A/N: Three things. 1) Thanks for all the support. 2) This chapter marks the final time this thing will be T rated. With the troubles last time I want to make sure you guys can read all of it right away. It will be M by tomorrow. WARNING: This chapter has somewhat disturbing parts. Rape. And screwiness. Skip if needed.
3) Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!
Act VII: Numb
~ It's a story about a princess… turned into a Swan… ~
A casually dressed Lily drops her bags. She stares into the darkness of the theater. Not one soul seems to be in the crowd but not the same could be said about the stage. On stage she sees a figure dancing, almost like a porcelain figurine, hitting every ballet move as perfect and effortless as a virtuoso would. The stage spotlight shines only on her… meanwhile the darkness surrounding her like it wanted to engulf her. It was almost as if the dance was the only thing preventing it from doing so.
Nina was so beautiful.
Exactly like a Swan.
What's she doing here?
"Nina?" Lily shouted over the orchestral music, stepping near the stage. "What are you doing here?"
Surprisingly to Lily she's ignored like the cold air itself, the White Swan Queen so intense and concentrating she seemed to act as if her friend was invisible. Nina's hands brush against her own face in a dancer's pose, striking a perfect fifth position into a pas de Poisson. Her motions were so beautiful. So tragic. Those dramatic moves spoke to Lily in a language only a dancer would understand. Her face was delicate like the role called… begging for someone to save her.
"Nina!" Lily walked towards her with more grit, standing in front of her. "Why are you ignoring me?"
The music suddenly stops, Nina stumbling into a recovery as she is frightened by the interruption, staring at Lily almost like she never met her before, horrified. She winces, lowering her head and begins to cry. The spot light begins to fade on the stage.
"Nina why are you crying?" Lily frowned. "It's going to be okay…"
"I-I… just want to dance." Nina whimpered weakly, hiding her face ashamed. "W-why won't you let me dance?"
"Huh?" Lily was confused, trying to reach out to her but Nina backs away shyly. "I am not trying to take anything away from you. I'm just worried. You're not supposed to be here right?"
"You're lying to me my prince…" Nina cried with a weak sniffle. "Why won't you save me?" She backs away with graceful toes but a timid body, arms outstretched like a Swan's wings. "Am I not good enough for you?"
~ The curse can only be broken by a prince with a true heart… ~
"No… it's not you!" Lily pleaded with passion, trying to piece together what she meant but it all was so confusing. Thoughts of their relationship tore into Lily's mind. "Nina… I told you why I can't do what you want me to do!"
"You… never said why… you can't tell me the truth." Nina began to heavily sob, her legs suddenly giving out the ballerina crashing to the floor in a harsh slam. "The pain. Is the only way to be free… to die?"
"NINA!" Lily tried to pull her up by a shaky hand but suddenly the stage lights went totally off, darkness engulfing the entire area like a plague. From above she swears she hears a flapping of wings, Lily barely able to make out what happened as Nina was taken away like a piece of meat, shooting off into the backstage in a horrible scream. A creature took her… a flying creature.
"No!" Lily took off after Nina in a frantic shout and scramble, not worried for her own safety as she bolted towards the backstage. A strange red hue blankets the hallway as if the curtains were alive, doors shutting across the entire hallway seemingly all by themselves. She hears birds. She hears screeches. She then hears Nina's voice calling out from one of the rooms.
Lily…
H-help me…
"Nina! Where are you damn it!" Lily yelled out to her friend but got such weak replies it was hard to gauge a source. Trying to find her by kicking the moving doors, she searched in all the empty dressing rooms of the theater… all except one.
"I'm here!"
Lily heard the surprisingly stronger voice coming from the Swan Queen's dressing room, barreling in to see Nina standing there looking straight at her in a strong stand. Something was off. She seemed so snug, somehow dressed in a jet black dress hugging her figure and curves perfectly.
"Nina…" Lily suddenly felt the door shut behind her by itself, turning back startled. "What happened? Are you okay?"
"I'm sorry I worried you… I'm just being stupid Lily." Nina incredibly shrugged off the past few minutes like it was nothing, walking forward with powerful steps but gently pressed her body into Lily's. She guided them both into the door, smashing it tight, the warmth and softness of their bodies cushioning one another so perfectly. Lily was even more taken back now beyond the physical touch, looking into Nina's suggestive gazes with such confusion.
"What is going on with you today?"
