Here's the first chapter to; 'Love Eternal'. Enjoy :)
"Great Job, Christina. Give me a couple more arabesques, than bring it to a assemble', and end it with a plie'." The instructor told her.
Christina took a couple soothing deep breathes and did just that. She danced with a well coordinated and precision grace. Something that can take a lifetime for a dancer to achieve. Yet unlike most; she was a natural born dancer. Even at Thirty-One years old, Christina was still going strong and showing no signs of slowing down in her dancing career.
She went through with each move with practiced fluidity with the music. Then finally finished off with a soft plie' as the song ended. It was the perfect ending to what seemed like a very long day of practice and training. Luckily, she was use to it. Still, no matter how much endurance and stamina you have; odds are you will still feel wiped out near the end of the day.
Christina walked off towards one of the benches that lined the room. She took the towel offered to her by a fellow dancer and friend with a thanks. Then used it to lightly pat her face and neck that was slightly damp with sweat. Next, she grabbed her water bottle and took a few large swigs from it.
"Nice Job today Ladies! Get a good night's rest and we will resume training at 10am." Instructor Lizzie Tanner announced.
With that, Christina threw the towel over her shoulder and went over to change her shoes, and throw them in her bag. As she was grabbing her stuff out of her locker, she heard a voice off to her left.
"Nice routine out there. I can also see why you went with that song. It certainly flows well with the movements. And here I thought you wouldn't be able to find a way to make it work. But then, you really can dance to just about any type of music." They said.
Christina smiled and turned her attention to her friend and fellow dancer; Lauren. The quirky blonde and herself go way back and was probably her oldest friend. Both their Moms had them in ballet slippers while they were still in preschool together. Though both young women would've never imagined that they would both be fortunate enough to make it into such a challenging and competitive business that is professional dancing.
The petite brunette let out a slight chuckle at her friend's statement.
"I coin it to part of having a huge imagination. That plus, listening to each song and figuring out which move is best suited for each part of a single song as it plays out. For instance, when I dance to a song that has parts in it that are played with electric guitar; I use some of my more aggressive and energetic moves. Whereas; parts that include an instrument suc harp; I like to use moves that are softer and more gentle. But then, you already knew this since I have explained it to you several times before." Christina teased.
Lauren laughs a little at this because she knows this is true. Still, it never ceases to amaze her that Christina can take what sounds like a mash up of a song and still manage to orchestrate a whole routine to it. She believes that's one of the many things that the audience finds captivating whenever they have a show. Well, that and the fact that she really is just super talented in what she does.
Hell, Christina wouldn't have the rank as Principal Dancer if she weren't as good as she was. In which case; that is the highest rank that a ballerina can achieve in their lifetime if they're good enough.
After they gathered all their stuff, they left together, and headed to the parking lot.
"Did you happen to let Lizzie know yet; that your taking a vacation across seas to visit Bulma?" Lauren asked.
"Yeah, she's fine with it. We've just finished our last biggest performance about a week ago. Our next one isn't for another several months. Even so, I can still always practice a little when I'm over there. Bulma says the training room that her Husband uses is also open for use if I ever feel up to using it for training. Which is very nice of her. Because you know me, even when I'm suppose to be taking a break for it all; I can't go more than a few days without doing some training." Christina replied.
Lauren places a hand over her chest, "Oh no, of course not. The day that Christina Bianchi takes a long break from dancing; is surely the day the world just may come to an end." She joked in dramatic fashion.
Christina chuckles and leans into her friend, "They better play my favorite Overture when that time comes. And that's all I'm going to say."
Both women laughed as they went back and forth with the jokes. Until they fished their keys out of their pockets to unlock their cars. Before they entered their cars, Lauren called out to Christina one last time.
"Hey, tell Bulma I say; 'Hi', next time you talk to her. Ok?" Lauren says.
"No problem, take it easy tonight Lauren." Christina paused for a moment and smirked. "Try not to get too worked up if you find yourself 'sexting' that cute violinist again." She joked.
Lauren rolled her eyes and flipped her the bird.
"For Christ's Sake, that was 'One' time, Chrissie! And to be fair, I was tipsy when I did do that." The blonde said.
Christina just laughed as she plopped down into the driver's seat. It may have been one time, but it was certainly quite a memorable one. Her and a couple other friends were with Lauren when she pulled this stunt in her slightly inebriated state. One of the friends thought it funny to even go as far as recording the whole experience on her phone. Then waved it around and joked about keeping it for black mail if she needed it.
