some cheering up, please? (petal)

[CLARISSA RAMONE]

❀ ❀ ❀
you loved me 'cause I'm fragile

[/size]
when I thought that I was strong.[/center]

Okay, so this wasn’t so bad. The rain was alright after so many days of crazy heat. It wasn’t exactly a downpour and it wasn’t just some little sprinkle. It was the perfect balance and she was glad to be walking to… wherever she was going. It was a good workout and the streets weren’t all that busy since it was raining. People were hailing cabs to avoid ruining their expensive clothes. They were diving into the nearest store/restaurant/place to avoid dirtying their expensive shoes. Here she was, wandering the streets in her sweater and jeans. Her hair was wet and OH WHO WAS SHE KIDDING? This was horrible! It was wet and humid and dark! Why had Becky totally abandoned her like that? Her day was completely un-made and she felt so dejected/alone/sad that she was near tears. Clarissa hadn’t been this upset since she had to do a presentation in front of her English class.

Clarissa wasn’t going to let herself be pushed around anymore. She was so done. If she had something to say, she was going to say it. If somebody was pissing her off, she was going to stand up for herself. … Oh, please. That was all far-fetched. It was wishful thinking. Wishful. Maybe she’d stop by Make a Wish to see who was on shift and if they could cheer her up. Or maybe she’d just stop in here. She pushed the door open to the building, not even sure where she was going. All that mattered was that she find some place to go, to get dry, to distract herself from the depressing thoughts that were swallowing her whole.

After exploring the place for awhile, she realized it was a Dance Studio. Oh, this wasn't a good place to be. What if somebody asked her if she danced? Or to get out because she was dripping every where? God, she should so leave right now... Yet she continued through the halls until she found a room with the door slightly ajar. Clarissa paused and peered in. A skinny, dark-haired girl was dancing around. It was really, really graceful and beautiful and Clarissa found herself inspired. She nudged the door open and stepped inside, hoping she could watch without being caught.

but you touch me for a little while

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and all my f r a g i l e strength is gone.[/font]
❀ ❀ ❀[/center]

[PETAL PAIX]

"Drive safely!"
Petal closed the door as the last dancers left. Finally! Time to herself. She slipped on her ballet shoes and danced to her favorite studios. Studio B. The walls were painted a baby yellow and the mirrors were on both sides. It was the perfect place for practicing alone.

She powered on the stereo and took one of the CDs in the rows of them above the stereo. She played it and began to warm up. She was pretty limber from the last pairs class she taught but its better safe then sorry. As the song changed she began to practice her routine.

The music moved slowly and gracefully. She began to dance.

1 2 3 Chaîné Chaîné Piqué Tombe Pas de chat Pas de chat...Susu susu turn. Posé, down, leg up. She lifted her leg all the way up and put her hand on the floor. Petal saw that someone had slipped in to watch.

"Hello." She smiled and let her foot down. As all the blood rushed back down to her body she realized the girl wasn't a student here. The music went on.

"I haven't seen around here. Are you someone's sibling?" she asked. She search her mind for a face that kind of matched the one before her. No one came to mind.

[CLARISSA RAMONE]

❀ ❀ ❀
you loved me 'cause I'm fragile

[/size]
when I thought that I was strong.[/center]

The girl was really, really good at dancing. She knew what she was doing. It was so fascinating to watch, to learn, almost. It was like Clarissa was there with her, spinning and twisting and lifting. It was beautiful. Clarissa had decided earlier that she was done being a pushover and that had been a bust. She knew she couldn’t do that. She knew she’d always be a doormat. But, here she was, deciding now, that she’d begin dancing. Clarissa figured that it’d be a great way to get out of this stupid shell and to actually have plans. This way, she wouldn’t have to rely on Becky. Becky, who abandoned her in the street on rainy days. (This was no time to be bitter…)

