I shuffled around the dark street corner pulling my hood deeper on to my head, making sure it cover as much of my hair as possible. Kicking at the small chips of cement that riddled the sidewalk I heaved my bag up higher over my shoulder. My head snapped up quickly to the sound of an oncoming voice. As soon as I had looked up, my head shot back down, desperately trying to avoid eye contact with the quickly approaching man. I shoved my hands in my pockets and tried to act as casual as possible. As the man passed, my breathing returned to normal, but I quickly pulled out my phone to check my current location. No matter how many times I walked this same path I was always afraid that I would get lost; swallowed up by the sheer vastness of the sprawling city.
"Just a few more blocks." I reassured myself.
Through the skyline of the city I could see the faint glow of the rising sun. The approaching light turning the clouds above brilliant shades of pink and purple, reminding me of a swirl of flavorful cotton candy.
I crossed one final street and took a left before finally reaching my destination - L.A. Dance and Performing Arts Academy. I pulled out my ring of keys and unlocked the front door, the small silver bell above the door letting out a small jingle. I made my way through the partly dark hallways, much too lazy to turn on any of the lights. When I reached the door to studio 1 I pulled it open and took in a large wiff of the strong scent. It was a strange combination of floor laminate, sweat, and lemon scented air freshener. I piled my belongings in the far corner, stripping off my joggers and oversized hoodie. Underneath I wore my pink silk leotard with nude colored tights. Reaching into my bag I pulled out my pointe shoes and laced them onto my small feet. When I rose to my feet I quickly put my hair into a bun, using the large studio mirror. As I patted over to he bar I began to do some very basic stretches, loosening up every muscle in my body. I let out a frustrated sigh as my hip let out a loud popping noise. I continued to crack many of the bones in my feet and ankle as I stretched those areas.
After I had finished stretching I plugged my phone into the speakers. Just before I played the music I checked my messages, seeing that I had received one from my mother not long ago.
"Just be careful in that big city Hun. You know I miss you. Stay safe."
I quickly replied with a,
"Sure thing mom. Gotta go...practice awaits."
After hitting send on the text I set my phone down gently on the counter and let the music begin to play. I freestyle for a while, pulling my body through many leaps and twirls. Hitting every one with almost exact accuracy. I dropped to the floor into a low splits position before rolling out of it and onto my back. I pulled my feet towards my chest, sitting in an almost fetal like position, before arching my back and slowly rising out of it. For a while longer I tried to perfect a certain kind of leap that I was having a particularly difficult time with. Again and again I attempted to throw the jump, only once stumbling and fall to the ground.
"Just one more." I encouraged myself quietly.
On this final leap I kicked my legs out perfectly, landing it with ease and let out a light chuckle. As the music began to draw to a close I found myself in the middle of the room stringing together a set of turns. On the final 8 count I pulled my leg high above my head into a needle poise, holding it for a few seconds before releasing.
As I slowly came down from my poise, I heard a unexpected applause.
"That was fantastic Emy." Said my good friend, and fellow dancer Kendall.
"Thank you." I replied, my voice still a bit scratchy from the early morning drowsiness.
"What time did you get here this morning?" Questioned Kendall checking the time on her phone, "it's only just now 6:00."
"Not more than an hour ago." I replied, taking a quick sip of my water, "I probably got here around 5, 5:15."
"You're insane." She mumbled jokingly under her breathe.
"I heard that." I laughed in reply.
"Good." She said turning and exiting from studio 1 with a laugh.
I gathered my things and followed her out. I set my bag down on a nearby table and began slipping back on my sweats.
"Oh you don't have to leave." She quickly rushed out, "I can use studio 2 if you're not finished yet."
"No you're totally fine, plus I'm starving so I'm going to grab a bite to eat." I said while slipping on my sweatshirt.
"You sure?" she said.
"I'm sure." I said picking up my bag and slinging it over my shoulder.
"Ok be safe." She remarked just before I ducked out of the academy, back onto the cold dark street.
~~~
As I made my way to the coffee shop I passed by several men who had felt the need to remark on my appearance.
"Hey there sugar." One had said, following me down the road for a few blocks.
Living in L.A. made my wildly nervous. Even dressed in a pair of ratty sweats, men still cat called me as I passed.
When I finally made it to the small cafe, I was thankful to be off the street. Unfortunately, the small establishment was packed full of people. I looked around and gazed at some of the people there. A women sat at the edge of a table, propped on a high barstool. The vibrantly colored hijab wrapped around her head complimented her eyes perfectly and made her seem extremely happy. The look on her face was one of content as she slowly sipped her coffee. In another corner sat a man with a large bushy beard and a red flannel shirt. He was sat silently reading a copy of the book Pride and Prejudice. In yet another corner sat a group of people who appeared to be early college age. Although I could barely hear their conversation, I could tell they were speaking in another language, possibly French. The diversity of the small coffee shop amazed me and brought a slight smile to my face.
Just as I pulled my attention back to the line in front of me I realized it was my turn to order.
"Hello ma'am how may I help you." Chirped a happy looked middle aged man with thick brimmed glasses.
"Yes hello." I stuttered slightly, "I'll have a large caramel cappuccino with whipped cream please."
After paying the nice man and receiving my drink I searched for an open table among the commotion. As I was looking I saw an older couple stand up and leave from a 2 person table. I quickly slid into the seat, happy to finally be off my feet. I sipped my drink for a while and scrolled through tumblr when suddenly a man approached me.
"I don't mean to interrupt," he said politely, "but is this seat taken?" He said pointing to the chair directly across from my own.
"No it is not." I replied smoothly.
"Then would it be okay if I sat here?" He said gesturing towards the chair again.
"Be my guest." I said, scooting my things over to clear room for him.
"I'm sorry again, it's just that it's so busy that there are no other open chairs."
"It's perfectly fine." I said peering through my thick blonde bangs.
It went silent for a second before he stuck out his hand.
"I'm Josh." He added.
"I'm Emerson." I said, taking his much larger hand in my own and giving it a firm shake. "It is lovely to meet you."
