Written By: ©Tiffany Haga
Arianna paused in the doorway and looked over her shoulder at JC. Her heart broke as she saw his obvious pain. The pain she had caused. The familiar look of torment was evident in the way he was huddled on the bed. His face was in his hands and she could see the tension building in his strong arms. “I’m sorry Josh. I really am.”
“Arianna,” JC called, his voice hoarse but thick with anger. “Why?”
She stopped at his question, but didn’t turn and face him. “Four years ago when I was 17 I was admitted to the best performing company for professional dancers in the world. My dream had finally become my reality. I had made my momma proud. I knew that she up in Heaven smiling down on me. For I, the daughter of prima ballerina Marianna DeLavia, was had done the impossible. I was the one of the most famous dancers in the world, and not only that but the best dancer. And then it happened. Austin Copper had fallen in love with me.” Her voice had taken on a dreamy quality and JC assumed she was re-living it again. He still couldn’t see her face and he had no idea why she was telling him all of this right now. But he knew it was something she had never told anyone here in Orlando. Not even Justin. “I was head over heels in love with him. He was my pas de deux (authors note: for those not versed in ballet terminology you say it: paw da doo and it means “dance for two.” Basically, he was her partner…like Charlie/Jodi in “Center Stage”) partner and our chemistry together was amazing. But my daddy didn’t approve.” She sounded bitter now and JC watched as her head titled to the side as if she were contemplating something. He hated not being able to read her face; it was a window to her soul. She was never able to hide her feelings. “No way his daughter going to marry some dancer, so he forbade me to see Austin. When I resisted he told me that he’d ruin my career. I didn’t believe him. I mean I’m his daughter, how would anyone do such a thing to their daughter? One night at a cast party someone slipped something in my drink. I woke up the next morning in my apartment stiff and sore but I figured Austin or Candace had brought me home. Until the pictures showed up. Pictures of me nude with seven guys. They were sent to every single important person in the dance industry and ever single person in the company, Austin included. It didn’t matter to anyone that I was drugged and raped. They had pictures, proof they called it, that I had enjoyed it. Austin went to the company board and told them he would quit if I didn’t. I was forced to resign. And then my father, my own fucking FATHER, sent out letters to every single company throughout the world that had any sort of respected reputation, telling them that I was a trouble maker psycho with a drug problem. No one wanted me then. I stopped eating; I didn’t see a reason to live. I was in rehab for a year and thankfully I was well enough to dance and the facility had a great gym so I had kept up enough strength that I could continue. I was so lucky to get the job at The Beat. It wasn’t what I had always wanted but it’s the best pre-professional studio in the country and I get to teach. So I was happy. And then I met you and you introduced me to Justin. You know that story. My whole world changed. And then Alexis Rae showed up. But I was ready to tell Justin that I didn’t care. That I hoped they’d be friends, that we could all be friends. But then they…they kissed and Justin loves her.” Arianna’s voice broke off as she dropped to her knees, sobbing.
JC’s mind reeled with Arianna’s revelation. Alexis and Justin kissed? But Alexis had just told him she wouldn’t! The sound of Arianna’s tears caused him to look up and he hurried to her side. He gently stroked her back while she cried. Once she had calmed down he tilted her chin up until he met her red, puffy eyes. “But why this, AJ? Why did you do this?”
Arianna bit her lower lip. The shame and guilt coursed through her veins. “I couldn’t let it happen again,” she whispered. “I was losing everything again. I wanted someone else to share this pain with me. I wanted someone else to feel as horrible as I did. It hurt so bad I couldn’t breath. I’m sorry Josh. I am so sorry. I never wanted you to be the one who got hurt.
JC hugged his small friend tightly, her tears soaking his bare chest. “I know Age. It’s okay. I know.”