"I've just been thinking how silly I can be…" Soon Lily felt Nina's hands explore all over her sexual body, taking off her scarf, then her jacket, getting to the shirt, pulling it off almost in a tearing manner.
"Screw trying to be a couple." Nina spat fiendishly, trying to get Lily's clothes off as quickly as possible. "Let's just screw… who needs all that silly shit?"
"Silly shit? But t-this… doesn't sound like you…" Lily tried to compose herself as the sensation of Nina running a tongue up her neck and across her face dampened her efforts. She tried to control Nina's posture but her shirt was on the floor without her noticing, Nina now working on her pants, starting with her belt.
"Of course it's me Lily." Nina grinned mischievously as she kissed Lily's cheek. "A smarter me…" Lily's pants were pulled down in a split second, the gorgeous ballerina in only her black lingerie, straps and garters across those smooth thighs.
"Nina, are you sure?" Lily felt bad inside in her brooding thoughts. Her mind kept telling her to let Nina push this. Her heart was telling her to stop this. Her struggle leaned towards the prior as she began to see Nina strip her own clothes off. She was so sexual, unlike the Nina of the past. She was pulling off her dress like a nymph needing skin to skin contact, leaving only the bottom half barely on as she gave Lily a look of yearning and lust. That lean body was so tempting… so succulent...
"Let's fuck… now."
What the hell is going on?
Lily shook her head as she felt Nina grind up on her, trying to push their mouths in a kiss. Lily's panties pushed to the side as Nina was rubbing out her crotch harshly, the usually darker of the two trying to suppress her own moans. Underneath her waist it was like a burning sensation of pleasure but as much as she wanted it, Lily knew something was dead wrong. Her assumption was true.
She glances over at the mirror on the side as Nina was working on that neck with curious teeth. Biting her so hard it was… making her wince.
"Y-you're not… Nina…" Lily saw the truth in the mirror. A horrific truth staring right back at her with a snug grin.
"Can't fool you huh smart ass?" A darker version of herself with black eyes chuckled, Lily whipping her head back only to be confronted by Nina's face again.
"What the fuck are you and where is Nina?" Lily demanded as she held this imposter at bay, no longer fooled by this ruse.
"One, I'm all you need and two, Nina is probably somewhere crying like the little weak bitch she is." The dark soul laughed, letting her hands reach around Lily, undoing the bra with ease, those firm breasts now in perfect view. "Now let's get started baby…"
"No!" Lily suddenly backhanded the fake image with a firm fist, making its head snap to the side violently. With its head still to the side the imposter only began laughing maniacally, slowly gleaming as it turned that glare back, blood running down its lips.
"You always did like it rough." Nina's projection replied by swinging at Lily's face nearly flooring her, a fist catching Lily's cheekbone, making a popping noise. Lily felt like she was hit by a bus, hitting the makeup table, spitting out her own blood now. The dark Nina got behind her cupping her breasts as Lily struggled to free herself.
"Stop this!"
"Oh but my prince but we're going to have so much fun…." Nina whispers as she finally got her hands on Lily's bare breasts, squeezing them against Lily's will. The darker haired ballerina moaned but had a struggling scowl the whole time.
"You can't do this to me!" Lily suddenly shoved her legs into the wall, slamming Nina's back against the mirror, making the creature shiver out in pain. Lily turned grabbing the monster by her throat. "Where the hell is Nina!"
"Hah! Why? Do you think you can save her?" The face shifted back to a doppelganger of Lily, smirking as eerily like Satan himself. "I know you better than anyone. You can't do shit because you're weaker than she is!"
"Just answer the question!" Lily tried to shut the voice with her grip but it wasn't working.
"Nina just needs to stop being confused. You, her lovely prince? Hah! You're just a fuck toy like to all you've slept with." The dark Lily sneered with a bitchy hiss, having all of Lily's mannerisms pushed to the extreme. "Hello bitch? You don't have a cock. You can't be her prince!"
"SHUT UP!"
"You know? Maybe all she needs is a little deep dicking from Thomas and she'll be all better."
"Fuck you!" Lily swung her hands at the darker image only to have them caught with no effort.
"Aw, poor Lily! Got her poor feelings hurt?" The face shifted back to the Black Swan that was Nina, suddenly twisting Lily's limbs so she was forced to spin, giving Nina her back. Lily winced as she tried to pull out to no avail. "Why don't you just pop some pills? Get some alcohol in your body? Get numb! Hide from your feelings you weak piece of shit!"
"Y-you don't know me!" Lily shook, trying to turn back desperately.
