Dirty Dancing

Reminisce

reminisce

indulge in recollection

'I knew I'd catch you alone if I came early.'

Oh f**k.

'W-what are you doing here?', I was dumbfounded.

I thought he left? Why is he here in his damn tights again?!

Kai used to dance with us, that's how he and I met. We were the 'ultimate couple', or so I've heard. I guess always being chosen for each showcase as leads say something about us. Our chemistry worked out even better because we truly were madly in love with each other in reality. Or at least I was.

Kai left midway last year to pursue a career in modelling and that's probably how our relationship got screwed over.

'I-um, I'm coming back for a while, the modelling business is a little slow...', he said, scratching his neck.

'No one liked you enough to publish you on their covers? Unfortunate.', I said, disgusted.

He looked like I stabbed him with a knife and twisted it further into his body. This was the first time I've spoken to him since the night I caught him cheating.

'Rose... I misse-'

I dropped my bag and the pointe shoes inside made loud noise when they came into contact with the floor.

'Sorry, what was that?', I asked inattentively, taking off my layers of clothing as he watched me from across the room.

I do not have time to deal with your bullshit, Basque.

'I've heard that you've been talking about me.', a smile appeared on Kai's face.

Bree you f*****g yenta.

I was limbering at the barre. Looking over at him, I saw that his face genuinely light up.

I missed that.

Kai was the first person I ever loved, probably the only person. It's not something you can easily omit. Even after what he's done to me.

'I'm sorry, Rose. I know that an apology isn't good enough at all, but I realised what I've done and I realised what I've lost...', Kai said.

He was never afraid of saying what he felt and always knew what he wanted.

Unlike someone else.

'Can I at least take you out? To try to mend what happened?', he requested.

What do I even say to that?

'Please, it's been so long.'

Soon, a group of people noisily barged into the studio, talking loudly amongst each other. Other students followed, greeting Kai and crowding around him.

Thank God.

I turned to face the barre, stretching my hamstrings.

'Why didn't you reply to my messages?'

Who's come to bother me now?

Jonathan stood in front of me, arms crossed over his chest.

Rose, you're great at pissing boys off, aren't you?

'I completely forgot, Jonathan, I'm so sorry. But I'm fine!', I said.

He looked at me up and down.

'You're not.', he blatantly said and walked away.

Behind him in the corner of the room was Nicholas, watching Jonathan with fire in his eyes.

'Okay class, partner up!', Mr Alexander said.

Two boys walked towards me.

Kai.

And Jonathan.

'Who are you?', Kai asked in a slight rude tone.

'I'm her partner.', Jonathan said snaking his arm around my waist.

'No, I am. I always am.', Kai said opening up his arms getting annoyed.

'Well too bad-'

'Ah! Kai! Could you partner with Rose today? Just for old time's sake!', Our teacher joyously said and walked off.

'Who even are you?', Jonathan asked, not knowing that Kai was an old student.

'Rose's boyfriend.', Kai said loud enough for the whole class to hear.

The whole class turned to stare at the three of us. But the only pair of eyes that mattered were soft, brown ones, that looked... Angry? Hurt?

Nicholas looked away and shook his head in disappointment.

What has Kai done?

'YOU ARE NOT-'

'So it's chassé, glissé under, over, attitude and lift. It's done fast, be careful.', Mr Alexander warned.

I was going to burst. Grumbling to myself, I stood in place.

Kai got into position next to me and we danced with the first group.

He travelled across the room behind me, as smooth as velvet. I hastily got on pointe, holding up an attitude with Kai kneeling next to me. Wanting to race through it so I could get as far away from him as possible.

Oh s**t.

Before I could think I felt my ankle wobble as it bent to the side while I was on my toes. Uttering a yelp, Kai was at my side to catch me before I landed on a completely twisted ankle.

Lifting me off the ground and carrying me, he asked,

'Did you hurt yourself?', he looked incredibly worried for someone who's caused me way more pain than just an ankle sprain.

'N-no, I almost did.', I said, stepping out of Kai's hold.

'Thank you, Kai', Mr Alexander said, 'You must always trust your partner and watch out for them, otherwise there's no point.', he proceeded to tell the class.

'Thanks.', I said, feeling sorry for how I spoke to him earlier.

'Shut up,', he said nudging me playfully and smiling.

I don't know why, but he made me smile.

Once class was over I went to the girls.

'Rose, tonight, I'm performing at the bar. You're coming, aren't you?', Bree asked while wrapping her ribbon around her shoes.

'I wouldn't miss your birthday for the world.', I said and smiled at her.

'EEK! Yay, so everyone's coming! I can't wait! See you soon!', Bree blew kisses at us as she walked away.

Tiana, Mary and I just chuckled.

I turned to reach for my bag and caught Bree talking to Kai near the doors.

Maybe she's inviting him.