~*~*~*~
Justin watched Alexis as she slept in the bed he shared with Arianna. She had loved this bed. She had said it was romantic and made it seems as if they were in their own world, a world protected by sheer white netting. Alexis’ blonde hair curled around her face and a satisfied smirk rested on her full lips. Rolling on to his side Justin glanced at the clock and noticed the frame beside it was knocked over. Picking it up he studied the picture. Justin was sitting on a swing, with Arianna on his lap facing him. Their foreheads were pressed together and both wore content smiles. Arianna’s hands were covering Justin’s and her feet stuck out behind him. He carefully set the picture down so it stood up properly. Slipping quietly out of the bed he stopped when he noticed the dresser. Half the frames were turned over. Gently he picked them all up noting that they were all of him and AJ. Then he remembered the letter. Turning to hurry from the room he paused when he saw the closet door open. Peering inside he saw all of Arianna’s clothes were gone. “Fuck,” he whispered and then ran down the stairs to the kitchen.
Justin picked up the letter on the counter and studies his name on the front of the envelope. It looked like an afterthought, scrawled on the front. Opening it he pulled the letter out. He instantly recognized Arianna’s large, half print half cursive writing. Taking a deep ragged breath he began to read:
Dear Justin,
You know how horrible I am with letters. I never know what to ay and it’s usually been said better before anyways.
“The Fool”
by Lee Ann Womack
You don't know me but I know who you are
Mind if I sit down
Do I look familiar if I don't well I should
I'm sure you've seen me around
I know you've probably heard my name
Though we've not been introduced
I'm the fool in love with the fool
Who's still in love with you
If you've got a minute I'll buy you a drink
I've got something to say
It might sound crazy but last night in his sleep
I heard him call out your name
This ain't the first time he's done it before
And it's hard to face the truth
I'm the fool in love with the fool
Who's still in love with you
I know love is a fragile thing
And I'm trying hard to make it last
But it ain't easy holding on to my dream
When he's holding on to the past
Just one more thing before I go
I'm not here to put you down
You don't love him and that's a fact
Girl I've seen you around
But you hold his heart in the palm of your hand
And it's breaking mine in two
'Cause I'm the fool in love with the fool
Who's still in love with you
I'm the fool in love with the fool
Who's still in love with you
I’m sorry that I haven’t been the greatest girlfriend, J. Or even a good girlfriend. But you know that I love you. You have to know that. And that I trust you, J. I trusted you with my heart when I thought I would never trust again. I was a mess when I came to Florida and you helped piece me back together. Without you I don’t know where I would be, certainly not where I am. But I was scared, I was so damn scared. I couldn’t stand the thought of losing you, not my savior. I wouldn’t have been able to handle that. My world would have fallen apart and I don’t think I would have had the strength to fix it again. So I didn’t trust anybody, not even those closest to us. Not Caitlin, not Lance, not JC, not anybody, Justin. They were all a threat to me in my mind. I thought that if I kept everyone away I would be safe, no one could hurt me. You thought I was weird when I said we were in our own world on our bed…but Justin that place was another world for me. It was a place free of fear. A place where I knew you would love me unconditionally. A place where our love for one another was consummated, a place all our own where no one else could have you.
Tears filled Justin’s eyes as he thought of how he had just ruined Arianna’s safe haven. Not that it mattered, she was probably gone forever.
But I was wrong Justin. My heart was always with you, but your heart was always hers.
Britney Spears offered me the position of choreographer on her new tour. I accepted, J. I’ve got my dream again. And I wouldn’t have if it hadn’t bee for you. You believed in me when no one else did. So I thank you, J. I may not have your love, but you gave me my dream back.
And Justin? Be nice to Caitlin. She’s hurting too you know. She’s been there for you through it all, Justin. Don’t desert her now. Because while all I want is your happiness I don’t think it will come easily, J. Love is a hard road to travel…I speak from experience. Maybe one day I’ll be the one to be loved. But anyways, you’re gonna need her. She’s your rock, don’t lose her J. She’s hurting, help her.