Clarissa focused more on the dancing female, not really thinking about what would happen if she were caught. All that mattered now was understanding the moves and listening to the rhythm of the music. … And what to do if she were caught. Clarissa offered the woman a shy smile and hoped that that would suffice as a “hello.” At the question of Clarissa having a sibling, the girl almost drifted off into wishful thinking. Oh, she would have loved to have a baby sister. Or maybe even an older brother. Sometimes, Clarissa figured that the reason she was so shy was because she was an only child. “N-no,” she stuttered before realizing her voice was overcome by the music still playing. “No,” she repeated a bit louder, “I just…” Just what? Did she really want to go into a long explanation of why she was here? “I was just wandering and saw you dancing. I thought it’d be okay to watch…" That was the most she’d ever said to a complete stranger. It actually made her a bit dizzy.

but you touch me for a little while

[/font]
and all my f r a g i l e strength is gone.[/font]
❀ ❀ ❀[/center]

[PETAL PAIX]

"Oh no, its fine." Petal practiced her splits and looked at the girl. She looked like she could be a dancer. Petal could put her in the teen beginners class for ballet. Petal imagined the girl with a bun in her hair and wearing ballet shoes. It is definitely possible.

"Our Spring Semester classes are starting next week if you want to sign up. I'm Petal Paix by the way." The music stopped leaving only the sound of rain. Thunder crashed and the lights flickered a little bit. Petal, out of habit, mentally pictured where she put the flashlights. She got up and realized the girl was soaking.

"Do you need a spare change of clothes?" She asked concerned for the girl. Her smile dwindled a bit. "We have plenty. It's raining like crazy out there." The girl looked so small and delicate. She must be a sophomore or a junior maybe. Petal realized that meant she was only 3 years younger at the most. 'I swear I'm like a 30 year-old woman sometimes.' she thought. She walked out of the dance studio and headed for the locker room, key in hand. She opened it up and walked in motioning for the girl to follow.

"The towels are in there and I cleaned some lost and found clothes from last year and put them in there." She said pointing to two cabinets. "You're welcome to take a shower if you like." She smiled brightly and walked out of the locker room and back to the studio. Hmmm... was she being too nice?
Nah.

[CLARISSA RAMONE]

❀ ❀ ❀
you loved me 'cause I'm fragile

[/size]
when I thought that I was strong.[/center]

Clarissa watched, even more fascinated than before as the girl pulled off the splits. Clarissa couldn't do that. She couldn't even cartwheel! The more she watched her, the more she wanted to take lessons. Clarissa smiled and managed a sort of nod. "I'm Clarissa Ramone," she replied, "and that would be... really, really great." It took some hesitation to say the last part because of the whole idea. A dancing class with girls she didn't know. She'd have to wear her hair up and she'd be in tights and, probably, a tutu. It was sort of frightening but she knew that this would help her in the long run. Clarissa jumped a bit at the lightning and thunder. It was only getting worse...

Clarissa glanced down to her wet clothes. It was only then that she realized she was shivering. "O-oh... " Clarissa managed another shy smile. "That would be nice. Thank you so much." It was always good to be polite, especially when a stranger was offering you dry clothes. Clarissa nodded in agreement. It was raining like crazy. It was strange for New York weather. As Petal headed out of the studio, gesturing at her to follow, Clarissa did just that and tried not to get lost. She kept her eyes up and tried not to slouch. If she was going to begin dancing, she'd need good posture.

Once they'd reached the locker room and Petal had explained everything, Clarissa said again "thank you" before going about her business. She took a hot shower, probably longer than necessary, but much needed. She dried off before browsing the cabinets, looking for something she wouldn't mind wearing. Most of the clothes were things you'd wear while dancing... great, she hadn't even started the lessons and she was already in the uncomfortable clothes. Clarissa changed into a pair of dark capris and a red tank top. She tied her wet hair up into a ponytail, set her clothes out to dry, and headed back to the studio. Petal was being so incredibly nice and they'd just met...

but you touch me for a little while

[/font]
and all my f r a g i l e strength is gone.[/font]
❀ ❀ ❀[/center]

[PETAL PAIX]

Petal practiced her torjetes as she waited for Clarissa. The lights flickered again. Dang, it was raining way more then usual today. Petal was tempted to run out in the rain and dance around. Sadly she couldn't afford to be sick. Recital season would be starting in less then a month and costumes had to be ordered.

How did her mom do it? She didn't have to go to school. Maybe Petal could hire an assistant. That probably would replace the window funds though. Hmmm.... She stopped dancing and walked to the back door. She opened it to look out the door. The rain was so pretty. Maybe just a minute....
She tied her wet hair up into a ponytail, set her clothes out to dry, and headed back to the studio. Petal was being so incredibly nice and they'd just met...

