The Dancing Torera

40

Anais

Esteban guided me down the steep steps of the jailhouse, leading me into Hector's car before closing the door behind him.
Hector's tires screeched against the rocky pavement, desperate to escape the forming crowds of reporters and paparazzi. He drove for a little while more before deciding to break the air of silence.

"You were all amazing!"  Hector's chest relaxed, letting out the huge breath he had been holding in.
"You too Anais" he smiled, catching my gaze from the rear view mirror. I nodded carefully, returning his smile before looking at Esteban. I was taken back by Hector's kind words. I didn't know what had gotten into him, but I sure was glad he was finally warming up to me.

Esteban held my hand as we zoomed past the streets of El Paso. Hector sped down the winding roads, tying to loose the parade of paparazzi behind us. They were already trailing behind us.

Nerves were the only thing on my mind. I bit my lip, resting my head against Esteban shoulder before thinking about the events of day. I knew Esteban's was putting on a brave face but I was terrified.
All I could think of was our future.
Would the match still be on tomorrow?
What about the sponsors?

"Oh shoot!" I gasped, sitting up straight.

"What?" Esteban asked curiously; a look of worry etched on his brows. I still had practice at 6pm at the studio! I lifted Esteban's wrist, pulling back his sleeve to observe his wristwatch.
5:45pm.
I still had time.

"I need to go to dance practice at the studio."

"After all this? Kinda unwise don't you think?" Hector scoffed.

Guess we weren't friends anymore.

"Yes after all this! We are still performing tomorrow
at the arena! Unless you're suggesting the fight is cancelled."

"It is NOT cancelled." Hector clarified sharply. He made another sharp turn before shifting gears. "Anais we have like 6 cars following us. If we go to the studio, they'll follow you there"

"Esteban...I still want to dance!" I frowned, intertwining my hand with his. I knew Hector lived to please Esteban so if Esteban was on my side then Hector's words were futile.

Esteban looked worried, turning around to observe the cars trailing behind us.

"Anais, can't we just go home? I will always support your dancing but the reporters... and the press? They are vicious"

"Esteban please. Dancing is my last sense of normalcy. I just... I want my life to feel normal again. Please? For just an hour?" I begged him.

He hummed, contemplating the midst of my words before nodding. "It's true. After the day you had. I don't blame you. Hector?"

Hector sighed but veered off the road, making another sharp uturn and heading to the outskirts of the city where the dance studio was.

——

"Bye James. Luis. Bye Hector" I smirked.

"Yea yea" he grumbled, leaning his palm against the wheel. Esteban helps me out the car. Before I could even start jogging to class, he grabs my waist tight. "No goodbye for me?" He teased. I giggled, gently kissing his lips in thanks.

He chuckled, warming my shoulders before looking into my eyes. "Don't you need a change of clothes?"

"It's fine, I'll just dance in what I'm wearing."

He nodded before pulling my neck into his palm. "...thank you"

"For what?"

"Standing by my side. I know being girlfriend to El Jefe isn't easy. Many girls would have ran away...." his voice drifts off.