Hello loves! I have a new fan fiction that I really think, I really hope, you'd all enjoy. It's a different one, I think, something that hasn't been done before. But it's something that I hold very dear to my heart. Take it from an actual dancer ;) So please enjoy my fan fiction and don't be afraid to leave a comment! I'd love to hear back from all of you!
It's Friday. The list is finally up. And though it's just one flimsy piece of paper taped to the old announcement bulletin board up behind the front desk, they flock in numbers around it. Necks crane as women and men alike push forward to get even the slightest glimpse of the names typed neatly in fine print on that single piece of paper. Amongst the crowd, two young women push their way through the throng of people, excitedly heading towards the front to gain a proper view.
"Regina you made it!", one of the girls, a short bubbly blonde, squeals excitedly to the other. She gazes at her best friend, her eyes wide with delight.
"I know I see," her more serious brunette friend replies with a sigh as chocolate eyes scan the announcement board.
"Isn't this exciting?", the blonde exclaims, practically jiggling up and down on the spot as she hangs onto the brunette's arm. The pair makes their way back out of the crowd of people, pushing past and into the hallway, starting off in the opposite direction. "Oh my god Regina, I can't even imagine finally having the lead! That must feel so amazing!", the young blonde gushes as she walks beside her friend, her hand still tightly clasping her friend's wrist.
"Tink…" the brunette warns, narrowing her eyes.
"What? Aren't you happy? You should be. It's such a great accomplishment!", Tink responds with the shake of her head.
"Yes, but an accomplishment only my mother will take great pride in exploiting for her own benefit and personal status," Regina scoffs.
"Regina that's not the point. Forget about her for a moment and just look at this wonderful opportunity that lies ahead with this new experience."
"Again Tink, it's an experience that only means later nights at rehearsal, more call times, less free time, more stress, and more nagging by our relentless artistic director."
"Oh Regina, you are such a pessimist," Tink sighs, rolling her eyes, "And Gold isn't all that bad."
"Yes he is," Regina counters, "He made me run my solo so many times the other day I could hardly walk the next morning. I can't stand him picking on every single little detail."
"Well isn't that ballet?"
"Yes, but he makes fun of me too, don't forget. He's just so excessive with his non-constructive criticism."
"Like your mother?"
"Even worse."
Tink laughs. "Just be glad she doesn't call you 'dearie' all the time."
"I suppose," Regina responds, a slight smirk tilting up the corners of her mouth.
"And his ridiculous whiny little voice," Tink adds, suddenly making dramatic gestures with her hands and arms, imitating their director. "Perfection always comes with a price…dearie…," she mimics.
Regina laughs, shaking her head fondly at her best friend. Ever since they had joined the Royal Ballet Company in London, England, the two have been almost literally joined at the hip. It really is such a great surprise, as both are far from alike. Tink is outgoing, fun, and charismatic. Just by being around her, one can feel the energy of light and warmth that practically radiates out from her pores. Her optimistic, buoyant personality is one that constantly annoys and frustrates the hell out of her more doubting, uptight best friend. Unlike Tink, Regina had a rather rough start in life. Having grown up on the streets of Harlem, New York, she had known from a very young age what it means to stand up for herself. Under the constant watch of her mother, Regina had been brought into a life of strict discipline and work, all of which had been drilled into her from day one. As a result of this, on top of the harsh streets of her neighborhood, Regina had always been good at holding her own. She'd learn to play at life's precarious game, beating her way across a mountain of obstacles on her path to success. And even at the age of twenty-two, a principal dancer at a prestigious company, she still feels as if she has not won, not by a long shot.
"I still don't understand how Madam French puts up with him. He's a beast in his own sort of maniacal way," Regina sniffs.
"Perhaps it's because she's an incurable romantic," Tink replies, sighing dramatically before turning to gaze at Regina with a sudden lift of her brow.
"Stop looking at me like that," Regina scolds, swatting her friend's arm with another roll of her eyes.
"Regina, come on," Tink groans exasperatedly, "You haven't been with anyone in years!"
"I don't have time!"
"That's what you always say whenever I try to set you up with someone. God, you can be so uptight. Your mother ruined you."