Petal heard footsteps and closed the door. "Hey." she smiled. "So about the dance class, have you danced before?" She walked into her office and sat at her computer. "Come on in." she called to Clarissa.

[CLARISSA RAMONE]

❀ ❀ ❀
you loved me 'cause I'm fragile

[/size]
when I thought that I was strong.[/center]

When Clarissa arrived back in the studio, she found that Petal wasn't there. Slightly worried, she began to search the other rooms. She wandered down halls, peered through doorways. She couldn't find Petal... her stomach did a few tiny flips. The lights above flickered for a moment and Clarissa bit her bottom lip. Oh please, please, please don't let the electricity go out! Clarissa didn't really have a problem with the dark, but still. She was in an unfamiliar building and getting lost seemed like a horrible thing right about now.

A door closed near by and she headed in that direction, hoping she'd find Petal. She actually wouldn't mind finding anybody right now. Oh, it was Petal. Thank goodness. Clarissa smiled and followed her into the office, sitting down in one of the chairs. "Thank you," she murmured, hoping Petal would realize that she meant for pretty much everything. Letting her stay, offering classes, dry clothes. It was all so kind. Clarissa had never danced before. It just wasn't her thing. She was comfortable cleaning and writing. Not dancing. She shook her head, sort of embarrassed. "No... This class would be the first time."

but you touch me for a little while

[/font]
and all my f r a g i l e strength is gone.[/font]
❀ ❀ ❀[/center]

[PETAL PAIX]

Petal spun around in her chair. Sure it was an immature thing to do, but she's eighteen. It's not like some strict guy in a coat was going to wag her finger at her. She put her foot out to stop the chair and heard Clarissa say thank you. "Aw Its nothing." she said. She swiveled a bit and started her computer.

Technology, she felt old saying this, was confusing. Petal was, of course, introduced to computers as a little kid but she remembered wondering how a square disk could keep all the of her paintings on Kids Pix and now those didn't even exist anymore. Jump drives were her savior on most of her college papers. She needed to get a laptop.

Petal clicked on her classes and found an empty space in her mixed beginners class. Hmm...
"Would you feel comfortable dancing with boys?" she asked. Petal remembered being uneasy, at first, to the thought of another person lifting her up and dancing with her. She eventually got used to it and barely notices and now.

[CLARISSA RAMONE]

❀ ❀ ❀
you loved me 'cause I'm fragile

[/size]
when I thought that I was strong.[/center]

Clarissa grinned as Petal spun around in the chair. She completely understood that. Clarissa had her own spin-y chair at her dorm and, while doing homework, she’d spin around often. Petal seemed like somebody she would definitely be friends with. In fact, Clarissa was feeling some sort of déjà vu. She felt like she knew Petal from a past life or something. Who knows, maybe she did. The computer booted up and Clarissa had to resist the urge to flee the room. This was it. Petal would sign her up for the class and she’d be in it. Officially. There was no turning back. Clarissa folded her hands together in her lap, trying to keep the grip loose. It was sort of nerve-wracking.

Watching Petal wait for the computer to load, Clarissa felt like she should say something. The silence wasn’t awkward or uncomfortable, though. Most silences were something Clarissa preferred. Silence meant she didn’t have to try explaining herself or finding topics to stutter about. Petal began using the mouse, clicking on links that Clarissa couldn’t see. What was she even signing up for? She’d already forgot. All she knew was that she’d be dancing. She’d be dancing in clothes she wasn’t comfortable in and she’d be hiding behind, well, nothing. Okay, she so sounded like a broken record right now.

“B-boys? ” she stuttered. Oh no, oh no! There was absolutely no way she could do that! It was hard enough signing up for an all girls class! Clarissa fidgeted with the tank top and thought about it. Maybe she’d get used to it in no time? Maybe boys who danced weren’t as bad as immature high school boys? Maybe… “I guess that would be… fine,” she managed, hoping there wasn’t a complete look of fear on her face. Clarissa could handle this. If dance classes helped her in the long run, dance classes with boys would help even more.

but you touch me for a little while

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and all my f r a g i l e strength is gone.[/font]
❀ ❀ ❀[/center]

[PETAL PAIX]

"B-boys--I guess that will be...fine."
Petal giggled. She couldn't help it. The girl pretty much had the same expression on her face that she had when her mother suggested putting boys in her class. Petal realized she might have offended Clarissa.

