Drama By Name

“I am fucking telling you guys, she has his name tattooed on her back!”

“I am not believing your bullshit, Dawson! Not this time!”

Rian, Alex and Zacn were making their way down to room 15. It was Friday afternoon, and they were all in high spirits, with Rian convinced that he had seen the head cheerleader with Jason Tate’s name tattooed across the small of her back when she had reached into her locker.

“Whatever, guys. I know what I saw.” Rian shook his head.

They entered the classroom and took their normal seats, and the usual chatter died down. Mr Barakat clapped his hands to call attention, and Alex noticed there was something different, but he didn’t know what it was. It wasn’t Mr Barakat himself, Alex would notice if something had changed. It was the classroom, was it?

His thoughts were interrupted by Mr Barakat speaking. “Good afternoon everyone! Now, I know you’re all probably tired from a whole week of school, but, today we’re going to have to watch your performances.” A few groans went up from the class, a few people laughed and hissed with excitement. “Now, I know some of you aren’t prepared, but unfortunately, we have a deadline to meet, which is today. So, seeing as there are 5 groups, and Alex,” Mr Barakat nodded to Alex, smiling, and a few others turned to look at him, “we should have just about enough time to fit in all your performances. We’ll go around the class clockwise, so Miss Ruocco, would your group like to come to the front please? Everyone else move the chairs and tables away so we have a nice performance space, thank you!”

The first of the group performances was pretty generic. Lisa and her cheerleader friends did a piece that was so cliché and cliquey, that it just seemed like they were having a conversation, like they would at lunch. The jocks had banded together with a tall skinny boy with dark hair, and the clumsy little Kathryn girl, to create a pretty decent piece in which the boys were fighting over Kathryn. Needless to say, it had the class laughing at all the right bits. Zack and Tay's piece was simple, but effective, based around a friend who was moving away for a long time. Rian and Cassadee performed a modernised gang-violence style Romeo and Juliet piece, and it worked so well, the class stood to applaud them. The last group were the few really artsy kids. Their performance was a little more avant-garde, but still earned a respectable round of applause.

Soon, it was Alex's turn. He was nervous. He hadn’t been prepared for this, not knowing about such a sudden deadline, but he hoped that he knew his lines well enough. He walked to the front and headed towards Mr Barakat. “Sir, can I have the key for the props cupboard?”

“Sure Alex, just don’t make a mess.” Mr Barakat dug his keys out of his pocket and handed them to Alex, letting their fingers brush slightly.

Alex smiled and walked to the back of the room, a few sets of eyes following him. He unlocked the cupboard and rummaged through the boxes briefly, before finding what he was looking for and tucking it into his pocket, pulling his t-shirt down over the top to hide it from the students. All part of the performance. He walked back to the front and faced the class. He pulled out his phone and began his piece. He held up his phone and pretended to dial a number, before raising it to his ear and starting his ‘conversation’.

“Heya... yeah, I’m alright, you? ... Cool... yeah, I was just calling ‘cause I’ve got some old CD’s. I was wondering if maybe you wanted them? ... Okay, cool... Come by tomorrow afternoon? ... Yeah, okay... See you, buddy. Bye.”
Alex moved the phone away from his ear and pretended to dial again.
“Hi Mom... Yeah, I’m fine, how’re you? ... Good... No, nothing much... Look, mom, I just wanted to say, I’m sorry.... For being an asshole... You know, just being a bad kid... No, mom, really... Look, I know I haven’t been the perfect kid. I’ve yelled at you, and I’ve argued. I’ve snuck out and done stupid things... Yeah, I know Mom... Just, I’m sorry. I’ve taken you for granted. All the nasty stuff, I never meant it... Yes, Mom.... I love you, Mom... Bye.”
Alex pretended to dial again one more time.
“Hey baby... Yeah, I’m okay, how’re you? ... Aw that’s good... Well, can’t a guy call his boyfriend for no reason? ... Okay... Yeah, I’m fine... I just wanted to tell you I love you...” Some of the class ‘aw’ed before Alex continued speaking, “Yeah, I do! I love you more than anything, okay... You’re beautiful... No, you are! ... Aw, baby, I love you so much, okay?” Alex started to fake cry, his voice wavering as he spoke, “Don’t ever think I don’t. You’re gorgeous and I love you... I do, I love you...” Alex reached into his pocket and pulled out the prop, raising the fake gun to his head, “I love you... I’ll always love you... Goodbye, baby... I love you... I love you.” He moved the phone away from his ear and carefully tossed it to the floor, still speaking.
“I love you... I love you... I-I love you... I-I’m so sorry... I’m so, so s-sorry...” His voice lowered to barely above a whisper, still clear over the total silence of the class. Alex broke down into hysterical sobs, his hands shaking as he held the prop gun to his forehead.
“I’m sorry... I love you...”
He pulled the trigger, the gun making a small clicking sound. He dropped his arms and lowered his head, signalling the end of the scene.

