Ballet boy *ON HOLD*

3 - Ballet and beats

I started walking at a brisk pace towards the park. Finn strode beside me, his long legs covering two of my footsteps with one step. He pestered me with questions, but I refused to tell him where we were going

"Can I ask you a question?" he requested.

"You already did," I pointed out, smiling slightly.

Rolling his eyes, he asked me the question anyway: "Is your hair naturally that colour?"

Robotically, I tucked a piece of my straight, ketchup coloured hair behind an ear nervously. "No."

"Did you dye it?" Finn questioned again.

My head nodded hesitantly.

"Why?" he pushed, his voice sounding urgent.

"I did it to get attention," I admitted.

"Did it work?" I shook my head in reply.

Finn nodded wisely. "I know how you must feel." But before he could impart any words of wisdom, we reached the ornamental gates of the park. Finn turned to me, a confused look on his face but I merely ignored him and marched into the park.

We walked under rusty coloured canopies; it was autumn and the trees were shedding the beautiful green dresses they had donned in summer. Automatically, I kicked my shoes through a pile of curled up, shrivelled leaves. They made a satisfying crunch as I hopped through them.

*.*.*.*

"We're here!" I announced smugly. Finn looked around, unimpressed. We stood in the middle of a lengthy, slender path, covered by towering trees. Bobbi and I had fondly nicknamed it 'Buskers avenue'. The reasoning behind this name was simple - people showcased their talents here. From singing to skipping, there was always something on offer. Luckily, no one was here today.

"Reason one to love ballet - it's pretty cool,"

Finn wrinkled his nose in disgust. "Cheat! That's not a real reason."

Ignoring his frantic protests, I pointed to a spot on the other side of the street. "Start dancing. Let's see how much money you make,"

"But there's no music," he said sceptically.

"Dance to the music in your heart," I answered cheerily.

As soon as Finn started to move, I could see why he was such an amazing dancer. His arms and legs seemed to move of their own accord: swirling elegantly around him. He looked graceful and fragile all at the same time, and he commandeered the ground like it was his stage.

Within minutes, a crowd had started to form. The gentle clink of coins falling and hushed whispers filled the air. I heard what they all called him - the boy swaying to silence. My heart swelled with pride for Finn. How could he abhor ballet when all these strangers admired him for it? At least I had a real reason.

The horde of visitors kept on multiplying, and inevitably, I was pushed to the outskirts of the group. Even on tiptoes, my short figure prevented me from watching what was going on. For the first time that afternoon, I longed for my books. They were my saving grace in awkward places.

Finn seemed to sense my struggle. "Come and dance, Marnie!"

Alarmed, I shook my head in desperation, but Finn pretended not to see. He took me hand and led me to the front. My legs were jelly.

"Do you know how to waltz?" Finn enquired. Without waiting for an answer, he placed one hand softly onto my waist and put his other hand in mine. I gripped his shoulder, suddenly feeling sick to my stomach.

"Just follow me," he whispered, and began counting to a slow, constant beat.

I tried to forget that I was in such close proximity and dancing with a cute boy. I tried to forget the people watching, who were conversing between themselves. I focused on the lull of Finn's low, steady voice and let him pull me, and then push me, in time to the rhythm.

My shoulders relaxed, and slowly I released the death hold I had on Finn's shoulder. Although I didn't realise it, I was enjoying myself...

*.*.*

A/N
Hi guys! Sorry this is a bit late, but I have been EXTREMELY busy with homework and stuff. I hope you enjoy this, even though it's a bit short :(