Juilliard or Else

by Reese, Nichele

  I sat on the bench, hearing the class door open and Tucker walked in as I was unlacing my slippers. He crouched down in front of me, taking over and removing my slippers. He brought my feet up, rubbing my toes and the soles of my feet. The deep pressure from his artistic hands felt so good on my sore feet. He put my flats on and pulled me up.

  Tucker and I walked home holding hands. This was a favorite moment of mine, just our hands and fingers laced together. Just from holding his hand, it felt as if a flame was lit on my skin and was sending chills up my arm. I smiled and looked at him through my lashes. He leaned in to kiss me, but Brad came running towards us screaming Tucker's name.

  "Tucker! Tuck." His footsteps hit the concrete and stopped right into Tucker's side. He pulled on Tucker's shoulder, whispering in his ear. But I wasn't stupid and pretended to ignore them. I heard every word that was exchanged.

  "Tuck, man, I need the money now."

  Tucker let go of my hand. "Dude, what the fuck?" He pulled Brad away by the collar and slammed him up to the brick wall of my building. I stepped back, but kept watching with wide eyes.

  "How much, Brad?" Tucker growled.

  Brad's eyes looked at me then whispered in Tucker's ear. I couldn't see Tucker's face, but he slammed Brad's body into the wall harder than the first time. I didn't need to see his face to know he was pissed off. He was starting to scare me from the force he used on Brad's shirt and body.

  "Tucker, let him go," I said as softly as I could, and when he glanced at me over his shoulder, I added, "You're scaring me." He immediately let Brad go and swept me up in his arms.

  "I'm sorry. I'll make it up to you," he told me in my neck and kissed my cheek. Tucker turned back to Brad. "Let me drop her off and I'll meet you at the shack." Brad nodded, then took off to cross the street and head into Central Park.

  We started walking again and stopped at my front door. "What's the shack, Tucker?"

  He quickly pecked my lips. "Don't worry about it. But I gotta go, baby girl,"

  I pulled away from him. "That's okay. Just go and call me later, okay?"

  "You won't be mad at me?" He raised a brow.

  I gave a playful shove on his chest. "Nah, just don't scare me again."

  Tucker gave me one more quick peck and off he went in the direction Brad was headed. I walked in the foyer a little shaky from Tucker's rage. I didn't like seeing him like that. That side of Tucker wasn't a pleasant one.

  "You alright, Miss Abigail?" I turned to see Michael standing there holding a phone. "Do I need to call the cops?"

  My eyes went wide. "No. It's just a misunderstanding."

  Michael nodded and put the phone back in its cradle. "I've seen the way he looks at you, Miss. He likes you."

  I smiled at his kind words. "I like him, too. He needs to be put on the list. His name is Tucker."

  "Right away, Miss Abigail."

  As I made my way into my dark apartment, I didn't have to shout for anyone to know that I was by myself. Jade would either be on the balcony or in her room with rock music playing. Rachel was shopping with her mom. Seriously, those two could shut a store down with the way they love to shop. My phone started buzzing as I walked to my bedroom to get undressed from my practice. It was an unknown number on my screen, but I decided to answer it in case it was Tucker using another phone.

  "Hello?"

  "Abigail?"

  My bag slid off my shoulder and a loud thud sounded into the phone. "Abigail, you alright?"

  I bent down to pick up my bag and set it on my bed. "Alex?"

  He cleared his throat. "Yeah, how are you?"

  What did I say? "Umm…I'm good."

  He cleared his throat again, and he sounded uncomfortable. "I wanted to see if I could take you out to dinner tonight?"

  I thought about it for about two seconds as I unzipped my bag and pulled out my dirty clothes. "Umm…I don't think so, Alex."

  This was getting awkward fast. How did he even get my number?

  "Alex, I need you to sign these documents for me ASAP," I heard my dad say on the other side of the phone.

  "Right away, David. Abigail, I need to go. Think about it and call me back at this number. It's my desk phone." Then he hung up.

  Okay, that was just a little odd.

  I didn't hear from Tucker for four days after he dropped me off and went with Brad. Even Rachel mentioned that Brad was being an "ass" (her exact words) and not texting her back. She even threatened that she was going to go get some other guy if he didn't text back. I didn't dare do that with Tucker and blow it with him. Rachel and Brad's relationship was weird. She claimed that they had nothing in common, but when they were together, they were glued at the hip. Maybe they both needed to be tamed by each other. Jade and Jett were so cute together—they never fought.

