My Mother's Ballet Shoes

Every morning was filled with it, terror, fear. Ever since they left me, since she left me, I had been alone. It’s not easy being a 16 year old orphan even when you inherit 3 and a half million pounds and a chain of boutiques. I never wanted this life. I wanted to be ordinary. I never asked to be the girl in the back of a classroom who no one ever talked too. I never asked to be a mute. I never asked to be me.

In My dream my wings carried me to a cemetery. I knew it well for my parents were here. I stopped floating to walk among the dew on the moss. It was cool and comforting among my toes. I realised that I was in my mother’s wedding dress. It was a beautiful silk gown that puffed out at my hips. It was a stunning dress but I wanted it off. I felt for the bow at the back of the dress. A warm oozing substance clung unexpectedly to my hand. I could hear the pounding of my fluttery heartbeat in my ears. I knew what it was and I knew what it looked like. I had tasted its metallic flavour in my mouth and I had felt it dribble out of my lips. I drew hand out from behind my back only to confirm my worst suspicions. Blood dripped from my hand, coiling around my wrist like a viper does its prey. I stood up from what I thought was a log. I hadn’t realised that I was sitting on them!

I woke up screaming silently to myself. I felt a stream of sweat hurriedly running down my cheek, down my neck. I pulled off the lavish pearl covers off me as I leapt out of my designer four poster bed. My bedside clock informed me that it was 6:22 am on Saturday the 22nd February. No School. Good. My Housekeeper Jennifer Maie (who, since my parents had died, was my guardian) must have heard some movement. She was at my door basically bringing the house down with her insistent battering. I opened the door with an unearthly calmness considering the nightmare that had woken my slumber.            “Roseabelle! Are you okay? My dear what woke you? And why are the covers of your bed on the floor?! Rosie!” I had to put a clammy hand on her shoulder to silence her. It was like she thought I was average rich kid who could talk all they wanted to! I wanted to shout at her, listen I can’t speak! Ever since the accident I have never uttered a sound! In the end I had to guide her over to my so called speaking machine. I had paid a well-reviewed engineer to build a machine that could speak for me. All I had to do was type in what I wanted it to say. I hated it though with its robot like voice showing no emotion. I typed in my tale. Like any person should, she stood and listened. I saw tears riding down her cheeks. She pulled me into a motherly embrace.

“Rose, my darling, don’t fret! How about you go out today hhmm?” How could she tell me not to fret when she was sobbing on my shoulder?

“Please do not worry,” said my robot “I am fine. I need to get changed though and have breakfast so could I have some privacy please?” Holding a tissue to her mouth she nodded and shuffled out of my room. I was thankful that she had gone. My phone had alerted me that a text had arrived.

Hey! Im at kitz shoppin centre! Meet me in an hour 4 sum shoppin. BTW dis is 4 der whole day M xxx  

I smiled at my friend’s message. Michelle is the best person I know for shopping and being a friend. I hurriedly ran to my walk-wardrobe and changed into a chic rose red dress, black tights with black heeled ankle boots. I completed the look with a dark scarlet lipstick, some black waterproof mascara and liquid eyeliner. I grabbed my Grosvenor Radley Bag. I zipped my bag open to check I had my credit card with me. I did so stealthily, I made my out the back door and I crept round to the front of my mansion. I remember as a child counting all the rooms, doors, windows and civil servants. I soundlessly climbed into my Ferrari California. My car turned on, purring like a tiger. I made my way out of the sweeping drive and was on my way to Kitz.