"I had the craziest dream last night..." whispered 22-year-old Fern Walters to herself as she got out of bed, pulling her now long brown hair into a bun with her trademark red ribbon that she always wore to school, particularly in Lakewood Elementary School, "About a girl that was turned into a swan. But the prince falls for the wrong girl, and...she kills herself,"
Fern laid out the yoga mat, doing her usual routine or ten-minute ab-workouts, another five minutes of stretches and several yoga poses before heading to the bathroom where she brushed her teeth and washed her face. She took one more stare into the mirror, examining her body in her reflection. She was no longer the quiet, shy and lanky girl she was known at school. She was tall, slender and had been adventuring in many other things besides poetry, literature and mysteries. Since the age of ten, she found her new-found love for dancing, particularly hip-hop and ballet, but she was enchanted by the graceful movements of ballerinas she saw in stage plays that she really wanted to be a ballerina. Now a strong young woman, she was now a member of Elwood City Ballet Company.
Later she came out to the dining room, where her mother, Doria Walters was preparing a bowl of fruit and boiled eggs for Fern to eat for breakfast. Fern's father passed away not long ago, so it was just her and her mother, who worked as a mystery and children novelist, but nonetheless they were happy together.
"Good morning Fern," smiled her mother.
"Morning, Mom," said Fern.
Fern continued to smile as she continued to eat the food.
"You seem in a good mood this morning," said Doria, "I'm glad to see my daughter smile so much,"
"He promised to feature me more this season," said Fern.
"Well, Dr. Fugue should," said Doria, "You've been in the company long enough! And you're the most dedicated dancer in the company!"
"Thanks, Mom!" replied Fern with another grin.
"Now finish up, you need to be nourished with protein and fruits if you want to dance beautifully!"
Fern finished her breakfast and put on her coat over her two layers of clothing before strapping on her boats and carrying her uniform, considering that it was cold outside, and the grounds of Elwood City was covered by thin white layers of snow.
Walking to the subway station, she walked down the stairways and sat at a bench, waiting for the train to come.
Eventually the train came, and Fern boarded. Not surprisingly it was still crowded considering the rush hour, filled with businessmen talking on cell phones, mothers carrying their children's hands taking them to school, whilst elderly men and women sat, gossiped and laughed on the priority seats.
After gripping on the pole for a while, Fern left the train and walked up the stairs, greeted once again by the harsh cold winter air.
Finally after walking, she made it to the building.
Fern dropped her stuff in the changing room where the other girls where putting on their uniform and applying their makeup.
Just as Fern was about to get changed, she heard the door burst open.
"Whoa!" hollered the voice, "I'm in the right place right?"
Fern turned around. It was Francine Frensky, wearing her iPod, who came back to Elwood City after spending some time in Vancouver with her family during her teenage years.
Fern nodded.
"Oh good, thank you so much!" Francine grinned and nodded in relief as she headed for a chair and mirror.
"She's still the wild child I always knew," Muffy said as she applied her makeup and rolled her eyes.
"I wonder how much experience she has?" wondered Sue Ellen.
"Let's see," said DW, "Maybe she's matured a lot and will be able to prove herself wrong,"
Fern paid no attention to the conversation and finished her makeup and changed, before preparing her ballet slippers. After bending and spray polishing them, she headed out with the other girls to the studio.