  There was one time when I witnessed them having an argument out on the balcony. I was coming out from my bedroom and saw them out there. Jade's arms were flying about while Jett had his arms crossed and watched her pace back and forth. She then pointed an angry finger at him and tried to leave, but he grabbed her and pulled her to him. He cupped her face and talked to her. I knew he wasn't yelling because his face looked too calm to be yelling. She then threw her arms around his neck. I went back into my room after that.

  Every practice stung my heart. I watched Jasmine and Madame Ava work together as I sat on the sidelines and sulked. The orchestra came in a couple of times to play music because Jasmine complained that she couldn't picture the dance without the actual music to the scene. I rolled my eyes. There were a couple of times when Jasmine would sit next to me to take a break and rub it in.

  "Oh man, I'm exhausted, but I'm perfect for this part," she told me while fanning herself. I got up and left while she snickered to my back. I went back to the classroom to gather my things and leave. I knew Rachel would already be out of class early; I would just go sit with her. When I walked outside, she wasn't there, yet. I hopped up on the cement wall when someone spoke my name.

  When I turned, Alex was walking towards me in his gray suit, with a white shirt and black tie. He was also holding two cups from Starbucks.

  "Abigail," he nodded and handed me a cup. Instead of taking a sip, I smelled what was in it. Caramel filled my nose and I took a daring sip. I expected it to be hot, but it wasn't.

  "It's a caramel iced coffee." I looked up at Alex. "Thanks. Never had ice coffee, it's pretty tasty."

  Alex sat next to me, sipping his coffee. "What are you doing out of class? Your father told me your class was over at noon."

  Oh, my dad.

  "I'm an understudy for the main part, but I left early."

  Right then, the bell sounded and Rachel was right at my side, looping her arm through mine and pulling me up.

  "Gabs, who's your friend?" Rachel asked while nodding in Alex's direction. I hoped she didn't get any ideas to get back at Brad with Alex. Well…maybe that wouldn't be a bad thing.

  "Umm…Rachel Dawson, this is Alex Blair. He's a lawyer at my dad's firm."

  Rachel suddenly jerked me back and was right in my face. "That's Alex?" she whispered.

  "Yeah, he brought me coffee," I said, holding up the Starbucks cup to her face.

  Her green eyes widened "We gotta go."

  Alex must have heard her because he stepped up behind us. "Abigail, I wanted to drive you home and possibly take you out to dinner tonight." He straightened his tie that really didn't need to be straightened at all.

  "Sorry, dude, she's got plans," Rachel told Alex, pulling me along with her. "Okay, I don't like Mr. Richey Rich pants. He's an ass; I can tell just by his vibes."

  I giggled "I definitely agree with you on that one. He called me a couple of days ago, and asked me out to dinner. Aren't we going to wait for Jade?"

  Rachel shook her head, red hair hitting my face. "No, Jett is coming to get her."

  We walked the rest of the way home in silence. What I mean is, I was silent. Brad called Rachel, who turned into a huge
giggling mess. I pulled her elbow to get her attention.

  "Has he heard from Tucker?" I asked aloud, hoping Brad would at least hear me. I could hear him talking, but Rachel soon shook her head. I was disappointed.

  "Oh, baby. I'd rather have your body between my legs," Rachel said and I raced into the building, leaving her behind.

  I woke up the next morning feeling a little refreshed. Today was our first show of Swan Lake but, since Jasmine didn't magically fall and break both of her legs, I was still the understudy. Nothing changed that. I stood at the side curtain, watching her move across the stage. Rachel and Jett were in the audience, but they mostly watched Jade play her cello. The show was a good start to the year. Everyone applauded for Jasmine as she took center stage to receive her big bouquet of roses. I didn't even know why I came; I wasn't needed at all. When Rachel, Jade, Jett and I walked to the apartment, I found Tucker out front with Brad smoking. Rachel squealed and ran into Brad's arms, wrapping her legs around his waist while he groped her butt. I smiled at them. I wish they would just admit their feelings to each other. They were perfect together.

