Fan Fiction ❯ Falling For You ❯ Shall We Dance? ( Chapter 16 )

Falling For You

Chapter 16

Shall We Dance?

 

 

oOoOoOoOo

 

“Living at risk is jumping off the cliff and building your wings on the way down.”

 

--Ray Bradbury

 

oOoOoOoOo

 

 

 

`Ok. Battle strategy?'

 

Breanna shook her head. `Nope. I think I'm gonna just wing it.'

 

`Uh-huh… Good luck with that…'

 

Peeking around the door way and into the kitchen where her family sat at their breakfast nook, Breanna sighed. Focusing in on her mom, she studied her warily like one would a very dangerous insect.

 

Cautiously and at a distance.

 

Taking in her cheery, pale yellow slacks, casual white, off the shoulder top, and sensible, but at the same time, fashionable black pumps, Breanna shook her head in disbelief. Every strand of her carefully styled hair was in place, and she knew that her mother had woken up much earlier than everyone else to painstakingly apply her makeup.

 

`She looks so… perfect. It's seven in the morning and she looks like she just stepped off the cover of Vogue or something. That's just… unnatural.'

 

`Hell, Breanna. She's the queen of deception. Do you really think she'd project anything but perfection?'

 

She giggled softly and covered her mouth to muffle the sound. `True. Maybe if I just, ya know, go behind her back and take the lessons. Do you think that would work?'

 

`Well, you are lying about everything else currently…'

 

Breanna scowled. `We are so not getting into this again. Focus.'

 

`Right. To deceive or not to deceive… That is the question…'

 

`I hate you.'

 

“Breanna?”

 

Startled by the sound of her name, she jumped and met her mother's curious gaze. “Yes?”

 

“It's very rude to linger in doorways staring at people, sweetheart,” Mrs. Denton chastised softly with a sugary smile.

 

“Sorry, Mom, I… uh… just lost track of what I was doing,” Breanna apologized lamely. “Good morning everyone,” she greeted her father and brother as she sat down at the table and smoothed her short, plaid skirt over her upper thighs.

 

Good morning, dear,” Mr. Denton replied with a distracted smile. “How did you sleep?”

 

“Good, very good. Like a baby.”

 

Patting her shoulder, Breanna's father returned his attention back the article he was reading as his daughter fought back a wave of nervous nausea. She knew the longer she waited to ask, the more anxious she was likely to get, but Breanna just couldn't think of the best way to approach her mother without a major confrontation.

 

She did so hate confrontation…

 

Rubbing gently at her temples to relieve the pressure building there, Breanna cleared her throat and flashed her mother a nervous smile as she sat down and put a plate of pancakes on the table. Watching as her father and brother dug in, Breanna took a deep breath and mentally berated herself for being such a damn coward. `Come on, Bre. The longer you wait, the harder it's going to be. Just ask her.'

 

`Right. Here it goes…'

 

“Mom?”

 

Looking up from cutting Corey's pancakes into bite-sized pieces, Mrs. Denton gave her daughter a curious look. “Yes, Breanna?”

 

“Do you remember when I used to take dance lessons?”

 

Mrs. Denton nodded and gave her an odd look. “Of course, dear, your father and I did pay for them.”

 

“Right, well, anyway, I… I think I would like to start taking them again.”

 

Frowning, Mrs. Denton shook her head firmly. “Absolutely not, Breanna. You have enough extracurricular activities as it is. Dance lessons are just one more frivolous distraction at a time where you need to be focusing on your studies.”

 

Angry, but not particularly surprised at her mother's adamant refusal to even consider her wishes, Breanna slumped in her seat and let out a deep sigh. “Ok, Mom.”

 

Confident that she had swept that problem under the rug, Mrs. Denton reached over and squeezed her daughter's hand. “I am sorry, sweetie, but you really just don't have time. You know that.”

