Prima Ballerina *Jelena Ballerina Series* (Part 1)

Chapter 32 (Part Two): Welcome To California, Forrest and...

Forrest's P.O.V.

Resa stares at my beat up duffel filled so much that it's to the degree where it can pop at any second. She pokes it and ridicules, "You have one of the nicest dance bags in all of the studio, yet you can't afford a decent suitcase?"

I shrug, "You have to set your priorities straight."

She rolls her eyes and mutters under her breath, "You're so lucky that you're fantastic at dance."

"It takes practice and dedication," I say.

Resa nods her head. She then looks over at the flight schedules. My flight will be boarding in less than ten minutes. She's still a little angry that she isn't coming with me. However, we both know that if she came, things would only be worse. Even if she came to California and didn't see how Selena is, it would still be bad if they were in the same area. Being in different states would just be the best for them.

Now, as I stare at the time for boarding, I can feel myself start to shake. My heart is pounding and I can't stand still. Resa notices my instant jitteriness and collects my shaking hand in hers. She drags me over to a bench and even when I sit down I'm still shaking. Her cold hand goes across my forehead and then she stares at me with confusion.

"You don't seem to have a fever and you didn't have coffee..." She starts to guess why I am acting this way. Then it hits her. She clasps my hand tightly and strokes my cheek until I am looking her directly in the eye.

"Hey, it's okay. You don't need to be afraid to get on the airplane. They hardly ever get in accidents, you're going to be fine," she comforts.

I let the air go down my throat. Not wanting to speak, I just shake my head at her. Yes, I'm afraid of flying. Never, did I ever think that I would have to leave New York; it's the hub of the dance world. There are so many opportunities for dancers to make it professionally here. It had been such a blessing to be born and raised in one of the biggest cities in the world. I figured I wouldn't ever have to leave and if I did I figured it would be just to the other side of the state or a few states over. Never to the other side of the country.

Sure, I've heard about all the perks of Los Angeles and everything else in California for dancers. It's just, New York is my home and one of the only things that have been there for me. It feels wrong to leave, even if it is just for a short while.

"Remember that you are doing this for Selena," she reminds, purposely leaving out Taylor.

To my knowledge, Resa and Taylor didn't like each other from the start. With Taylor being Selena's backup, they never got along. Then when I came into the mix, I guess I added fuel to the fire. At least, in my eyes, I like to believe that I did. Maybe Resa just doesn't like Taylor because she's the reason that we broke up.

"I know, I'm just afraid to leave New York," I admit.

She lightly shakes her head, "Forrest, if you're going to be a professional dancer than you are going to travel around this globe. In fact, I know that you are because I've seen the way that you dance, that you're going to be a professional dancer. Just think of this as prep for all the future flights you are going to take."

"Thanks, Resa," I express while hugging her tightly. Against my shoulder, I can feel her smile.

The announcement of my flight is what breaks our hug. We share one last look, then in unison, we get up from the bench. Resa escorts me over to the loading zone. Just before I file into line, I thank her for accompanying me to the airport.

She shrugs, "What are exes for?"

Resa and I hug one last time then she signals me to get in line. My heart is racing again and I'm shaking. Not as noticeable as before, but I'm still shaking. Behind a petite woman, I stand and they call up a man before her to set his belongings down. That's when I freak out. Instantly, I get out of line and run back over to Resa.