  Tucker approached me, but my body took over and copied Rachel's moves. I jumped in his arms. His scent filled my nose of leather and cigarettes. I missed him so much. He kissed me deeply and his tongue thrusted in my mouth, seeming to ache for mine. Tucker held me in his arms as we entered the elevator and moved into my apartment. He headed straight for my bedroom.

  Oh Yes.

  He tasted so good. My shirt was pushed up while his hands were all over my body in unison with his soft tongue. I tugged his leather jacket off his shoulders and he shrugged out of it while I raked my hands through his long hair. Somewhere in the distance, I heard a phone ringing. We ignored it, our lips not leaving one another's as his fingers pulled at my clothes. I sat up, pulling my shirt up and off my body, needing him skin on skin. Tucker's lips moved down across my collarbone and down between my breasts. My hands gripped his hair and pulled, causing Tucker to gently bite my skin. There was more moaning, more ringing, and then pounding on my bathroom door.

  "Gabs!" Jade's voice yelled.

  Again we ignored it. Then my bathroom door burst open with Jade and Jett walking in.

  "Dude, get out!" Tucker yelled at Jett, probably because I was shirtless. Jade covered Tucker's mouth and looked down at me.

  "Carol is in the living room."

  I shot up out from underneath Tucker's body. His jeans were stricken with proof of how much he wanted me. Jade helped me smooth my hair down, which I didn't know Tucker had pulled out of my classic bun. Once I looked presentable enough, Jade shoved me out of my room. I heard Jett in the background, "Let her go alone, that lady didn't look happy to see me here."

  Oh that sounded just great—a pissed off Carol. That's exactly what I wanted at a time like this. She didn't even wait for me to get to the living room before she started yelling at me.

  "How dare you get the understudy in that ballet! Do you not care about your future as a ballerina? Because you're not acting like the girl that wanted to do this at all! Who was that man that was in here? I demand to know who is inside my home with my daughter! He is trouble, covered in tattoos." I couldn't answer her questions. I was a coward for letting her talk to me this way while Tucker was in my room. Carol stepped up to me. "You are an embarrassment to the family. To me, your father, his firm, everyone! Everyone is watching our every move, and you are letting them down. Shape up, young lady, or I will shatter your dreams like they weren't even yours to begin with." Her finger hit my chest as she walked past me. "And get rid of that boy. I don't want to see him back in my house again." Then she slammed the door behind her.

  The tears streamed from my eyes so fast, I couldn't control them. Was I really letting all those people down? At my dad's firm, too? I didn't want that at all. Then that feeling in my stomach happened and I booked it to my bathroom, shoving Jett aside as I barely made it to the toilet.

  "Shit!" Jade yelled and came to my aid. I sobbed in the toilet.

  "Dude, she alright?" Jett asked of anyone in the room.

  My cries echoed in the porcelain bowl more and more as my stomach emptied. "I got this, Jade." Then I felt his hands on my back, gently rubbing me. Once I stopped, Tucker turned me into his chest as I continued to cry.

  "Breathe, baby girl. I know it hurts, but breathe." He soothed and, comforted me, letting me cry into his shirt.

  I met his eyes. "I'm I a….fail...ure…Tucker?" He wiped my face dry and kissed my forehead.

  "No Gabs, you're no failure. She's a bitch for talking to you like that. I tried to come out, but Jett held me back. Don't you ever think you're a failure."

  He hugged me to his chest so tight, I gasped for breath. Tucker continued to tenderly talk in my ear, reminding me to breathe. I concentrated on my breath, as if I would be dancing and remembering to breathe out evenly. It helped… a lot. Tucker stayed with me that night and the next day, but had to leave me for three weeks, saying he couldn't explain, but hoped I would understand. I didn't. I never did. I just hoped the scene with Carol didn't run him off.

  Jade and Jett were spending more and more time together. The night of the rockin' concert, Jade came home beaming because Jett gave her this necklace with a little black skull covered in diamonds and wearing a gold crown. It was so cute how she acted about it, and whenever Stella or her dad called, she would slide it back and forth on the black chain.

  It was a nervous habit, just like mine. Jade went through about a pack of cigarettes when Stella called, keeping Jade on the phone forever. Jade smoked; I threw up. Jade was right when we first met; we were both messed up in our own way.

