Raven's Tears

Chapter 2

I finally found the time to get out of the house.  It wasn't easy but I told my mom that I wanted to go to the dance school admissions today.  I wanted to start the school year out with already having a hobby to keep my mind occupied.  We have been in that house for about two days now trying to get everything in it's place and if it wasn't for the auditions I swore we were going to end up in a stir crazy argument.  It was raining out today and it wouldn't be long before the school year started.  Last night I had a weird feeling come over me in my room like I was being watched, now I wasn't so sure if I choose the right room.  But regardless, the town was beautiful as I was riding my bike up and down the streets.  Most of the locals would stare at the stranger riding her bike minding her own business, but they still smiled at me.  I'm sure they had questions of their own like where did I come from and was a misfit.  Little did they know I wouldn't be a part of their world so easily.  All I wanted to do was dance and mind my business.

    I made it to the dance studio and outside there was a line of girls.  Not long enough in my opinion, but nevertheless this would be my pastime.  I stood in the line trying my best to ignore the stares and whispers from the other girls I was getting.  Across the street I could see Megan sitting inside a coffee shop, her head was buried in a book she was reading.  I could see her trying not to make eye contact with me, so I waved.  She gave a small smile and waved back as the doors to the studio opened.  We all filed inside me holding up the back and I was able to get a look at the dance studio teacher.  She was a stern looking woman who was tall and very lean.  She looked as like if someone would blow on her she would blow away.

    "Hello girls, I am Mrs. Curd, and I will be your dance instructor if you pass the auditions," I laughed to myself because she reminded me of a stone wall the way she moved so stiffly up and down the line.  I always thought seasoned dancers should move a bit more gracefully, "Now, I will be allowing one exception to the school and--" she stopped and looked at me full in the face, "Well, what do we have here?  I never seen you around here before.  Are you a new resident?"

    "Yeah, me and my mom just moved in up the road.  I'm Raven."

    Her lips almost disappeared the way she pressed them together, "I see, well it's always nice to have a new person in this town from time to time.  I'm not sure you know but this dance studio is ranked to be one of the tops on the east coast."

    "I gathered that...I did a little research before I came here.  I hope I can impress you."

    She did a laugh in her throat that sounded like it hurt, "Well, it's been so long since I was impressed but I'm sure the girls here will treat you with kindness and respect.  Now let’s get on with the program, shall we?  The only person who doesn't have to audition is of course our town favorite Miss Anya Blanchet."  The girl who was standing at the head of the line stepped forward as the rest of the girls applauded her.  She was my exact opposite.  She was light skinned with curly shoulder length hair and her eyes were the color of emerald.  I could tell she was forcing her smile as she looked at me, I could see daggers in her eyes.

    "I am honored to be one of the judges for the gala this year.  I have already been accepted as the student council president, so I hope this school year is going to be amazing.  It's already starting out interesting because of the newcomer."  Her voice annoyed me.  She reminded me of one of someone I know all too well.

    "Thank you for that introduction Miss Blanchet.  I'm sure your parents will be proud and provide more donations to the school on your behalf.  Now ladies get changed and we will meet you in a few minutes one by one."

*

    The wait seemed like forever as I stood there with my ballet clothes on.  This was the only thing my mother liked that I took pride in.  Made me seem more ladylike.  The passion I have for dance, well I'm not sure where I got it from.  Maybe it was from a vague memory of my father.  Dancing with him with my feet standing on his as we moved around our small living room apartment.  My mother always told me that wasn't a memory of my father that I was making it up because he was long gone before then.  Finally, my name was called and i walked in to see Ms. Curd, a short man that reminded me of the gnomes on the wallpaper at the house, and of course Anya who was giving me disapproving looks already before I could start moving.  Her family must be loaded for her to have some power right now.

    "Now," said Ms. Curd snapping me out of my daydream, "I hear you are from the city of Philadelphia.  Have you danced in any known productions there?"

    I shook my head as the room started to get hot, I could feel it on my face, "I did a few gigs there but thing extreme.  A few recitals in my younger years but then we always moved after that."

    "What brings you here then?"

    Her question took me off guard and I could see Anya give a little smirk, "I'm here because I just love to dance.  That's all.  I'm not trying to impress anyone but myself."

Ms. Curd's face turned up a bit to show annoyance, "We will play a piece from our studio or if you have something in mind we can use your song."