Regina glares at her friend. "It's because it's true," she retorts in regards to Tink's first statement, "And now that I'm apparently the lead, that means even less time than I already have." Regina's lips suddenly quirk upwards into a smirk. "Ballet is my boyfriend," she mimics ridiculously in disdain, quoting a stupid ballet meme she found whilst surfing online somewhere.
Tink rolls her eyes. "But what about Graham? Didn't you two have a thing?"
"We kissed once."
"Oh?!", Tink exclaims as her eyes bulge. She halts, turning to gape at Regina, her jaw having dropped considerable heights. Instantly, the brunette realizes and regrets her mistake. "You never told me that!", Tink cries, her voice high pitched.
"That's because it's of little importance," Regina says matter-of-factly, shrugging off the subject.
"It most definitely is not."
"It most definitely is."
"No it is not of little importance. Oh my gosh Regina, are you two seeing each other?" The blonde's voice rises several decibels.
"No!" Regina scowls at Tink. "And there is no 'us two', contrary to what you might think."
"But you kissed him, Regina! You can't just let that go!"
"It was weeks ago." It was three days ago.
"But still!", Tink protests, "Regina come on. You need to pursue him!"
"Tink, no. I am not having this conversation again with you. I'm doing just fine on my own. Really, I am."
"But don't you want to find a soulmate? Someone you're just destined to be with for the rest of your life?", Tink sighs dreamily, batting her eyelashes. "Perhaps someone to possibly be your Prince Charming, and have swear on his heart his deep devotion and passion to you?", she adds, referencing the next ballet they are to perform, the ballet in which Regina is to dance the lead.
"Um that 'Prince Charming' is actually named Siegfried. Do your research. And no, Tink." The brunette scrunches up her nose in disgust at such a sappy description of the idea of love. "Just, no."
"I'm serious, Regina."
"And I'm late for rehearsal, Tink," Regina suddenly says quickly as she takes a swift glance down at her imaginary watch, "I have to go." Regina brushes past her friend, beginning to walk briskly down the hallway, much to the annoyed groans of her best friend. In fact, the brunette's rehearsal doesn't even begin until ten thirty this morning. And it has just turned ten right now.
"Just think about it Regina!", Tink calls after her. Her shouting causes the other woman to flinch as she walks. "You really need to get out more!"
"All right, that's it for today," ballet mistress Belle French announces after the third run of Swan Lake's opening scene. The usual clapping commences, signifying the end of class, as dancers move from the center of the studio to the sides, where they wipe themselves vigorously with towels of dripping sweat, guzzle down gallons of water, and gather their belongings. It has been a long three hours.
"Regina, may I speak with you?", Madam French's voice rings out amongst the chatter. Regina frowns, changing course from the direction of her dance bag back to where the mistress stands.
"Yes Madam French?", Regina asks whilst approaching the ballet mistress with a slight furrow of her brow.
"I admire your work today," French says with a gentle smile, "And I congratulate you on landing the role of Odette."
"Thank you," Regina replies with a proud smile, "I've always worked my hardest in finally achieving a lead role."
"You've earned it. You are indeed one of the most talented principal dancers here."
"Thank you," Regina repeats, keeping her smile.
"That having been said, there has been a change in the casting that needs to be addressed, one that only affects you."
Regina's smile turns down slightly. "Oh?"
"There has been a sudden change in casting for the lead male role, the role of Prince Siegfried."
"Isn't Killian cast to play that role?", Regina asks, recalling his name printed neatly as she had scanned the announcement board.
"He was," French replies, "However the directors and faculty hadn't realized that Killian had just injured his knee three days ago. He was to inform the board of his injury and send in a doctor's report, as per protocol, but never did."
"Well I'm not surprised," Regina mutters with a shake of her head.
Madam French chuckles softly as she cannot help but feel the same way despite her need to not speak unfavorably of any company member. "Well he was always the bit of a troublemaker," she whispers, leaning forward with a furtive glint in her eye.
"Tell me about it," Regina laughs softly.
"Anyway, I thought it would be nice that you hear it sooner rather than later that Graham will be cast in place of Killian," French says with a firm nod as she straightens herself.