"Can't take the truth can you?" Nina shoved Lily against the wall so hard it cracked her shoulder making her cry out in pain, suddenly her hands going into Lily's panties, pressing two fingers deep into her most sacred area, making her now yell out in the most sadistic pleasure. "Just enjoy being fucked Lily. Just keep feeling good! Don't need to deal with anything as long as you're in euphoria!"
"Ungh s-stop it! Please! OH!" Nina's fingers kept working in and out of Lily's pussy against her will, the moans coming out not as pleasurable as it was painful. She was being raped. She was being taken advantage of. Lily's worst nightmare.
"Still lying to yourself? You love this you little whore. You slut! You're good at this! That's why everyone 'likes' you!" The dark seed sped up her fingering, working the vaginal walls aggressively, making Lily's insides melt, the juices beginning to flow out. "Everyone loves Lily. She's the town slut!"
"Angh!"
LILY HELP ME!
"N-nina…" Lily felt the fingers finally leave, the pleasure and pain stopping abruptly. She tried to catch her breath, slumping over to the wall as the violation sapped all the energy out of her. It was killing her, hearing the real Nina's voice cry out for help and she was helpless to do anything. How could she just take this sexual abuse? She was pissed of the pleasure was intoxicating her! The rape couldn't have been more embarrassing…
"You look so strong but you're pathetic just like her." Nina spun a weak Lily around, touching that face with the moist and pungent fingers that had just violated her, laughing so mockingly. "Inside this little skanky hot body? You're ugly just like her!"
"I'm going to g-get you! You hear me?" Lily tried to valiantly fight back but her strength was completely gone, trying to swat at the dark Nina now to little damage.
"You still have a lot of fake fight in you I see." Nina smiled as she took the hits to the face ignoring it like they were nothing. She now held Lily by her slender waist, grinning eil as their half-naked bodies touched, abs against abs, perky chest against chest. Lily's eyes grew horrified as for some reason she began to feel something penetrating inside her. It felt like…
"Maybe you need a deep dicking to put you in your place." The face kept flashing between Lily and Nina, the dark entity began thrusting back and forth harshly, driving its rod into Lily's pussy with reckless abandon. Lily couldn't believe her body was freezing up, taking this, her legs spread like she was begging for it. She moaned ashamed. She winced disappointed. The pleasure was so good and numbing now. Her insides felt like it was melting with confusing sensations.
"LILY HELP ME!"
She did nothing with the White Swan's pleas. Lily moaned so weak and pathetic, bucking against the wall each time the cock was driven into her. Her hands pressed against the door, her eyes closed shut. She was helpless.
"You can't help someone when you can't even help yourself…" Nina groaned as she was fucking Lily, raping her tight cunt with every shove of her hips.
Lily turned to the side to see her finally. The Nina dressed in all white, staring at her being violated by the monster that was herself. Her eyes had so much pain. So much sorrow. Like she was betrayed. She doesn't say a word picking up a shattered piece of glass pressing it against her neck…
"God damn it!"
The white of the costume turned red so fast…
"NINA NO!" Lily cried out as she gasped into the air with such anger but feebleness. Tears began running down her eyes.
"Oh don't worry baby… you'll be joining her soon!" Nina gave one last hard thrust, hitting Lily so deep inside her pussy, hitting the spot.
"Argh!" Lily clenched her wrenching body, an orgasm of the most powerful yet disgusted sensations hitting her in a primal yell. The juices spilled out of their dirty deed, the Nina that wasn't pulling away shamelessly, Lily falling to the floor in a weak slump, laying there with no motion. She walks over to the broken glass, taking her weapon of choice.
"You won't feel a thing Lily… death is numbing just like you like it…"
Nina's face shifted back to Lily one last time. The glass was in her hands and she cranked it back. Lily felt only the sharpest pain as it was driven into her abdomen.
Her dark self lied. It wasn't numbing at all.
- B – B – B –
"NO!"
Lily shot up from the ground she was laying on, screaming and panting like a lost child on the floor. She feels her entire body broken out in a sweat, eyes scanning her surroundings that were at the moment alien. She knows that she was wrong to assume that, the safety of her room now slowly bringing her to a calm breath. She feels a plastic object in her hand, pulling it up to her face. The source of her superficial misery.
"J-just a b-bad… trip…" Lily whispers in relief as she stared at the bag of mushrooms she had just purchased before she got home. She must have had either too much or…
Come on… Lily feel numb. It feels good…
"Fuck…" Lily angrily tossed the bad batch of drugs across the room, frustratingly sitting in the middle of her room in a cross legged manner.