The class sat in silence for a moment, before the slow clapping began, and ended with everyone on their feet applauding his performance, a few girls actually crying. Alex looked up at the class and smiled, wiping away the forced tears. Zack and Tay were both crying, as was Cass, and Rian was stood with his mouth hanging slightly open in shock. Alex's eyes skimmed over the rest of the class and came to rest on Mr Barakat. He was stood clapping slowly, eyes red and tears streaming down his face. He slowly walked forwards and took his spot at the front of the class, next to Alex. He looked down at the smaller boy and smiled through the tears.

“Good job.” He said, very quietly, and he motioned to his now empty seat for Alex to sit down. Alex smiled back and took the seat. Mr Barakat cleared his throat and wiped away the tears from his face. “Right... Well, Alex, that was incredible. Really... really emotional. Just... Well done.” He then addressed the rest of the class. “Now, everyone. I promise that you will have your grades for these pieces on Monday, I shall send them in somehow.”

“Send them in?” the small Kathryn girl piped up from the back of the group, “You won’t be here?”

“No, I won’t.” The class started asking why, the chatter stopping quickly when Mr Barakat raised his hand. “I won’t be here on Monday. I... Well, due to unforeseen circumstances, I am returning to my old job at the local Kindergarten. You’ll have a new teacher as of next week, Mr Morrison, who will be permanent, as Miss Brooker won’t be returning. This... This is my last lesson as a teacher here.”

A few people gasped, some voicing their dismay at the news. Alex, however, sat in shock. He now realised what was different: The shelves were nearly empty. All the folders were sat in neat cardboard boxes, not a single loose paper left behind.

“I would just like to say, I have loved every moment of teaching you all. You all have real promise in Drama, I can just tell. Working here has really helped me in a way, and I hope I’ve been able to help you, it’s been-“ Just then, the bell signalling the end of the day rang. Usually, the students would be scrambling to leave, but this time, no one moved. “It’s been a pleasure.” Mr Barakat stood there, all eyes watching as fresh tears escaped his eyes. He still smiled at everyone as he spoke though. “I can’t deny I’m going to miss you guys. Promise you’ll keep working hard... Now, get out of my classroom!” He laughed, waving an arm at the students.

Everyone in the class moved the chairs and tables back to the right places and, strangely, grouped around Mr Barakat at the front. They each took it in turns to shake his hand and say goodbye, and thank you. Most of the girls were teary, telling Mr Barakat how much they were going to miss him, all except Lisa, who had left promptly. Even the jocks who, at the start of the year had been brought down a few pegs from their homophobic behaviour, shook his hand and thanked him. Alex, Rian, Zack and Tay were the last to say goodbye.

“See you, sir. Hope Kindergarten isn’t too much of a pain after this place.” Rian said, shaking Mr Barakat's hand warmly.

Mr Barakat just laughed, “Are you kidding? It’ll be like a holiday!”

Rian laughed and stepped back, Zack taking his place. “Thanks sir, you’ve been great.” Zack smiled.

Mr Barakat grasped his hand with both of his own and smiled. “So have you, Zack. You’ve real talent! Just... Stay happy yeah?”

Zack nodded, smiled and stepped away. Tay stepped forwards, watching Mr Barakat for a moment. Neither really knew what to do, knowing what Mr Barakat no longer being a teacher meant. They simply watched each other for a moment, before Tay smiled and held out a hand. Mr Barakat looked startled for a moment, before gingerly taking Tay's hand and shaking it.

“Thank you, sir. For everything. I hope that, whatever reason you’re leaving for, everything will turn out great.” She smiled a wide, genuine smile, knowing exactly how to word what she wanted to say.

