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----The Ballet's Embrace----
By:
Katherine Bermudo
a.k.a
xXxSimple-PassionxXx cuttieblossom
---Prolouge---
"Grandmother, can I hear one of your stories please?. Papa said I can stay here for my whole spring break." A girl gushed out accompanied by a cheeky grin. Her emerald eyes sparkling with joy as she watched her grandmother take a sip from her china tea cup.
"What kind of story would you like to hear sweetie. There are tons to tell yet I can't pick one, but since I'd be telling you the little fairytale. I'm giving you the choice." The aging woman said adjusting her specs that hid the eyes that has showed the signs or graceful aging. Telling the tale of her old age, yet with her old age comes knowledge that you can only acquire through experience and time.
The little girl scrunched up her face in thought. A habit that she seemed to have inherited from her father. Then in a matter of seconds her scrunched up serious face flushed and a grin formed in her beautiful face as she finally came up with what kind of story she would like to hear.
"Well, I thought maybe you can tell me a story about a ballerina." She said excitedly. "It'll be good, because I wanna be a ballerina and maybe she'll be my inspiration. I hope, someday I'll be the best ballet dancer, the world has ever seen" She stated turning her already sparkling eyes to twinkling stars causing the older woman to smile.
"Very well, I'll tell you a little story about a simple girl who's only escape from life and only passion was dancing. Until of course when fate played with her life and she fell in love..." Taking a shaky breath she started...
The Fairytale Begins...
Once upon a time, in a place called Tomoeda lived a loving couple. Their names were Nadeshiko and Fujitaka Kinomoto. The life they lived was perfect. Or at least as close to perfection as you can get. They were not filthy rich but they were not experiencing poverty either. Fujitaka had a stable job as a teacher and an archaeologist. Nadeshiko was a model before she fell in love with the somewhat famous archaeologist Fujitaka. They married after a 3 month love affair. Now Nadeshiko is a proud house-wife.
The perfect life just kept getting better when the news of Nadeshiko carrying a child was revealed. The happy couple spread the news around and their loving neighbors just seemed to catch the perkyness and happiness they had. The neighbors would send congratulations and would visit from time to time.
But sometimes not everything is going to be perfect. The time of the baby's birth came. The labour was flowing smoothly at first. Until a minor complication turned worse making Nadeshiko bleed more than necessary after the child's birth. The doctors tried everything but, unfortunately. She lost too much blood, and the child birth has left her weak causing her death.
The doctor came out of the operating room with a little baby girl in his arms. A deep sorrow shown in his blue eyes. "I'm sorry Mr. Kinomoto. We did all we could." He bowed his head as he handed Fujitaka his baby. "But Fujitaka remember you still have this healthy baby to live for. I'm sure she would've wanted you to move on." The doctor reassured as he saw the deep rage showing through Fujitaka's eyes when he heard the dreadful news. But the doctor, his best friend Tomuyito's words cleared his thoughts of rage. Instead one tear drop glided through his cheeks and he looked at his daughter with pure love and determination in his eyes. ' I will take care of you my little Sakura' He thought calling his daughter the name his wife would've wanted to name her.
"She's beautiful, she even has Nadeshiko's emerald eyes." Fujitaka murmured. He looked at Tomuyito's eyes and his friend gave him a comforting smile and said "That she is..." Fujitaka shakily caressed Sakura's face, all the while Sakura tried to grab his finger making Fujitaka's heart swell with joy and now he was in love with the little bundle more than ever. He would be the best father he can.
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Years passed, 5 years to be exact . Fujitaka's world circled around his pride and joy and of course his job. It was the first day of ballet school for Sakura. His daughter was calm, collected and happy. She was excited because she was to start her ballet classes in one of the most famous school's known for ballet. Something she has wanted to do ever since she found out what ballet really was. Her father on the other hand wasn't as lucky. He was so nervous and scared. 5 years passed by so fast. First she was taking her first steps next thing he knew she was going to ballet classes and school. What was next? A wedding!
