Stories Spun by Scenes

Broken Ballerina

Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock...

I slammed my tiny fist against the great brown clock, the only thing in this stark bare room. Its ticking was driving me insane, if I wasn't already.

According to the ticking machine, it had been four hours. I had no idea when I would be free again, locked away in the upstairs room.

My mother and father never wanted me, and while occasionally they tolerated me, for the most part they did not. As a result, they would grab my flailing body and force me up those dingy attic stairs, shoving me into the room, no matter how many insults and curses I screeched. The door would slam, the lock would click, and I was left.

The room was nothing; it had nothing, it brought nothing. No comfort, no sanctity. I sighed, slouching against the walls, taking in my surroundings for what seemed like the millionth time.

Sky blue walls stared back at me, hanging bear with the exception of that horrid clock. Ocean blue carpet accented the walls, and for a second I imagined it was the ocean roiling beneath me with the sky stretching on endlessly. For a minute I pictured that I was free, free as the birds in the sky and the dolphins in the sea.

I tried to visualize waves coming up, thrashing around me, and pulling me astray. I tried to listen to imaginary birds cooing above me, and the crashing of the gentle waves against the sandy shore.

Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock....

The mahogany clock had brought me out of a dream, and I felt my heart fall inside my chest. It hurt coming back to these four walls and ugly blue carpeted floor, when I had just been free with the water and clouds.

They were in an exceptionally bad mood today...I bet they would come soon to take me to The Room. Who knew how long I would be in there now?

Thinking quickly, I raced into my tiny cramped closet that held next to nothing. I quickly tore off my dirty rags I had been in for days, grabbed the dress, slipped it on, and quickly raced on to find a bag. I shoved some crackers, juice, water, and bread inside. I grabbed my shoes and I snuck upstairs. I walked on my tip-toes, so they wouldn't notice, I climbed into the attic and stashed my belongings in it. I returned downstairs, waiting for them to take me away....

My stash! I just remembered from that time so long ago. There was a secret door on the big of that huge clock, I was pretty sure I was the only one who has noticed it. I guessed that clock was good for something!

Using my nubby nail-bitten graying nails, I unlatched the door, and the contents spilled out. I ignored the food and liquids, hastily grabbing the dress and shoes, sliding them both on without a thought.

I turned my head down to look at myself. The pale pink shimmering dress hugged my body in what appeared to be all the right places. It was comforting and form fitting, swishing right above my knees, and dancing around my hips. I allowed my lips a small smile before looking down to my feet.  I extended one leg in front of me, twisting it to get a better view. Gold shining ballerina slippers shone back at me, and I shifted them, allowing them to glow underneath the harsh lighting.

Bend at the knee, touch, twirl, bend, touch, plie, degage, rond de jambe, en dehors, en dedans, spin, extend, crouch, bend....

My motions and movements all blended together, as I lost myself in dance, my only love and escape in this world. It was the only time I let my cares go, able to move without thought or fear.

I danced for hours, losing myself, trying to free my soul to a better place, a place far better than where my body was.