Foundation of Dance

Chapter 15

Olivia

I leaned on my suitcase with one hand in my pocket and the other twirling my hair. It was 12pm on a warm Saturday, a sharp contrast to the cold morning from the last competition. I stood by the studio doors, waiting for Mrs Reynolds to finish talking to the bus driver so we could get on the bus. Alexandra stood at my side and grabbed my elbow. "C'mere," she tiredly muttered. She pulled me into a hug and rested her head on my shoulder, breathing deeply.

"A-Alex!" I hissed, I rapidly looked around at the other dancers but none of them were looking over to us. Alexandra reached her hand up and pulled my head down to her shoulder, holding it there gently.

"Friends hug all the time, this won't be seen as romantic," Alexandra murmured. I stood still for a long second before sighing softly, wrapping my arms around her neck, holding Alexandra close.

"Are you okay?" I asked and Alexandra hummed, not saying anything else. I ran through her hair and leaned my head on hers. "What happened? Usually you're really hyped."

"My fucking asshole step dad," Alexandra muttered distastefully. "Gave me shit this morning about how I was dressed 'n shit."

I looked down at Alexandra's clothing. She wore a red and black plaid mini skirt, a tight black, tucked in sweater with fishnet stockings and doc martens. I shrugged a little, as to not disturb her head leaning on my shoulder. "I think you look beautiful," I complimented, I felt Alexandra relax further into me and I felt her smirk against my neck.

"You're a fucking angel, Ollie," she murmered and she kissed my jaw. I pursed my lips against the wave of red blush and Alexandra chuckled. "I can feel the heat from your skin," she teased.

"S-shut up," I stammered.

"Girls!" Mrs Reynolds yelled, Alexandra removed herself from my arms and I noticed Jazmine smirk at her. Did she know? "We're boarding the bus now and we'll be in Atlanta in approximately 3 hours, we'll stop once and only once! I hope you all brought your swimmers because I booked us a hotel with an indoor pool!"

'I probably won't swim,' I thought. I brought my swimmers anyways because I knew everyone else would and I didn't want to be 'that' kid. Hopefully everyone will be preoccupied with their rooms to want to go to the pool. "Get on the bus, you know the deal!" Mrs Reynolds called.

I grabbed my suitcase and wheeled it to the man chucking them in the little compartment. I thanked him and got on the bus, Alexandra close at my side. "Let's sit at the back," she whispered in my ear and I nodded. We made our way up to the back and Jazmine sat in the seat in front of us, I took note of everyone else on the bus, we were all scattered around and only Mrs Reynolds was at the front. Alexandra urged me into the window seat and she sat next to me, lacing her hand with mine.

"How are things at home?" Alexandra softly queried, I bit the inside of my cheek and looked over to Jazmine, she had her earphones in and her music could faintly be heard.

"It's like walking on eggshells right now," I admit. "Mum's always asking where I'm going even if she knows it's work."

I look up at Alexandra, worried. "I'm scared about what will happen if she sees you driving me home," I whispered, it was only a matter of time before mum recognises her. Alexandra looked to be in thought, her eyes seemed concentrated and she was chewing on her bottom lip, her eyes flickered up, to the front of the bus and I stayed silent. I heard her sigh.

"Listen," Alexandra started. "I'm not willing to let you walk home, those woods are really shitty at night. But, I will drop you off at your street, is that okay?" She asked, flickering her eyes back down to me. I felt relief flood through me and I visibly relaxed, leaning my head on Alexandra's shoulder. 'I like our time together,' I thought, 'with my new restrictions we can't hang out, I've been too scared to ask.'