Regina's eyes widen ever so slightly. "Graham?", she breathes, her heart skipping a beat.
"Yes. The boy has shown incredible progress and talent these past few months. It is time he move on to bigger roles," Madam French confirms before frowning, "Is that not all right?"
Regina shakes her head fervently. "No, no," she reassures, "It's just…I haven't danced with anyone else other than Killian or David."
"Well here's your chance to switch it up for a change, get yourself out of your comfort zone more. Graham is an exceptional dancer such as yourself. You two will get along just fine." Madam French smiles softly. "Now if you'll excuse me please, Regina."
Regina forces a smile and nods politely. "Get yourself out," she repeats in a huff as she watches the older woman brushes past her to converse with another company member, "Not her too."
"Are you certain you had nothing to do with this?", Regina growls, eyeing her friend suspiciously.
"Regina no!", Tink denies, "Of course not. You know I don't have that authority."
"Yes, but you are quite good at convincing…"
"Regina, I swear I didn't."
"Are you sure?"
"I promise," Tink says firmly before her features suddenly change and she gives Regina her all too familiar mushy expression. "But oh Regina-"
"Tink," Regina begins, shaking her head.
"But you can finally rekindle your love for each other!"
"It's not love."
"Yes it is!"
"No it is not!"
"Are you sure about that?"
"Yes! For the love of God and everything good in this world, we are not in love!"
"Okay," Tink sighs, pursing her lips.
"Stop giving me that look," Regina commands, scowling.
"What look?"
"The look of an immature twelve year old whenever the idea of sex arises."
"Whoa, way to make things escalate," Tink says, raising her hands in defense.
"I'm serious," Regina replies, narrowing her eyes.
"That's the problem." The blonde grins.
"Stop it!", Regina says, choking down a laugh. Tink smirks mischievously. "Oh you are bad," the brunette adds.
"That's why you love me so much," Tink responds.
"Maybe too much."
"Oh stop it," the blonde says, rolling her eyes, "Come on. Lunch?"
The cafeteria as usual is packed with students and company members alike. Regina and Tink make their way around the throng of tables with their trays of food; a cob salad for Regina, and a bowl of chicken noodle soup for Tink. They head towards their normal seat in the corner of the immense dining area. Around them, dancers engage animatedly in conversations of all topics surrounding dance and the like. It's a pleasant and cheerful atmosphere, bright like the sun's rays that peek through the large windows that look out towards the large strip of green that surrounds the academy.
"So what do you think of Mr. Booth?", Tink asks curiously as they take their seats.
Regina frowns. "The new guy?" She shrugs. "I don't know. He's a bit strange for my taste. But it doesn't bother me."
"Yes. But he's always talking about some kind of higher plane of existence that we must reach whenever we dance. I just don't understand it. The way he explains the way we should portray our emotions and act is so whimsical and detached from this world. It doesn't even make sense to me."
"But that's what makes the best dancers, no? The ones who can detach themselves from reality and envelope themselves into another world, a world of their own creation."
"Is that what you do? Do you reach this higher plane of existence like this Booth guy says?"
Regina lifts her shoulders again. "Maybe. Dance has always been my escape. You know that."
"I do, but it's just that I don't think you'd take it so far as to what Mr. Booth describes," Tink scoffs.
"You don't know that," Regina responds, frowning, "I give all I have to escape from this world."
"Graham!", Regina exclaims as she bumps literally into her new dance partner on the way back to rehearsal. "I'm sorry I didn't see you there."
"It's all right," the young dirty blonde boy responds, his grey eyes wide. Regina meets his gaze shyly, tucking a stray strand of hair that has fallen from her impeccable bun behind her ear. "Fancy running into you," Graham continues with a gentle smile.
"Back at you," Regina says with a swift chuckle as she continues to walk quickly from him.
"It's nice to finally be able to work with you though, Regina," Graham calls after her as he jogs back up to her side.
"The same to you. Congratulations by the way," is the quick reply. To that Graham sighs before quickly maneuvering himself around the brunette to come in front and block her path. Regina frowns. "Look, I need to get to rehearsal. I'm late."