"Dad! What's wrong? You look pale." Sakura innocently asked her father pointing her equally innocent eyes at Fujitaka's dissolving any worries that he had.
"Nothing sweetie just thinking about stuff." He answered picking up her bag consisting of her lunch extra clothes baby powder, comb, mirror, a piece of cloth that can be put in her back if she sweats, and other necessities. "Dad I still think you put a little bit too much stuff in my backpack, it seems like I'm going camping or something. I'm only going to ballet class. Don't worry too much dad, ok?" Sakura asked sweetly sensing her father's worry. She loved her father so much. Despite tha fact that she would like to have a loving mother, her father makes up for it and she couldn't ask for anything more.
"Ok sweetheart but we have to go or you'll be late. I'll be late too, and if that happens my students would get mad at me." Fujitaka explained as he opened the door to his car carrying Sakura in and putting her seatbelt on then placed her bag beside her.
The drive to the dance center ,where the ballet class was held, was a quiet one. With soft music playing on the background. Sakura watched as trees and buildings stretched out as they pass by them. Finally they arrived to their destination and Fujitaka got her bag as he helped her out of the car. They entered the building and Sakura watched mesmerized by the picture more like portraits of famous ballerina's posted on the wall as. Some just standing some wearing a fancy tutu doing complicated ballet techniques. She walked through the long hallway inspecting each one.
"Here we are Sakura open the door." Fujitaka urged her daughter as they finally arrived at the classroom where the beginners 5 years old and under had classes for ballet.
Sakura did as she was told and was welcomed with a big studio with the walls completely covered by long rectangular mirrors. Some of kids her age were standing by the bar doing something that she was told a plié. Some were doing stretches by the corner. She turned around and looked at her dad with anxious and nervous eyes. Fujitaka's only answer was comforting smile. Sakura didn't notice but a beautiful woman approached them . To get their attention she greeted them with a simple smile and hello then said "Welcome to our class I hope you feel comfortable in here," She said to Sakura. "My name is Isabella Ishomika, I'll be your ballet instructor and mother in this studio." She smiled and winked at Sakura. "Oh yes and my name is Fujitaka Kinomoto and this is my daughter.." before he can continue Sakura interrupted him and said "Sakura Kinomoto I'm five years old and I started school last week!" Sakura said excitedly holding up her hand making the five sign. Feeling extremely comfortable with the older woman.
"Okay then since the introduction is done. I have to teach my class now. I'm sure Sakura, would be fine right" Fujitaka said kissing his daughter and bidding her goodbye.
"Okay Sakura are you ready to dance?" Isabella asked excitedly. "Of course Ishomika Sensei!" Sakura answered. Doing the stretches some of the girls were doing as her teacher asked her to. Once she was trying to balance with only one feet on the ground when accidentally lost her balance and almost fell. Luckily a girl with amethyst yes and a dark violet hair caught her before she landed on the hard ground of the studio. "Thank you." Sakura said gratefully. "Your welcome! Oh My gosh your eyes are SO kawaii!" The other girl said and started giggling as Sakura sweat dropped. She had friends at school but she's never met one like this.
Then before she could get up another girl with crimson eyes and jet black hair appeared and said "I'm sorry about my friend. Tomoyo's just like that when she likes a person." The girl said irritably. "By the way My name is Mei Lin Li, and my weird friend over there is Tomoyo Daidoujii." Mei Lin said holding up her hand for a hand shake. Sakura took her hand and shook it "My name is Sakura Kinomoto it's nice to meet you." Sakura said shyly. Just then Tomoyo gushed out. "Were gonna be the best-est friends. THIS IS SOO KAWAII!" Tomoyo said jumping up and down making Mei Lin and Sakura slowly walk away. And the best of friend they did become.