Mr Barakat smiled back, glad that Tay was, in a way, happy for him. “Thank you, Tay. You know, I can almost promise that you will be famous one day. So much talent. You’ll be the envy of millions of girls around the world, Miss Jardine.” He bent down and kissed the back of her hand, making her blush a little. He smiled again and dropped her hand, allowing her to step away, and Alex to step forward. He didn’t know what to say, until Mr Barakat turned to the others. “Actually guys, can I have a word with Alex about his piece, please?”

“Sure thing. Goodbye, sir!”

“See you! Alex, we’ll go wait for you in the car.” Rian, Zack and Tay, made their way out of the room, closing the door behind them.

As soon as the door was shut, Alex ran forwards and into Mr Barakat's arms. No. Not Mr Barakat. Not any more. Never again. This was Jack. Jay. They stood there for a moment, simply enjoying the contact. Alex kept his head resting on Jack's chest and looked up at him, eyes wide.

“Is this for real?”

“Yeah, that’s where I went on Monday.”

“What do you mean?”

“After Lisa kissed me, it gave me exactly what I’d been waiting for, ever since I met you.”

“What’s that?”

“The perfect excuse to quit. Inappropriate behaviour. Even though it wasn’t my fault, Mr Gambon agreed it would be best if I left. I didn’t want to tell you. I wanted to keep it a surprise.”

“So, does this mean we-“

“Yeah. Yes Lex. We can be together. For real. We can go out on dates. We can hold hands in public. We can be a real couple.”

Alex was close to tears. No one had ever done anything like this for him. Even when he’d been dating girls, he would usually get the blame for anything that happened. But now, the first person he had ever truly loved was quitting his job so that they could be together.

“I never said... I spoke to Zee. We didn’t, you know... I’m still...”

“Sshh, it’s okay Lex. I love you... I love you, Lex.”

“I love you too, Jack.” Jack ducked his head down and kissed Alex.

This kiss was like nothing Alex had ever felt before, even after they had told each other ‘I love you’ for the first time. This was the kiss that marked the beginning of something completely new. Alex was eighteen, and Jack was no longer his teacher. They could be real. Jack pulled out of the kiss, Alex felt far too soon, and smiled.

“Alex, your performance... That was just... Wow. I’ve never seen anything like it before. It was just, so powerful. Where did you get that idea?”

“I don’t know.” Alex shrugged, genuinely having no idea, “I guess I just... I don’t know. I... I originally wanted it to be, like, the first time I told you I loved you.” Alex looked up, feeling slightly embarrassed about telling Jack that.

“It was amazing Lex, I loved it. I love you.” Their lips met again, creating small, soft kisses, Jack leaning his forehead against Alex's. “Look, I don’t want to keep you for very long. Tay knows, and seeing as I’m no longer your teacher, I don’t know how long we’ve got until she tells Zack and Rian.”

“Oh shit!” Alex made to rush away to stop whatever conversation might be happening on their way to the Trans Am, but Jack pulled him back in by his waist, kissing him softly again.

“Alex, before you go... Can I see you tomorrow?”

“Of course.” Alex smiled, Jack's eyes shining.

“Okay, I’ll pick you up at 11, yeah?”

“Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow, Jack.” Alex stood on tip-toes and kissed Jack's lips, smooth and sweetly. He pulled away slowly, watching Jack's eye’s flutter open again, and his face split into a big smile.

“I’ll see you tomorrow. I’ve got a big surprise for you, Lex.”

“I’ll be waiting, Jay. I love you.”

“I love you too.” Alex left quickly, stealing one last look at Jack, before racing down the hallway an out of the main doors to the Trans Am.

“What did Mr Barakat want to talk about?” Rian called from the front seat.

“Oh, just where I got the inspiration for my piece.” Alex climbed into the front passenger seat, Tay and Zack in the back.

“Yeah, actually,” Tay asked, leaning over and sticking her head between the two front seats, “where did all that come from?”

“Long story...”

“We’ve got time.”

So, for the next ten minutes, Alex sat and explained some made up story as to how he came up with the idea, something about a teen-suicide documentary. Even he wasn’t really paying attention. He was too busy practically buzzing over what Jack might have in store for him tomorrow.

