Once the pianist started the familiar strains of the Black Swan, Melissa dove into the series. Her right leg whipping feverishly, it propelled her around. Viktor locked his eyes on her, his gaze never wandering. Hobbling over in front of her, his large body blocked the mirror. The maneuver was designed to throw her off, but instead of panicking, she began spotting his face and not her own. When she did, something in her clicked. It was as if he were the only one in the room. His eyes keeping her spellbound, she melted into the music, beginning to sprinkle in multiple turns. Viktor broke the shunning, speaking to her for the first time that day. “More triples!” he screamed, tapping his cane into the floor for emphasis. Her body followed his command. Ending the sequence with six revolutions, she alit into a beautiful fourth position. No time to rest, the intro was given for the left side. Still under his spell, she magically rotated, giving herself over to the music. Her right foot digging deeply into the ground on the plié, she sprang up on a perfectly arched foot. Her weight between her first two toes, the box dug into the floor. Her balance exquisite, her upper body was perfectly composed. Completing the difficult passage magnificently, she stayed in a passé for half a second before concluding with a flourish. In shock and still under Viktor’s control, he shuffled forward, his cane drumming out his intention of saying more. Beaming, she came out of the ending position, waiting for the compliments she was sure would come.
His fleshy face took on an ugly expression. His eyes bulging, his face was florid with an unflattering rush of blood. Wagging the tip of his black cane at her, he kept her at bay.
“That,” he emphasized, “is how you should perform your adagio! By being one with the music and not running ahead of it like a virginal bride from a sacrificial alter! When you do that, you will be something to take seriously and not something that is merely wasting my time! And next time,” he shouted running his cane over the material of her leotard running down the center of her back, “do not wear such a leotard in my classroom! The beauty of a ballerina is shown through her spine! If you have one, show it! Now get out of my way! Class is over!”
Jumping before she was crushed under the stampede of two thick legs and a wooden walking stick, she was in shock over the unnecessarily harsh criticism. Coming out of left field, it wasn't deserved. Skewered not only for her dancing skills, but for her leotard, was it fair for a teacher to point out a problem in technique without giving a solution? Embarrassed, she pivoted towards Una. Already packed and ready to leave, she heard Zoe and her partners in crime laughing hysterically at the upbraiding. Dejectedly walking to her dance bag, Brandi and Collette were there to try to console her.
“Where did that come from?” Collette asked, placing her hand across Melissa's shoulders. “Those turns were nice!”
“Yeah, and your developpés don't really suck. Well, not that bad, anyway,” Brandi offered. Melissa’s opinion changing again, the girl really was an idiot.
“Poor, poor, Melissa!” came the one voice she didn't want to hear. The toxic ballerina had come over to pour salt in her wound.
“Zoe, I don't think that she needs that right now,” Collette advised, trying to squeeze in between the two girls.
“Well, isn't that cute? The fat girl is sticking up for you! What did you do? Give her your candy bar? It doesn't matter. I just came to tell you to pack your bag, because you'll be leaving soon.”
Her two friends exploding into loony laughter, they evidently thought her cruel remarks funny.
“I wouldn't count on that, Zoe. Not by a long shot,” Melissa shot back.
Her sharp rebuke silenced the hilarity as Zoe icily regarded the girl that wouldn't go down without a fight.
“We'll see,” she retorted confidently. “We'll see.”
ChapterSix
“He just doesn't like me.”
Touring the grounds, Melissa let off some steam to Collette. Sharing her feelings about the old Russians teacher’s treatment of her, her friend was resistant to the idea.
For Melissa, the past week had felt more as if she were running a gauntlet than studying dance. While the irascible teacher hadn’t given up his penchant for humiliating her with cutting remarks, she did her best to ignore the daily barrage. Soaking up as much training as she could, the situation with her roommate wasn’t helping. Trying to avoid interaction, it was difficult, but the chance discovery of an unused classroom in an adjacent building gave her the option of hiding out in the evening. Disappearing after dinner, she’d remain there until her roommate was safely asleep, evading the dimwit’s irritating observations.
