Skater Boy

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Part 1: Nothing to Wait for

Stella’s POV

                 As soon as we got home from our overseas trip, I ran to Derrick’s house and tried to talk to him. I rang the doorbell for about ten times when I gave up. I don’t know if it has to do with jet lag or if I was just kind of scared to face him. I went abroad on the most romantic moment! I’m an idiot.

                  I slept deeply that night.

                  Early morning the next day, I stood on their porch and rang their doorbell again. It seems like no one’s inside the house. Did they go to a trip too? Maybe that’s why Derrick wants to tell me that important “something” right after the graduation rites. Yeah. Maybe that’s it! His family went on a trip also.

                  I waited for about a week for Derrick’s return. Every time I hear an engine of a car, I peek outside to confirm if it has brought Derrick and his family home. I rang their doorbell every single day. Then one day:

                  “Excuse me but who are you looking for?” An old man asked after he opened the door. He must be Derrick’s grandfather.

                  “Oh. Hi!” I tried my best to sound cheerful. “I’m looking for Derrick.”

                  He looked at me with puzzled eyes.

                  “Oh. Sorry,” I said. Maybe he didn’t hear me clearly. “I’m looking for Derrick. Derrick Delve.”

                  He looked at me with those blank eyes again. “Who?”

                  “Derrick Delve. He lives here.”

                  “Oh,” the old man said. “They sold their house a few weeks ago. They moved out exactly two weeks ago. As soon as the boy graduated, they moved out.”

                  I gaped. “Uh… Do you know where they moved to?”

                  “Nobody knows,” the old man shrugged. “The realtor doesn’t know either.”

                  “Oh,” I said right there, dumbfounded. “Right. Thanks.”

                  I walked the few meters from Derrick’s house to my house like they were miles. Why would he leave just like that? I thought he’s going to wait for me? I have a lot to say to him. I want to clear up all our misunderstandings. Now, what? He left without any message or address or whatsoever.

                  “Stel!” Clan said excitedly. “You okay?”

                  “Clan, I—“ Then I just cried and bawled like a child in front of my twin brother.

                  “Wha—what happened?” Clan asked frantically.

                  I didn’t reply. Somehow, I ran out of words.

<<<>>> 

                  The days turned to weeks, and the weeks turned to months. How can a decent guy not call a girl he said he’d wait for? But you know, my life can’t just stop because of that.

                  After a year, I began to learn ballet again. They said I could try out from the level before the intermediate level but I felt like I need more training than that. I started to learn walking again, step by step, after my injury. If that's how broken my knee was, then I can't risk dislocating it again by straining it. I began with the beginner level. I have to have the same poise I had before. 
I worked hard, day and night. I practiced routines. I ignored snide remarks from the other dancers in the company. I know I have the passion. I also have the urgency in my dancing. I felt like I was reborn. I felt ecstatic and proud of myself. 
I signed up for audition after a year and a half. I was old compared to the other dancers who are mostly fresh graduates.