BLACK ROSE

A step to the future.

Ashley. 

Overcoming one's fears is important, isn't it?

I inhale deeply, swallow hard and rethink my decision. I can feel the fear in my bones, lurking around like a silent predator. It sends chilling shivers down my spine, disturbing my inner peace.

The tall building is making me feel small, so tiny. It's casting its shadows over me, completely covering me. Big glass doors, huge glass windows on the first floor letting people passing by get a glimpse of the interior. Breathtaking, luxurious and elegant. A few white cushions with a lovely coffee table, with golden details and golden decorations on top. A big reception desk in the middle of the lobby. It looks more like an international business headquarters than a dance academy headquarters.

"There's nothing to fear," I whisper to myself.

With small steps and shaking legs, I enter. Compared to outside, it's rather cold inside. The AC above my head is running at full speed. It's darker than I expected. The windows are darkened, but enough sunlight gets in. There's a pleasant gentle smell in the air, a smell of soft vanilla cookies.

It's a different scenery than what I'm used to. Really, nothing tells me it's a dance academy. At least not at first glance. If I didn't know better, I'd really assume I entered the wrong building.

My old dance school in Florida was significantly smaller and more.... natural. It didn't radiate such an expensive energy. It didn't make me feel like only the elite deserves to be a part of this family. A family that at first glance doesn't seem to hold much together. Usually there are photos of the dance academy's accomplishments on the walls, trophies and medals too. Every prize ever won is usually on display. However this hall is rather empty. It contains a few professionally taken photos hung on the walls, only a few trophies and diplomas. Compared to what I'm used to seeing, the walls are empty.

The lady behind the desk looks at me, waiting for me to move. Either towards her or turn around and leave. Just like the interior, she's dressed elegantly, matching the aesthetic.

I take a few unsure steps to her desk, mentally questioning if I really want this. Yes you do! I mentally yell. I've been dancing my whole life, what am I thinking?

"Hello." The lady greets me with a warm smile. "What can I do for you?"

I wonder if it's a repeated phrase. "Uhm.. yeah.. My name's Ashley and I called with someone from here an hour ago. Regarding my enrollment and job offer."

"Oh, yes, yes. That was probably my colleague. Hold on a second, please." She flashes me one last smile before lowering her eyes to the computer monitor. "You can take a seat over there. It'll take a few minutes."

I nod, walking over to the neon white cushions. They look unrealistic, too white to be true. It's like they're shining, laced with diamonds. Which they aren't, but if they were, I wouldn't be surprised.

There's a pile of magazines on the coffee table. All sorts of topics, from fashion to psychology, everyday life, politics, cars. Literally everything anyone could imagine. I pick the dance magazine and start to read.

"Excuse me," a voice interrupts me after some time. "Are you Ashley?"

I immediately stand up. "Yes, that's me."

"Good." A young woman, around mid-twenties, with curly chestnut brown hair and big hazel eyes introduces herself as Christina. "Follow me, please. I'll give a tour of our academy and explain how it runs. If you have any questions, be free to interrupt me anytime."

I nod with a smile, as she then turns around, walking to the elevator.

"I've heard a lot about you," she says on the way. "And watched a lot of your performances."