Honey Child

4

Skylar

It was Saturday evening and instead of sleeping, I was at the pier with Malachi. Goosebumps ran across my skin as the cold winter air seeped through my coat. My heeled boots clicked across the concrete as I walked with Malachi. 

"You told me to dress up. Please don't tell me we're standing in the cold." I said feeling my teeth start to chatter.

"Nah. Come on." He extended his arm for me to grab.

Immediately I latched onto him trying not to feel his muscles so much. I enjoyed how his trench coat felt under my gloved hand. "So where are we going?"

"I thought you might like this." He motioned to the theater on Broadway. 

"Tickets to the American Ballet." My face felt tight from my smile, I couldn't help it. 

I squeezed his arm tighter as we made our way inside. He led me to the plush red velvet seats right in the middle of the theater. The chatter around us simmered as more guests came to their seats. 

"Some inspiration for you." Malachi's strong voice made me shiver.  

"I've only ever been here once," I whispered feeling my excitement reach its peak. 

"When?" He asked taking the coat from my shoulders. 

I cleared my throat feeling his hand run down my long blouse, "My dad brought me for my birthday when I was ten."

"And why haven't you been back since?" 

The house lights dimmed and the chatter around us seemed to stop. I leaned over whispering in his ear, "He died after my eleventh birthday."

I turned to the front hearing the orchestra begin. The violin dug deep into my soul as the piano's lightness crossed my mind. The dancers began to tell their stories in waves. I watched as the lead ballerina appeared after each song.

Her toes pointed in whatever direction she was in never falterting due to the pain. Her turns were effortless and light. Not once did she let the male dancer take the lead. He was following her. 

That should be me. I should be up there.

~

"That was amazing! Did you see how she did that?" I told Malachi as he walked me home. 

"I saw." He chuckled watching me blindly mimic the dances on the sidewalk. 

"If I can just get like them-"

I cut myself off easing back into our slow walk as my mind turned to mush. The cold wind blew at my scarf.

Malachi seemed confused at my actions, "Why do you do that?"

"Do what?"

I looked ahead at the city streets. They were never quiet and that's what I liked about it. The sidewalk was wet as the drizzle started. Malachi stopped me at my door holding onto my arm. 

"You doubt yourself."

I shrugged staring at him, "Did Zaire tell you?"

Malachi stepped closer, "It's not his story to tell."

"Right before my senior year, I got into a terrible car accident. There was so much metal in my leg that they had to do surgery. Fucked up my dance career for good."

"Did it fuck you up or did you just stop trying?"

His question took me aback. I shook my head, "You wouldn't get it. Dancing was my life."

"It still is. I saw how you light up at the show."

"You think I can still do it?" My voice quivered feeling small.

He stepped closer to me moving my curls away from my face. His eyes fell to my lips momentarily, "You can do anything you put your mind to, Sky."

~

"Bye, Ms. Skylar!" 

"Bye girls, I'll see you next week," I said watching as the rest of my class left for the day. 

The dance hall was finally empty. I shut the sliding glass door and turned to the stereo staring at Ryan who was already there.

"Thank God, them demon children are gone." Ryan ran a hand over her fresh braids and turned the knobs on the stereo.

"Girl, don't talk about my students like that." A giggle escaped me as she rolled her eyes.

"You got the playlist Zaire sent over?" She asked plugging her phone into the speakers.

"Yeah."

"Can I come to Chicago with you? Zaire is fine as hell."

I untwisted the sweatshirt from around my waist and threw it to the side, "Are you here to help me practice or worry about Zaire?"

"Both."

The music started and I took a deep breath. Chicago here I come. 

Author's Note:

Bestie's I've been feeling unwell.

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Peace and blessings