Honey Child

6

Skylar

Why did I do that? Tell him I love him when I don't know him. Thoughts raced in my mind as I stretched with Zaire. It was the final day of practice before the video shoot. I pulled down my shorts trying to cover the scar on my thigh.

"How are you feeling?" Zaire questioned flexing his feet.

I stared at the wall of mirrors in front of me, "Scared."

Zaire chuckled, "Don't be."

The dancers flooded in dropping their bags off to the side. I watched them silently as they grouped around Zaire. It was clear that I was the new kid on the block. They continued with their stretching. 

"Everyone, this is Skylar. She's my co-choreographer for the video shoot. She's like a sister to me and I trust her with this project." Zaire flashed everyone a smile and wrapped his arms around me. 

The group gave me friendly smiles and waves, "Hey Sky."

I stood in front of the room with Zaire ready to teach them the dance. Zaire started the music and it was the first time I heard the song with its lyrics. The dancers followed our energy swaying and bopping to the beat.

"5, 6, 7, 8..." Zaire called out the beats.

I followed suit dancing as hard as I could. The routine flowed through me easily despite my busted leg. Zaire had made sure the routine was easy for me to follow. Or maybe the extent of my injury isn't what I thought. 

The dancers cheered as we finished. I smiled taking a deep breath, "The girls will follow my routine and the guys will follow Zaire."

I flexed my leg talking again, "Don't be afraid to add in your own touch, okay?"

Their energy made me smile as they nodded. Zaire and I ran through the routine more slowly. As I taught them the steps, they made me feel like I belonged. For the first time, I knew this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

~

I stood on the sidelines watching the video shoot unfold. I had no idea we'd be shooting a video for a popular artist's new song. My hands shook looking at all the lighting setups and cameras. Zaire stood beside me as the make-up artist added the finishing touches to his hair.

"What are you so scared for?"

I shook my 90s-inspired hair slowly afraid the tendrils in my updo would come loose, "What if my leg gives out?"

Zaire placed a comforting hand on my shoulder, "It won't. You have to trust yourself."

Before I could speak the director shouted, "Dancers to the set please!"

I looked down at my leg feeling the same old phantom sting. I shook off the feeling and followed Zaire. We'd be dancing for eight hours as we began to shoot the video. I was ready for the exhaustion but I was worried.

I stood in my place in the back until the dancers whispered to Zaire. My eyebrows furrowed when the director sighed approaching Zaire. They spoke in hushed voices as the famous singer and actress, Victoria, approached the group.

She was dressed a bit differently than us. The set was a 90s-inspired club. We'd all had different positions on the balcony and the main floor. It was dimly lit and quaint. I could see the vision. My eyes snapped when the director called me, "Skylar?"

I pointed at myself, "Me?"

He rolled his eyes, "Yes."

I cleared my throat and stood next to Zaire, "Hi."

"One of the dancers is in the back throwing up hungover. We need a lead dancer in the front. You know the choreography best." Zaire spoke making me flinch.

"What's the hold-up?" Victoria asked as the makeup team finished rubbing oil on her exposed legs.

"Fine. I'll do it."

And so I stood in the front with a different outfit on. More seductive and vibrant than the rest. I felt exposed but in a good way. I waited for my cue, "Action!"

The music started and I began my eight count. With ease, the dances flowed through me. My emotions were raw. If I was going to be in the front, then it's my time to shine.

~

I dug in my sweatpants pocket for my hotel key card. Malachi would be waiting for me after the video shoot. We'd spend another night in Chicago and then head to New York. I was exhausted but I was ready to see him.

We needed to talk about the other day. Telling him I loved him was a stupid mistake. I could hear his voice in the hallway. I quietly smiled behind him wanting to surprise him with my presence.

"Dad, I told you I'm not bringing Marcie to the wedding," Malachi spoke in a hushed tone.

I could hear his dad through the phone and he was angry, "You aren't bringing that girl, are you?"

"Skylar means a lot to me." 

"I do not want that girl at your sister's wedding. We are the Armani family, we do not associate ourselves with the likes of her."

"Dad I-"

"No, you will take Marcie and that's final. She is expecting you to court her after this. Think about the family, the company, your future."

Malachi sighed rubbing the stress from his eyes, "I will, pops."

I gasped at his confession. His ears perked up as he heard me. He hung up quickly and turned to face me, "Baby?"

I turned away from him reading to run when my leg twisted from under me sending a blazing pain through my body, "Shit."

"Skylar, are you alright? Is that your bag leg?" Malachi's hands were on me in an instant.

I pushed him but he stood his ground enclosing me, "Get away from me!"

"It's not what it looks like. I promise." His warm hands held my face in place. I wanted to give in but his father's words rang through my head. 

I could feel my ears burning, "Really? I guess I'm just a charity case for you then."

His face faltered at my words, "What? Why would you think that?"

"I can't believe I said I loved you." My words were spiteful and I knew I had hit a button.

Malachi stepped back nodding, "If that's how you feel."

"Yeah, it is."

Authors Note:

uhhh so yes that's done

sorry for the late update

not proof read

vote and comment or not