All Too Unwell

Someone New

After rehearsals, me and the other dancers decided to go get some food. As Charlotte was taking 0.5's of me and posters in the restaurant. I saw a gorgeous woman with short, curly, dark hair, olive skin, and green eyes in her early to mid 20's walk by. When she sees me staring, she gives me a small smile. Charlotte stabs me with her elbow "awww you guys would be so cute!" Charlotte exclaims. It was one glance. "Charlotte, you're so delulu. It was one look," I say, jabbing her back. I lock eyes with her again and feel butterflies in my stomach. I look back down at the menu, looking for the option with the least calories. None of the other dancers know about my struggles with eating, but I'm sure they're suspicious. 

 Charlotte orders buttered noodles and garlic bread, Nathan orders ravioli, and Ivy orders a small pizza. I am debating between eating like the rest of them or eating less than the rest of them. What if they think I eat too much? All of them turn to look at me, because I am usually the last to order. "I'll have a fruit cup, please," I say.

"That's all?" the waitress questions. I nod, embarrassed and feeling like she put me on display. If Taylor were here, she'd probably force me to order more food. But she's not here, so the other dancers probably just think I'm weird from the way they're staring at me like I have three heads. 

I excuse myself to wash my hands because I'm scared the menu had germs on it. As I open the door, I bump into someone walking out. "Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry! I should've been looking where I was going!" I apologize. As I look up, I realize that it's the woman from earlier. "No worries! Hey, wait! Omg you're one of Taylor's dancers!" She exclaims. All of the sudden, I have lost my ability to speak. I just nod. "Well, can I have your number?" she asks. 

"Oh great yeah," I reply, typing my contact in. I have never been good at talking to people, and it's even worse when I have a crush on them. I am the epitome of the lyric, "You're so gorgeous, can't say anything to your face,". When she hands me my phone back, I see that her name is Emma. I wash my hands and return to the table, smiling like an idiot. An idiot who might have a shot at love. Charlotte squeals and shakes my arm around, "OMG you got her number?!" she asks, glancing down at my phone. "Stalker," I retort, pretending to be annoyed. 

"I watched the whole interaction," Charlotte says, sticking her tongue out. My fruit comes a few minutes later, and my phone buzzes with a notification. 

Emma: Only fruit? You deserve to eat, love 

Me: I had a big breakfast, dw :)

Emma: Ok, but I'll be checking on you. 

My heart is exploding. I just met her and she already cares about me. Maybe I do have hope for a love life. 

I eat my fruit slowly, making sure I finish around the same time as everyone else. I don't like finishing before people because that's awkward and then it's obvious that I ordered the least food. If I finish last, it's obvious that I'm stalling. 

...

When we get back to the hotel, I decide to go to the lobby with the other dancers. We're playing monopoly, but I'm also texting Emma. She's so sweet, I keep getting distracted and losing track of when it's my turn. I hope this doesn't impact my dancing.