Your Fault

CHAPTER 1

***

A world in a bubble.

3rd May, 2018

"Good job! Now do it with grace. Watch me." Katelyn's applaud filled the auditorium and she moved to the center of the stage for demonstration. Keeping a close eye on her movements, I copied exactly, yet her face turned into a frown.

"Sia, watch the turns please." She requested irritably.

"I'll try again." I said and turned on my heel as gracefully as she did. It was hard to satisfy her, leave alone impress. As I turned six times and stopped, I looked at her with high expectations.

Please say it was fine.

Her eyebrows furrowed and my smile dropped.

***

Ballet is not a dance form. It's an art. An art that tells a story. It's about creating magic. It's ravishing. It's heavenly. It's life. My life.

I was never disheartened by Kate's firm hand and naggings to have precision in every move. It motivated me to work harder. So, I practiced and practiced until I got that one spin right. The clock struck 11 at night when I finally took off my pointe shoes and stretched my toe-fingers. The tips of my toes were nothing but dead skin. I felt no pain or irritation there. It was all the result of practice.

"Mum must be worried sick." I sighed as I checked my phone.

No missed calls?

Right when I was about to call her, Kate knocked on the glass door. She was leaning on the frame and smiling," Got a news for you."

"What is it?" I asked politely and stood up. Kate was the best trainer in my dance academy. She had bagged several trophies and represented the school in more than 15 nations. She was commendable and I admired her. To learn from her was the best I could get.

"You're in!" She squealed," You're going to represent us in the Open Ballet International Competition!" She came running to me for a hug.

While she was hugging me, I stood frozen, my jaw dropped from the shock. I made it...My life...was all about this. I'm finally going to...

"I need to tell mum." I said and she withdrew," Go ahead. Be here tomorrow at 5 AM. We're going to work harder from now on. One month to go!"

"One month to go!" I shouted back enthusiastically as she left.

The news was such a thunderclap to me that I couldn't stand. I sat down, crossing my legs.

"Oh god...Oh god..." My fingers trembled as I called mom.

***

"Get home quickly honey. It's going to rain."

"Why are you crying mum?" I laughed as I exited the academy. The roads were bustling with crowd even at that hour. I tightened my grip on the tote bag which carried my ballet clothes and shoes.

"I'm just...so relieved... and happy for you."

"Our life is going to change completely." I said and sighed, looking at the dark sky. She was right about the rain. I had to walk quickly and catch a bus.

"We'll throw a party tomorrow and invite everyone in the neighborhood."

"Sure thing. Alright, I need to run to the bus stop. I'll be home in twenty. We'll talk then."

I hung up and looked before crossing the road that wasn't very busy. When I reached the other side of the road, I sat down at the bus stop. My legs and feet were paining, but I couldn't put the smile off my face. The weather was great. or maybe I was feeling great, which was why even the humid air and sweaty head didn't seem so bad.