-

“Heya Lex!” Jack smiled as he hung out of the driver’s side window, watching Alex practically skip down the garden path. He was wearing the hoodie Jack bought him again, a plain navy t-shirt and his comfy, tatty jeans. He didn’t care that they basically no longer had knees to them, because they were comfy.

He hopped into the passenger side and leaned across the gear stick, catching Jack's lips with his own and kissing him deeply. They broke apart after a few seconds, both sufficiently out of breath, and smiled at each other. “Hi Jay.”

“Someone’s in a good mood.” Jack laughed, shifting into first and pulling away from the curb as Alex buckled himself in.

“Of course I am. I get to see you without having to worry so much. And, if I remember correctly, you have a surprise for me?”

Jack laughed softly, stealing a sideways glance at Alex, trying to concentrate on driving. “I sure do... You’ll have to wait until we get there though.”

“Aw, unfair!” Alex huffed, folding his arms and staring out the window.

This just made Jack laugh again. “Don’t worry, Alex, it’ll be worth it. Trust me.”

They spoke about what they’d been up to the previous evening, until Jack slowed the car down and pulled into a parking space on the high street. Alex looked outside, and back at Jack, slightly confused.

“If your surprise is Starbucks, it’s a nice gesture and all, but a bit of an O.T.T. build-up.”

Jack laughed at Alex and hopped out of the little black car. Alex followed suit and slammed the door shut as Jack joined him on the other side of the car. He stood in front of Alex and reached to take his hands, looking into his eyes earnestly.

“Alex, where we’re going right now is a big deal. It’s going to be a big deal for you, but you need to know it’s a big deal for me, too.”

“Why? Where are we going?”

“The music store. Now... before you say anything, I haven’t been in there since I left Jaime. Jaime works in there, and it’s been five years, and I haven’t seen him since I got clean and started teacher training. I decided that, seeing as you faced Zack, I can face Jaime. I know that none of it was my fault, and I’m in the right. I can walk in there and hold my head up high and show him that he could knock me down, but never knock me out.”

“Jack, you don’t have to-“

“No, Lex, I want to. Thanks to you. You’ve made everything so much better, and I honestly haven’t been this happy in... in a long time. So, thank you Alex.” Jack's eyes were shining with tears, though none had escaped. Alex smiled up at him, feeling kind of proud of how far he’d come. How far they’d come. “Anyway,” Jack gently squeezed Alex's hands and let them drop back to his sides, “let’s get going!”

They began walking down the street, close together but not holding hands, but still close enough to just about feel each other’s body heat in the chill December air.

“So, why are we going to the music store?” Alex asked, still not really knowing much about the situation.

“Well, I thought that, seeing as I didn’t really get you anything for your birthday, and your guitar was completely obliterated, I’d-“

“No way!” Alex jumped and grabbed Jack's arm in excitement.

Jack just laughed and shrugged him off. “Le’me finish! Anyway... I thought I’d buy you a new guitar, money no object.”

Alex started squealing in excitement, grabbing Jack's arm again and jumping along the sidewalk in glee. “Oh my god, Jack you fucking angel!”

“Whoa, Alex, calm it there! You’re gonna tear my arm off!” Jack laughed as he pried his arm from Alex's grip and instead wrapped it around Alex's shoulders, in an effort to keep him within Earth’s gravity.

They kept walking down the street, Alex rambling his overwhelmed thanks to Jack. They finally reached the store and paused outside, Jack turning to Alex. “Right, I need a moment, okay? I’m just gonna have a cigarette, and then I’ll be right in. You have a look around, and pick something out.” Jack leaned forwards and cupped Alex's cheek, kissing the other and making him blush.

“Wait, Jack. Before I go in... I’ve been in here before. I know that Jaime works in here, and to be honest, he’s a bit of a creep. You know what I mean. So, just... don’t be too long, okay?”

“Okay, baby. I’ll be right in. Promise.” Jack reached up and brushed his thumb over Alex's cheek and smiled. He then pulled out a pack of Marlboro reds and put one in his mouth. “Go on, go!” Jack muttered out of the side of his mouth, lips holding the cigarette in place.