You're on my mind all the time now Nina…
It scares me…
A dream about Swan Lake. A dream about Nina. A nightmare about herself. A vision of herself being raped by… God knows what.
Lily sighed as she put her damp face in her hands, frustrated and shaken up. She wasn't going to bullshit around with this. That was a nightmare that felt too real and too hurtful. Drugs or not it was tearing her mind inside. She was in a catch-22. Her body was so achy and sore that she had been increasing her narcotic usage. Now her head was in just as bad shape. How could one person do this to her? She promised… never to let this happen.
Just calm down.
Relax…
Lily stood up, her entire body cracking, eliciting painful groans from her mouth. Every bruise, strain, and painful jolt could be felt on that dancer's body. She had been performing so well as the Swan Queen for the past month but at such a cost. Her body wasn't used to this toll. She wasn't used to the workload and her non-stop partying ways made it so that it was compiling up. She was kicking her body while it was down. The mind was going next…
The water hits her face, waking her up with a cold tingle down her cheeks. Lily stares at herself with a harsh glare, remembering the nightmare with a hauntingly accurate detail. She sees her face wanting to smile but it wasn't budging. She touches herself below the waist, almost in a protective manner. A violation in the mind almost felt like the real deal.
You can't be her prince.
You can't even help yourself.
"… W-what's happening to me? I know I can handle… this…"
Nina's happening to me.
I'm happening to me…
- B – B – B -
The sun came down a few hours ago. As much as Lily wanted to sleep she couldn't. Whether it was the pain in her body or her confused head she had nowhere to turn to. She laid on the couch like dead weight, leaned back with her feet on the table, trying to relax. The smoke surrounding her from a bong session was just a reminder about how dependent she was on the high feelings. Not that it was getting her that high anyway… her body was too used to it.
On the television she watches closely, trying to forget herself for the moment. A DVD copy of the movie Inception was almost working.
"Maybe I should pay Leonardo to incept my head straight…" Lily mumbled as she watched the intense movie.
KNOCK! KNOCK!
"OPEN UP! THIS IS A STICK UP!"
"Gah!" Lily gasped wincing as she moved so quick her strained body not ready for it. She swore that should have been a line in the movie but she knew it was coming from outside her door.
"YOU ARE UNDER ARREST LILY!"
"YES MA'AM FOR BEING TOO HOT!"
"W-what the?" Lily scowled as she limped to the door, opening up to see some faces that nearly made her head explode.
"My favorite ballerina bitch!"
"Hello friend!"
Lily was suddenly engulfed by two dark haired brunettes in big hugs, snuggling their faces into her like puppies meeting their master. Lily was so surprised she couldn't even get a reply, the two girls clinging onto her body like a vice. The pain suddenly became secondary. These were good people.
"Mikaela… Faith…" Lily blinked. "What the hell are you guys doing here?"
"Dude once we heard you got the LEAD role in the big ballet company we just had to visit and watch you!" The one named Faith smirked happily, the beautiful yet dark looking girl stroking Lily's hair very caringly.
"So! Me and Faith decided to abandon ship back in San Fran for a bit. Finding an excuse to come out here to the Big Apple to see our hot momma do her thing!" Mikaela was just as beautiful, her short shirt showing off abs that anyone would be jealous of.
"I'm just so surprised… holy shit." Lily gasped, glancing at her two closest friends from the west coast, holding them back with a ginger hug.
Lily could only blink as they closed the door, walking around the place and analyzing her room like it was some sort of strange lab. With the collections of bongs and drug paraphernalia it kind of felt that way. Honestly, it was a walk-in Disneyland for these party girls. These were indeed her party people. The kind of girls she hung out with in the biggest party town there was San Franssico. They were all cut from the same mold like her. Beautiful. Feisty. Dark haired and dangerous…
"So how's the big time?" Faith began raiding the fridge, pulling out two beers of course without asking. "You two want anything?"
"No thanks…"
"Toss me one baby!" Mikaela commanded as a beer was caught and opened, and downed. "Come on Lily tell us. How you doing?"
"I… it's… a bit crazy." Lily was still trying to recover from her nightmare let alone this somewhat pleasant surprise. She sat down now, woozily, hiding her injuries that way.
"You bringing the California vibes to these New Yorkers?" Faith began taking off her jacket, showing off her vampire tattoo that seemed inspired more by Blade rather than Twilight.
