The Life of a Juilliard Dancer Book #1

Chapter 6

      Someone was shaking me, like really shaking me. I thought I was having a really, realistic dream but when I opened my eyes I saw Alyssa. "Wake up Lil!" she yelled. "I'm up, I'm up!" I yelled back. "Zachary said it's time to get ready." she said walking over to my dresser and checking her hair in the mirror. "Oh, ok." I said getting off my bed. 

      "Where are you two going?" she asked turning to face me and raising an eyebrow. "We're going for celebratory ice-cream." I replied walking into the bathroom. 

      I took a quick shower and put on my underwear and bra. I wrapped my towel around me and walked out of my bathroom straight to my wardrobe. Alyssa was still in my room, sitting on my bed occupying herself with my hairbrush and the mirror. "So what are you guys celebrating?" she probed as she checked her thick black hair for split ends. "Mrs. Jovent gave us a performance at the auction on Friday." I replied trying not to sound too excited even though I really was.

       Her eyes widened and she flew up, hugging me like my life depended on it, "congrats Lil!" she squealed. Her entire demeanor had changed from earlier. I know she was probing because of the incident that happened yesterday between Zach and I. She was being cautious and protective as always. "Thanks Lissa." I replied, "I need to get ready, will you please do my hair?". "Yeah no problem but don't forget make-up." she chimed. "Why would I need make-up Lissa?" I said raising an eyebrow. "Don't ever question make-up Lily." she replied. "Ok, ok; just do your thing." I said surrendering. 

      I grabbed a pair of black skinny jeans with a red dress top, which was frilled on my shoulders, and put it on. I slipped on a 3 inch, black combat boots and sat on the bed for Lissa to do hair and make-up. "Why the boots? Lissa asked. "Because he's got 8 inches on me and these will make me 3 inches taller than I already am." I replied. She shrugged saying, "doesn't seem that big of a difference to me.". I rolled my eyes, "more comb less critique."

       She let my hair out and did a crown braid on the left side and clipped it. Then, when she was satisfied with how it looked, she did my make-up. I put my phone into my purse with some cash and my cards. Spraying on some of my favorite cologne I hugged Alyssa," see you later Lissa bye.". "Bye Lil." she replied crawling into my bed, turning on my computer and covering herself with my blanket; making me shake my head as I left my room.

          
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     Zach and Austin were sitting on the couch, talking when I walked outside. "Umm......Zach I'm ready." I stated trying not to sound too rude because I did interrupt their conversation. Both of them looked at me and their eyes grew wide. "Lily," Austin said, "you look like a girl.....you look, amazing.". "In this." I stated. I wasn't playing the modesty card; I was literally wear a top and a pair of jeans.

      "Are you ready to go Zach?" I asked smirking at the boys; they still had an expression of shook plastered all over their faces. "Yeah....let me just, ummm get my car keys." he stammered getting up and walking to his room, almost tripping on the edge of the carpet. "Ok." I said giggling. He entered his room and Austin approached me, leaning on the couch with a solemn smile.

      "Are you two dating?" he asked raising an eyebrow in suspicion. "No." I replied taken aback by his question, "why would you even think that?". "Because you two are going out tonight." he stated bluntly, "You're all dressed up quite nicely; which you don't do might I add." . "For ice-cream." I added a bit offended by his blunt thoughtless statement, "we're going out for ice cream to celebrate the opening performance we were asked to do on Friday. I also dress nice all the time, but you wouldn't know that after you left me; now would you.". "Sorry I asked." he spat out coldly, walking away. 

       "You don't get to walk away just like that; why are you acting like this!" I yelled at him, his attitude was getting to me, and quite frankly I'd had enough, "is it because I'm happy and you're not.". "Maybe." he mumbled shooting me a hateful glare. "Don't you think I've seen the signs. You walk around watching Skylar like some lovesick puppy, like she's the only thing that can make you happy." I spat out in frustration; this topic hit home because he knew he hurt me with Skylar already; and now he was mad at me for being happy after she had disposed of him like an old toy; he was mad at me like it was somehow my fault and that infuriated me more, "Sky doesn't love you, get over it, she only wanted you cause I had you, you were a convenience; how does it feel to be left alone, to hurt, to be disposed of Austin, how!" I covered my mouth with my hand when I looked up at the antagonizing expression spewed across his face, realizing what I had just said. Fuck.