Severing the ties to Brandi drew her closer to Collette. Bonding with the humorous girl who obsessed about her weight and not her immense talent, she forgave the insecurity since in every other way she was completely level- headed.
“I disagree. I think he’s just hard on you because you're good. Teachers like Szelak don't waste their time on people with no talent. I mean, has he said anything to Bran ... oops!”
Putting on the brakes, she screeched to a halt before saying the name.
“You mean, Brandi.”
“Oh, gosh! I didn't mean to say that! Please, don't ...”
“Tell her? Why would I? There's no love lost between us. She's a sweet kid, but clueless. And I'm with you. I have no idea what she's doing here either.”
“Melissa!” Collette admonished, trying to defend the friend not here to do it for herself.
A touch of frost was in the late afternoon air. Summer officially over, the crisp crackle of dried leaves snapped under their feet. Attesting to their demise, Melissa raised her face, feeling the breeze on her dewy skin. The cooler temperature refreshed her, allowing her to recover from the brutal load of classes that they were required to attend. Digging her hands deeper into her pockets, she vowed to bring along mittens the next time.
“Look, I'm not trying to be nasty or bitchy. It's just the truth. The first day, I put down to nerves, and getting used to new teachers, but she’s gotten even worse! She's just bad! Really bad! There were lots of girls at my audition that were better. Why they're not here, and she is ....” Melissa remarked, shrugging her shoulders.
“I do know what you mean,” Collette responded, “I just don't think it's right talking like this. After all, she's my friend and ...”
“… and good friends don't talk behind each other's back? You're right and that's why you're special, Collette.” Giving her an approving hug, she whispered, “Thanks for being there for me.”
“Hey, you two! Wait up!”
The shrill voice interrupted Collette’s reply. They both turned to see Brandi cutting across the field at breakneck speed.
“Speaking of the Devil,” Melissa ungenerously remarked.
“Oh, you!” Collette rebutted. “Now stop or she'll hear.”
“You're right. I'm veering into being mean. That's Zoe's territory.”
“What about Zoe?” Brandi asked in between gulping air. Winded from the long distance run, she choked down quick breaths to still her rapid heartbeat.
“I should be asking you that question. How is your bff?” Melissa prodded.
“I don't know what it is between you two, but she's really nice.”
Not believing that she was back to spreading that lie, Melissa gave Brandi a disgusted look that tinged on contempt.
“Well, she is!” Brandi whined. Becoming frustrated in not being able to bridge the gap between Melissa and Zoe, she wanted them all to be friends. Feeling that Melissa was the one stopping it from happening, she persisted. “If you'd just talk to her you’d see! How about having dinner with us one night? I'm sure she'd love to have you ...”
“Could we cut the crap?” Melissa shot. “Might I remind you of what she said to your other friend who is walking right next to you?”
Brandi glanced at Collette. The memory of Zoe's cruelty came back in full bloom. Going silent, she trudged along the dirt trail.
“That's better.”
“Except we d
on't have a subject for our next, much more pleasant conversation,” Collette responded, attempting to mollify the rift. “Let's see, we can discuss dreamy boys … or the upcoming performance …”
“Boys!” screamed Brandi, jumping up and down with excitement. “God, that Justin is such a dancing god! I'm trying to get paired with him in partnering class, but I keep getting stuck with that Bradley jerk, when it's Justin's hands I want around me!”
“Yeah, well, I wish anyone's hands could fit around my waist!”
“Stop putting yourself down, Collette! You have a nice figure!” Melissa countered, tired of the endless self-criticism.
“Thanks. It's a shame no one that counts thinks so. No offense or anything.”
“None taken, but I don't want to talk about boys. I'm here to get a spot in the company and not to be moonie-eyed over some stupid group of boys that I barely notice.”
Collette and Brandi exchanged suspicious glances.
“Alrighteee then!” Collette called out brightly, skeptical that any teenage girl could really not appreciate the male eye candy in a way other than professionally. “I guess it's back to talking about The Nutcracker.”
