Note: Thanks for all the positive feedback! It really means a lot. So I will be continuing this story.
(8:00 P.M.)
"You have the room all to yourself?" I said as we walked into Christian's room. We had already caught up with everyone else from last year and met some of the new first years.
"Yeah pretty nice, right?" Christian sat down on his bed and looked at me. "Come sit."
I smiled and sat down next to him. We were only and inch apart. It seemed like forever because we were just sitting there. I couldn't help but smile back because of the adorable way the mole above his lip went up when he smiled. I've never seen him smile so much. Maybe over the summer he got himself together. I wanted to ask but I couldn't.
He put one hand on my face and leaned in to kiss me. I was about to lean in but then pulled back and put my hand on my forehead.
"Tara, are you alright?" he pulled back and asked with a confused look on his face.
"Yes I'm fine, sorry." I felt so embarrassed. Why did I do that?
"Are you sure?"
"Yes!" I snapped back. "Sorry I—that was my fault. I'm sorry I guess I just didn't get enough sleep."
I could tell by Christian's face that he knew I was lying. He just kept looking at me. It was like he was searching my mind to find all the answers. Why did he have to be so perfect yet so curious?
"Look," I said with a fake smile "I'm fine, I just need to rest."
"Tara," I knew he was concerned. He put his arms around me and pulled me close. I lay my head up against his shoulder and was fighting back tears. I knew I couldn't keep anything from him rather I wanted to or not. I could feel my eyes burning so I turned my head and put my face into his shirt. "Tara, look at me."
I didn't have a choice. Tears wear already running down my face. I slightly turned my head and looked at him. "I'm sorry," I said, choking.
He moved my head so that I was completely facing him. He then used his index finger to wipe the tear that was running down my face. "I knew this would happen but I didn't think this soon."
"How did you—"
"It's obvious Tara." He spoke with the same tone of voice. "When was the last time you ate? You're just going to turn into another Abigail and I won't let that happen."
"I'm not like Abigail."
"I know but," he paused. "I'm sorry Tara, I'm over reacting."
I was still crying and sniffling. "I'm so stupid. How did I let myself do this? I can't just stop now."
He held me in and we both lay down on his bed. My head was below his and I curled up against him. He put his arms back around me and put his head on mine. "It'll be okay. I promise." He kissed my forehead and I fell asleep.
…
The next thing I knew, I awoke from the sound of Grace walking around. I was in fact in my bedroom and not with Christian.
"Well good morning." Grace chuckled. "Did you and Christian have a fun time after curfew?"
"What are you talking about?"
Grace snorted. "He carried you in here around eleven."
"I fell asleep in his room." It took me a minute to realize how weird that sounded. I stood up and looked around for my tights and leotard. "Have you seen my tights? They were in my bag."
"Nope." Grace was putting her hair up into a bun. I had searched pretty much everywhere.
"I had like three pairs! Where are they?"
"I don't know but class is gonna start in ten minutes." Grace smiled and walked out of the room with her bag in one hand and pointe shoes in the other.
I was panicking and after a while, I decided to look on Grace's side. Sure enough, I found them in her drawer. I had to completely change and put my hair in a bun. I looked at the clock. Class had started five minutes ago!
I ran as fast as I could and finally ended up in the room with my bag on my shoulder.
Everyone was at the barre. Ms. Raine looked over and walked to me. "Tara, you're late. I would expect more from a third year on the first day." She snapped. "Go to the barre."
I nodded and quickly walked to the barre. I saw Abigail smile at me.
After ten minutes Ms. Raine said, "Since you and your pa de deux partner worked so well together last year, you will be with the same partner for this semester."
I looked over to Christian who was gesturing a "yay!" with his fists. I giggled a little nd Ms. Raine must have spotted it because she shot me a glance.
…..
After class we all went to lunch. Me, Christian, Abigail, and Kat sat together. "Tara what do you want from the "delicious" food selection?" Christian got up and said.
"A salad I guess."
Christian's smile went flat. "Ok," He walked away.
Kat sat there, eating a doughnut and Abigail was drinking green tea. "You and Christian are together again?' Abigail asked.
"Yeah," I blushed.
Christian came back with my salad and a burger for himself. He put it in front of me and sat down. I took a few bites and then put my fork down.
After a while Kat asked, "Hey Tara why aren't you eating?"
"Huh? Oh, I don't like it."
Kat laughed. "How can you be picky about lettuce and tomatoes?"
Christian interrupted, "Tara can I talk to you over there?" He didn't give me time o answer and he took my hand.
"Christian, I know what you're going to say." I said.
"I just don't like seeing you like this."
"What do you mean?"
"I know you're hungry and you're body is perfect."
I looked down. "I'm flattered. Truly, but this isn't your problem."
"Yes, but I'm the only one who can help."
"But—"
"You can't do everything on your own Tara!"
"It seems like I can't do anything on my own anymore." I looked to the side trying to avoid eye contact because I knew he was angry at me. But then he took a step closer and put my in his arms. He then kissed my cheek.
Maybe he was right. Maybe I couldn't do everything on my own and need help. I'm just glad he was the only one who knew. I was happy that I was against him. That's exactly where I wanted to be. Away from everyone else besides him because he was the only one who understood. At least, that's what I thought.
