ACROSS THE MEADOW (book one)

Chapter 15: Metamorphosis

Amani

EIGHT YEARS AGO

The creaking of the stage floor and the clashing of instruments tuning ripple throughout the theatre. Many chatter amongst themselves, some practicing in their corners before the instructor arrives. Geneviève tightens the laces of her mask once more before lifting the heavy curtain.

She is welcomed with the warmth of the stage light. It wraps around her body sending shivers throughout. The chatter almost instantly grows silent by her presence. Only the sound of her foot steps to listen to. She walks confidently towards her piano stool. Her eyes forged into her destination as anxiety begins to bubble up within her.

She quickly lifts the fallboard revealing the shiny white and black keys. Her hands hesitate above them. They drift against each possible chord she could start with. Geneviève closes her eyes, sinking into the silence and breathing in before she can exhale a note.

"Boo!"
Her eyes fly open as a firm grasp hits her shoulders.

It's Hamal and just by his body language alone, she knows there's laughter being stifled behind that stupid mask.

"What the hell are you doing here?" she whispers.

"Can you even pretend to be excited to see your baby brother?"

Geneviève tilts her head, her lips protesting to curl.

"You're such a wanker." she scoffs. Hamal takes a seat next to her. His hands crashing onto the keyboards.

"How the hell did you even get past border patrol without a pass?"

"I have my ways."

Geneviève's grin was quick to fall into one of concern. She watches him for moment, but nothing slips from her.

"Samuel says this one is a big one."

"He says that about every performance." she sighs.

"I heard word of possible royalty being amongst the crowd," he leans closer to her, his voice in a whisper. "it's definitely a big one."

"So your here by account of?"

"I'm here to be your good luck charm, sis." He playful smacks her arm, but it still stings.

"Yes, your boisterous presence is definitely what I need." she mutters to herself.

Geneviève chews on the inside of her cheeks. She turns her head to face the dancers. All of them readying themselves for practice. Emerald dresses with green clouds around their waist. Gold sparkles shining brightly from the stage light, casting shadows against the floor. Their hair neatly done in a tight bun.

Though it is one particular ballerina that captivates her attention.

She is tall and long, resembling the body of a swan. Precision and intention in every movement she makes. Delicate yet fierce. Glitter on her eyelids shine from the stage light, her lashes glistening and fluttering. Cherry kisses her chiseled cheek bones, and lips. She stretches are arms like a bird, her back defined like stone.

She's beautiful and powerful all at once.

Her eyes quickly move to the corner of her view, catching a glance with Geneviève and instinctively, she looks away. 

Shit. She caught me staring.

"Whose that?" he whispers.

"That's Aarushi's replacement." Geneviève is still stuck on their shared glances, her cheeks still burning.