"Of course she is!" Mikaela clapped. "Tearing up the tutu and getting some fufu right?"
"R-right…" Lily shook her head as she laughed, feeling familiar vibes hit her like she needed. It was nostalgic. It was a remembrance of a time where she was much more sure of herself. Was it exactly… better?
"You look a little down." Faith blinked almost worryingly. "This isn't the Lily we know!"
"You don't seem that happy to see us." Mikaela crossed her arms in a playful jab. "Maybe we shouldn't have surprised you like this.
"H-hey I am totally happy to see you guys." Lily didn't want them to get the wrong idea. "It's just I'm… exhausted."
"You tired?" Faith gasped at the blasphemy. "Our little Ms. Energizer bunny?"
"Lily, the girl that used to party all-nighters before her ballet shows is tired?" Mikaela joined in on the strange news.
"L-look… they play rough here." Lily shrugged innocently, glancing at them in all seriousness. "This real ballet isn't like home. You get your ass kicked here and I'm just barely hanging on."
"Aw that sounds horrible." Faith sipped on the beer, looking at her with not too much pity as if she was slightly intoxicated herself. "Say! I know what you need… are you thinking what I'm thinking Mik?"
"Hmmm… if you mean some hot New Yorker guys and babes then I think so."
"Right! Let's go out tonight! Get plastered and find ourselves some loving!"
"Ladies…" Lily looked at them both. "Didn't you hear what I just said?"
"I know once you get out there you'll be back to old Lily in no time." Faith crossed her arms. "Dude, your two best friends came out all the way from West Coast to see you for a few days. Don't leave us hanging!"
"We even got tickets to your next Swan Lake show…" Mikaela grinned so sexily if not effortlessly. "Can you introduce us to some of the boys? I keep noticing that their little ballet costumes leaves little to the imagination. Know what I'm saying?"
"Right…"
"Come on Lily! What the fuck! Where is our baby girl!" Faith groaned.
"She's tired…" Lily answered again.
"Then what are we going to do all night? Sit here? Get high and watch a cartoon like Family Guy?"
"Ew no… not Family Guy…" Lily shivered. "Horrible show. South Park is better." She shot back at her friends.
Mikaela and Faith glanced at each other in looks of disbelief. They both turned at Lily with now ashamed looks.
"Did we get the fucking right address?" Mikaela sighed.
"Where did Lily go?"
"Girls… please…"
"Okay that does it. Mik. Plan B." Faith suddenly sat next to Lily in a plopping landing, patting her thigh, the ballerina wincing inside but letting it slide as she stared at her. The brunette began stroking Lily's cheek and her hair, very sexually but in that very open friendly manner as well. "I didn't want to do this but if you don't get your ass up and get ready to take us out then prepare for the worst. We'll do it all night if we have to right Mik?"
"Right dear…"
"Y-you two wouldn't…"
"Hey Barbie!" Faith shouted at Mikaela.
"Hi Ken!"
"Oh no…"
"I'M A BARBIE GIRL IN A BARBIE WORLD!" Faith sang off key into Lily's ears, piercing those ear drums.
"I'm wrapped in plastic! It's fantastic!" Mikaela leapt onto the couch joining in on the horrible acapella, stroking Lily's cheek and pulling her into a joking stare.
"You can touch my hair! And touch me anywhe~re!" Faith pulled Lily to a stare back at her.
"Imagination! Life is your creation!"
"Come on Barbie let's go party!"
"Ah hah hah yeah!"
"Come on Barbie let's go party!"
"Oh oh oh! Oh oh oh!"
"GOD STOP! OKAY! Damn it!" Lily suddenly sat up in a furious shake of her two friends off, huffing as she tried to stay composed. That song got on her nerves more than anything in the world. "I'm going!" she stormed off into the bathroom.
"We love you Lily!" Faith and Mikaela shouted in unison, leaning together on the couch, another successful manipulation in their fingertips. A high five later and they showed their excitement quite subdued.
- B – B – B -
All three of them were dressed to kill, sporting dark club outfits that showed much more skin then the law should allow. With a slight adjustment of her short skirt, Lily tried to stay calm but entertaining as she did feel bad for her friends coming here to such a weak version of her. Faith and Mikaela were there when she developed into the party animal that Nina first met. The girl that was invincible. The girl that was irresistible to everyone. That girl was the one that Nina was so jealous of.
Where was she now?