"Oh sorry, I'm not laughing at you...its just..." Petal paused. How to put it? "it's just you remind me of me when I was a few years younger then you. See even though I had been dancing since I could walk, the thought of dancing with ANYONE'S hands around my waist scared me. I mean the boys were the same age as me at the time, I was...13. So you'll probably have it a bit easier, because they're more mature. Actually probably not, boys my age now are still at the maturity level of 13 year-olds. Anyway I'm ranting." like an old woman. Petal tried to find a way to sum it up.

"Longstoryshort, I was weird at first, but if you treat them like an equal and not like a boy, they'll most likely do the same. After awhile you won't even notice." She smiled. She felt a connection with Clarissa like she was her sister or something. Petal's mom said these feelings are spiritual and shouldn't be ignored. So Petal went with it.

"And if you get uncomfortable around anyone just tell me. I'll happily take care of the problem not using names." Petal smiled and turned around to the computer screen. "So it will be Tuesday at five. Can you do that?"

[CLARISSA RAMONE]

❀ ❀ ❀
you loved me 'cause I'm fragile

[/size]
when I thought that I was strong.[/center]

At Petal’s laughter, Clarissa felt more self-conscious then she’d been before. Why would Petal understand the whole thing? She’d probably been dancing her entire life. She’d probably been dancing with boys her entire life. Clarissa on the other hand could barely even introduce herself to one. It’d taken weeks to get used to Neil. At Petal’s apology, Clarissa felt a bit better and even more so after the explanation. Well, she’d been right about the whole ‘dancing for her entire life’ thing. It made Clarissa felt better, though, knowing that Petal had been just as nervous about dancing with a boy. “Oh, I think they’re worse now than they are when their young,” Clarissa said, with a roll of her eyes. She had some experience. It’s not like guys were nice to the shy girl in class.

Clarissa could treat people equally. It was a lesson her mother had taught her growing up. Everybody was equal, she’d said. Treat others how you want to be treated, she’d said. Mom knew best. Unfortunately, Mom was in Rome right now with Dad. It was really said when grandma had died but she’d left her son a ton of money in her will. It was the reason her parents were on a world trip right now. Clarissa still felt bitter that they’d left her behind. It had, after all, been her dream to travel the world. After a moment of silence, Clarissa nodded and smiled. She was glad that Petal was so kind. She almost felt like the older sibling Clarissa never had. It was nice. “Yeah, I can make it,” she answered. It wasn’t a big deal, she was sure Marnie would let her have the day off. “Thanks so much…”

but you touch me for a little while

[/font]
and all my f r a g i l e strength is gone.[/font]
❀ ❀ ❀[/center]

[PETAL PAIX]

“Oh, I think they’re worse now than they are when their young,”
"Ha, most likely," She clicked print and out came a registration form. She picked up the papers and handed them to Clarissa. She was pretty excited to be teaching her.

"It's always nice to have someone new." She smiled. "Those forms I hate so much but they need to be filled out and signed by a parent and you can bring them in next Tuesday before you dance. Also," Petal paused. How much was this class again? "there's a deposit of 300 dollars for the first semester. The number for here is on there and..." she took a sticky note and wrote her cellphone number. She usually didn't give her number out but Clarissa seemed like a nice girl. "here is my number. Call me if you have any questions or if you just wanna say hi..."

Petal got up and went to the closet in her office. The supply of shoes were down to the little kids' sizes. She needed to go shopping. "There's this fabulous shop in the mall that you can get your shoes and other things from." Petal closed the door and the lights flickered again. She frowned. "We might as well leave before Mother Nature leaves us in the dark. You need a ride home?"
(sorry, its short )

[CLARISSA RAMONE]

❀ ❀ ❀
you loved me 'cause I'm fragile

[/size]
when I thought that I was strong.[/center]

Petal printed the registration form out and Clarissa took them. She scanned through the questions and blank lines just waiting to be written in. It asked the basics. Her name, age, birthday, gender, address, phone number. Then there were some questions about dancing like had she before and if so, how many years. Clarissa looked up as Petal spoke and cringed. Her parents would have to sign it? Her parents were across the freaking ocean! Oh, this was just great. Okay, she could handle the money. It wasn’t like they’d left her broke or anything. Clarissa smiled and took the sticky note with Petal’s cell phone number. She stuck it to the registration papers and opened her mouth to say something about the whole parent issue.

