Page 49 of Love is Strange
“You look beautiful today, Pretty Dancer.” I whisper, surprising myself at the choice of words spoken. Her cheeks flush, but she says nothing. “Did you wear this because of me?”
“No!” She replies quickly, “I—I have more than one leotard!”
A smile tugs at the corner of my lips but vanishes when I see the ring on her finger. I saw it the first time my eyes landed on her. It’s one of the reasons I chose to go through with attempting to fuck her. It would be one more nail in the proverbial coffin. My mood darkens a bit, so instead of playing nice, I decide to go a different route.
“How about we go into that office of yours and I can show you how a suburban slum like me gets down?”
A bitter laugh escapes her, “You need to leave, Ryan. If you hadn’t noticed, not only am I married, but I am you superior! I’m probably one of the most off-limits things you could chase after.”
I push my body harder against hers, trailing my fingers up her bare leg then snapping the hem of her leotard. The loud pop with the subtle sting from the elastic hitting her skin causes her to jump. She closes her eyes tightly as if she is trying to wish me away.
“Pretty Dancer, you don’t understand. Nothing is off limits for me. That means you too.”
Her eyes slowly open, defiance swirling on the surface of them, covering the gorgeous blue color that normally sits there. “Fuck. You. Ryan.”
I smirk, my dick twitching at her foul mouth. “That can be arranged.”
She scoffs, placing her tiny hand on my chest, then pushes me backwards. “Get out of my classroom. I will not tell you again to respect me. One more shot from you, ‘suburban slum, and I will personally toss you out myself!”
The door slams in my face. I hadn’t realized she had pushed me that far out of the classroom. Looking through the small window, I smile, because when my eyes meet hers as she looks back, I know I have her pinned.
S I X
“How was school today, Ryan?”My dad asks from behind his phone and stack of work papers.
I just grunt in response. I know his question isn't a genuine one, he's only asking because he knows how school is for me. He wants to make sure I’m not getting into trouble or getting myself thrown out. Little does he know, my plan is in full effect, and soon, it'll all come to an end.
“Ryan, your father asked you a question.” Mother dearest says, sipping her wine and acting like she cares.
I know what you’re thinking because everyone else thinks the same way. You think I’m just some teenager who didn’t get his ass whooped enough as a kid or that lack of discipline is the issues. You’re wrong, I can promise you that. I wasn’t always this way. I wasn’t this hard ass until about three years ago when I finally realized my worth in the fucked-up world.
I was a good kid with a big heart and forgiving soul. Then I was left to rot with the words“We love you, but we didn’t want you.”floating in the stale air before my parents left on a year-long trip, leaving me with a highly paid sitter who couldn't have gave two shits about what happened to me or what I did.
The end result…this. The person I am now. The kid who wants to grab the entire world and squeeze it like a fucking pimple until it explodes. Why my parents thought it would be a good idea to tell their only child how they truly felt is beyond me. I guess parenting 101 didn’t teach them not to traumatize kids.
“I mean, do you really care? Or are you just trying to figure out if I’ve fucked up yet or not?” I deadpan.
“Language,” my mother squeals.
“Jesus fucking Christ.” I mumble, getting annoyed. “I’m still there, aren’t I? You haven’t gotten any calls, right? That should be answer enough for you.”
With that, I get to my feet and head toward my room. Sometimes I think once I leave here it will be bittersweet, then I see all the fake smiles and forced affection plastered all over the walls in frames and reality reminds me that it won't matter. Once my soul wanders off into whatever unknown that swallows me up, I’ll be okay. I’ll be better off. Then everyone can live whatever life it is they want to live.
I close my bedroom door and plop down on my bed. Stuffing my hand into my pocket, I grab my phone and earbuds, putting them in my ears and pushing play, unpausing the song that was one from earlier. Ironically enough,Monsterby Skillet blasts into my ears. A small smile tugs at the corner of my lips as I close my eyes and drift off to sleep.
Tomorrow, I have something fun planned for Pretty Dancer.
* * *
I didsomething I haven’t done in a long time, I attended all my classes. I didn’t do shit except listen to music and look out the window, but I was there. I guess my presence alone was enough to appease the teachers because no one said anything to me the whole time.
I’m standing outside of the dance hall, waiting for the door to open. I may be a little too eager to get inside. Needless to say, I have something up my sleeve to get me an inch closer to the little stubborn dancer. All I need is that one, small inch—a little wiggle room and then I’ll know I’m golden.
The door opens swiftly, the cool air being sucked into the room like a vortex and in I go, startling Pretty Dancer. She gasps, then her sexy scowl appears, causing me to smile.
“Don’t you look happy to see me?” I ask, standing right in front of her.
“You’re blocking the doorway. Other students need to come in.” She replies, turning around and walking toward the center of the room.