5 years came and gone again. 10 year old Sakura started doing her usual demi pliés holding on the the barre she continued after a few with a grand plié almost having a little difficulty. She then proceeded doing tendues carefully stretching her legs and pointing her feet. After a few minutes of this she went on with her ports de bras moving her arms and bending backwards to the slow calming rythm of the background song. Behind her was Mei Lin already late and only starting out with her pliés. While in front of her in the barre was Tomoyo ahead of her and finishing up her portes de bras.
Once everyone was done their warm ups. After a few more stretching Ishomika sensei ordered them to listen to her as she dictates the moves to them on their position lined up along the barres. "Demi plié, grand plié, demi pliés along with ports de bras repeat a grand plié. then portes de bras and a nice dégagé CEASE!" Ishomiko sensei was nice but she was very strict when it comes to teaching. She would always want to bring out the best of the dancer and she would always like a nice and clean technique from everyone. She turned her head to face Mei Lin who was sweating nervously. She stared her down and said. "I asked for a nice and clean dégagé Mei Lin, not a tendue! now do a dégagé for me. " Mei Lin did as she was told. Ishomiko sensei smiled "Meet me afterat my office ok? You too girls" She said meaning Tomoyo and Sakura.
After the class has ended after a few rather hard moves to do. The girls stayed just like what their teacher told them. "Mei Lin" Ishomiko Sensei said calmly making Mei Lin jump. "I see that your quite tired when you arrive to classes what's been going on dear?" She asked gently getting a sigh of relief from Tomoyo and Sakura but a tired one from Mei Lin. "My father wants me to learn martial arts I wanna learn too but my cousin insisted on helping me train but he's a slave driver and all the drills that he makes me do just makes me sooo tired. Then my mother wants me to do ballet and its one of my passion but its usually after my martial arts training and I'm already tired after. Sorry sensei I'll try to concentrate more. " Mei Lin explained with a deep breath. "I understand." Ishomiko said then smiled.
"Okay the real reason I asked you guys to stay is because since summer is coming up. Theres this summer camp for young ballerina's It really does help with your techniques and schools all around the country send their 3 best ballerina's in there for training, and I would like to ask you if your interested and here's the permission form you will give to your parents." She said handing them 3 pieces of paper.
"Okay sensei." They answered excitedly.
The three girls went home in Tomoyo's Limousine. Which they have done ever since they were smaller. Though they are still children up to this day. They were the best of friends just as Tomoyo predicted excitedly 5 years ago. Though they did not attend the same school since Tomoyo goes to a private boarding school but was allowed to go to her classes when she has some. Mei Lin goes to a private Chinese school. Where her other cousins go and other children of Chinese business men. Sakura preferred to go to a middle class school. It wasn't public but it wasn't private either. It was a new experiment by the government.
"Bye guys! See yah on Monday!" Sakura said as she waved to her friend goodbye. She was so happy that it was a Friday. Means her father would stay home the whole day. She unlocked her door and entered her house with a cheerful smile on her face and called out "DADDY I'M HOMEEEEEEE!" She exclaimed just then a tall woman with fiery red hair and piercing blue eyes greeted her with an obviously fake smile. "Hello Sakura." She said with a tinge of sarcasm in her voice. "Oh hello Sakura, this is Felicia. She's a new teacher in the university. " Fujitaka said with all smiles.
That greeting was followed by a few introduction and stories. Finally Sakura asked Fujitaka about the camp that she wanted to go to for ballet. Her father reluctantly agreed with Felicia's insistent persuasion. Before everyone knew it the night was over and Felicia said her goodbyes. Fujitaka then said. "She would be a great mother don't you think?" Fujitaka faced her daughter when she didn't reply. She just gave him a cold hard stare, turned around and left the room.
A few weeks passed and it was already summer. Sakura already left for camp. Not wanting to be lonely Fujitaka went to America just to visit old friends. What or maybe who he saw there, changed his and Sakura's life forever. After a supposedly surprise meeting between the two (Fujitaka and Felicia) supposedly fell in love. The news was broken to Sakura after she came back from a fun camp. After a few months. Felicia and Fujitaka got married. Fujitaka the fool, believed everything she said. One of those advices were to send Sakura in the boarding school Tomoyo's going to. Even though Sakura pleaded not to go. Her pleas weren't heard.
