Page 9 of Anything Necessary for Her
“Exactly, bitch. You don’t even remember David, the nigga who was obsessed with you just four years ago and used to bring you flowers every day to class.”
“Oh shit. Him. Whatwashis last name?” I unbuckled myself, trying to truly remember because I didn’t want Kailey to make something out nothing over the fact that I remembered Low’s.
“Williams.” She burst into laughter. “He got a basic ass last name, and you ain’t remember the shit.” She shook her head as we both got out of the car.
“Okay, well that doesn’t mean shit. I had a crush on Low, so I was always paying attention to him. Add that to the fact that I have a good memory, and there you go.”
“Mhm.” Kailey ignored me as we trod into the eatery.
Regardless, Low primarily worked in Nevada these days and rarely, if ever, came by. So if I was developing a crush again, it would dissipate just like the last one had.
“I got no sleep last night.” Kailey stretched in front of me while yawning as we sat on the floor of the practice room of Prolific Pointe Ballet School.
We were both at the apprenticeship level, but I wouldn’t be there long. I planned to make my way up to being a principal dancer and quickly. The competition at Prolific Pointe was steep, though, which made sense because the name of the school spoke for itself.
“Why?” I frowned.
“Denny wanted to see me.” She wiggled her brows as she leaned forward.
“Still, why didn’t you get any sleep? I’m sure you guys’ time together took no longer than five minutes.”
Kailey’s jaw dropped before she laughed loudly, just as Carolyn Withers, our instructor, walked in, causing everyone in the room to be silent.
“Ladies, as you know, the upcoming show will be Giselle. The ballerina who takes on the title role will need to show exquisite form, expertise, and timing. She will also need to show the same attributesoutsideof dance.” Carolyn paced in front of uswith one of her pencil thin brows hiked. The other ballerinas clamored about as I listened closely, knowing I was gunning for the role of Giselle. I was so excited for us to do something that was on the scarier side versus our usual likeThe NutcrackerorRomeo and Juliet. “Auditions for all parts will take place in just two weeks.” She began handing out a paper with a few of the harder and newer moves that would be in the choreography of the show.
I studied it as we all stood up while Carolyn snapped her fingers at us.
“You got this one, babe.” Kailey whispered to me as she studied her own paper.
“You’re not gonna try for the lead?” I frowned.
“Nah.” Kailey shook her head, giving no other explanation.
“Few more minutes, ladies, before we start to practice! I hope you didn’t stuff your faces too much before today!” Carolyn shouted.
She was extremely strict, mean, and lacked any type of comforting spirit, but she’d produced some of the top ballerinas, and I wanted to be next.
Carolyn gave us a little more time before making us get to work. For the next two hours, we practiced heavily on the new moves, trying to perfect them. Like always, Carolyn made some of the girls cry from being so mean, but they were weak. Whenever she yelled at me or berated me for messing up, I took it in stride and listened like my daddy taught me to.
My father always told me that the students, or people in general, who were willing to listen, learn, and apply would always be successful. And the know-it-alls, or the ones who couldn’t take criticism, would never make it. He was right.
In all my years of dancing ballet, the girls who argued with the instructors or swore they knew more than the instructorwould always fade into the background, being forced to quit eventually.
Once Carolyn left the room, as practice was over, my classmate Nikita smirked. “I hope none of you are auditioning for the lead role because it’s a waste of time. Look at some of the other roles.” She waved the paper with the choreography, showing the other side with the list of roles we could audition for.
“You’re right because I’m gonna take it.” I winked at her, making some of the other girls giggle.
No one liked Nikita. She was a cocky, yet loose, rich girl, who sadly was an amazing ballet dancer. She had no friends in this class and had no desire to change that. I admired her talent and work ethic, but everything else made me dislike her ass.
“Sure.” She looked me up and down. “The St. Thomas name can’t get you this one, boo.”
“I don’t need it to, but maybe I can use my connections to get you a background role or something, considering your daddy’s check he donated to Prolific Pointe bounced.”
Everyone guffawed as Nikita stared me down menacingly.
“That was one fucking time and a year ago!” She started explaining as our peers groaned and left.
Everyone knew her family was rich, and the check had been written from an old bank account, hence it bouncing, but it was still fun to use on her snooty ass.