“Better,” Melissa retorted. “What I don’t understand is why Debra is teaching us all the parts. Is it because they haven’t decided who'll be doing what?”
“So untrue!” snapped Brandi, preening like a cat with a bird in its mouth.
“What's that supposed to mean?” asked Melissa.
“It means that I know something,” she boasted.
“How?”
“Because Una called my parents.”
“Your parents? Why?” Collette interjected, confused as to why her parents were involved in any discussions with Una Velofsky.
“I don't know why, but I do know I'm dancing the Sugar Plum Fairy!”
“What?” Melissa and Collette exclaimed in unison.
Brandi laughed heartily.
“Yes! Isn't it wonderful?”
“Wonderful? I'd say it’s more like surprising, but do go on,” Melissa muttered.
“What? What’s surprising?” Brandi asked.
“Nothing,” Missy replied, doing her best to cover the snarky implication. “I just meant that it’s surprising that Una spoke to your parents.”
“Oh,” Brandi replied, buying the explanation. Rubbing her hands together, she continued, “Well, my parents said that The Nutcracker is going to be the test. I mean, I know we've been told these classes are, but the holiday performance is where the real selections for the company are going to be made. It's why Debra is teaching us some of the variations for all the roles—to see how you do. If you're not chosen for any of the lead or secondary roles, it's pretty much kaput,” she summarized, drawing her finger across her throat.
“But you've already been selected? Does that mean you made the company?” Collette pressed. Brandi pursed her lips together, trying to squelch the good news. Afraid she’d burst, she let it out.
“Yes!”
Melissa and Collette stared at one another in amazement, Melissa mouthing, “She made it?” to the gaping Collette. Both were stunned at the very strange decision. They scrambled to say anything nice.
“Th-that's really great,” Melissa stuttered.
“Yeah,” Collette agreed. Holding back her real sentiments, she tried to make sense of a completely talentless girl being chosen to be a member of the company. She’d been certain that Brandi would be cut, but quickly warmed up to the idea of her being selected. After all, Brandi was a friend, and a friend just got the best news of their entire lives. “Congrats, Brandi. I'm so happy for you. Really,” she said hugging the wide-eyed girl, now shivering from the cold.
“Thanks,” she said, pushing strands of her long blonde hair away from her face.
“Merde from me also,” Melissa added, embracing the girl that she was growing to dislike more each day. So many things about her that didn't make any sense, this was just the frosting on the cake.
Walking in silence, a wide smile remained on Brandi's face, while Melissa and Collette's faces only reflected confusion. Missy suddenly stopped in her tracks. Glancing around, she was getting that disturbing feeling again. The eerie feeling of being watched only worsening the longer she was at Velofsky’s, it came on especially strong when she was practicing in the empty studio. Last night, she'd been so spooked that she almost started screaming.
“You two ever feel anything weird?”
“What do you mean weird?” asked Collette.
“Oh, I don't know. Like a strange feeling ... when you're dancing ... or like now?”
“What are you babbling about?” Brandi's turn to be confused, her attractive features were drizzled with irritation.
“I'm talking about when you’re in the school.”
“But we're out of the school, or haven't you noticed,” she countered. Brandi’s lips trembling, her teeth chattered slightly from the cold. With only a sweatshirt on, she wasn't dressed for the weather.
The newest member of the ballet company was really getting on her nerves. Melissa rolled her eyes.
“Duh? Don't you think I know that?”
“Well, that's not what you said!” the ditzy blonde blasted, getting frustrated at bearing the brunt of her friend’s sarcasm.
“You did say it, Melissa,” Collette slid in, bolstering Brandi's contention.
“Okay, I'm sorry I got snippy. I'm talking about the feeling of someone watching. It mostly happens when I'm inside, but it happens outside, too. Like the day we arrived … when we went into the field. And now—it feels like someone is staring at me. From inside there,” she said, pointing towards the remodeled estate.