Petal stood, though, and went looking through a closet. “Uhm... I sort of don’t live with my parents,” Clarissa muttered. That was obvious, though. She went to Baum and had a roommate. “Well, what I mean is...” she paused, took a deep breath. “My parents are out on this world trip sort of thing. So, they can’t really sign the papers...” She’d said it. Petal went on to mention shopping and the lights flickered for a moment. Clarissa stood and bit her bottom lip. Were they going shopping now? Or was Clarissa to do that on her own time tomorrow or something? As Petat suggested they leave now, Clarissa nodded a bit to eagerly. She may have been unsure but she didn’t want to be stuck here when the lights went out. "Yeah, a ride home would be nice,” Clarissa replied. It was better than a cab, that’s for sure.

but you touch me for a little while

[/font]
and all my f r a g i l e strength is gone.[/font]
❀ ❀ ❀[/center]

[PETAL PAIX]

Petal grabbed her keys and began picking up the things and putting them in her bag. The tinkling on the roof turned into a sound that reminded her of marble being rolled around in a bucket. Where was her umbrella?

She looked up and saw Clarissa had a troubled look on her face.
“Uhm... I sort of don’t live with my parents,”

Petal paused. "Oooh, you got to Baum Academy? Some of the dancers go there. You could probably fax it to them."

Clarissa's parents were out of town. Hmmm... this could be an issue. "Do you have any way of contacting them? All I would need is a phone call and then they can sign the papers when they get back." Petal smiled. "Simple as that."

She continued to put stuff in here bag. Where was that umbrella? It was blue with yellow polka-dots. Maybe in studio B? She walked out of her office and began to close the lights in the studios.

"If you just wait for me to close up I'll give a ride back to Baum. I've heard they're pretty strict about curfew." she called down the hall to Clarissa.

[CLARISSA RAMONE]

❀ ❀ ❀
you loved me 'cause I'm fragile

[/size]
when I thought that I was strong.[/center]

Why was it raining so much? Clarissa didn't really have a huge problem with it. There was just the thunder that bothered her (it was so loud) and the lightning (so dangerous). The rain was fine. It could be peaceful, even. It helped her fall asleep. It was the gentle showers, the soft sprinkling that she liked. Not this crazy thunderstorm weather. The streets were totally going to be flooded. It sort of reminded her of that Day After Tomorrow movie. Flooded streets, giant tidal waves, ice-age temperatures. She shivered just thinking about it.

Petal didn't understand what she meant at first. For a moment, Clarissa was ready to explain herself but then Petal realized what she'd meant. She nodded, a bit slowly at first but then smiled. "Yeah, definitely. I can call them," she answered. Her parents probably wouldn't be back any time soon, though. She wasn't really sure. They'd visited half of Europe already. But what about Australia, China, Greenland? Surely they would stop to visit her? Clarissa nodded, though, figuring that calling them would be better than nothing.

Petal headed out of the office, bag in hand. It seemed she was looking for something. Clarissa followed close behind, not intending to get lost. That was the last thing she wanted. The lights slowly began to click off. She was worried for a moment before realizing it was Petal’s doing. Of course. Calm down. “Thanks,” she murmured. She paused then, remembering she’d left her clothes to dry in the locker room. Clarissa hurried back down the hall, hoping she knew the way. If she was going to start taking dance classes, she’d have to figure this building out, anyway. She found the room and her partially-dry clothes. Looking around, she found a small bag and, hoping it’d be alright, put her clothes in it and headed back to Petal.

“I hope it’s alright that I have these clothes...” she said, a bit out of breath. “I’ll return them on Tuesday.”

but you touch me for a little while

[/font]
and all my f r a g i l e strength is gone.[/font]
❀ ❀ ❀[/center]