Exhale

Chapter 29: It's 5:00 PM!

let's finish this

Monday, April 8th, 4:55pm

Roman

Class was a success for the first time in a while. The dancers were almost ready for the Spring Show; Mrs. Lane had been working them to the bone. She definitely made them make up for her tardiness.

I'm shocked, there's no way I'd make it as a dancer. They're holding up better than most. Especially Z, she wondered off for a minute, she's been acting weird since. Every time we make eye contact, she smiles, but I know it's fake.

Mrs. Lane snaps, and I feel her hand on my shoulder. She hands me some study notes.

"You need to work on your pace. I also need your measurements for the costume, and don't forget to go see Beatrice, she's gonna help you."

I stand in confusion. "What costume?"

Mrs. Lane exasperates, "Go find Beatrice and find out. I have things to do, Mr. Crainne.

"Get to it!" She claps her hands, and I'm embarrassed to admit I jumped.

"Thank you for the notes." I flash an honest smile, heading to the hall.

"Get all your things together, girls."
Everyone gathers around.

"The next two classes will be for our stage and dress rehearsals. With just fifteen days left before the Spring Show, take care of your fee, no heavy drinking, and get your rest. From here on, rehearsals start at five sharp."

Everyone is visually upset, and moans fill the air.

Mrs. Lane gathers her things and takes her leave.

"I advise you all to take care of your responsibilities. Have a good day.

"It's 5:00 pm. The day is already over, Mrs. L." Chance shrugged and got her bags.

I couldn't help but chuckle. "We all agreed to stay a little."

"Boy bye." She marched for the doors and held up a peace sign. Sometimes I wonder what she's thinking.

Zuri seemed out of it. I can't blame her for the way the weeks started.

When I approached her, she barely reacted. I grabbed her hand, and she came in for a hug.

"Are you hungry?" She hummed a quick no.

"Tired?" She nodded yes, looking up while still holding me.

"But I don't wanna go home. Just take me somewhere, please."

"We have class all week. But I know a place we can stay tonight."

I lead her to the corridor, and we make our way home.

I lead her to the corridor, and we make our way home.

When we got to the apartment, Marley wasn't there.

I made a comment suggesting her classes are picking up. Zuri shrugged and kept packing.

I hope she's not hiding away again. She said she was sorry, and I just hope she meant it.

An hour later, we were outside River Place. Sharon doesn't work today, so we'll see if we can hang out.

"Do you miss it here?" Zuri asks as we approach the turnstile.

"Just Sharon and the girls. Are you gonna tell me why we're running?" She looks me in the eye and nods. She's always been more vocal, I'm worried.

She grabs my hand and pulls me inside.

"Yo!"

Please God no. I thought he would be fired and broke by now.

"Ro-Dog, and who is this damn?" He looks at Z hungrily and licks his lips.

"I promise you, I'll break your fucking face. Don't talk to her."

"Whoa man, you need to-."

"Shut up." I grit my teeth.

Zuri rushed to the elevator and pushed me in.

"Hey, calm down. You can't fight every man that looks my way."

My gaze catches hers instantly, and I take a step forward, tugging a curl.

"You're not cute." She blushes, hiding her smile.

"Oh, really." The elevator doors fling open, and she slips by, pulling me with her.

"Come on, lover boy."

I chuckle, dragging behind her. When we get to the door, I do our secret knock.

Zuri looks at me, puzzled, but seconds later, foot chatter and laughter fill the air, racing towards the door.

It swings open

"ROMAN!"

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Hey!

Any Thoughts?

See ya, babies.