Helena

By the end of the day I was exhausted, a room was prepared for me within Gerard’s living quarters at the company. Because I had no time to find an apartment, the company was taking care of my expenses.

I slung my ballet bag over my shoulder, still in all my studio sweats.

I knocked on the door, fidgeting nervously.

He answered with a couple seconds, giving me a warm smile when he saw me.

“Helena, come in.” He asked for my hand gracefully and led me into his home.

“A bath has already been prepared for you, you can find your suitcase in the 3rd room at the top of the stairs.” He said softly.

“Thank you… I don’t know what to say.” I rubbed my head.

“Thank you is enough. The pleasure is all mine.” He gleamed.

“Would you like to join us for dinner when you’re finished?” He added.

“Thank you for the offer, but I will pass.” I nodded.

“Are you sure? When was the last time you ate?” He furrowed his eyebrows.

“Before I came.” I reassured him. Not true but I did not want to sit down for dinner with him and his brother. I wasn’t in a very social mood after today.

“I hope you'll join me later for a glass of wine then, myshka.”
He winked and waved goodbye.

I casually walked up the stairs, being careful to not trip over my own feet. I wasn't quite sure what he was suggesting. The pet names, myshka, it meant little mouse in russian.

I felt like there was a big question mark pasted onto my forehead.

I walked into the room I’d be staying in tossing my bag onto the floor. I opened up my suitcase to find a change of clothes and something to sleep in. I stepped into the private bathroom, there was indeed a bath already running.

I slipped my hand into the water, sending shivers down my spine. It was warm.

I slipped my sweats and underwear off, putting my feet into the water first. I nearly melted. I never knew what I was missing out on all these years. All the kids running back and forth from the student kitchen to their bathroom with hot water in their hands, it made sense now. It didn’t seem so ridiculous.

I let my whole body sink into the tub, my hair falling over my shoulders.
I could have fallen asleep, just here.

Madam was right when she said training would get more difficult when I came here. It did, it was absolutely brutal. The steps were intense, fast paced, the boys much stronger. They were professionals. Back at school It was more likely only a few select girls could practice with the very few boys that were strong enough to lift. Here it was much different, they were strong but graceful. My pas de deux partner led me, I did not lead him.

I could feel my eyes closing when I heard a very loud bang from downstairs. Like the slamming of a door, followed by screaming and arguing.

I peaked my head over the tub, attempting to listen in.

It sounded like a mix of spanish and english. How many languages did these people speak?

“Where is she?!” I heard a woman shrieking very clearly.

My heart beat began to fasten as I could hear angry steps running up the stairs. Out of nowhere I heard my bedroom door burst open. I leaped out of the tub, grabbing a towel from the shelf and wrapping it a round my body. The bathroom door was the next to swing open and a woman with long black hair waltzed in.

I recognized her almost immediately.
It was Rosie Estefanía. The prima ballerina of our company, the top dancer. She was almost as graceful as all the pictures, but she looked so angry at the moment.

“Hello?” I frowned.

“YOU BITCH! CARAJO MIERDA!” She reached forward and slapped me across the face.

“ROSIE!” A voice was booming after her.

Gerard’s hand grabbed her wrist from behind, pulling her back.

My hand shot up to the side of my face, shock setting in.

“Are you fucking him?” She screamed at me, a spanish accent thick in her voice.

I was at a loss for words, I could not reply.

“ANSWER ME WHORE!” She screamed.

“Rosie! Enough!” Gerard screamed at her, his voice deep and commanding.

She turned around and starting hitting him in the chest, tears running down her face.

“How could you?! Is she my replacement? Are we done?! You said you loved me! Am I too old now? Worn out?!” She sobbed.

Gerard pushed her back, slapping her in the face, the noise resounding throughout the whole bathroom. My jaw dropped, as did hers.

“You will leave or I will call the police! You are never welcome in this house again!” He yelled.

She stared at him in shock, her tears still falling.

“NOW!” He screamed louder.

She scurried out of the bathroom running down the stairs crying.

“Why would you do that?!” A voice said from behind him.

I looked over to see it was Mikey Way, the younger brother. I had worked briefly with him when I was still in the corps de ballet.

“She is acting foolish! This is no way for our company’s prima donna to behave!”

“You shouldn’t have slept with her!” Mikey screamed back.

“Helena, I’m sorry for this drama. Please, continue your bath.” Gerard walked out of the room, closing the door behind him.

I stood their wide eyed, backed into the corner of the bathroom.

Notes

Thank you so much for reading!
Please tell me how you like it! Motivates me to write!