Midnight

1

I turned sharply into the parking lot, slowing between two white lines. Parked. I twisted in my seat, grabbing my bag. I locked my car and bounced up the steps of my dance studio.

My head was more than aching. God, I would never relax under the hold ballerina buns had on my hair. And, as per usual, the studio was freezing, I swore I could see my breath.

I pulled my rain jacket from my shoulders, tucking it into my cubby. I sorted through my bag, spotting my slippers, pointe shoes, and padding. Like always, I'd start barre work with slippers, then pointe, once my feet aren't blocks of ice.

I jumped on one foot, slipping my slippers on as I searched the studio for the other dancers. I found my way back to the front, peaking into the shop where I buy my ballet attire. No one was working the desk.

Skeptically, I watch the broad back of a man scan the leotards, his large hand holding the toddler's below him.

I could hear Chopin from one of the dance rooms, Ms. Valley must've been busy teaching. I told her I could work the desk!

I cleared my throat and shuffled quickly to the man. "Can I help you?" I turned on my oh-so-charming customer service voice.

"Uh, yeah– I don't, you know– know what to buy, exactly?" His eyes flash down at me, his head jolting in surprise. "Celestine?"

Oh my god. I stared back with wide eyes, lips curving slowly into a frown. Did he even want to talk to me?

"Uh, yeah," I scratched my forehead, self conscious about how silly my hair must've looked. "I dance here."

Obviously, he knows that!

"So you know what I should buy," He looked fondly down at the girl, who had wrapped herself around his leg. "You remember my sister, Grace. She's signed up for ballet."

I ignored the nerves I felt because of him, grinning down at the girl before I slid between him and the shelves of clothes. I sorted through the leotards, tights, and skirts.

Despite  my efforts to shut him out, I could feel his eyes on me. I propped myself on my toes, my arm extended for a leotard placed just out of my reach.

I heard his heavy step behind me. And, though it was freezing in the studio, his hot breath fanned down the back of my neck.

"Why don't you let me help you?"

I released a shaky breath, turning my head back slightly. He was peering down at me with such intensity, I was surprised I hadn't withered beneath the weight of his eyes.

Just as he began to reach up for the leotard, I sidestepped away from where I would've been trapped between him and the shelf.

I cleared my throat, setting the leotard, skirt and tights on the desk.

Grace and I found a pair of ballet slippers that fit her well, and soon I was ringing them up. I slipped their purchases into a bag, passing it over the counter to the siblings.

"Thanks, Celestine," He hoisted Grace into his arms. "I guess I'll see you tomorrow." His tone sounded suddenly cold as his eyes slipped away from mine.

"See you, Everett," I waved shyly.

Once he was out the door, I rushed to the front windows to watch him drive away.

What just happened.