"You are my home"

Chapter 1 - "I think you dropped your rubber band"

SAMANTHA'S POV.

"Martha, the cake you baked tastes wonderfully!" I carefully take another bite from the delicious cake into my mouth. Martha is our housekeeper. I've known her since I was a child.

"Samantha, you should be getting ready for your ballet rehearsal this afternoon, not stuffing yourself with cake!" My mother's voice startles me as she walks into the kitchen and catches me cutting a slice.

"I need energy to dance so I AM getting ready, mother." I look at Martha in front of me who seems to be fighting her smile.

"Well well, aren't we humorous today," My mother moves her hands to her hips in disapproval.

"You are well aware you cannot gain any weight if you want to lead this year's ballet recital again. You have to be an example for the other ballerinas, Samantha." My mother's tone is serious and peremptory as usual.

"I know, I'm not going to gain any weight, mother." She makes my life so stressful that I possibly couldn't.

"Good. Now go get ready." My mother instructs. My eyes move to the untouched piece of cake in front of me. I feel my mother's eyes on me, defeated I roll my eyes at her and mentally wish I could have taken the plate to my bedroom first.

As I enter my room I close the door. I take a deep breath and carefully fold my tactel black camisole, my black leotard, black shorts, matching underwear, white tights, dance warm-ups and my baby pink pointe shoes.

"Are you ready, Samantha?" My mother opens my door but doesn't come in.

"I am. I'm going to pick Lilly up on the way." I tell her as I quickly grab my bag and close the door behind me.

"Have a good rehearsal, dear." She smiles warmly. I don't see my mother's smile very often. I'm well aware Ballet has always been her dream to begin with. Then it became mine.

"Thank you." I give my mum a kiss on the cheek and grab my car keys.

Matt Healy's voice fills the car as I drive to Lilly's house. Lillian has been my best friend since we were four and got accepted in the same ballet class.

"Hey, Sam!" Lilly hugs me as she slides into the passenger seat. Her black hair is tucked into a high perfectly rounded bun.

"How are you?" I smile at her.

"Famished. You?" She takes her pink coat off and grabs an apple from her bag. 

"Oh, I had stuffed myself with cake at home." I mock my mother's choice of words. Lilly looks at me with a puzzled expression.

"Martha baked one." I explain.

"Oh. Martha, the culinary wonder!" She sights, playfully clapping her hands.

We drive to the Boston Ballet School, ten minutes before class. I tell Lilly to get out of the car so she can rush into the dressing room while I park. She always needs more time than me to get ready.

I toss my keys into my bag & grab a wool grey sweater from my backseat. It has been snowing during the whole week long.
It is so cold, the crispy air burns my nostrils as soon as I get out of the car. 

"Samantha!" A familiar voice calls behind me.

"Hello, Miss June," I give her a smile as she approaches me on the sidewalk. Her black hair is styled into perfection on the top of her head. A cashmere bright camisole covers most of the skin of her neck and a black pencil skirt rests just below her knees.