Exhale

Chapter 10: Careful

Monday April 8th, 9:25 am

The Juilliard School

Roman

"From the top." Mrs. Lane shouts. The girls moan, getting back into place. The recording starts. It's been like this for days, over and over and over again.

My hands are so sore that I made recordings two months in advance.

Nowadays, being a pianist is a pain. But I'm determined. I knew it wouldn't always be easy, and I'm doing a lot better than I thought I would.

It's Zuri and Marley who worry me. Mrs. Lane dropped Mars from the show, and the school pulled her scholarship.

She hasn't been drinking and partying as much since she started school at NYU. But sometimes she doesn't come home for days.

To be completely honest, I have no clue what the hell is going on with her. Everything was going so well, and then her mom popped up at NYU and made a huge scene.

She wouldn't tell us what happened, and she kept saying she was fine and everything was alright.

I wish we could help her. But I think she's finally blowing up after all the lies and drama. I know how she feels when my biological parents died, and none of my family wanted me.

I became a distant, lonely, and bitter juvenile, lashing out and fighting. Being in the system was not easy for the time that I was.

After a while, I just stopped talking and completely isolated myself from everyone and everything. I was lucky that the Petersons adopted me.

Life started to feel normal again. I remember I could barely play the piano without mom. But after a while, I was able to fall back into it.

I feel like a lot of people think life is just fun and games. But when it's ready to teach you a lesson, you crumble to the touch of it.

It's the most unbearable thing, which is why I don't blame her. Her whole life's been a lesson in knowing you're worth more and when to stand up for yourself and your dreams. As well as constant turmoil and belittlement.

I can't seem to shake the situation. I let my thoughts get the better of my time. Class is over, and Zuri is about to ditch me. Jolting to my feet, I dash after her, catching up in the hall.

"Wait for me," I yell, exasperated.

12:45 am, ten minutes after class.

She looks over her shoulder with dead eyes and a big frown. I can't help but smile.

She frowned. "It's not funny."

"Maybe just a little funny." She nudged my arm, hiding her smile.

"It's almost over in two weeks. We can relax and watch Stranger Things and maybe make some margaritas. How does that sound?"

 She locks our arms and pulls me close.

"Promise."

She holds my gaze, barely blinking. With one hand on my jacket, she pulls me closer.

"Promise." She whispered.

"Yeah, I'll make you margaritas." She leans close and pecks my cheek.

"Thanks, Ro, now let's go home." She grabbed my hand, never letting go as we made our way down the hall.

These past few weeks, Zuri and Zuri have gotten closer and have had more intimate moments.

I know we're friends, but I can't help but notice her new affections towards me. I mean, I'd be an idgit not to, it's a little obvious. Not that I haven't encouraged her.

I would ask her out. But now's definitely not the time. Too much shit is happening. I have to be careful.

I don't want to overwhelm her. But she deserves a break. Plus, I don't want to assume her new behavior towards me is fueled by feelings.

Jeez, I sound like a damn shrink. Now I'm overthinking. Just shake it, Roman, leave it alone before you have a brain aneurysm.

Besides, I'm sure I'm not even her type. She wouldn't dream of me if I asked her to.

Once we get outside. I flag down the nearest taxi, and we head home.

It's been ten minutes, and silence has never felt more uncomfortable.

My thoughts made it so much worse. This ride is never gonna end. I glance over to see Zuri, and she's falling asleep. Ballet is taking its toll.

I lean over, letting her rest on me. She wraps her arm through mine, her body fully hugging me.

I let my head fall back, relaxing into her, and together we cuddled, finding comfort on the way home.

.

.

We're getting an inside on what Mars is going through. Will she find clarity in her new situation? Will she and Zuri wrap up rehearsals strong, or is Roman gonna throw her off with a surprise?

Any Thoughts?

Okay writers block did creep up on your girl, but I'm not going anywhere. Thanks for all the support. Don't forget to comment on your favorite moments. Share EXHALE with your friends. Let's get back to it, guys :)))