 

Not able to meet her mother's eyes, Breanna simply nodded. `Well, there goes that idea…'

 

`You're just going to give up? What would Devon say?'

 

A small, tentative smile twitching at the corners of her mouth, Breanna allowed herself to think about that for a moment. `He'd probably tell me to stop being a wuss, and then insist that I state my case again until I get my way.'

 

`And he would be right. Do you want this, Breanna? Do you want to dance?'

 

`More than anything.'

 

`Then I suggest you try again, and this time, don't back down because you're afraid of a little conflict. That's no way to live your life. Risks have to be taken or you'll find yourself… Well, you'll find yourself in a state very similar to the one you were in before you met Devon. Bored and dissatisfied.'

 

“Mom?”

 

“Yes, dear?”

 

“I'm going to take these lessons. I realize that my schedule will be tight, but I don't care. I can focus on my schoolwork and dance at the same time.”

 

Irritation and disbelief flushing her cheeks, Mrs. Denton shook her head vehemently and slammed Corey's pancakes down in front of him. “I said no, Breanna, and I mean it. Drop this subject and stop acting like a petulant child.”

 

Taking a deep breath, Breanna sat up straighter in her seat. “No. I will not drop it, mother. Please quit blowing off my questions and concerns like they're nothing and listen to me.”

 

Unaccustomed to his mother and older sister arguing, Corey abandoned his pancakes and instead watched in awe as his sister's first act of rebellion unfolded in front of him. Even her father put down his newspaper.

 

“Breanna…” her mother began warningly.

 

Looking up at his dad, Corey tugged on his sleeve and whispered, “I think Mommy is gonna kill Breanna, Daddy.”

 

“Shhhh… Mommy's not gonna kill Breanna,” he muttered, engrossed in the heated discussion his wife and daughter were having. “Eat your pancakes, son.”

 

“No, I'm serious, Mom. Just shut up and listen to me for once. Please.” Without waiting for an answer, she hurriedly continued, “I understand if you don't want to pay for the lessons, and you don't have to worry about that part. I've been planning on getting a part time job anyway, and I'm sure the money I get there will be more than enough to pay for them.”

 

“A part time job and dancing lessons?!” Mrs. Denton sputtered furiously, “Are you serious? That's crazy! There's no way you'll have enough time for both! What about your volunteer work and the student council? Are you just going to drop them? Is that what you want?”

 

“Yes, Mom, that is what I want.”

 

Her daughter's uncharacteristic disobedience rendering her completely speechless, Mrs. Denton looked to her husband for help. “Christopher, talk to your daughter,” she hissed.

 

Folding his paper and placing it on the table, Mr. Denton sighed and shrugged his shoulders. “Honestly, honey, I don't see what the big deal is.” Looking at his daughter he said, “As long as you continue to maintain your GPA, you may apply for a part time job and take your dance lessons. But, if at anytime your grades start to suffer or I feel you have too much going on, I reserve the right to withdraw my permission, understood?”

 

Squealing excitedly, Breanna jumped from her seat and wrapped her arms around his neck in a big hug. “Thank you so much, Daddy!”

 

“You're welcome, baby. If you say you can handle this, I believe you. You've never given us a reason not to trust you, and I know you never lie,” her father laughed as he returned her hug.

 

Burying her face in his neck, Breanna bit her lip as guilt clenched her stomach and made her queasy. “Of course, Daddy. I would never lie to you.”

 

Expecting a mental scolding from her conscience, Breanna was surprised when her mind remained silent. Surprised… and uneasy. It was like she could no longer shock herself with the level of deceitfulness she had reached.

 

`And that is a very scary thought…'

 

“You're making a mistake, Breanna,” her mother told her quietly, ice lining her voice.

 

Smiling softly, Breanna grabbed her keys and leaned down to press a kiss to her mother's cheek. “Maybe…but it's my mistake to make.”

 

She did not miss the double entendre behind their words.

 

 

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

 

 

“Breanna!”