It's true that professional dancers have a pretty heavy work schedule. Which found them training six-seven hours a day. That still didn't mean they have no life outside of dancing though. They still find the time to still have fun when they are not parading around in pointe' shoes and take breaks from time to time. It's one advantage they have over younger dancers who are just starting out their careers and need to practice almost 24/7 with little downtime.
Once Christina made it out of the parking lot and onto a main road, she decided to call Bulma via bluetooth.
"Call Bulma." She said.
The phone rang on the car's touch screen a couple times, before there was an answer.
"Hey, Chrissie! What's up!?" Bulma said, her cheery voice echoing throughout the car.
"Hey, not much. Just letting you know I'm in the clear with Lizzie. I know it was last minute with asking her. But you know me, I get so wrapped up with dancing, I kind of forgot to ask her ahead of time." Christina replied.
"That's great! So Are we still expecting you by Sunday then?" Bulma asks.
"Yeah, I've already got a ticket for my flight. I'm still leaving out of Newark Airport. The plane leaves at 7:05pm and should be landing in South City International airport around 9:15am." Christina confirmed.
"Sounds great, I'll be there around ten after nine to pick you up." Bulma said.
"You bringing those adorable munchkins with you too?" Christina asks with a small smile.
"Well, I'm not sure how Bulla may fair in the usually overcrowded airport. But I should be able to bring Trunks along. Just be prepared, he hasn't seen you in a while, and may start chewing you're ear off when he sees you." Bulma warned.
Christina chuckles at this, "Yeah, Bulma. That won't be a problem. It has been a long time. So obviously, there will be a lot to catch up on with everyone."
"True, just remember to ignore Vegeta. You know how he tends to talk out his ass with some things. I'd just focus on talking with everyone else." Bulma stated.
That wouldn't be much of a problem with the young dancer. Christina hardly talks to him, since all he seem to do the last couple times was mock her 'Profession'. Normally, she would let it slide and not take things so personally. But the saiyan prince was just one of those people who really didn't know when to stop running his mouth. It certainly didn't help when he told her to quit living in Fantasy Land and to get a real job, last they saw one another.
That's when Christina reamed him a new one and struck back with a good comeback. Stating at least her 'Fantasy Job' paid her a good salary. Whereas; he didn't make a penny with all the 'Training' he does. Of course, Vegeta didn't like that, and the conversation ended with him snapping at her to; 'Piss Off', before he rose from his seat and stomped his way to the back door of their large home.
"Not a problem, Bulma. I'll be sure to try and steer clear of your possibly brain damaged Husband." Christina joked.
Though in truth, with all the fighting he does; she's surprised he hasn't received any type of trauma from everything he endured throughout the years as a fighter. Bulma just shrugs it off and stated it's because he's a Saiyan, and apparently; his kind have incredibly thick heads. A statement that had Christina laughing and she could definitely believe it. Especially, when it came to him.
"Alright, well I'll have your room prepared by the time you get here. You still plan on staying for a little over a month, right?" The older woman asks.
"Yeah, though I still kind of wish it could be a bit longer. I barely take vacations as it is. But with the big performances we have, they require a certain amount of hours of training. Because everything needs to be perfect in regards to each show. Especially, the bigger ones." Christina stated.
They ended up talking a few more minutes before hanging up. There was still a lot of time left before she got home. Commuting back and forth wasn't all so bad. Considering driving from The American School of Ballet in New York City to her home in Point Pleasant, New Jersey was only a one hour and sixteen minute drive. To her, it still beats taking the train back and forth everyday.
Christina was never crazy about taking the train and never really got use to it. She found it better to just drive up to the Ballet School herself. Her best friend Lauren was the same. She only lived seventeen minutes away from her in Belmar. Their Instructor Lizzie once offered to house dancers in a nice flat within the city not far from the school.
Both young women declined the other though, seeing as neither of them were city girls. Christina honestly didn't like New York City, but chose to go to The American School of Ballet because it was one of the best dance schools in the world and it was one of the closest to her home. She was born and raised in the picturesque beach town along the Jersey Coast. She was an outdoors girl with a love for the beach and fresh air. So it was easy to see how she wasn't a huge fan of a crowded, dirty, and rather dangerous city.
It was around twenty after seven when she pulled into the driveway. Her house was quite small, but it was just perfect for her. Since it was just her in the small ranch house. It was certainly in a nice location, only several blocks from the beach. May was in full swing, and it was looking to be a rather hot Summer.
As she opened the front door, Christina was nearly bulldozed over, by her oversized fur ball. She leaned against the door while still laughing. It was always the same everyday with her dog, and she still always gets a kick out of it. Allie, her dog sitter came running over to calm the oversized pooch down.