  I was just getting ready to start making something to eat when the doorbell rang. I wasn't expecting anyone tonight, plus our doorman, Michael, didn't call to let me know who was here. I padded over to the door and opened it to find Tucker on the other side, looking gorgeous as ever, wearing black jeans with his usual gray hoodie and black leather jacket. His hands were deep in his front pockets, and his hair was in the messy style I loved and missed. My heart literally dropped into my stomach when he gave me that side smile with his deep dimple. "Hey Gabs." I loved the sound of his voice. He stepped up to me with our eyes locked, and he slowly put his hands on my hips. Our breaths mixed with each other's, making my face heat up at the soft touch of him. Sliding his hands ever so slowly to lock behind my back, he pulled me into a deep embracing hug. My hands snaked around his neck and as I locked my fingers together to hold him close, my fingers brushed his long hair.

  Oh, how I've missed him.

  I shut my eyes and listened to our hearts pounding into our chests, his heart thumping against mine, causing butterflies to roam throughout my stomach. I felt his lips so close to my neck; his breathing was deep, and I could feel the air from him flowing down my neck and under the back of my shirt. I shook against his body and he chuckled. Tucker pulled away from me, staring deeply in my eyes. I could feel his energy radiating off him; I wanted him to kiss me, to make me his.

  "Michael let me surprise you," he told me as his hands rested back on my hips.

  I smiled. "I see that."

  The heat went up the back of my neck and flamed up my cheeks at the embarrassment that I talked to Michael like a giddy schoolgirl having her first crush. I was going to have to have a little talk with Michael. I didn't think he would actually tell him, but I did owe Michael a big thank you for letting him come up here to surprise me.

  "I do have a surprise for you, though," Tucker told me as he tucked a piece of loose hair behind my ear. Tucker loved when my hair was down, so he could run his long fingers through it.

  "You do?"

  He nodded, "Yep, grab your coat – it might get cold."

  I turned and ran down the hallway to grab my coat, then rushed back so Tucker wasn't by himself too long. When I came back out to the living room, I found Tucker standing in front of the large windows, staring out over Central Park. I had the sudden ur
ge to go up and wrap my arms around his stomach and put my chin on his shoulder, maybe even kiss his neck. The man was a delectable piece and I was falling fast and hard for him. My feelings for him deepened to my core the more I was with him. Tucker turned around at the sound of my footsteps coming up behind him and gave me the side smile.

  "You ready?"

  I gulped, but managed to nod my head. Why all of the sudden did I have major jitters to be alone with him? I could do this. Tucker closed the space between us, tucking yet another loose piece of hair behind my ear and slowly dragging his fingers across my cheek and down my neck. My eyes shut, taking in the softness of his thumb caressing against my jaw. I sighed and Tucker's hand dropped from my face. I opened my eyes to his soft baby blues.

  "Come on gorgeous," he said, as he threaded his hands with mine to pull me out the front door of my apartment to the surprise he had waiting for me.

  We made our way to the elevator and Tucker placed my arm in his, grabbing a hold of my other hand as butterflies roamed my empty stomach. I peeked up at him through my curtained hair to stare at his face. I kept on staring at him and suddenly, the air shifted around us. It was as if a fan was on high and whipping our emotions all around us.

  The ding of the elevator brought me back to get my feet moving and follow him inside the little cubicle, but when I did and I found myself pushed back into the back wall, Tucker's lips collided into mine. My mouth opened and I accepted his tongue as it stroked mine. His breath was hot as it melted my insides; my left ankle wrapped around his shin and the kiss deepened. My fingers were at the back of his head. Tucker's hands moved down from my waist to my butt in seconds; I pushed my hips at him and he broke away from me.

  "I will never get enough of kissing you," he said as he kissed the tip of my nose, and then attacked my mouth again. I moaned as he possessed my mouth with his desirable tongue. I heard the ding of the elevator, telling us we were at the lobby floor, and I pulled away from him.

  Tucker rested his head against mine as we stood in place, trying to let the passion between our bodies cool way down, but we took too long. The doors closed shut and started back up again as we just stared into each other's eyes. Tucker's blue eyes just sparkled, making me feel nothing but happiness. The doors opened and I heard voices crowding on the tiny car with us, but Tucker didn't move away from me, still pressing my back into the wall, cupping my face. I slipped my fingers in the front pockets of his jeans and brought his body closer to give him a quick peck.