"FATHER NO! PLEASE DON'T SEND ME AWAY!" Sakura exclaimed through the window of the speeding car taking her to her destination. Unknown to Fujitaka and Sakura as they said their goodbyes. Felicia had an evil glint in her eyes. An evil glint that was fairly obvious the downfall of the Kinomoto family.
And downfall it was. After 5 years of planning. All the savings that Fujitaka saved for Sakura's college and other important stuff was taken away by Felicia. All transferred to her account. And all their property was taken from the divorce since Fujitaka couldn't hire a good lawyer to match Felicia. Sakura was sent home since Fujitaka didn't have enough money to continue sending her to the private school. They moved to a run down apartment in a not so good area. Though poor Fujitaka somehow managed to keep his car, and keep Sakura in her ballet class. Then one day a letter came. A letter saying Fujitaka was fired from his job. Because his lack of attention to his students since he came back after the divorce.
"Father, whats wrong?" 15 year old Sakura asked agitated.
"I was fired Sakura." Was Fujitaka's only response. Then he clutched his chest. He started breathing hard and then called out. "Sakura CALL THE AMBULANCE."
The way to the hospital was long and after a few shocks Fujitaka whispered to Sakura weakly. "Sakura, I love you. I'm sorry that I caused you pain. Everything is going to be alright ok darling?" With a weak sigh and a teardrop. Fujitaka's Eyelids dropped and his heart stopped beating. "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO FATHER!" Sakura screamed making the doctors and the nurse at the ambulance look at Sakura sympathetically.
---
Glittering Tears of grief slithered down her soft cheeks. All was gone in her life theres nothing to live for. Her mother was gone. Her father left her alone and only a child at the age of 15 years old.
I'm so tired of being here
suppressed by all my childish fears
and if you have to leave i wish that you would just leave
'cause your presence still lingers here
and it won't leave me alone
She walked slowly to the coffin of her beloved father. It was simple but decent. All her friend's donations and his student's donations gave her enough money for a decent funeral. She was alone. Though Tomoyo and Mei Lin were hugging her from behind . The pain was still there throbbing driving her insane.
These wounds won't seem to heal
This pain is just too real
there's just too much that time cannot erase...
She was now told to live with her great aunt Matilda. A very distant relative. Her only existent relative. She was an old woman the age of 56. She was to take 'care' of Sakura. Sakura knew her life was going to be hell.
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
I held your hand through all of these years
but you still have all of me
She remembered her father's comforting embrace and soothing words when she was sad. She needed that. She needed him to stop her tears right now. She was all alone now. No money, a grumpy guardian. Can life get any better?
you used to captivate me
by your resonating life now I'm bound by the life
you left behind your face it haunts
my once pleasant dreams
your voice it chased away
all the sanity in me
She watched her father's coffin being lowered down to the earth beside her mother's grave. They will be together. Forever.
These wounds won't seem to heal
This pain is just too real
there's just too much that time cannot erase...
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
I held your hand through all of these years
but you still have all of me
Her eyes were red and puffy as she walked away from her father's grave wearing the color of grief. BLACK. She would be wearing this. Until she was happy. Until she was at peace.
I've tried so hard to tell myself that you're gone
but though you're still with me
I've been alone all along'
She got on her great aunt's car as they drove back to her mansion. With the eerie look of Misery in it. It was clearly written all over it. Then her great aunt spoke. "Just because I took you in doesn't mean that you'll live the easy life. You will work in this house you'll help my granddaughter Rika to fix things around. Every Wednesday, Thursday and Mondays are the days you can take a break and do whatever you want after school. Rika will show you around the house. " She said harshly shoving Sakura to a skinny girl with red hair. The girl smiled shyly at Sakura and led her to her room. Sakura knew it was the start of a good friendship, and a rocky life.