All My Love,
Arianna
Justin ignored the tears that trickled down his face. “But who’s gonna help you, Age?” Letting the letter drop on the counter Justin grabbed his keys and hurried to his Escalade. Driving the five minutes to Caitlin’s house, pounding on her door. When no one answered he raced to JC’s apartment. Groaning, he snatched the note from the door. “Lance: We left for the airport already. Her flight leaves at 9:20. Be there!! –Jayce”
Justin glanced at his watch, it was eight o’clock. Hurrying to his care he jumped in heading for the airport. He used his cell to call JC on the way. When there was no answer he tried Lance.
“Yah?” Lance answered.
“Hey dude, it’s J. Why did JC leave a note saying to meet him at the airport?”
Lance arched his eyebrows. “You don’t know?”
“Know what?” Justin growled as he turned into a parking spot.
“AJ leaves this morning for New York City,” Lance said slowly, wondering why Justin wouldn’t know that already. “What’s going on Jus?”
“Nothing, gotta go.” Clicking off his phone Justin ran through the automated doors and into the cool, air conditioned airport. He quickly scanned the computerized flight schedule board and found the gate number for a 9:20 flight to New York City. He quickly found the right terminal and hurried in search of the gate. His breath quickened as he approached “G-19.” His blue eyes scanned the waiting area and spotted JC, Arianna, Caitlin, Nina, Chris, Joey and a bunch of other dancers seated on the floor talking loudly. “Hi,” Justin spoke softly, his eyes on AJ. Everyone but AJ and Caitlin greeted him. “Don’t go Arianna.” He willed her to look up and meet his gaze.
Instead she kept her focus on her hands. “I have to.”
“I love you,” Justin said. His eyes were dark and sincere when hers met them. “Arianna, I love you. You were right. Alexis was my first love but you, sweetheart, are my true love.”
“Really?” the word was spoken so softly that no one was sure if she had really said it.
Kneeling before her Justin reached into his pocket. “Always and forever.” Taking her hand he slipped a moderate diamond on her left ring finger. “Arianna Leigh, will you marry me?”
Tears slid down her cheeks as she threw her arms around Justin, “Yes!”
Cheers erupted as they kissed each other tenderly. “I’m sorry baby,” Justin whispered in her ear as she giggled at the antics of her friends.
“It’s okay,” Arianna kissed his mouth and then pointed over his shoulder. “Go talk to her.”
Hugging AJ tightly for a moment Justin went over to Caitlin and slung an arm around her shoulder. “I’m sorry, C.”
“I know,” Caitlin said softly. She knew he was, but it still stung. He had left her without a second thought the moment his precious Alexandra was back. But she was proud of what he had just done. No matter how dramatic Arianna could be they were perfect for each other. And no one would ever love Justin as deeply or as sincerely as AJ.
“Forgive me?” Justin whispered in her ear.
She paused for a moment pretending to contemplate the idea. “If I have to,” she sighed, exaggerating.
“OF COURSE YOU HAVE TO,” Arianna yelled when she saw Caitlin with a small smile on her face. “You are going to my matron of honor! “
Caitlin laughed with happiness, “Really Age?”
Arianna nodded, “Hell yes girl!” She turned to the dancers standing around, “And all of you are my brides maids.”
“Jayce?” Justin said to JC, his lower lip between his teeth.
JC looked at him curiously, “Yah?”
“I’m sorry about Alexis. And I would love for you to be my best man,” Justin said, giving JC his best smile.
JC laughed, “Dude, I’m not gay so don’t smile at me like that and yes, I would love to be your best man. Don’t worry about Alexis, she’s obviously not who I thought she was.”
Justin shook his head, “No she is. She was just holding on to the past. Kind of like I was. I mean we were each other’s first everything, we had to give it a shot. But it wasn’t there. My hearts with Arianna. And I think hers just might be with you.
Chapter 10...
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