CHAPTER 5: RESURFACE
“Damon?” I said-yet again- breathless.
“Hey beautiful.” He said smiling at me as he helped me down the stairs.
“What are you doing here?” I asked stunned, surprised and confused all at the same time. Damon only chuckled. Oh no. His deep chuckles sent me to a place I vowed to keep hidden all over again.
“Nice to see you too.” He only smiled even more. No. Not the smile. He took my hand and pulled me aside. “You were great. I think you’ll definitely get lead.”
“What?” I was still dazed. How could this be possible? Why was Damon back in my life and in front of me?
“Keira, are you ok?” He asked placing both his hands on either side of my arms. He was looking at me with those deep blue circles he had for eyes. “Breathe love, breathe.” The way he said “love” with that thick accent accompanied by the deep melodious tone of his voice sent chills down my sides.
“Yeah, no I’m good.” I said snapping out of my reverie. “Why are you here?” I asked trying my best to stay sane.
“I haven’t told you, have I?”
“I don’t think you have.”
“I enrolled myself in Lyric a few years back.” He said beaming, obviously proud of himself.
“Oh.” I managed to say despite my shock. “You gave up dancing?”
“Well not entirely. I just found something else I wanted to do.” His smile disappeared. “After London, I found out I could sing. It sort of saved me from it all.” I could feel my heart start to quicken. Something about London brought us back to unhappy memories.
“So you’re here for the production?” I asked taking the attention away from the unwanted past.
“Yeah. Our auditions were yesterday. Joanne and I are running for lead.” His smile had gone back. Joanne? Pink, blonde and lip-gloss, I told myself. Figures.
“Oh I see.” Was all I could come up with. I was still shocked and didn't know what or how to feel. “Would you excuse me.” I said, finally deciding I needed air. I didn't wait for him to agree or protest. I made my way back to my seat, grabbed my bag and ran for the door.
“Keira! Hey!” someone called after me. I didn't know who it was- or didn't really care. All I wanted was to get away from the auditorium and away from Damon. I dashed down the stairs, into the empty hallways and out into daylight.
The burst of fresh air against my skin felt divine. It was a little past noon and everyone was out for lunch. The park, situated in the middle of the academy’s property, was empty. Gasping for air, I tried steadying myself on a nearby bench.
“Keira! Are you ok?” A concerned voice flooded the garden. I turned my head to see who it was and was relieved to see Christian walking towards me and not Damon. “Hey, what’s wrong? You just ran out all of a sudden. Did that guy do something to you?” he had put his bag down on the bench I was leaning against.
“I’m fine. I just needed some air.” I said trying to sound convincing. I breathed in before I turned to face Christian. His eyebrows had met at the middle. His ice blue eyes were on my face. I could feel my cheeks burning from his stare.