 

Slipping her bag over her shoulder, Breanna shut her locker and grinned widely. “Hey, Cassie. What's up?”

 

Tucking a lock of her flaxen hair behind her ear, Cassandra searched her friend's face for any signs of guilt or remorse. Seeing only contentment in her smile, she sighed inwardly. `Should I tell her that I know? Will that really do anything but push her farther away?'

 

“Not much,” Cassandra replied, faking a cheerful smile. “I was just wondering if the rumors were true. Are you really stepping down from the student council?”

 

Twisting a piece of her dark hair nervously, Breanna nodded. “Yup. I won't have time for it anymore.”

 

“Why's that?”

 

“Well, do you remember when we were little, and I used to take those dance lessons on Tuesdays and Fridays?”

 

“Uh-huh. I even remember going to a couple of your recitals. You were pretty good.”

 

Breanna giggled. “Thank you! Well, anyway, I've decided to start dancing again. But, in order to take the lessons, I have to get a part time job. My mom and I got in this big argument about it this morning. It was pretty ugly. She was this close to losing it and, like, smudging her eyeliner or something.”

 

Finding her friend's good mood infectious, Cassandra laughed along with her. “That's awesome, Bre-Bre. I'm really happy for you.”

 

Wrapping her friend in a tight hug, Breanna murmured, “Thanks, Cass. Seriously. I can't even describe how excited I am. Everything seems to be falling into place, ya know?”

 

“What about Brent?” Cassandra blurted out before she had chance to catch herself.

 

Puzzled, Breanna frowned. “What about him?”

 

“Uh… I mean… Have you told him yet? About your plans?”

 

“No, but I'm sure he'll be ok with my decisions. He always is.”

 

`Somehow I don't think he'd be ok with your decision to cheat on him,' Cassandra thought to herself bitterly. Out loud, she only smiled and nodded.

 

“Alright, Cass, I gotta get going. I'll call you later, ok?” Punching her in the shoulder lightly, Breanna flashed her another happy smile and jogged off toward her next class.

 

`Why didn't you tell her that you know what she's doing with Devon?'

 

Leaning back against the row of lockers, Cassandra rested her head on the cool metal. `Because I don't think it's my place to be telling her what's right and wrong, do you?'

 

`So what are you going to do? Keep dancing around the subject of her lies and half truths? Don't you think that Brent deserves to know what's going on?'

 

Cassandra frowned. `Yes, but like I said, it's not my place to tell him. The only thing I can do is be there for them when the shit hits the fan.'

 

`Be there for who? Brent?'

 

`Well, yeah. He is my friend.'

 

`So, no ulterior motives?'

 

Frown morphing into a full out scowl, Cassandra tugged on the hem of her skirt and glowered at the students hurrying past. `Like what? I can't steal him away from her. I never could. He's always had eyes only for her.'

 

`I bet he wouldn't think she was so great if he knew what she's been up to…'

 

`No… I can't do that. Despite everything, Breanna is my best friend, and I love her. Besides, she looks so happy… I don't think I've ever seen her this happy. I can't be the one to take that away from her. I can't.'

 

`So once again, Breanna is the star and you're the one left backstage to watch her shine. Is that really fair, Cassandra?'

 

With a small, sad smile, Cassie hitched her bag higher on her shoulder and smoothed her hair. `Let her shine… Someday I'll have my day in the spotlight…'

 

 

oOoOoOoOoOo

 

 

Humming lightly under her breath, Breanna stretched and smiled for what seemed like the millionth time that day. And what a day it had been… The argument with her mother, her dad's permission to get a job and start up dancing again, stepping down from her position on the student council… She could hardly believe how much everything had changed in such a short period of time. Looking around the small room, Breanna took a moment to absorb the fact that this would be the last time she would have to stay after school organizing yet another function or dance she really had no interest in in the first place. From now on, she could do what she wanted to do rather than what everyone else wanted her to do. Everything had changed.