Alex smiled and went into the shop. There was no one around. Alex even peered around the corner of one of the CD stands, and there was not a soul in sight. Feeling a little more relaxed knowing Jack was right outside, Alex made his way over to the instruments and made a beeline for the gorgeous Les Paul Epiphone Elite. It was still just as perfect as ever, gleaming in the light of the high winter sun outside and the electric lights of the shop. Alex couldn’t resist reaching out and carefully strumming across the strings. He closed his eyes at the noise. It was perfectly in tune, as though it were checked constantly, as though waiting for him. His peaceful thoughts were interrupted by a small cough from right behind him. He spun around, nearly knocking over a stand of leaflets, and came face to face with Jaime. How Alex hadn’t heard him, he didn’t know, but Jaime was stood only about a meter away, and it was creepy.

“Hey there, Alex.”

“Er, hi Jaime.”

“Just here to look again, or-“

“No, I’m here to take this beauty home.” Alex smiled a genuine smile at the thought of owning the beautiful instrument, completely ignoring Jaime looking him up and down again.

“Well then, how’d you want to get it home?”

“Could I just take it in a case?” Alex asked, watching Jaime walk forwards and gently lifted the guitar off its stand and carried it to the counter.

“What kind of case? Soft or hard?”

“Hard case, please. I used to have a soft case, and my last guitar got completely destroyed.”

“Okay... Normally, that would cost about $40, but for you: No charge.” Jaime smirked at him and disappeared into the back room, leaving the guitar propped up on the other side of the counter.

Alex shivered inwardly, at Jaime's flirting, and checked the door. Still no Jack. Jaime came back in carrying a large, sleek, black case. He laid it across the counter, snapped open the latches and opened the lid. The inside of the case was slightly shimmery red velvet, and Alex was sure Jaime had picked out one of the nicest cases they sold. He lifted the guitar into the case and secured the straps around the neck and body, holding it securely in place. He reached under the counter and pulled out a few pieces of paper, tucking them into the inside pocket.

“Just some basic care instructions. Nothing important... Right then, how’re you paying?” Jaime smiled up at Alex, obviously remembering his suggestion from the last time Alex was in the shop.

Alex leaned away from the counter a little, checking over his shoulder again. “My, er, money, is outside having a cigarette right now, so...”

Jaime chuckled slightly, leaving a small awkward pause. Moments later, the tight, scared, knotting sensation in his chest loosened as he heard the store door open, and saw Jaime's face fall slightly.

“Hey, sorry I took so long, someone asked for directions.” Jack walked right up to the counter and put an arm around Alex's waist, making the boys heart flutter.

“Jack? Is that you?” Jaime looked confused, angry and upset all at once. Judging from Jaime's face, however, this was not a good combination.

“Hi Jaime.” Jack said plainly, rubbing his thumb against Alex's side a little for comfort. Whether it was for Alex or himself was anyone guess. “How have you been?”

“Alright. How are you?” Jaime's tone had completely changed, even his body movements were showing just how pissed off with the whole situation he was.

“I’m great thanks. So,” Jack spoke to Alex now, “how much is it?”

“I don’t know... Jaime, how much?” Alex spoke as casually as he could, trying not to show how proud of Jack he was, or how smug he felt.

“Er... $399.99.”

Alex was shocked. He hadn’t really looked at the price properly, he just knew he wouldn’t be able to afford it. “Oh, Jay, I can’t let you spend that much money!”

“Don’t worry Lex, it’s fine. The school actually paid me pretty well, you know.” He dug his hand into his pocket and pulled out his wallet.

“So, Jack,” Jaime asked from across the counter, “credit or debit?” he pushed a card reader towards Jack, who simply pushed it back.

“Cash actually, Jaime.”

“No way do you have that money with you!” he scoffed, looking Jack up and down. He sure didn’t look like he’d be carrying $400 around with him.

“Oh, yes I do! I knew my Lex would want only the best,” he looked down at Alex and smiled, “because he deserves only the best.”

Alex ducked his head down, blushing furiously. Jack moved his hand away from Alex's middle and counted out the notes onto the counter, leaving Jaime looking slightly stunned. He pushed the money forwards, and Jaime recounted it all.

“So, Jack... He’s a bit young for you, isn’t he?” Jaime's gaze flickered over to Alex for a moment, then returned to the money.

“Well, from what I’ve heard, that didn’t seem to stop you trying.” Jack sneered, catching Jaime out.

He paused his counting for a second, stared at Jack, but then licked his thumb and returned to counting the notes. “I’m guessing this is some kind of present then?”

