The Greatest Journey To The Past

Chapter 4

Anne's Pov 

I sat outside on the cold fire escape, what I had come to known as my own balcony. I mean, yes it wasn't large and made of marble like all the houses up in the Elite side. But hey, it is home. It was mid August here and the snow was just falling every now and them, attempting to defy the laws of the seasons and stay for longer than it should. It was still a bit cold, but it was manageable. I would always come out here to clear my head, watching the lights of the Elite class flicker on and off until the city was forced into complete darkness by the moon, only a few beacons of light remaining.The creak of the fire escape spoke loudly as I heard two footsteps before someone sat down next to me, there legs hanging over the side while the held onto the rail with the arms. 

Barnum. 

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to get so upset." I admitted while my legs swung too and fro, my black skirt moving with them. 

"I don't blame you, Phillip can be a bit of a ...." He paused, searching for the right word, " handful I think is the nicest way to say it." Barnum gave out a small chuckle, but stopped when he noticed I was not laughing at it. 

"Look, Anne, who do you think you are?" He inquired while tracing patterns into some of the fallen snow on the rail. 

"Who do I think I am?" I asked, myself more than him, "A lousy little nobody with no past or no future." I sigh as I rest my head upon my crossed arms, sitting on the rail. 

"Really?" His tone was surprised by my answer, "I see a brave young lady, with courage and strength she barely knows." 

I turned my head to him automatically, "You see all that in me already? But you haven't even known me for a day." 

"I'm a great judge of character." He said with a smile, before standing up - offering his hand to me as well. "How about we start again? Finish tonight off with a quick dance lesson?" Barnum suggested as I took his cautiously, dusting the fallen snow off my skirt before climbing through the window.

"Okay, quick dance lesson before we retire for the evening." Barnum announced to Phillip as he climbed through the window behind me. Barnum took my hand and took, more like dragged, me over to Phillip - placing his hand in mine, my other hand on his shoulder and his other hand on my waist. 

"Simple waltz. Aannd one, two three. One, two, three." Barnum counted as we moved slowly, Phillip shaky with all his steps before stepping on my foot. I gasped in pain as he gave me a sheepish smile and I'm pretty sure I had a look of murder in my eyes. Right now he was not my favourite person. 

"It is all good, just start again." Barnum said as his arms moved back and forth with each count. "A one, two three. One, two, three." 

Quick announcement, I don't have the best temper in the world and it does tend to get the better of me.

I didn't really show any emotion on my face as we danced but as we got to the forth round of counts, I really couldn't help my self and I may of kicked Phillip in the shin....hard. 

"Hey!" He called out as Barnum yelled my name. Barnum came over and held my arms in place, beginning us in a proper waltz so we wouldn't hurt each other - accidently or purposely. 

Slowly Phillip and I began to Waltz, stepping in the shadow of the other footstep. Some how making it look elegant and possibly even regal. It was going really well until Phillip got a smirk on his face and tilted his head slightly towards Barnum, raising his eyebrow at his thought. And I instantly knew what he wanted to do and the same smile formed on my face. 

We waited a few more beats until Barnum, who had been circling us and watching over every move, was in front of us - taking the opportunity, Phillip began to lead the waltz into a faced paced on - almost chasing Barnum around the room.  

Barnum just laughed as he quickly got out of our way, allowing us to continue to waltz.  I let out a small "woah" as Phillip picked me up, spinning me before placing me back on the ground as we moved, well waltzed, back over to where we started. Slowly moving in a circle, his hand still on my waist and my hand had fallen from his shoulder to just above his elbow. 

I think we stood there for a few split seconds, his icy blue eyes locked on my hazel owns and I could feel something. Something in my chest. It wasn't there long enough for me to identify it as Barnum clapped his hand, congratulating us on the waltz - causing us to both moved away from each other quickly. 

My hands fell to my side, his touch still lingering before quickly disappearing.  "You are more than welcome to stay the night, there is a couch out here and a bag of lentils which can be used in the pantry." I announced, flicking my gaze over to Phillip who was still looking at me, he pulled his gaze away quiet quickly but there was something in his eyes, something flickered. Disappointment? Hope? I don't know to be honest. 

But something was different. For the both of us. 

A/N 

First of all, thank you for reading this. It really means alot to me. The chapters will get longer as the book progresses, just until i get the foundation sorted out (I.E while they are still in New York) the chapters will be shorter. Also I hope you guys don't mind, as you can see i have kind of switched around with the lyrics and mis-en-scene of the "Learn to do it " sequence. All elements of the song will be featured in the book but just in a different order, if that is okay :D.

Hope you have a great day/night. 

Love, 

Maya