I Used To Be

Chapter 9 Part 14

            I knew I was going to have to deal with Isabelle in ballet today. BUT – audition results were also posted. I wasn't sure which made me more nervous.

Of course, she would be standing right in front of the cast list when I arrived. I could hear a few people already in the studio. Some of the girls went to private schools and they got there first. I usually arrived with the other local public school girls, and then there were a few who went to schools out in the county and they were still twisting their hair into buns between bites of energy chews when we started the plié combination.

I didn't say anything, just peered over her shoulder and around her glistening black hair. Her bun was perfect today, I noticed. She also smelled amazing. I completely forgot what I was supposed to be looking for on this piece of paper. Oh yeah, only the notification of whether or not I had any potential in my chosen career. Right.

"Congratulations," Isabelle said, without even turning around. How the fuck did she know it was me? It creeped me out a little. Hang on to that feeling. Isabelle is a creepy person you need to avoid. Don't forget that.

"What?" I said, suddenly registering what she had just said.

"Look," she said, stepping aside.

SNOW QUEEN Anna Winters, Carrie Simpson

"Uh, wha? Oh. Wow. Holy . . ."

"Like I said, congrats," she said, with a sad smile, and walked away. Okay, so I guess seeing her wasn't going to be a thing in the way I expected. My heart clenched. This felt different than our awkwardness at the beginning of the semester. This was worse. I felt guilty, but I knew I hadn't done anything wrong. Fuck her. Fuck Isabelle. I was the motherfucking Snow Queen goddammit. I should be overjoyed right now. Suddenly I was furious at her taking this moment away from me somehow. Bitch. I hate you.

I was still staring at my name. Seeing hers drew my eyes upward.

SUGAR PLUM Isabelle Knight, Candace Murray

Of course. No surprises there.