First, I want to apologize for not posting for like 4 months. Like many other I became swamped with school and work, but I hope to be updating very often over the summer. Perhaps I will even be able to finish!!
Second, I want to thank everyone who has stuck with me this far. I appreciate all of your support and feedback--every review and encouraging and insightful.
Third, I hope you enjoy this chapter. It's not action packed but I believe it will help develop the story. Plus we get to see some of Kori's feeling towards Richard--always a plus.
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN THE TEEN TITANS
"Rachel?"
Rachel turned to see Kori standing in the doorway. "Hey, Kori." She carefully placed the file on the table sitting next to her bed and looked up again; Kori still remained in the doorway. "You can come in, Kori."
"Thanks Rachel." Kori made her way to Rachel's bed and sat down, twiddling her fingers. "I was wondering if you would like to accompany me for a day on the city." Rachel rolled her eyes and reached for the file. "I want to run over to the studio and I would truly love the company. Perhaps we could even grab lunch?"
Rachel looked at Kori, and then reluctantly nodded. "When are we leaving?"
"Whenever you are ready!!" Kori jumped off the bed and ran out the door.
About half and hour later Kori and Rachel headed for the door.
"Where are you lovely ladies going?"
Rachel slightly turned her head to look at Vic, "Out."
--
"KORI!! Darling, I'm so glad you are here!" Seline, the dance studio owner, promptly greeted Kori, kissing her cheeks. Seline had been part of the Russian Ballet for over 20 years before retiring and starting her own dance studio. Over the last 10 years three-fourths of all her students had been hired professionally. Though part of it may have dealt with their skill, most of it dealt with Seline's "one-way" mindset. If Seline wanted someone to do something, it would be done, no questions asked.
"Hello, Seline. This is my good friend Rachel."
"Yes, well that's very nice dear. However, I have wonderful news. Mr. Williamson from the Mayor's office just stopped by and asked if you would be interested in performing at the Jump City Christmas Charity Ball in December. I told him I was sure you would, seeing as it's 7 months away, but that I would run it by you just in case." Seline gave Kori her best approving smile, knowing Kori wouldn't say no.
Kori smiled, "Of course, Seline, I would love to."
"Wonderful, darling, wonderful. Now I have the perfect song for you to sing to and a routine that would fit perfectly…"
"Actually," Kori interrupted, "I have a piece that I would like to do and I would love to have you critique it."
"Well, I suppose. But you must know that if it were anyone else I would not allow it. This is only because you are my best pupil."
Rachel rolled her eyes. This woman is a nut-case. "Well, as much as we would love to stay, Kori and I have some places we need to be getting to."
"Yes, Seline. I will stop by later this week to talk about the piece."
"Yes, yes, very good darling. Now I have some students who need drastic work on their steps." Seline promptly exited the room leaving Rachel and Kori staring at the wall.
"Well, I guess that's over."
Kori nodded. "Perhaps now would be a good time to grab lunch. We could go to the deli by your art studio. I would love a Chicken Caesar Wrap."
"Kori, you never actually get the Caesar dressing, you always substitute it with mustard."
"What's wrong with that?"
Rachel just smirked.
--
Like every other time they had dined there, Kori got the strangest looks from the employees. They had eaten here dozens of times and it never ceased to amaze them that Kori wanted mustard instead of Caesar dressing.
"One of these days you should actually try the Caesar dressing." Rachel stated as Kori engulfed part of her wrap.
"Why? I like it better this way."
"True, but another way could be better."
Kori shrugged. "Perhaps."
Rachel looked at Kori, choosing her words carefully she said, "Have you ever tried to get over him?"
Kori's chewing slowed; she swallowed and looked at Rachel. "There were times I wanted to. After the explosion, when we thought he was gone forever, I told myself that I needed move on; that he wouldn't be there to pick me up when I fell. Over the years I tried to find other ways to love people but nothing compared to what I felt towards him. I even built a barrier to protect myself; it was built from all the times I had fallen and picked myself up again." Kori's eyes started to fill. "Then, he came back and that barrier…it just broke. I couldn't make sense of it, why I just fell apart like that, but I think it's because I truly love him. Without him, it's like I'm hollow."
Stifling a sob Kori continued, "Sadly, I do not know if he feels the same about me. What's worse is I feel like I'm still empty, even though I can see and touch him." Kori looked at Rachel with pleading eyes, "Rachel, how do I know what he is feeling? I do not understand why he acts like he does."
"No one does, Kori. Not even Victor or Gar. But there is one thing I do know. Whether or not he realizes it, he loves you too and one day, forbid it be too late, he'll realize it."
In order to comfort her friend Rachel smiled, and she watched Kori's face light up. Thankfully, it didn't take a lot to cheer her up.
"Mommy, what's that?" The boy's voice broke the silence at their table as Rachel and Kori turned to see what the boy was pointing at. No more than 10ft away stood two clowns performing magic tricks and creating balloon animals.
"I wonder what they are promoting." Without waiting for a reply, Kori jumped from her seat, scarping down the last bite of her meal, "We should go ask them."
"Do we have to? I hate clowns." Rachel mumbled quietly.
--
"Friends, I have GLORIOUS news!!" Richard looked up to see Kori skipping into the kitchen. Before he could say anything he heard Gar ask,
"What's going on Kor?"
"I have been invited to perform at the Jump City Christmas Charity Ball."
"That's great Kori."
Kori nodded her head. "And after the performance I will be allowed to enjoy the rest of the evening at the Ball following the performance."
"Is there anything else you want to say Kori?" Rachel asked walking through the doorway.
"Well, I was hoping you all would be my guests to this event. I would rather be with my friends than a bunch of strangers."
Richard laughed. "I understand that. I've been multiple balls and I rarely know anyone. But isn't this ball like in December?"
"Yes."
"Well, it's only May."
"Look at it this way, Rich. Now you can put it on your calendar and have plenty of time to prepare for it. No villain can take that evening away from you." Rachel smiled at her triumph.
"DUDE! You just got burned by Rae….."
"DON'T CALL ME RAE!!" the vase behind Gar exploded and he instantly turned into a mouse and ran underneath the couch. The room exploded in laughter.
--
The clowns made their way to the outskirts of town where the circus was set-up. Slipping inside the Big Top they made their way to the Ring Leader.
"What did you find out?"
"The girl is a dancer for a local studio and there is no doubt about her feelings towards the boy. Do you want us to grab her the next time she visits?"
"No, if we strike now we could loose everything. We must wait until everything is in place."
Again, I want to thank those of you who have continued to read this story. It means a lot. PLEASE REVIEW!! It is greatly appreciated and helps me see what my mistakes are and improve my writing and storytelling.
I also have a question for my readers. I have two options. One is to add another villain (like Aukia) into the story before we reach Pilot and the other is to go straight to the main villain, Pilot. Your opinions are very important. Thank you!!