Chapter 15: Harder
-Jennie
"Jennie! It isn't that hard! I told you, you can't be slacking off one week before nationals!" My coach screamed at me. I felt the awkward stares from other dancers.
I sighed and ran my fingers through hair, "I know, I've just been really busy lately. I'm sorry, I'll work harder,"
"Busy?" She scoffed at me and rolled her eyes. "You can't make any more excuses," Crossing her arms, she looked down on me and spat out, "The next time I see you slacking off, I won't hesitate to cut you from the national group!"
My heart dropped to the bottom of my stomach as her words hung in the air. Nationals were critical in dancing and getting cut from the national group would be one dangerous step closer to getting pushed off the pyramid. Once you fall, getting back up is nearly impossible.
"You don't understand how lucky you are. There are hundreds of people who work hard to be in the position you're at right now. But they can't, because they don't have the benefits you do," I stared at her shoes as the words sunk in. "I would be more than glad to replace you with someone who's going to have more potential than you. Do whatever you want but go home today. I don't want to see you work like this,"
...
I saw my private chauffeur slightly flinch as I slammed the car door a little too harsh than I intended to. "Sorry Karl. I was just a little stressed," I sighed, "Can you drive me to the house?"
"Yes, ma'am," He kindly smiled, making his wrinkles more noticeable. "Do you need me to turn on some soothing music?"
"Yeah, I think that will be nice," I saw his white-gloved hand reach up to the center console. After a few soft clicks, the sound of soft pianos filled up the car. Gymnopédie No. 1 by Erik Satie. It was a classic.
I let the delicate notes drown me in an empty daze. I looked out the window towards the dusky sky to see the first drops of rain on the glass. It soon turned into a drizzle as Karl turned the wipers on. I watched the raindrops dripping down, leaving trails of water and finally falling into the black rim of the window.
...
My door cracked open as my brother crept inside the room. Still brushing my hair, I eyed him through my mirror. "Why are you here?" He sighed, plopping down onto the bed and grabbing a fuzzy pillow to hug.
"Mom and Dad's fighting again," He wiggled around the bed and got comfortable as he pulled out his phone. "It's about you,"
I set the brush down and spun around. "Dance?"
"Yeah," He answered, his attention still on his phone. I buried my face in the palms of my hands.
"Jack, why are you in my room," I stood up and grabbed my phone to text Melanie.
He snorted. "Because I can. And besides, I can't hear them arguing here,"
As I opened my mouth to bicker with him, my name was shrieked out.
"Jennie! Come down here right now!" My mother's voice echoed through the house making it seem more intimidating. My brother glanced at me with a grim face.
"Good luck," he said as I groaned.
I sauntered down the stairs wanting ever so much to run back to my room.
"Yes, mom?" I struggled not to let out a long sigh. My mother was on the couch, with her slender legs crossed and a glass of deep red wine in her hands. She eyed the red liquid and swirled it around. She shifted her gaze on me as she took the wine to her lips and sipped it. After a few moments, she set it down on the side table, the glass marked with red lipstick near the rims.
She keenly smiled at me. "Come sit here," Gesturing to the empty seat, she looked at her heels, embedded with shimmering diamonds. I sat next to her and stared at the crimson rug that tickled my feet.
The silence was hindered with her cold voice splitting the atmosphere in half. "I heard from your coach. Are you not working hard enough?" I felt her intense gaze on me.
"I've been a little stressed with school but I'm planning on working harder,"
"Dear, we don't have time. Your nationals are coming up and your father wants you to quit since he thinks it's just a nuisance for you. Now, answer me. Is dancing a nuisance for you?" She demanded with an austere voice. I instantly shook my head.
She smiled and nodded approvingly, "That's good," Her deep blue eyes wandered over to the massive clock displayed in the living room. "My, it's nearly eleven. Best to go sleep now, good night dearie,"
Relieved, I smiled at her one last time and headed up the stairs. As I passed her, she grasped my wrist, startling me. "Get back on track as soon as possible. Nationals are right around the corner," Her eyes seemed to darken as she spoke sharply.
"Don't worry, I will," I replied.
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