She was expected to deliver her party self even if she knew she wasn't a one hundred percent.
"Okay girls, you know the two golden rules." Faith turned with a confident smirk as they were finally outside their destination.
"Keep your phone on you." Mikaela finished with a flick of her purse, turning to Lily.
"And B.Y.O.B." Lily finished for them like the old days.
"Bring your own boys…"
"Or bring your own bitches…"
"Woohoo! Alright! Come on girls! Let's get FUCKED UP!"
Lily nodded as she understood the ways of young beautiful and adventurous women. She was the epitome of one. They had a right to be excited. Club Afterlife was one of the most exclusive clubs in New York City located in the main strip in northern Time Square. In fact P-Diddy and Jay Z were constant guests here. Lily being the expert and beauty she was had gotten in a few times now, the two San Francisco girls quite impressed with the bouncer let them all in with a suggestive wink, the line outside totally bypassed.
Inside it was more like Hell than Heaven. Sinners ruled this roost. Visions of flashing lights and sexual beings awoken.
The smell of alcohol. The smell of sweat. The smell of sex.
The anthem playing over the DJ's PA said it all. The jungle beat set the tone for the club.
When i walk in the club!
All eyes on me!
I'm with the party rock crew!
All drinks are free!
We like ciroc!
We love patron!
We came to party rock!
Everybody it's on!
Let's go!
Shots! Shots! Shots! Shots! Shots! Shots! Shots! Shots! Shots!
EVERYBODY!
"Ya'll heard Lil' John!" Faith had ordered all three of them the proverbial first shots, all three the tastiest looking Yagerbombs they had seen. Mikaela gladly took hers and squeals with excitement at the dark beverage, Lily grabbing her own shot glass and staring at it, a slight reflection of herself looking right back at her. Her two hot friends press their glasses together, waiting for Lily to join in on the toast of a sinful night. She reluctantly looks at the glass and then them and then back, swearing she's mouthing words at her own reflection.
**Take another drink…**
**Just another sip…**
"J-just one…" Lily pointed a finger as her two friends nodded; all of them downing the alcohol like it were the fluids of life.
For Lily it didn't even burn going down her throat, her body numbing instantly. She feels shamed but hides it. She smiles a fake smile as her two friends begin to do what they do best. These girls were in their natural habitat. Their jungle. They had the goods and everyone around them took notice. Lily usually ruled these parts. Tonight she couldn't push it to where she needed it to be.
Whether it was physical or mental?
She didn't know…
The ladies love us
When we pour shots
They need an excuse
To suck our cocks
We came to get crunk!
How 'bout you?
Bottoms up!
Let's go round two!
It was the usual night out after all as just one became another… and another. The night began to blur as she remembers a few things. She remembers seeing Faith leap on a table dancing for a group of lustful men that screamed pigs. She recalls Mikaela on the dance floor, making out with two girls and a guy, hands all over and exploring each other like curious little creatures. They haven't changed a bit.
For Lily she had just gotten out of the dance floor, the usual suspects getting on her. Over confident men and quite curious women. She for the first time in a long time was just a shield of denial. Her thoughts were messing with her usual swagger. Her body wasn't reacting the usual way. She'd probably have had many potential love making partners by now.
Lily glances over to the right as she exits the crowd. Her heart stops as well as her nerves. She sees the most beautiful image no more than fifteen feet away, dancing to the music, swaying so freely and… happily. She was dressed in all black, her skin glowing a nice light peach, grinding her back into a gentlemen that was as lucky as anyone could be. Her complexion was different. She was so radiant but it had to be her… it had to be Nina.
She looks gorgeous…
It can't… be her though… is it?
Lily felt time stand still as the music grew silent around her, everyone almost disappearing. She didn't think of anything else as she pushes through the dancing crowd. She walks back and tries to fight through the crowd, trying desperately to get to Nina. She reaches her destination… to no surprise finding nothing.
"I… I must be fucking going crazy…" Lily cursed, seeing just another pretty club goer doing the usual. She holds her head in a ginger step, pushing her way back out.
** Be numb… it feels good…**
- B – B – B -
"Can I get a shot of patron!" Lily yelled out to the bartender who obliges with a nod. In the quieter lounge area Lily could finally get a break for her legs and ears, taking a seat at the bar with a ginger slump. The most common thing of course happens. She feels a presence from behind staring at her, probably another guy wanting her number and her ass.
"I've met you before!" The voice shouts. "You're a ballerina!"
