Ballet And The Beast

Chapter Five

"They're just so cute!" A female voice, presumably Alice whispers. I pull myself up against the warm blanket next to me and it tightens it's arm around me, nuzzling it's head into my neck as our legs intertwine. Wait, what?

The flash of a camera wakes me up slightly as I realise a blanket can't move. My eyes flutter open to see Ms Kingston and half the class stood in Masons room. Suddenly it's dawns on me the very intimate position we're in.

"That is definitely going on Facebook."  Shane comments with a chuckle.

"I will fucking kill you Shane." Mason mumbles without opening his eyes or moving a muscle. I suddenly sit up, slightly embarrassed at the current situation.

"Right then lovebirds, I'm glad to see all clothing is still intact. Did you not feel like the eight am class this morning?" Ms Kingston comments sarcastically.

"If you don't mind Ms K, I'd actually prefer to carry on sleeping." Mason grumbles, now opening one eye.

"And if you don't mind Mr H, I'd like to teach my class with you both in it." She leans over and unlocks the cuffs setting us free. "You have ten minutes to be in my studio, oh and bring your pointe shoes." She exclaims as they all leave his room.

"That was so embarrassing." I groan as I get up.

"That's was the best nights sleep I think I've ever had." Mason admits with a shrug. I roll my eyes and quickly head back to my room to get changed. Forgetting I left my pointe shoes in his room, I pull mums old ones out the back of my wardrobe and rush downstairs.

"Nice of you to join us at last Broo.." Ms K starts before stopping and staring at my shoes along with everyone else. "Are they?" She questions and I nod. "They suit you." I offer a small smile and make my way over to the others who are stretching. 

These were the shoes my mum wore for the nutcracker, which is the last performance she did before she died and one of the most famous ballet performances of all time. The give away is the silver detailing on the white fabric, they're stunning. She had asked me to finish breaking them in for her, I've just never been brave enough to wear them.

"You look amazing Brooke." Mason smiles as we stretch together.

"I left my others in your room." I admit sheepishly as he holds them up in front of me.

"I know." He starts. "But keep those on, your mum would want them to be worn."

We stretch in a comfortable silence before I make my way over to the barre.

"Right all of you, today we are crossing contemporary with pointe and adding in a complex lift. We'll start off with a simple combination." Ms Kingston informs us all.

We walk through the sequence which is easy enough. Forty five minutes later the whole class has it perfect and we're ready to add the lift.

"Right Brooke, Mason. I think as you were too busy in bed to make it to class on time, it's only fair you demonstrate this lift." The class laugh at her wording and I feel my cheeks heat up.

"Ok Brooke into a simple arabesque." She starts and I comply. "Now up onto pointe." Easy enough so far.

"Ok Mason, your right hand comes to her thigh and left hand supports at the lower abdomen." She instructs and I swallow hard knowing what comes next. A partner of mine once dropped me from mid air doing this lift.

"Now you're going to lift her slowly above your head, very slowly." She instructs cautiously. The class falls silent as I'm lifted into the air with ease.

"Right now Brooke keep your supporting arm on his shoulder and Mason let go gently with your left hand, only if you both feel steady." She warns the last part almost like she half expects us not to go through with it. Mason let's go with ease and I barely flinch.

"Now class, please don't let go like that until I give you the say so. Go and practice." She instructs as I'm gently placed on the floor.

"That was amazing." Mason mutters into my ear as he let's me go.

"Great work both of you, I can't believe you let go first time you pair of nutters. Now I want the both of you practicing that with the combination and up to speed that's impressive." Ms K advises.

We go though the whole choreography a few times with the lift not quite up to speed before it flows perfectly. I feel myself being lifted into the air at speed, with only one hand holding right from the start. Mason spins me around in the air before placing me down. The class applauds, causing me to jump as I didn't realise anyone was watching. I place my head on his chest to find my balance as my head goes slightly hazy.

The rest of the day goes by without much excitement and before I know it we're finished with lessons for the day. Mase and I walk back to our rooms in a comfortable silence before going separate ways. Once inside, I change into a plain black sports bra, black sports shorts and put on black running trainers. Quickly grabbing my phone and headphones, I rush out the door.

As I leave my room, I collide with something causing me to come crashing to the floor for the second time this week.

"Shit Brooke I'm so sorry are you ok?" Mason questions as he helps me up.

"Yeah, sorry I didn't see you there." State the obvious why don't you.

"You going for a run, mind if I join?" He asks sheepishly, like he doesn't think I'll want him there. Truthfully I prefer to run alone, although I'm happy to make an exception for him.

"Yeah why not." I shrug and begin walking down the corridor.

We run approximately 11 miles before we make it back and I'm completely shattered. Mason is aswell, although he's trying to look tough and hide it.

Said, who's that girl there? 
I wonder what went wrong

My phone begins to ring, blaring out Arctic Monkeys, and dads caller ID flashes up on the screen. Just when I was starting to enjoy life a little.

"Hi dad how are you?" I answer with a positive tone hoping it will rub off on him.

"I'm great thanks, especially loving my daughter all over the internet looking cozy in bed handcuffed to some random guy." I realise instantly what he's talking about and my heart sinks,  knowing this won't be a fun phone call. I begin power marching back into the college hoping Mason won't keep up but he does. While dad groans on, I make a mental note to kill Shane for uploading the picture.

"I can explain dad it's not quite what it looks like." I try but it's no use.

"No Brooke you listen to me. I want to see you actually working not lazing around like a slag. Do you want mum to be proud of you or not? Now I'm going to try and do some sort of damage control with this picture while you get your life back on track. Oh and remember you've got your shoot for Dulche tomorow so don't pig out tonight." And just like that he hangs up.

We're almost back at my room and I can feel the tears building up in my eyes. Mason takes my hand and brings me into a huge hug, probably thinking how messed up mine and my dads relationship is. Without saying a word, he pulls me into his room and we lie on his bed curled up together until my tears dry up and I eventually fall asleep.