Forgotten Dances

1. The Introduction

Fall was always the prettiest time of year. Leaves were only just beginning to turn orange and yellow and fall from the branches of trees, leaving them bare to face the harsh winter that was predicted.

It was morning. Half past six to be exact, and I wasn't late for once. In fact, I was right on time. I held the warm cup of cocoa as I kept glancing from the other cup of coffee that I had bought to the entrance to our city's subway. A figure dashed down the steps, behind about 10 other people. She pushed through before making eye contact with me. I glanced away, smiling as she sat next to me.

"You're early for once," She huffed. I laughed and pushed her the coffee I had bought for her. She sighed and picked it up, swallowing the warm liquid.

"You won't believe it. Mr Matchstick Man and Miss Tattletail the Third decided to bring up the fact that I'm behind everyone in the class. Yes, we get that fact that you're siblings and that your parents are apart of the High Council but don't rub it in us Businessian Chicks."

Chrystal Millard, Businessian. A rank above myself, yet she was my best friend beside our significant differences. Her family was the richest in the Governers rank which meant her clothing was all pretty and bright and colourful. Her eyes shone like diamonds, and her hair glistened in the sunlight. Me? I had dull grey eyes and musty brown hair. My clothing was bearable but not as lovely as hers. Most of the attire I owned had at least one hole or was a hand-me-down from my mother.

"Thank you for buying me the coffee. I understand what a hard time your parents are going through."

I waved a hand, "It's nothing. Just a $3.50 cup of coffee for my sister of friendship."

She laughed as I grabbed my school bag and barrel bag and threw them over my shoulders. I stood up, ready for the train to roll into the station.

"We need to take you shopping," She said, walking up next to me. "For both everyday clothes and dancewear. I'll take you down to the Bazaar on Sunday."

I rolled my eyes, "Chrystal. I am not letting you buy me clothing, even if you're father lets you borrow five hundred dollars just for me."

She flailed her arms in the air, "But it's your Birthday soon! At least let me get you some new clothing! Even if it's just dancewear."

I pondered this for a moment before nodding. Chrystal punched the air and grinned.

"We'll do both. I need both if I'm attending the MidWinter."

Her eyes sparkled, "I have the perfect shops in mind. So, I have a perfect plan."

She chatted on about dresses and dancewear. Most of it blurred into thin air as I watched the train rolled into the station. As if on autopilot, I entered the passenger car and found somewhere to stand. Chrystal was right behind me.

"I'm thinking monochrome with a twist. I saw a dress that you'll just die for."

I nodded along with what she was saying, not really taking it all in but taking in snippets of her conversation. The train rolled into the station, and I was just about to step off when Chrystal grabbed my hand.

"Will I see you after school? Or even just before?" She asked me. It was becoming a rare occurrence for us to see each other except in the morning before I raced to dance.

"I'll see how fast I can change. Hell, I'll change at school this morning so you and I can talk. We need to talk."

She smiled, watching me as I stepped off the train into the crowded station. I found my way to the stairs and started climbing. I reached the top and was greeted by a Poverner. Their eyes were a magnificent amber colour, and they were holding a small rusted tin. There was nothing in their cup. I had my lunch money, which consisted of two ten dollars. It was frowned upon however to give money away to the Lower Class. Today was an exception. I saw no officers around, everyone was too busy. I pulled out my 10 dollar note and handed to them.

"Use it wisely. Tell no one."

He thanked me silently with a nod, and I went off to be swallowed into the crowd.

The music carried about 100 students across a large dance floor. We would stretch ourselves to limits we thought were impossible and reach heights that no average human could. Once the music stopped, a few students collapsed to the ground.

"Thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen. Before you disappear, it is wise to let you know that we have decided to choose 5 of you to pre-audition for the annual Christmas Show. The rest of you would have to sign up yourself. Can the following please come forward?"

These were the people chosen from Advanced Learning Phases of Hard Arts (ALPHA)

Sam KeLeith. Non-Binary Male. Low-Class Worker on the brink of Poverner. I've known them since forever it feels like. We started dance lessons together and remained conjoined at the hip when together. They have grey hair and heterochromia with one brown eye and one blue eye. They have a decent shape, probably not one that you'd typically see in a dancer.

Nicholas White. High-Class Bussinessian. He's not as stuck up as you'd expect. He had gorgeous jade eyes with dyed red hair and pale skin. Basically, the male equivalent of Poison Ivy. He's well shaped, both physically and mentally, and kind to everyone who passes him by.

Justice-Jay Juniper, also known as J-Cubed. Mid-Class Classian, like myself. She's the kindest, sweetest girl you could ever meet. She had these big blue eyes, tan skin and luscious, black, wavy hair. Her figure was this plump, curvy figure. No wonder all the guys drool over her.

Hanna Planet. Low-Class Classian. She is the ultimate spoiled brat. Her long, straight, blonde hair and baby-blue eyes matched perfectly with her pale skin. She had the figure of a perfect ballerina and the personality of a bitch. 'Nuff said.

I was the last person to be called. I saw the glare in Hanna's eyes. We'd been competing against each other for what felt like forever. She was determined to be the one that always comes out on top. I stepped forward with the other five.

"The auditions are occurring at the Dance for the Experienced and Learning and Teaching Art Academy."

DELTA. We all looked at each other, grinning. It would be an honour for us to be able to dance with them. Everyone else was dismissed by the instructor, and we remained.

"This is an honour for you to be able to audition. The only reason you are able to do so is that of your grades and ability. The audition is Friday at 5pm. Be there no later than 4:30."

We all thanked her, before racing out into the dressing room. Excited chatters broke out.

"Can you believe it? I was not expecting to get in!" Sam squealed, hugging Justice and I. Nicholas watched on from his locker, grinning. I looked over to Hanna, who was unusually quiet.

"Congratulations, Hanna! Maybe you and I can be Odette and Odile?" I joked.

She said nothing. All she did was glare at me before stalking out of the dressing room. I was stunned.

"That's a first," Nicholas scoffed, turning back to his locker. I sighed, before grabbing my bag and heading out the door.