𝐦𝐢𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 - TMR AU, Thomas

𝟢𝟢𝟦，𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐞

༺ FOUR ༻

"Hi!" I sit down next to some girls of ballet, again, hoping to make some friends before Teresa leaves. "Weird question, maybe... but all the people that know Mr. Janson have told me he's untrustworthy, an ass, and a bad teacher."

Practice is almost over. Janson is just checking something in another room, I think about the male ballet dancers for The Nutcracker. A few minutes ago, I gladly received some compliments. But he's not too clingy about them. Just 'good' or 'nice', and he's not bugging so I don't see any problems.

"So I was wondering," I continue, "if he's really that bad and untrustworthy. He seems great so far."

One girl smiles. "He's awesome."

My face lits up. "Really? Alright. Thank you."

"He's the best," another one says, her smile overly bright and again, she focuses on the 'best'.

"And it's nice to see you're growing a real..." She looks at her friends and chuckles before looking back at me. "...bond with him."

I nod. "Okay. Thanks! Two of the people who have told me he's bad don't even know him, so I already thought it was a lie. I'm not sure why they would say all that if it's not true." My smile stays on my lips. "Y'all dance nice, by the way. It looks perfect."

They laugh at me, and I keep smiling back. Maybe I can make friends.

"What brands are your tights?" I ask.

"Mike Lit," one replies.

My eyebrows scrunch, and so does my nose. "I've never heard of that brand before. Is it good?"

She smiles a weird smile. "It's awesome, Rosalind. I'd totally get them if I was you. Ask your parents."

"My parents don't pay for most of my stuff." I run a hand down my face. "But thanks for the suggestion anyway."

After a giggle attack, another girl speaks. "I've got them from Rhoda Lott."

"Rhoda Lott..." I repeat the words with the frown, and her smile brightens. Another girl makes a weird sound, and I see her eyes become glossy as her lips twitch. "Woah, are you alright? In pain?"

She squirms even more.

My worry increases. I don't know how to fix a heart attack or seizure or whatever is going on! "Do I need to ask Janson for help?"

"I think so," the girl next to her agrees. "Go, fast!"

With a nod, I get up and start making my way to the door as the girls encourage me to move faster.

Just then, Teresa appears in front of me. "Don't."

The panic almost starts overflowing. "But sometimes is happening to her and I—"

"She's laughing," Teresa corrects. "And trying to hold it back which makes her squirm." She lies her hand down on my lower back and leads me to the back of the room. "Don't believe any of the words they just said."

"What do you mean?" Without control, I feel my bottom lip move forward and I hate myself for it. "They were being nice and I think I made some more friends! And they proved everyone wrong by saying Janson—"

"They're fooling you." She sits me down as I get more confused by the second. "Mike Lit, seriously? Rose, think!"

I do think. "Well, I don't know the brand if that's what you mean."

She groans. "You're either dumb or very innocent. Just... don't hang out with them."

"Did they hurt you?" The furrow in my eyebrow increases. It's a habit I gained from Newt. "Are you alright? You—"