Ballet And The Beast

Chapter One

Dusk settles in as we pull up to the school and the scene takes my breath away. We make our way up the grand driveway, taking in the surrounding gardens and the scent of summer flowers. The grounds are astonishing.

I thank the driver before making my way through the main entrance. Exotic paintings line the walls with minimalistic furniture and a large centerpiece in the middle of the foyer. After one more glance around the room, I compose myself and head over to the front desk to introduce myself.

"It's lovely to meet you Ms Morgan, I'm Charlotte. I really hope you enjoy your time here, it's an honour to have you." She responds very enthusiastically and I can tell she's been practicing it.

"Please just call me Brooke, I'm honoured to be here this is such a beautiful place." I remark while taking another gaze around. She chuckles, nodding in response.

"As you know, your room will be 073 and, oh Mason," She calls to someone walking past. "Masons room is right next to yours so he can show you. A handy coincidence" She smiles as she hands over my keyring which I presume is for the door.

"Also here is your diary with your class schedule inside and my number in case you need anything." Charlotte smiles once more before turning to the guy next to me.

"Mason could you show our newest student to her room as it's next to yours, and please don't scare her away." Charlotte scoffs the last part and I get the impression she has little faith in him.

He chuckles in response and winks in my direction. As I face Mason, I feel my knees buckle in awe of his chiseled features and deep green eyes. For the second time today, I compose myself and offer a simple smile. He's one of the rare people that just seems to be effortlessly perfect. The smile on his face doesn't quite meet his eyes and I can't help but wonder what's on his mind. Perhaps he's not my biggest fan and regrets walking past at the moment he did.

"Don't worry babe, you're in safe hands." He smiles and begins walking in the direction he came from. A homely, familiar scent radiates from the man next to me, making me feel safe and warm. It's like a magnet drawing me towards him, daring me to get closer. I ignore the ridiculous thoughts in my head knowing it's pointless and quickly thank Charlotte for her help then follow behind.

"So what brings you here?" He questions as our steps fall in line. I can't help but feel comfortable around him already and feel a sense of warmth as I look up to face him, trying not to blush. I may have a high profile career but I'm no actor.

"The sunny English weather." I joke with a smile. The one thing us Brits always have an opinion on is the weather, rarely is it positive.

"Yeah and I'm here for the brilliant textiles course." He chuckles and raises a brow urging me to continue.

"I just need some time to refresh, ground myself I suppose." I let out a frustrated sigh, hoping he doesn't think I'm too far up my own arse. From the corner of my eye, I feel his eyes boring into the side of me as we walk. We continue our journey through the mansion like building in a comfortable silence.

"You know I was expecting you to be different to this." He remarks a few minutes later and I turn to face him. His gaze now remains forward as we make our way up a huge flight of stairs. It's my turn to study him as we walk.

"Different how?" I question.

"Well for a start you're stunning in person, but you're chill and not like a complete brat." He smiles down to me. This is where I feel uneasy. He's quite clearly flirting with me and it's probably only to get his five minutes of fame, not because he actually likes me.

"Thanks I guess." We walk around a corner and I see the room 073 and let out a sigh of relief. Opening the door, I breathe in the scent of fresh flowers and take in my home for the next however long.