The Pointe of Love

6 - Estella

As I opened the doors to the ABT building, I already wanted to walk right back out. This morning was already shit for me, starting off with me spilling my scalding hot coffee on my favorite sweater. Those brown stains will haunt me for the rest of my life. As if it couldn't get any worse, the hospital bills were sitting in my mailbox when I checked today. These past couple of months, I've been struggling with money. Aside from dance, I need another source of income; that's why everyday after I leave the studio, I walk all the way to Dumbo's Diner. I waitress from 6:30 all the way to 11:30 pm, when the restaurant closes for the day. Even after all that work though, it's just barely making ends meet as it is. This hospital bill just escalates the whole situation.

What the hell am I going to do?

Along with the bill, an eviction notice from my landlord also came today. I've been behind rent the past couple of weeks, but I've always convinced Fred to just give me a couple of days. I guess he decided that enough was enough.

However, I haven't told anybody, even my family, about my money struggle. Even though I bet my parents would be more than willing to help me financially, I just can't accept their money anymore. Growing up, they paid for my dance classes, and boy are they expensive. They gave me the best childhood a person could ask for, so it's time for me to take care of them, not the other way around. As for my sister, she has it rough as is. With a five and a six year old, Gwen already has a lot in her hands, and I don't want to add onto that stress.

Which leaves me with one more option: working double shifts. Before I left for dance, I already called my manager, asking if I can start working more on Sundays, my only off day. Even though that means no more stuffing myself with icecream and binging netflix shows, so be it: shelter - and also food - are more important to me.

It has been two days since I fainted. I was forced to take it easy for the next few days, so I've been itching to get to the studio. The doctor made me promise to start resting and relaxing my body more to prevent stress from building up. She also shoved a half gallon water bottle in my face, claiming that I don't drink enough water a day. I agree with that, at the end of some days I feel like a camel in the middle of the Sahara Desert.

By the time I enter the building, walk to the dressing room, find a spot to put my stuff, and get my shoes ready, it is nearly time for class. However, I wasn't looking where I was going, and right when I was about to walk out of the door, I bumped into a wall.

Damn you Estella

I shake my head to clear my mind and close my eyes to gather my thoughts. However, when I open my eyes, I'm greeted by a man's chest right in front of my face instead of a cement wall. Kayden's chest, to be exact.

This day couldn't get any worse, couldn't it?

The hard panes of his abs are pressed against his white shirt, and his biceps are causing his sleeves to bunch up-

Woah, take a step back there.

After I snap myself out of my oggling Kayden, and clear my throat and look at him expectantly. Kayden just looks at me for a second with a look of confusion before quickly changing back into his signature hard exterior. The tension in the air between us was like thick, decadent, chocolate, slicing and spreading a feeling of time slowing down all over the walls of the room. The only sounds heard are our breaths, the sharp inhales and exhales.

After what feels like an eternity, Kayden finally starts talking. "I just wanted to see how you are holding up after what happened," he explains in a sincere tone, his face not giving what he was feeling away.

"Oh- uh," I stumble out, trying to rack my brain to find a time where Kayden was actually being civil with me. "I'm doing fine I guess. The doctor just said to rest and drink lots of water, no big deal," I shrug, trying to maneuver my way around him so I can get through the door. However, this devil has the audacity to block my way. Again.