"That's nice!" Lily ignored the voice, not wanting to be bothered, grabbing her drink and paying for it.
"I think that's great."
"Oh really? You want to discuss plies and tutus?" Lily laughed mockingly to herself as she downed her drink. "I know you just want to fuck me. So why don't you just not waste time and-"
"Well, I can discuss those things if you like…" The voice paused for comedic timing. "Not the fucking by the way."
Lily stopped dead in her tracks again as the voice began to take shape in her mind. It was a voice she knew. A voice she trusted. She turned slowly, now seeing who she'd been talking with this whole time. She sees the girl. That same girl in the black dress. The one that looks just like her… she was real.
"Nina?"
"Lily. I can't believe I ran into you here." Nina smiled, waving gently with that delicate hand, a red cocktail in her other grasp.
"You're telling ME that?" Lily leaned back a bit buzzed but happy, looking Nina up and down and examining every detail of this beautiful being in front of her. It was Nina for sure but it wasn't the Nina she knew. The pale complexion was gone. The weakness seemed a faint memory. Her hair was loose and shiny. Her eyes looked so strong but the cuteness and the delicateness still had hints everywhere on that pretty face. Her body looked less frail… still lean but confident.
"Y-you look… so good…" Was about the most elegant thing Lily could muster.
"T-thanks…" Nina blushed, this being about the sexiest dress she had ever put on with a very revealing back. Lily of course took notice of this as well. "You look good too… b-but a little tired."
"Oh, I'm fine…" Lily smiled, once again hiding her pain behind beauty, a forced smile, and a skimpy dress. "Nothing I can't handle."
"Of course. As always…" Nina glanced down to the floor and back into Lily's eyes with a calm confidence that probably would've surprised them both. Neither of them had an inkling of an idea of how this meeting was going to go. It was exciting but frightening.
"So h-how have you been?" Lily slightly slurred, just admiring this transformation that had taken place in so little time with confusion and admiration. "I haven't seen you in a month. You look like you're doing so good! I barely recognize you."
"I've been doing a lot Lily, doing what I said I would do the last time I saw you." Nina smirked, taking a sip of her drink. Lily only glanced at the drink as Nina did so, the girl shaking her head as if she was being accused of something. "It's a vodka cranberry… without the vodka…"
"Non-alcoholic…"
"Y-yes my psychiatrist says I shouldn't be drinking." Nina laughed.
"You bet your ass you shouldn't be drinking!" Some blonde babe yelled out as she grabbed Nina from behind, hugging around her thin waist.
"W-who's that?" Lily almost scowled in jealousy.
"O-oh… this is my psychiatrist Harley." Nina rolled her eyes as clearly there was a double standard here. The Doctor was dressed like any scandalous girl here with red and black, probably with more make up then a clown would wear. She was quite buddy buddy with her own patient. Not exactly professional…
"Y-yes you make sure she don't drink!" Harley downed her own shot, pointing at Lily. "T-this Nina… she's such a joker!" The blonde suddenly flailed away into another man's arms, flowing back into the dance floor area.
"Y-you partying with your psychiatrist?" Lily blinked. "That's your healing process?"
"I know I need more friends." Nina laughed as she watched Harley get dragged out to the dance floor. "Actually, she was invited… we have mutual friends believe it or not."
"Mutual friends?"
"Yes. My hip hop class, I've made friends with a few of the girls in the class."
"TWINKLE TOES SAYERS! GET THE FUCK OVER HERE!" A drunk brunette yelled out on cue as she was grinding up on a birthday crowd of girls.
"T-twinkle toes?" Lily asked with a skew.
"Y-yeah it was that or ballet butt…" Nina groaned, shouting back. "Helena! I'm tired! I have to leave soon!"
"Come on! Plie over here and make out with me!" The girl apparently named Helena screamed back. "Don't you party poop you little ballerina bozo!"
"S-she's the birthday girl that forced me out tonight." Nina turned back to Lily, ignoring her drunk friend with a sigh. "I'd probably be asleep in bed by now getting ready for counseling and then dance class."
"You're in a Hip hop dance class?" Lily was still stuck a few statements, just shaking her head. "Y-you really are… changing…"
"I guess so…" Nina had a smile that could bring the house down it looked so beautiful. "So, how's the production? I hear rave reviews from my mother…"
"I'm trying my best." Lily said calmly, if not wanting to just stop with the compliments. "… It's tougher than I thought but the results are amazing. I've never felt so…"
"Accomplished… right?"