    "Yes...I have a song.  I want to play the instrumental piece from Evanescence bring me to life.  If you don't have it then I can use your--"

"That's fine...we can accommodate that."  Anya did an eye roll, and it made my face go on fire.  All I had to do was dance like I always have before.  I stood there not paying attention to anyone in the room, closed my eyes and waited for the song to play.

    Once the music started, I found my rhythm taking over me.  Making sure my expressions on my face matched the way my body moved.  The room was quiet, and I closed my eyes and I pretended I was dancing in front of the forest outside my balcony.  But I wasn't alone.  There, under the moonlight I could see a boy, he had olive skin and his hair was red as blood, his eyes glowed bright green as he watched me move across the field.  He started to come closer and I found my body wanting to move with his every step, until finally the tips of my fingers touched his ever so slightly.  It was enough to send a jolt of electricity through my body as I could feel myself move to the song making the necessary leaps where I'm supposed to.  I have never danced like this and I find that I was doing this all for him.  Making sure he could see every move I was making.

    Then the air was silent and still as the song stopped and I opened my eyes to see I was back in reality and for the life of me I couldn't remember what his face looked like anymore.  Mrs. Curd's hand claps knocked me back and I wiped a bead of sweat off my forehead, "Well, well, well," she said standing up, "I have been impressed.  Looks like Anya here might have a bit of competition this time around."  I could tell Anya was not pleased to hear something like that.  Great, the school year didn't even start and already I made an enemy.

    "So, you will be hearing from us within a few days.  Of course, this is the audition to join the school.  It's still has to be decided who will join the Gala this year."

    "Gala?"

    "Yes, it's an annual tradition we have every year where people from all over come to witness the talents of the locals in this town.  But in the meantime, just focus on your studies because grades do play a factor in this program.  Until next time Miss Johnson."  If looks could kill I would be ten feet under the floors right now by the way Anya was looking at me.  Yes, this was going to be an interesting school year.

*

    The rain had finally stopped as I walked out into the fresh air.  It was a bit suffocating in there especially after all the stares, and what was those visions about?  That has never happened to me before and still I can't remember what that boy's face looked like.  I either way I was happy to see Megan standing there as I came out; she was looking as shy as ever the closer I got to her.  I wonder why she kept her face hidden with that jet black hair of hers, she looked pretty from where I was standing, I guess looks isn't everything if the personality doesn't match.

    "How do you think you did," she asked as we started to walk down the street.  I was hoping that eventually people would stop staring at me soon.  Was I that strange to them or were they wondering why I was walking with Megan, "Don't worry about them," she said as if she could read my thoughts, "I don't think they're worried about you?  So how was the audition?"

    "It was nothing I expected.  It seems the dance teacher has some high expectations for her pupils."

    "She is a tough one.  My grand doesn't like her or a lot of people in this town honestly.  We tend to keep to ourselves."

    "Right, well I got to meet the loveliest person Anya."

    Megan looked confused, "Lovely?  She is a monster."

    "Sorry, I guess my sarcasm didn't come out right.  I wouldn't say monster though.  Just a spoiled little rich girl.  I met a few of them in my day.  Nothing I can't handle."

    "Yeah, well that's what a lot of people say until you cross her."

    "What's her deal anyway?"

    "Well, her family has own land and businesses in this town since the beginning.  They have their hand in almost everything around here.  Nobody questions them because it's their money that funds a lot in Ashfield.  I stay away from her.  She gives bullies another name.  But she is the town sweetheart."

    "I guess she hasn't met her match then.  I don't like bullies and I sure as hell don't like girls who think they're better than."

    Megan nodded in agreeance.  We walked until we reached townhall, and coming out of the large doors was Skylar, she was surrounded by people handing paperwork in her direction.  She looked at me and I ignored her wave.  Megan was trying her hardest to keep up with my pace.  I wanted to get far away from her as I could, "Raven...is everything ok?"

    "The faster I get away from that girl the better."

    "I don't have any brothers or sisters.  I always wished for some, but my parents died when I was three years old.  My grand has been taking care of me ever since."

    "Well, it's not all that great.  We used to be close but then she went and did something dumb.  Now I don't want to see her ever again.  Who is she here anyway, other than the town's therapist."