“Yep, it was Alex's eighteenth last weekend, I want to get him something special. I’m surprised you had such a nice guitar in stock.”

“Yeah, well,” Jaime's words were bitter, “I reserved it for him.”

“Oh, Jaime, that’s so kind of you!”

Alex could tell that Jack was using his drama skills here, completely overacting. It made him giggle a little bit, reaching over and lacing his fingers with Jack's. Jaime was looking daggers now, clearly furious at not only missing out on Alex, but missing out on Alex because of his ex, who he abused and abandoned. Jaime finished counting the notes and opened the cash register, somewhat shoving the money in, then tore off the receipt and handed it to Jaime

“So, Jaime... long time, no see. How’s life been treating you?” Jack was, for some reason, trying to make polite conversation. Maybe it was because he was simply a polite guy, Alex didn’t know.

“ ‘S alright. Some old, same old. How about you, Jack?” Jaime's voice was dead pan, he was clearly trying to hide his emotions, but everyone knew how angry he really was.

“Oh, everything’s great. I got my teaching degree, I work at the Kindergarten on the south side. I recently did a bit of teaching at our old high school. Really great kids there, you know? Then I met Lex.” Jack smiled down at Alex, who couldn’t help but smile back at the way Jack's eye’s shone with adoration.

“What, you met Alex at the school where you were teaching?” Jaime had that little smirk on his face, the same one that he wore whenever he thought he could get something out of a situation.

“Maybe I did, Maybe I didn’t. That’s none of your business, Jaime.” Jack had taken on the role of teacher again, claiming the high ground and trying to put Jaime in his place.

“You sick fuck.” Jaime laughed, “Screwing one of your students? Really? You’ve seen that guy on the news, haven’t you? You have no idea how easily I could get you locked up for this... You would be so done for, Jack.”

“No I wouldn’t. Alex's eighteen, and I’m not a teacher at his school any more. Everything’s legal and there’s no proof that there was ever anything illegal.” Jack took hold of the guitar case’s handle and leaned across the counter, closer to Jack's face. “And anyway, even if you did rat me out, just remember all the things you did to me? I never told anyone, but if you threaten me again, then I will not hesitate to tell the authorities.”

Jaime looked shocked for a moment, but that same familiar sneer crept back onto his face. “You don’t have the balls, Jack. You’re too much of a coward, too weak, too... submissive.” Now that was a low blow. Alex was steadily getting angrier and angrier now that he could see the real Jaime. “You never did, and never could, do anything to stop me.”

“You think you own me, don’t you?” Jack's voice was thick with derision now, unable to believe the words coming from Jaime's mouth, "Jaime, truth be told, I never was yours. But really, I’d just like to thank you.”

“What for?”

“For making me realise just how much I’m really worth. Sure, you stamped me down, abused me and made me feel like shit. But that helped me to see my true worth in this world. I am worth so much more than either of us could have imagined. I have met some amazing kids, and I’m sure you’ll hear about them when they become big. I’m earning great money doing something I love, and I have a beautiful boyfriend who, I promise, will never be made to feel as shit as you made me feel. As long as I’m breathing nothing will hurt him.” Jack gently lifted the case off the counter and snaked his hand back around Alex's waist, giving him a reassuring squeeze. “You may have got our old dream, but I’m living my new one. So, thank you Jaime, for letting me free myself. Have a nice life.”

Jack pulled Alex towards the door, leaving Jaime stood in stunned silence. They walked out into the cold December air, Alex grinning from ear to ear. They reached Jack's car, unlocked the doors and carefully laid the new guitar in the trunk. As soon as Jack had both hands free, Alex threw himself into his arms, holding him tightly. He had stood up to his abusive ex and really stuck it to him. Alex was so proud. Everything was perfect.

“I love you Jack.” Alex muttered against Jack's chest, the taller man tightly wrapping his arms around Alex and kissing the top of his head.

“I love you too Lex. Now, come on, where do you want to go now?”

“Home.”

“Oh... alright then.” Jack sounded hurt by this.

Alex hadn’t meant what Jack thought he had. “No, no, Jay... I mean your home. Can we go to yours? Please?” Alex looked up at Jack, whose look of hurt turned to a smile.

“Sure, let’s go.”

Notes

The Jalex is free to blossom! :D
AND NO MORE JAIME! *dances*