"Yeah, I know. I'm glad to see you too, boy. How was he today Allie?" She asks.
"He was good, like always. And again, I'm sorry I couldn't bring him over my place these last few days. the renovations are taking a little longer than expected. Plus, I don't want this oversized rascal to get himself in trouble. Like making a mess with the paint or making off with one of the brushes to chew on." Allie replied.
"It's cool, I totally understand. I know this one is too nosy for his own good, and he has gotten himself into mischief plenty of times with me." Christina said, while eyeing her large Wolf Dog; Anubis.
He had a beautiful thick black coat of fur and looked very much like a wolf. It's because of his dark coloring and long snout; that she named him after the Egyptian God of Death. Don't let the name fool you though, because in truth; he was a giant lovable teddy bear. People in her neighborhood eventually learned this for themselves, when she convinced them he is friendly. Because let's face it, a Wolf Dog is quite a large and intimidating looking animal.
Christina thanked the dog sitter and said she will see her tomorrow. Now it was just her and her dog. She knew Anubis will look forward to the vacation she was taking. Mainly because he was going with her to Bulma's in a couple days. Christina only hopes he will be ok during such a long flight, but she felt guilty that her dancing took up a lot of her time. She wanted to make up for lost time with him by bringing him on this trip.
It was nice that the Capsule Corp. Heiress has opened her home to them both and had no problem housing the oversized dog under her roof. If anything, Anubis will enjoy the extra space and people. Christina also knew that her kids would get a kick out of the giant playful pooch.
"We're almost there, Anubis. Just a couple more days, than vacation time!" She said as she ran her hand over his broad head.
His long tail was going a mile a minute. She learned the hard way that it could also cause a lot of damage; when he knocked over a vase with it once. That's when she stopped leaving fragile things within his reach. Which fortunately for her, she didn't have too many fragile things laying around. If anything, Christina was happy that he broke that ugly vase. It was a gift from her Aunt, but the thing was downright hideous and so out of place in her small home.
"I know Allie just fed you and walked you. But after dinner, how about I take you down to the boardwalk?" She said.
His large ears perked up and he wagged his tail even faster at the news.
Christina took a brief shower before starting dinner. She heated up some leftovers from the other night and brought it to the living room. She pulled over the small folding table and placed it in front of her. Then she plopped up on the couch, grabbed the remote, and switched on the t.v. Eventually, settling on 'Impractical Jokers', while she ate.
Halfway through dinner, her phone beeped, as someone texted her. Christina picked up her phone and saw the message was from Bulma.
"Hey, I'm going grocery shopping tomorrow. Is there anything you would like me to pick up for you?"
Christina messaged her back; "Nothing in particular. Just get whatever you need. I promise not to be picky with whatever you make."
Her phone beeped again not a minute later.
"Alright. Everyone is excited to hear that your able to make it out here. Just be prepared, Mom is most likely going to ask you about everything that's been going on with dancing."
The young woman smirked at this, because if anyone were ever the biggest social butterfly; it was Panty Briefs herself. Christina responded back afterwards.
"It's cool, like I said; there is a lot to catch up on since it's been a while since I last visited."
They didn't text back and forth for much longer, before Christina put her phone back down so she could eat. She really couldn't wait to get out there and take a small break from all the work she has been doing here. Not only that, but she was also going to visit her other friends while she's there. It's been a long time, and she was wondering how Goku and his family was doing.
The only hint she ever got about them was when she called ChiChi a couple days ago and informed her that she was coming to South City to visit for a while. Surprise, surprise, when the headstrong woman told Christina he's been training...like always. Of course he would be, that man was just as devoted to his training if not more so, than she was to her own dance training.
Either way, at least she would get to see them all again. Plus, she was looking forward to meeting the family's newest addition; Pan. Christina only having seen pictures of the cute baby that were texted over to her by ChiChi. The young woman thought she was quite adorable and looked a lot like Gohan.
Yeah, there was certainly a lot of catching up to do. Christina only hopes that her next visit will be sooner rather than much later. Like the last few visits sadly tended to be. Her plan was to dance for a few more years, before retiring and taking up a position as a dance instructor. When that happens, she will definitely have more flex time to visit. That and she was hoping to finally settle down and start a family of her own.
Though the future isn't set in stone, and what Christina doesn't realize is; that this trip might be quite the life changer for her. Something she would've never expected to happen. Can only hope it happens for the better and not the worse.
Until Next Time ;)