Graham smirks shyly, shaking his head at her. "You're never late, Regina. Please, can we just talk for a minute?"
"Talk about what?", Regina groans exasperatedly.
"About our kiss," comes the dreaded answer.
"It was just a kiss, Graham," Regina whispers, shaking her head.
"So?"
"So we kissed. People kiss all the time. That doesn't mean anything."
"Are you sure about that?"
"Graham not now," Regina persists, trying to step around him. But the man slides to the side, effectively blocking her once more.
"Then when? How long are you going to keep avoiding me?", he questions.
"Long enough so that I don't get into something I regret."
"What could you possibly regret from having a conversation with me?"
"You'd be surprised."
"Regina…"
Graham sighs, shifting from one foot to the other. There's a suspenseful silence between the two as Regina glares at the man opposite her, until he decides to speak again. "Look, I'm going clubbing tonight and it would be great if you could come along."
Regina squints at Graham, placing her hands on her hips. "I don't club."
"Just try it this once, Regina," Graham pleads, "I just want to get to know more about my dance partner other than some arbitrary kiss, as I suppose that's what you believe it is."
"Strange way of getting to know a dance partner I'd say," Regina remarks, rolling her eyes. But the man merely shrugs, offering a small smile. "It's unlike you to even go to a club, what the hell?", Regina adds, scoffing.
"Well Tink said-"
"You've been talking to Tink?!", Regina explodes, eyes widening as her mouth drops open.
"I ran into her earlier this morning. She said it would be a good idea," Graham mutters, shrugging.
"Let me guess, this is another one of her schemes to help me 'get out' more?", Regina sniffs. The man nods, shrugging again. "I feel as if I'm being ganged up on here."
"Regina…"
"I'm going to kill Tink."
"Regina!"
"Okay fine!", Regina yells, throwing her hands up in the air in defeat. "Okay fine, I'll go. Now if you'll excuse me I'm actually late for rehearsal now, thanks to you and my nutty friend," she huffs, earning a widening smile from her new dance partner.
"Oh Regina you look fabulous!", Tink gushes as Regina descends the stairs of her small flat, tucked away in the very heart of London. Regina shakes her head, smirking all the way. Wearing her six inch heeled pumps, she climbs down the stairs clad in a simple all black, form fitting cocktail dress with a plunging neckline. It reaches just above her knees, showing off her body's curves just perfectly. Her ebony hair is down for a change, wavy, and reaching just below her shoulders. Lips are stained a deep rouge, and makeup is dark yet classy.
"Just wait until Graham sees you!", her best friend coos, "One look and his mouth will practically water!"
Regina halts on the bottom step, raising a perfectly penciled eyebrow. "He better not," she retorts, "That is just gross."
Tink rolls her eyes. "Come on moody, lighten up. It's finally Friday night. We are going to have fun. Everything's going to be fine."
"In my dreams," Regina mutters.
"Seriously? What is your problem?", Tink groans frustratedly.
"My mother called. She's at it again."
"Well you can forget your mother for just these few hours."
Regina glares at her friend, opening her mouth as if to retort. But the young blonde shakes her head, holding up a finger to her friend's lips. "Regina," Tink states seriously, "You need this."
The brunette gazes back warily at her. She supposes that Tink is trying to help. And despite the fact that Regina can hardly keep up with such boundless energy and optimism, the spunky blonde does mean well. Perhaps this will be good for Regina. Perhaps this will do the brunette some good to loosen up even if it's at least for an hour or two. It's true. Regina is far too uptight. She even recognizes such a habit within herself, a dominating characteristic of her personality. And it is one that she blames solely on her mother. Regina sighs deeply. What could possibly happen anyway? What does she have to lose that she hasn't already? So it is with a deep sigh and a firm nod that she forces a smile.
"That's the spirit," Tink says, squeezing her friend's shoulder encouragingly, before the two head outside to the waiting uber.
The bar is packed, even more so since it is a typical Friday night. Regina meets Graham just outside. Smiling warmly, the man takes her into his arms in a hug. This takes the brunette aback slightly. Yet nevertheless, she accepts the hug gracefully, finally coming to realize that this is most likely how circumstances will be from now on. Does she mind it at all? She's still not so sure.