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
I held your hand through all of these years
but you still have all of me
Sakura worked hard in her great aunt's mansion. She cleaned she arranged and she kept it in one piece with Rika. Though in their breaks they would just hang around the malt shop. Sakura was actually looking for a job along with Rika so they can earn extra money to buy some new clothes. Since Sakura's been wearing the same clothes for a few months and she needs new ones because she grew. Rika on the other hand, her grandmother never buys her clothes unless she grew a lot. Her clothes were worn down and had holes in it. Then all of a sudden they passed by the Dance center bumping into Ishomiko Sensei. Sakura explained her situation to Ms. Ishomiko, she explained why she didn't dance anymore. Ms. Ishomiko then had a brilliant idea for Sakura and Rika. She told them that they can help out with the younger students after school every Thursdays. And Rika will earn money while Sakura can get her lessons every Monday and Thursday. Rika can come along as well. Surprisingly Rika had ballet basics and was looking forward to developing it.
This continued on for 4 years until finally. Both Sakura and Rika were old enough to go to college. Luckily they got a loan, and they started working. With the help of Tomoyo Sakura got to model a little. It was enough to pay for her ballet classes and extra expenses. Her loan was for her degree in business. Just in case her dreams of being a professional ballet dancer didn't happen. Rika being the creative girl that she is took up screen writing. Where she met her fiancé, a teacher and also apparently a multi billionaire's only heir. He was just teaching for fun when he luckily met Rika. Though they were ten years apart. They were in love and to be married when Rika turns 20.
Sakura then found a job at marbles. A popular club Tomoyo's boyfriend owns. All was good all was fine. But not all good stays am I right?
--
At the dance centre...
"So Sakura, you ok?" Mei Lin asked her friend. Knowing the problems she went through
"Yeah Mei Lin I think I'm cool. I think my life's gonna get better soon." Sakura said wistfully as she finished her plié exercises. She was nineteen and she was gonna be happy. If it's the last thing she does.
"Oh yeah, are you guys going to the audition tomorrow?" Sakura asked stretching a little bit.
"WOULDNT MISS IT FOR THE WORLD! THIS IS SOO KAWAII!" Tomoyo said popping out of nowhere. "Just joking you guys. Of course we'll all be there and we're gonna make it!" Tomoyo reassured seeing their nervous glances.
"So Tomoyo, how's albert?" Mei-Lin asked. Albert was Tomoyo's boyfriend. The one who owns the bar Sakura works at.
"He's dreamy awesome kisser too. Too bad he has snaky hands." Tomoyo sighed, "Seems to me all he cares about nowadays is to break my vow about the sex thing." Tomoyo glowered and stared at the floor angrily.
"Oh please we all know what your waiting for." Mei-Lin smirked.
"And what would that be?" Tomoyo asked her eyebrows perked up in interest.
"The better question is who!" Sakura said chuckling at her friend's denial.
Tomoyo stuck her tongue out. "Ew who would want that bastard in the first place!" Tomoyo said haughtily.
"You, if I remember correctly your the one who cried non-stop when he hooked up wit Kaho." Mei-Lin said laughing her ass off along wit Sakura.
"OOH YOU GUYS ARE GONNA GET IT!" Tomoyo exclaimed chasing them when they started running
Her misery is it ending or is it just starting...
The Ballet's Embrace
By:
Katherine Bermudo
a.k.a
xXxSimple-PassionxXx -- ..oOo..cuttieblossom..oOo..
- End-- 0 --Prologue -
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Author's Notes:Ok so theres the so fricken long prologue? So waddya think is it too long. Sorry for the lack of detail. It's just that I just wanted to give you a summary of Sakura's sad life please r&R! I'll appreciate your comments. THIS IS JUST THE START I REPEAT! I'll be taking things slow after this. I just wanted to explain Sakura's past before I start her new life ok? ok?