"Y-yes… it's very…"
"Addictive… yes…"
Addiction…
"Hey Nina! Come on! We're gonna toast the b-day girl!" A blonde yelled out of nowhere, coming over to and grabbing her arm.
"Dinah! I see well let me say bye to my friend here." Nina was being pulled against her will, pleading for her to stop with just her eyes. "I'm going to leave right after this so-"
"We have no time! Come on tell this hot babe to come too!" Dinah kept pulling Nina who held her spot.
"H-hey Nina I'll um… catch up with you later… you seem busy." Lily felt like some sort of third wheel. She didn't know these new friends Nina had. It was just too strange. She was becoming a normal… girl.
"W-why don't you come with me?" Nina smiled in a pleasant way. "Come on!"
"I… I have to get back to my friends from So Cal. I worry they might be getting into too much trouble." Lily said with a painful quip. "They came out to visit me and I feel like I'm responsible for them.
"Oh, alright…" Nina put her drink down on the bar reluctantly, glancing at Lily with a ginger stare and then back at her blonde friend. "It's so good to see you Lily…"
"Same to you… Nina."
"I… actually have to tell you something um… I guess I'll text you tomorrow okay?"
"Sure… keep in touch." Lily smiled firmly, waving.
"Alright! Bye! Bye! Now come on!" Dinah dragged Nina away again.
Lily just watched as the new Nina Sayers left her presence, both of them locking eyes as they separated. She couldn't believe what just happened in the past few minutes. It was like watching a ghost get a new body. Or someone go through a glorious transformation. She's becoming someone that she was comfortable with. Maybe it was better that Nina was separated from her past. Including Lily…
It really seemed that way.
Maybe you don't need me like you said.
I'm so proud of you Nina…
- B – B – B –
With eyes closed Lily was fast asleep. Her body couldn't take it anymore. She knew she'd regret last night and she was paying for it. The relaxed state of sleeping usually isn't a handicap. She had a big problem though.
She was at ballet practice.
"LILY!" Thomas yelled out.
"Plie!" Lily suddenly blurted out in a spastic reply as she stormed back from her slobbering sleep, Terry's shoulder actually being her bed. The ballerinas around her laughed as she shook her head, trying to slap herself awake. Terry gave her a look of apologize, trying to hide her as she napped to a failed attempt.
"Having too much of a good time being the Swan Queen it seems?" Thomas held his head, saying a few insulting things in French.
"N-no just resting my eyes." Lily groaned in reply.
"Well it's your turn. White Swan variation now!"
Lily muttered her own English curses as she stepped up into the center of the room, the piano player went off on his Swan Lake scale and Lily blasted off with it. This was Lily now. No matter how tired. No matter how much pain she was in… no matter how hung over she was? This was Lily at the moment. Someone that was taking this job seriously. Someone that was pushing herself to the limits. Someone that was considered greatness.
Lily knew where it came from. She had been inspired. She didn't want to fail her. With Veronica dancing so well it was like a constant race of protecting this role.
This is for Nina…
Suddenly the entrance door opens, Lily wincing as she saw it blast wide with a loud boom, twisting her footing and collapsing on the mat. She was flat on her face now, groaning as the entire room gasped and went into silence. A clap comes from Thomas as he walks towards the door.
"Ladies and gentlemen we all know that Gail just went down with an injury and we needed a replacement."
Lily slowly looked up weakly, seeing a familiar face and smile close in on her.
"Need a hand?"
"N-nina…?"
The all black leotard with a matching scarf flowed as she extended her hand, Lily taking it and pulling herself to her feet. Nina smiles gingerly and admiringly at Lily as the two share the same awkward stare as different as they had become. Some things would never change.
"The production has Nina Sayers back as a backing role. She's a little late but I think we can forgive her."
"A little late?" Veronica stares confused as the other ballerinas began to clap happily, seeing this new Nina Sayers in their presence. Lily couldn't believe it, just staring dumbly at Nina as the former Swan Queen waved at her old peers. She turned her attentions back to the current Swan Queen.
"Sorry I made you fall coming in late." Nina whispers with a smirk. "Guess we're even?"
"… Guess so…"
"Nina do you need to warm up?"
After months of no ballet?
"… No I'm fine." Nina dropped her bags to the side, walking with a confident strut. "Continue Thomas."
It was too much. Nina Sayers back in the production? Lily swore she should have had some mushrooms this morning. This was insanity.
A new Nina was here…