    "That's her normal job...but for some reason within the past year she has been hanging around the mayor more often, dipping her hands in politics.  Everyone thought they were dating at first, but he has a wife, so nobody knows what the relationship is."  I figured I would stash this away as a metal not for later.  I don't even know why she asked for my mom and I to come to this town.  And knowing my mother she isn't even worried about the idea.  Once we reached the rode that would take us to my house, I could see a boy at the playground.  He was sitting on one of the benches scribbling away on a piece of paper.  His hair was so red, it complimented his olive complexion.  A strange feeling of curiosity flooded me.  It must've been obvious because Megan was looking at me with a puzzled look.

    "You know him?" she asked me.

    "No... actually I don't but I feel like I know him from somewhere.  Who is he?"

    "Oh...that's Damien.  He's Anya's boy toy for now.  I'm surprised he isn't around his minions today?"

    "Minions?"

    "Yeah, he usually has a group of people around him.  He's the town wonder boy.  I don't like him.  He's a jerk to."  He looked up at them as if he heard what Megan said and gave eye contact to me.  His stare gave me a rush all over.  I wanted to see what he was writing in his book.  He was wearing all black which made him stand out among the colors.  He stood up and walked over to us, "Hey Meg," he waved at Megan who gave him a small smile.  He seemed so likeable I wonder why she didn't like him, "And who is this?  A new face?"

    "Yeah...this is Raven.  Her and her mom just moved here from Philly.  Her sister is Skylar Johnson."

    "Wow...another Johnson.  I hope you're not as annoying as your sister."

    Now I knew why she didn't like him, he was too playful for the first time meeting me, "Annoying?"

    "Yeah, she is my mother's therapist and when she comes home, she has a lot to talk about.  But whatever, you don't seem like you belong here," I tried not to get lost in his green eyes.

    "What do you mean I don't belong here?  I belong anywhere I want to be.  So much for small town hospitality."

    "Wow, you're a feisty one I see...definitely not like your sister."

    "You have a thing for her or something?  You keep bringing her up like I'm supposed to care."  I could feel Megan wanting to shy away from the conversation.  Who does he think he was?  I don't need people trying to compare me to her my entire life.

    Before he could respond we heard a loud car engine pull up beside us.  It was Anya and I figured a few of his "minions" as Megan said.  

    "What are you doing over here hubby?  Any why're you talking with trash," it didn't take long for Anya to take a shot, "we're heading over to the old mill."

    "Fine," he said as he raked his hands through his hair.  I no longer wanted to touch it at this point.

    "I don't know who you're calling trash miss prissy.  But don't bother me with your rude words.  You just stay out of my way," I was getting tired of the entire afternoon now.  I keep running into people I was starting to hate.

    "Oh, she barks," Damien said leaning in a bit closer, "I wonder if her bite is worse.  He smelled like fresh cut grass, "Until next time little Raven” He jumped into the car and they all sped off into the opposite direction.

    "My Grand is going to kill me for this."  I had forgot that Megan was even there.  She hid far back into a corner and made herself invisible.

    "I wouldn't sweat it," I said to her she started to look uncomfortable.

    "Come on let’s get you home before anything else happens."

*

    Dinner was quiet this time around, I didn't know what to say to my mom that would sound nice.  I could start to see that same distant stare in her eyes she used to give when she was "working things out" a time where she locked herself in the room and would drink the day away.  We both knew what was about to happen.  Maybe she was having second guesses about this move after all.

    "I think I'm going to start therapy," she said starting to clean up the plates.  Her food was barely touched, "Your sister had recommended someone for me.  He works in the same office that she does."

    "That's good to hear...maybe you should.  I mean I need you to keep your head on straight this time."

    "Don't we all...but I was thinking since I'm starting maybe you should to."

    "Not likely."

    "And why not?"

    "Because I don't have anything to say...or to hide for that matter.  Thanks to Skylar all my secrets are out in the open with her new book."

    "Oh, come on Raven, it's not that bad.  A few sessions please?  Cause you don't say a word to me, and I think you blame me for a lot of things."

    "Mom please!  Stop throwing stupid stuff she say at my face.  When are you going to just wake up on your own and be a mom for once, not a friend."  I didn't want to hear a lecture and when I didn't want to hear a lecture, I always knew what to say to get her to walk away from me.  She threw her hands up and walked out of the room.  Outside I could hear the summer crickets.  I hated living here, it wasn't loud enough.

*