He was just passing by the small town of Rosewood. He did not want to stay, nor did he want to meet anyone. But all it took was one night for him to change all his plans.
She was a small town girl, always friendly and smiling. Never looked for trou...
It was 6:30 am when the sun rose, which means I get no sleep. I took my time showering, scrubbing and shaving. Then I made myself some banana pancakes, leaving some for Diana, lucky bitch I thought. She gets to sleep in while I go to work. Once I was done eating, I realized it was almost 7:45.
I quickly put on my pink leotard, and a pair of jeans on top with a sweater. I packed my tutu and shoes in my bag before neatly putting my hair in a bun.
Since my car broke down, I had to walk to the school. Thank God Rosewood is a small town, or else I would have had a horrible day. The walk to the school was soothing, but my mind can't help but go back to Jack. Jack, I thought, what a strong name for a strong man. He looked like trouble, trouble I cannot afford to interact with. But his harsh eyes, his rough grips... He's everything I'm not.
My thoughts were interrupted when a dog barked. Startled, I look to my left and I see a little girl with her parents, walking their husky. The Jones's, Ella and Jaden Jones with their daughter Lilly have lived in Rosewood for about two years now. They moved here when Lilly was 4 years old. Lilly is one of my ballet students, she is very talented and sweet.
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I smile, imagining myself one day with my family. My smile quickly disappears though when I see him. The sharp jawline, the tattoos, the tousled hair... He smiles at Lily, bending down to pick her up while Jaden laughs at something he said. How I in the world does he know them? They don't seem like the type of people to know each other. I'm so caught up in my own head that I don't see myself crossing the street, or the car heading my way. The blaring of the horn startled me and I heard someone scream to get out of the way, but I was frozen.
Suddenly, I'm grabbed form the side, and I fall on the person on the sidewalk. "Are you trying to get yourself fucking killed Rose?!" his angry voice screams at me. I feel my lips move but no words come out. He grunts and stands up, bringing me up with him. He holds my shoulders and looks me up and down, checking for any injuries.
"Are you alright Miss Rose?", a small voice asks from behind him. My eyes meet Lilly's concerned ones and I nervously smile- "I'm okay darling".
"You gave us quite the scare Rosie!" exclaimed Ella hugging me before returning to Jaden's side. "I'm sorry, I was just caught up in my thoughts I did not pay attention to the world around me..." I nervously whispered. I turn to Jack, who's face remains angry as his eyes roam over me. "Thank you for uh saving me, uh again I guess. Promise it's the last time, ballerina's honor" I anxiously giggle. I don't know how to act around him, it's like his being just naturally puts me on edge. His plump lips move to say something, but I beat him muttering one last thank and fast walking away from the bunch.
I make it at the school 15 minutes late to the teacher's meeting. I slam open the office door, trying to catch my breath from my speed walk.
"Ah, Miss Marino how lovely of you to join us!" mocked the Dean. The teachers snickered as I quietly make my way to my seat.
"As I was saying before Miss Marino graced us with her presence, since the school is going through a difficult time financially, we are forced to shut down certain departments. Like the piano department for example, I'm sorry Gertrude there is just not enough students. And the gymnastics department as well I'm afraid." he announced while shocks and gasps spread around the room.
I look over at Gertrude and my heart swells for her, poor old lady. Piano lessons were all she had after her husband Albert died. Once the meeting was over, I rushed to Gertrude's side.
"I'm so terribly sorry Miss Gertrude, I wish I could do something to help", I say as I put my arms around her. She sniffles lightly, and pats my back. "It's alright sweetheart, I am getting old anyway. It's a sign I should retire". I feel my eyes well up. "Oh now don't you cry! We'll still see each other! How about you come over for dinner tomorrow night? I'll make you favorite!" she smiles. I nodded happily, "I'd love to!".
We chatted for a bit after that, before it was time for my class. I put my stuff in my locker, and changed into my tutu and flats.
"Hello my little swans, I greet my class once they're all in and changed. My eyes find Lilly's and I smile. Let's do the usual by starting off with a few stretch moves. Emma would you like to lead?" Emma, a little ginger haired girl enthusiastically runs to the middle of the studio and starts stretching. We all follow suit for about fifteen minutes.
"Okay girls, line up against the wooden beam and start your plié" I instruct. The lesson goes smoothly, and before I know it, it's already time for them to go. One by one, the girls leave. It's just me, Lilly and Heather now.
The girls play together for about 10 minutes, before Heather's dad shows up. I look at Lilly, "is mommy picking you up today?"
"No, uncle Jack is" she replies softly. My throat dries, and I nod. We wait another 20 minutes, but Jack is a no show. I'm seething on the inside, how irresponsible of him! I look at Lilly who's fiddling with her fingers.
"Let's go sweetie, I'll drop you off home" I say. She nods quickly and grabs her stuff. We don't bother changing, deciding to remain in our dancing outfits and just change our shoes.
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Hand in hand, Lilly and I exit the school. We walk silently, until I decide to ask the question that' been on my mind all day. "So you said Jack is your uncle, is he your dad's brother or your mom's?"
The little girl giggles. "He's not really my uncle, but daddy said to call him that anyways". I smile at her cuteness, thankful for the clarification.
"What the hell are you wearing?" I hear a voice boom from behind me. We both whip backwards, to see an angry Jack staring at us.
