Then

Chapter 2

 

Korrie's POV

I shivered as I crossed the street and entered CMT to being my shift. My lack of jacket proving a discomfort when the day ended and I made my trek to my apartment that I shared with my two best friends. They were both still at work when I arrived so hung my purse in the closet and walked into the kitchen.

I sang along to the music playing on my Pandora station as I made my friends dinner, hoping they were in the mood for grilled cheese and soup...They were giggling as they came in and found me pouring the food into three bowls.

"Korrie!" Emerald cheered and gave me a bear hug from behind and I smiled.

"Hey guys how was work?" I asked. Dacie squealed and I tilted my head in confusion. "That good eh?"

"Dacie served Hunter Hayes today at Panera." Emerald explained and sat down in front of her plate.

"He was still there when you clocked on?" I asked and they both stopped to look at me.

"What do you mean by still there?" Dacie asked, pushing her blonde hair out of her eyes. I just  shrugged.

"He was there when I went to work. I stopped in to grab a homeless lady a snack and he was in there."

"Korrie, that's huge!" Emerald yelled and I jumped at the outburst. "I mean you've been in love with him since 8th grade!"

"Guys, c'mon he's famous. I'm just a fan. He wouldn't even look twice at me." But as I said it, I remebered the way I felt his eyes on my back after passing by him and sharing eye contact that made me blush. "I mean, I deal with celebrities everyday. What impression would I make on my boss if I freaked out just seeing him in a Penera Bread?"

"I think he was trying to write." Dacie said and I raised my eye brows, feeling tired and stressed.

"That's what song writers do."

"Hey thanks for dinner, Miss Sassy." Emerald snorted and I smirked, ready to drop the subject.

After cleaning the kitchen with the help of my room mates, I did my homework and found myself lying in bed at only 8:30. I tossed and turned, feeling restless within the early hour. Feeling fed up with my lack of sleep, I stumbled out of the comfort and to my closet. I slipped into some tights and a tea length, peach colored tulle skirt, my top half andorned in a  white, fleece, long sleeve shirt. I stuffed my feet into some combat boots and snuck out of my room. The girls were in bed, no doubtedly skyping their boyfriends back home. I grabbed my purse off the hook and stuffed my pointe shoes in them with my phone and keys. The door, to my relief, didnt creak as it usually did as I opened it and snuck out.

"Korrie Roberts, are you going to some college party?" My breath caught in my throat as I turned to face our landlord, Mr. Preston.

"No, sir."

"Where are you going?" He crossed his arms and annoyance bubbled in my chest.

"Why is that any of your business?"

"Because you must respect my curfew rule." He smirked and I sighed.

"Mr. Preston, it's only 8:45. I will be back by midnight. When curfew is as stated in my apartment contract." He grumbled but stepped out of my way and I slipped past in a hurry, needing to relieve myself of his presence.

I found my way to the dance studio, the one Belmont shares with Warner Brothers. It was the only dance studio open 24/7 as well as it was directly across the hall from the recording rooms. I stepped in the building and said my hello to Garth, the security guard. He smiled and offered me a donut like he did every time I came at night. Our own little routine.

"How was your day today, Korrie?" He asked and I smiled.

"Not over yet, Garth."

"Have fun in there. Hey, there are people still recording, try not to blast the music too loud." He warned and I nodded and slipped into the dark room.

The mirrors were lined with Christmas tree lights, making me smile as the dim glow added a warm light that echoed in the music and reflected in the mirrors. I switched my combat boots for my pointe shoes and smiled at the familliarity of them. Pushing my purse, jacket, and boots to the side, I slid down into the splits and breathed as the stretch slowly faded away. After loosening my muscles, I plugged my phone into the speakers and began.

The music wasn't as loud as usual but it still rattled the hardwood floors as I danced across them, letting the stress of work and school out with every spin. I slowly felt myself floating away as I let myself get lost with every step and move. Drops of sweat trickled down my neck but I ignored them, feeling the music rock and move my body in the only way it knew how.

Song after song passed, each one had a specific routine, each one had me feeling full and satisfied. I only stopped when I felt like my lungs were on fire. The burn scared me. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced. I felt my eyesight go fuzzy and I stumbled back, falling on my butt. I tried to take deep breaths as I sat on the cold floor. When my sight came back, my heart was pumping in fear as I unlaced my pointe shoes.

Still trying to catch my breath and ignore the pain in my chest, I stuffed my feet into my boots and took my phone from the speakers. I stopped in my step as I saw the reflection of a man standing in the doorway. He smiled and began to clap. Blush crept at my face and my lower lip pouted out as I tried to gather my thoughts. How long had he been standing there? He looked mighty familiar in the warm glow.

"You're a great dancer." His southern accent drawled and my eyes widened. For the second time today I was faced with the presence of my favorite singer.

"Thank you." My voice was small and I squatted down to gather my purse, trying to hide from his gaze.

"I'm pretty sure I saw you today at that Panera Bread-slash-Starbucks. You were super nice to that homeless lady." Hunter Hayes said with a smile and I kept my eyes down. Once putting all my belongings in my bag, I stood up, not exactly sure of how to answer his statement with anything other than a small side smile.

"I should get going." I said quickly and his smile fell.

"Oh right, yeah me too."

He shuffled out of the way of my access to the door and I quickly slipped out, fully aware of his footsteps still following behind me.

"Goodnight, Garth." I said with a smile and he tipped his baseball hat.

"G'night Miss. Korrie. Get home safe now. Say your prayers before bed."

“Yes, sir.” I gave him a play salute and he winked as I turned to leave.

Hunter was still behind me as I stepped out into the cold, winter night. The sky was remarkably clear and each star shined like it was something special, not understanding that there were millions of others out there just like it. I pursed my lips as I silently told them to get over themselves. I turned to face him, not sure of what he wanted from me. He stuffed his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels, a cute grin on his lips.

"So, goodnight." I prompted and he jumped back into reality.

"Oh yeah, goodnight."

I smiled as I turned around and began the five minute walk back to my apartment. I wrapped myself tighter in my coat and let my thoughts drift back to the stars. I almost felt bad for them not recognizing their insignificance to each other. I stopped walking as I reconsidered my opinion. There are millions of them up there as there are millions of people like me down here. But that doesn't mean I share the same traits as other others. I immediately scolded myself for being so rude. The realization taking place in my brain made me harshly bite my lip. The humans are to the earth as the stars are to the skies. The only difference is that some stars can make it down on earth too.