Exhale

Chapter 28: Dance Hall Corridor

Welcome backkk

Zuri

I slowly make my way over. Vicky is still whispering, and I can barely hear.

"You wouldn't," is all I can make out.

Marley steps back repeatedly, saying, "You wouldn't." Her breathing quickened, and Vicky inches closer.

"Are you gonna tell her?" Vicky asks, tilting her head.

Marley throws her head back. "Why are you doing this? Why can't we just-..."

Vicky nudges her. "Just do what I say for once, and everyone can get what they want."

"You're not gonna get what you want, not like this. Can we please talk about this somewhere else?" Marley gestures toward the hall and takes a step, but Vicky pulls her back.

"What? Afraid your lover will hear?" Vicky taunts her, looking over her shoulder. I duck behind the tutus, holding my breath.

Did she see me? Does she realize I'm watching?

I wait a second before peeking up, moving behind the rack and between some boxes.

Good thing Mrs. Lane put them back here.

I'm hidden between two clothing racks, clutching boxes like a madman.

But I don't trust Vicky.

She moved down the corridor a bit, trying to hide more. I quietly shift a box aside, trying to see better.

I see Vicky holding Marley's arm. If I move forward, I think I could hear better.

"I need you to be careful about what you tell her," Vicky whispers, rubbing her shoulder.

They must be talking about me, but what didn't she tell me?

She said she didn't tell Vicky anything, and she doesn't know how she found out.

Marley slowly pulls away. "V, please just let it be. Why are you so obsessed? I can't lie to her, and I won't let you humiliate us."

She shakes her head in disapproval.

"I already stated my terms. You make the decision." Vicky walks away, leaving Marley lost in thought.

When she walks past me, I duck back down just in case. Before she reaches the hall's end, she turns around.

"You have until the end of class, babe. I need an answer." She smirks and returns to class.

Marley staggers for a moment but hurries away. Once she's far enough, I emerge from hiding, hopping over a few boxes. I walk to the hall's end, but she's gone.

What terms is she talking about? What didn't Marley tell me?

I rush out of the dance hall corridor, but I don't see her or Vicky. I can only go back to rehearsal.

Did she lie? I have so many questions—the thought of it— I shake it off.

I can't dwell on it; this is exactly what Vicky wants, it's just like last year.

"Hell no! I'm not doing this again."

.

.

I've broken this into parts; next week looks promising.

Any thoughts?

See you later, baby.