Collette and Brandi exchanged glances. Brandi flicked her shoulder-length hair back from her brow.
“Personally, I don't know what you're talking about.”
“I gotta agree,” Collette responded. “I don't feel a thing. And why would someone watching us really be that strange? I mean, we are students, and they're supposed to be keeping an eye on us. It's why we have that security guard on duty at night. Unless you're talking about some creepo with binoculars getting his jollies off watching us frolic around in the leaves,” she said, kicking a pile with her sneakered foot. The leaves rose up in the air, coming down in a flurry that elicited giggles from Brandi.
“Forget it,” Melissa lashed, angry at her friends for invalidating her intuition, but more angry at herself for broaching the subject.
“Hey, I just asked a question!” Collette shot. Not understanding why Melissa was getting so upset, no one was watching them. No one that wasn't supposed to be, anyway.
“Whatever,” Melissa bristled, crossing her arms.
“So than you do think it's a perv?” Brandi pressed.
“I don't know, but obviously I wouldn't since I said it's just a feeling!” she repeated.
“Hey, is that him over there?” Collette cried out. Pointing, her face took on a look of horror. “Oh, my God! It is! And he’s got a knife!”
Quickly turning, Melissa looked to where she was pointing. Seeing only trees and miles of empty landscape, the titter of laughter told her that she’d been had. Grabbing her hips, she was angry about being tricked. Swiveling back around, she was treated to a handful of dried leaves thrown in her face.
Collette’s aim true, Missy’s fit of temper disappeared. Responding with an attack of her own, she bent over, scooping up an armful of ammunition.
“Oh, so you want to play?” she screamed, giving chase to a squealing Collette who was hightailing it along the rim of the woods. Catching her easily, Collette bobbed, doing her best to avert the inevitable. Not able to evade the attack, she was hit squarely between the eyes. Collette roared with laughter, Brandi joining in the fun with a series of squeals.
The leaf fight begun, the three girls pelted each other until spent. Collapsing on the ground, they continued the brawl, until Brandi's body started to shiver.
“Look, I'm sorry I
blew up before,” Melissa apologized, rising and brushing the leaves from her hair and clothing. “Now let's get back before a certain little ballerina turns blue as a smurf!” Pulling Brandi up by her long, slender arms, she helped her clean off. Slipping her hand around Brandi's waist, her roommate linked her arm through Collette's.
“Hey, let's go get some hot chocolate!” Brandi suggested. “And just let that creepo peepo watch that!”
The three took off, hurrying towards the warmth of the sheltering lodge. Outlines of their slender bodies left in the dried leaves, a chill wind began to blow, removing all traces that they were ever there.
Chapter Seven
“Aw, come on! We got you this far,” Brandi urged, tugging at Melissa's oversized sweatshirt.
Still not certain why she’d given into Brandi and Collette’s insistent pleadings, she’d reluctantly agreed to join them at the wicked witch's table for dinner. Why they were so eager to be handmaidens to the diabolical Zoe, she didn't know. It could just be that evil held a special attraction.
“Hey, you're gonna stretch it out!” she warned. The old top already falling apart, it looked as if a stiff breeze could unravel it, Brandi didn’t get the humor, immediately ceasing her birdlike fingering. “I'm kidding,” Melissa whispered, her hands going on either side of her roomie’s very sweet face.
With a wry grin, Missy marched into the cafeteria, softly singing the lyrics to “The Man of La Mancha.” Her antics more than amused Collette who hummed right along. The trio settled on the dinner special, but only Melissa requested a double portion of mashed potatoes and hot apple pie a la mode. That done, the rendition of the Broadway show tune resumed, only halting when Melissa rested her tray on Zoe's table.
“Hi, you must be Zoe,” Melissa greeted, extending her hand. “My name is Melissa. Melissa Solange, but my friends call me Missy.
Doing a double take, Zoe rotated her head in either direction to take in her two constant companions’ reactions. Gretchen and Rob merely shook their heads, laughing at what they assumed was a show of early senility.
Black Adagio Page 5