Once inside, the two immediately lose sight of Tink. The blonde has already disappeared mingling with a group of other girls from the company that just so happen to attend the same bar as well. So upon finding herself truly now, stuck with Graham, Regina finds nothing better to do but to follow the man as he heads to the bar to grab a couple of shots.
Throwing back the first one is hard for Regina, as she scrunches her nose, feeling the burning liquor run down the back of her throat, leaving behind a path of scorched, raw skin.
"You all right?", Graham shouts over the loud thumping of club music. Regina nods, lifting her hand towards the bartender and signaling for another shot. "Another?", Graham asks, rather surprised.
Regina shrugs. "Anything better planned?"
Graham laughs, shrugging as well. "Good point." Regina laughs along with him. She's here, right? Might as well.
After her third drink, the brunette finds that light buzz to be rather appealing as the alcohol soon begins to accumulate and take effect. Right now the woman is in her prime, as she finds herself far more relaxed than she'd ever felt before, and more able to enjoy the bouncing atmosphere of the bar. Beaming, she dances hotly up against Graham, much to his delight, in the middle of the dance floor. Sweating bodies press up against one another, hearts pound, ears ring, breaths heavy. Regina laughs freely, bobbing her head up and down as her hips sway back and forth to the heavy rhythm of the mix. Graham's hands lay steady on her hips as she dances in front of him, her rear gently swiping his growing erection.
Round four of liquor and Regina begins to slightly lose control. Being the lightweight, fragile dancer she is, she is quick to find that such alcohol does not agree well with her body. Her movements become messy and less calculated, her dancing more erratic and uncoordinated. The fifth shot passes her lips and she finds she has to lean against Graham to keep from falling flat on her face.
"Graham," she slurs, hanging onto his arm. Graham looks down at her, cupping her face in his hands.
"You're very drunk right now," he declares, shaking his head.
"Yeah that's right. Way to go, stating the obvious," she snickers, pursing her lips, "Ya shoulda known that when ya brought me here…"
Graham sighs, shaking his head. "I thought your uptightness would still get the best of you even still."
Regina laughs. "No, silly!", she scolds, wagging a finger at him.
"You really are drunk."
"Yep…"
He sighs, taking the wasted brunette into his arms. "Come on, let's take you home."
"No!", Regina pouts, moving from his grasp, "I wanna stay. Just one more dance, please?"
"Regina…"
"Noo! Where's Tink? I wanna to talk to Tink!"
"Tink is probably flirting with some guy."
Regina giggles. "Oh she would be."
"Yes. Now can we go? I'm starting to see that it was a mistake to bring you here."
"You're so confusing!", Regina huffs, crossing her arms clumsily. "First you want me here and now you don't."
"Yes I know, and I'm sorry."
"What if I said that I love you?", Regina giggles, a playful smirk gracing her lips. This halts Graham in his tracks.
"What?", he breathes.
"You heard me. I love you," Regina drawls, pursing her lips at him.
"But you're too drunk to be thinking straight," Graham says, almost disappointedly.
"But don't we speak the truth when we're drunk?", Regina retorts, pushing out her lower lip. "Come on, if I say that I love you, which can be very true, you'll let me stay a little longer?"
"Well-you really are making no sense right now-that is what we're doing now right, staying a little longer chatting about something that unfortunately may not be true?"
"I suppose," the brunette snickers again, gazing up at him with her large brown eyes. Graham rolls his eyes and chuckles.
"All right," he says, pressing a quick kiss to her lips, "One last dance." He smiles down at her. And then, all of a sudden, everything in Regina's world goes black.
Thanks for reading! I'd like to make a quick note in regards to my story. It is important that you all know that the dance company I use and reference to in this story is a real dance company; quite prestigious in the ballet world. That being said, I don't want to take anything away from them in regards with their rehearsal process and schedule, and other aspects of the like. I am just writing what I believe that should be true, having experienced hardcore ballet at least on a pre-professional level.
More to come very, very shortly! Please stay tuned, and don't forget to review!