Ascending Paradise (Book 1)***Published now on Amazon!!***

7

“Okay, I have an announcement for you guys!” I shouted to my class as I said they were packing up. They all stopped and turned back to me. “I have decided who is going to dance in the competition.” I said and they all turned from being exhausted to being super excited with shouts and jumping up and down to be picked like I hadn’t already chosen.

“Hush! She has to announce it!” I heard Maddie shout as she moved closer to me.

“For the male lead… can I get a foot stomp drum roll?” I asked and they all did it happily. “I chose Jonathan!” I shouted and he jumped up with happiness and pride coming towards me hugging me close. “For the female lead…” I trialed off making them foot stomp again. “I have chosen Madeline!” I shouted and she didn’t seem happy. She smiled and thanked those who said congratulations.

She didn’t come up in hug me, in fact she seemed to want to get out of here faster and didn’t even say goodbye like she usually does.

I wonder what her problem was… did she know that Dominic and I are going to be the other leads? Does she know that I didn’t tell her that news that she would be happy about.

I tried catching up with her and she just jumped in Dominic’s arms as he carried her back to his truck and set her inside.

I sighed and heard someone calling my name. I looked back and saw Jonathan’s mom coming towards me with a plate and felt my mouth water. “I heard the good news.” She gushed handing me the plate.

“He deserves it.” I tell her honestly and he came running up hugging his mom’s leg and smiling up at me.

“Thanks you Jesy! I really wanted this and promise to do my best!” He said before getting distracted by one of his friends calling him over.

“I know you will.” I mumbled and thanked his mom one more time before they left. Soon the other kids were gone and I was left with this nice food and yet… no appetite.

I walked over and put it on the front desk. I was closing tonight and I knew Dominic wasn’t coming tonight. I walked back into the room I was just teaching in and laid on the floor using the remote to turn on the music.

I laid there and just stayed there.

Soon I heard my phone buzzing and groaned getting up on all fours to crawl to my bag. I ended up getting irritated and just dumped my bag out looking for it. I founding it and hit answer right away not wanting to miss the call by waiting to see who was calling.

“Hello?” I said and prayed it not be some telemarketing guy.

“Where the hell are you?” I heard a livid Dominic on the other line.

“How did you get my number?” I asked ignoring his question.

“I got it from my parents… some emergency number.” He huffed and I wondered why he was worried about where I was at. “Where are you? I thought we would go to the studio and work out the steps again.” He said and I sighed hearing the change his tone, meaning he was trying to be nice.

“I’m still at the studio.” I told him and heard him say something about being on his way before the sound of being hung up on.

 I got up deciding to eat the dinner that was brought for me. I walked out to the front desk sitting in the rolly chair and unwrapping the plate. I ate and half way through I saw Dominic’s car pull in and blind me with his headlights.

I sighed getting up when I saw him basically stalking to the door and went over to unlock it.

“Eating?” He asked when he saw the fork in my hand.

“Yeah, one of the mom’s sometimes brings me food.” I told him turning away and starting to put away the food.

“Finish eating, I have to change anyways.” He said and then walked to the bathroom quickly and I sat down finishing the food until I was full before putting it away and going to the room before he even came out.

“You didn’t finish your food did you?” He more started than questions but I would rather take it as a question.

“I ate until I was full.” I said and took off my shoes and socks. I worked better without shoes and it was dangerous to work with socks in the newly polished rooms.

“That couldn’t have been a healthy amount.” He said crossing his arms.

“You would faint if you saw what I can really put away. But usually I don’t like eating this late in the day… makes my stomach hurt in the morning… especially after I dance after eating a big meal.” I said and he seemed a little distraught with my talking so I stopped talking about me and went right into the choreographic moves.

Soon it was 10 at night and I was exhausted. I didn’t think I could drive home, but I knew I had to. I stumbled up the stairs and this time I was glad Dominic had taken care of my bag. I don’t know how that would throw me off balance right now.

“Are you okay?” He asked and I just nodded down at him as he trailed behind me. “You sure, you look like you are ready to pass out.” He pointed out and his taunt eyebrows showed me he didn’t believe me already.

“I’m fine Dominic.” I said trudging up the rest of the stairs and tripping on the last one for good luck.

“Shit, are you okay?” I heard him ask and I just nodded getting up and then looking at my shoe to see the shoelace united.

“Just a shoelace.” I said bending over and tying it back up. He stood right in front of me and I just felt dizzy as I stood up straight again.

“You are so not fine.” He muttered as I grabbed my head.

“Yes I am. Just go home Dominic.” I said and made a move to get my bag.

“No, either I drive you home or I am calling you a cab you will use.” He said crossing his arms.

“Why do you even care?” I asked and glared at him. I wasn’t a child! I knew how to take care of myself!

“You are tired as fuck and I don’t trust you with driving yourself home.” He said smugly and I just glared harder.

“Listen… Dominic… I am grown, I am my own boss. If I want to drive myself home you have no room to stop me.” I said and made another move to grab my bag. I would not give in.

“Want to bet?” He asked like he knew something I didn’t.

“Yeah, now give me my bag.” I lunged as I said it and then hit his shoulder with my forehead as he turned.

“Now you really aren’t okay… are you okay?” He asked and I just put my hand on my head.

“Dammit why do you care? I swear you are messing with me or just trying to be nice, either way you aren’t doing a good job of doing either.” I said rubbing the place I would no doubt have a knot later.

“I am not messing with you… I might seem like the jerk but my mom said to always be a gentlemen.” He said proudly and I just mocked him and gestured to him to give me my bag.

“Dammit Dominic just leave me alone!” I shouted making my way to the door not even wanting my bag and making my way to my car as soon as I was in the fresh breezy air.

“Can you not call me Dominic? Just Dom would work and I am still following you home.” He said as I got in my car and stopped me from closing my door.

He handed me my bag before running to his own car.

He is so irritating. Yet, sort of nice and thoughtful now that I think about it.

Maybe there is more than one side to him than he orignially lets on.