A new beginning

Anastasia James

Who would have thought that my vacation would end so fast? It literally didn't last a whole day, and that's what makes it so comical – or less sad. Last night was quite complicated, because as soon as I got home with Steph, she started crying and until I managed to calm her down, the sun was about to rise. I obviously couldn't sleep, even more so after the coffee I had at the hospital, so I decided it wouldn't be worth losing the day to try to rest.

Driven by curiosity, I decided to get to know a little of Johnny's grandparent's country house. It was all very simple, but it had a certain luxury, which made everything much more attractive. The fireplace in the living room was what I liked the most, because it reminded me of my childhood in Chicago. There, during the winter, we used to light it and roast some marshmallows, while watching some cliché Christmas movie.

It was a good time…

As I was about to leave the living room and go into another room, a dark wooden double door caught my attention. I approached it and pushed the doors open, sliding each one to its respective side. It was a gigantic room, with mirrors that went from the ceiling to the floor and a panoramic window with a wonderful view of the mountains. Really, it was breathtaking.

Johnny had said it would be perfect for rehearsing.

I threatened to do a few ballet steps, just to see if the floor was as good as, or better than, Rachel's. And to my delight, it is infinitely better. The wooden floor is not so rough that you can't slide on it, but it’s also not so smooth that you slip. I call it the perfect balance!

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, enjoying the birdsong this early in the morning. Involuntarily, I began to move around the room, humming the championship song, the one I have been listening to non-stop for days.

Who would have thought that Steph and I would be able to merge two styles in just one song? I confess that even in the choreography I didn't think it was possible, but as the pieces began to fit together, I realized that it is not only possible, but also much more involving. The idea of the melody having its ups and downs, starting with the slow and harmonious ballet, followed by the speed and noise of 'hip-hop', gives me butterflies in my stomach. I can even imagine when the acting comes in the middle of it all, bringing a freestyle feel to the performance.

“That's not how it's done.” I heard a deep voice and stopped dancing immediately. When I turned toward, I saw that it was Matthew. He was leaning against the door frame with his arms folded across his chest. “You need to bend your knees more if you want to sound intimidating in the chorus.”

I blinked a few times, still a little perplexed.

What kind of reception is this? Until yesterday, he was full of not-me-too-subtle, acting all uncomfortable with me. Not to mention the teasing, which came every two seconds. I literally only tolerated all this because… Well, I really believe that there is a justification for all his actions.

“Like this.” He said, approaching the center of the room, which is where I was standing.

Matthew began to move, repeating the same steps that I had done before. But with much more skill than I had. Actually, I had never seen him dance. Whenever the boys rehearse, he either comes later or I leave first. So, I confess, I’m impressed. It’s as if he was born knowing what to do.

“Do you understand?” He asked, drawing my attention.

“You’re good.” I commented. Matt blinked a few times and was silent for a few minutes.

“Thanks.” He said and nodded.

I stared at him for a while, in shock.

“Wow.” I let my thought slip out.

“What?” He asked.

I moistened my lips and stared at him, unsure whether or not to say anything.

“Well…” I laughed nasally. “It's just that everything happened so suddenly. Until yesterday, we hated each other and…” I pressed my lips together, and shook my head negatively, realizing that it was nonsense.

“Actually…” Matt let out a long sigh. “I think we got off on the wrong foot.” He scratched his forehead. “I'm not suggesting we forget the past and start over, or become best friends, it's just…” He paused, searching for the right words. “I’ll only stand in your way to dance.” He said, looking into my eyes. “I don't know if this is making any sense, but my point is that if we stick together, we can make this work.” He stared at his hands. “Johnny… asked me to replace him. I'm an idiot, but I'm not stupid enough to believe that I can do it all by myself!” He swallowed and looked at me again. He clenched his jaw. “You.” He murmured.

“As long as you are careful not to step on my foot.” I shrugged. Matthew stared at me, confused, not knowing what I was talking about. “Didn't you just say you'd only stand in my way to dance?” I raised my eyebrow and a shock of reality came over him.

“Yes.” He laughed nasally, making me smile.

“But, then, coming back…” I narrowed my eyes. “How do you do it again?” I asked, referring to the dance step.

“You have to bend your knees more.” He said simply.

“Like a long plié, right?” I raised my eyebrows.

Matthew opened his mouth, but said nothing. He just stared at me for a moment.

“What?” I ask.

“Look, the first thing we have to do to make this work.” He pointed at himself and then at me. “Forget all this ballet stuff when you're with me.” He put his hands on his waist, staring at me with a frown. “It doesn't just make you more stuck, it makes me confused because I don't understand anything at all.” He was sincere, causing me to throw my head back, laughing.

“Do the same, because I don't understand 'hip-hop' at all.” I raised my forefinger at him, who smiled, relieved.

“Sure.”

You know, I'm actually starting to like this… thing. I can't say exactly what, but it gives me a nice feeling in my chest. I just hope I'm not wrong about Matt…