldn't just stay here and not know what was happening. Brooke plonked me down on a bench and knelt down in front of me. As I looked up I noticed her beautiful blue eyes were filled with tears ready to spill. Mine were probably the same. "Chlo calm down! You don't need to see her like that. Mom called the ambulance, they are on their way. It's all going to be okay." I could tell she didn't believe her own words. I wrapped her in a hug, wetting her crop top with my tears. As she rubbed my back I realized that mom wasn't ok. She was fading away, dying. And all I can do now is pray that she doesn't slip across the thin line between life and death.