 

Really the only thing that had remained constant these last couple of months was Devon. He was the force behind all of the things that had happened to her, and Breanna knew that without his persistent badgering to make her life her own, she would've never had the courage to take charge. For that, she was extremely grateful. Grateful and… well…

 

`We just won't mention that…'

 

“Hey, stranger, where have you been all day?” A low, husky voice purred in her ear as strong arms encircled her waist.

 

Leaning back into his embrace, Breanna chuckled. “What? You can't go six hours without groping me? That's kind of sad, Devon.”

 

“Ha. As if, my insatiable sex kitten. I was just wondering how the talk went with your mom,” he snickered as he pressed a kiss to her neck.

 

“Well, she wasn't happy about it, but Dad overruled her and he said I could take the lessons.”

 

Turning her around, Devon beamed down at her happy face. “That's awesome, Bre! I told you it would work out.”

 

Breanna giggled and bounced on her heels. “I know, I should've believed you.”

 

“So, what's the next step?”

 

Grabbing her books and her bag, Breanna motioned for Devon to follow her as she stepped out of the student council room and into the quiet corridor. “Well, like I thought, they aren't going to pay for the lessons, which means I am going to have to look for a job.”

 

Devon shrugged nonchalantly. “So what, I'll help you. It'll be fine.”

 

Slipping the key in her pocket after locking the door, Breanna turned around and gazed up into his eyes. “You'll help me, really?”

 

Rolling his eyes, Devon snickered. “Of course, loser. Why wouldn't I?”

 

Swallowing the lump in her throat, Breanna stood on her tippy toes and captured his lips in a warm kiss. Pulling back, she grinned. “Thank you, I really don't know how I would've done this without you.”

 

Getting caught up in the moment in spite of himself, Devon cupped her cheek and murmured, “Don't mention it.” Then, after tugging her books from her arms and setting them on the floor, he pulled her into the middle of the hallway.

 

“Shall we dance, my lady?” he asked as he held out his hand.

 

Breanna laughed and looked at him like he was crazy. “Here? Now?”

 

“Why not?”

 

Unable to come up with a single reason why she shouldn't, Breanna took his hand. `Everything about this boy, this man, is a paradox in motion,' she mused to herself as they swayed to the music of a song only they could hear. `One moment he's harsh and abrasive, and the next he's incredibly sweet and completely charming. He amazes me, confuses me, intrigues me… And most of all… he makes me wonder what life will be like when he's gone.'

 

Moving a little bit closer, she closed her eyes and sighed. It didn't matter that he had no rhythm and kept stepping on her toes. Or that she knew that they could never last, and that someday she would wake up and he wouldn't be there. All that mattered was right here, right now. In his arms, she was happy, even if it was only for a short time.

 

Breanna knew she would never forget this moment.

 

 

 

 

*~~~~A/N~~~~*

 

Sorry, I know it's late. But, like I said, longer chapters or quicker updates. Your choice. :o) Anyhoo, ten points and gold star to anyone who can find the reference to the movie A Christmas Story I hid in this chapter. lol It shouldn't be too hard… As always, thanks to everyone for reading and reviewing. I hope you guys are having as much fun as I am!

 

 

 

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*~~Fiction Press Reviewers~~*

 

SouledChampion: Yup, it was Cassie. She's going to play a major role in the rest of this story. I'm glad you liked the twenty questions game. I've been told that that's not actually how you play it, but that's ok. That's how I play it. lol It's a huge compliment from you that you enjoy my feeble attempts at humor, considering how freaking hilarious your story is, so thanks. Oh, and Going Through the Motions? YES! Believe it or not, you are the first person to recognize that. I had the song playing through my head, too. I love that episode. :o) Update soon, I can't wait to see what happens next!!! Thanks for reading!

 

SweetKissOfChaos: Yay! I love blue! lol :o)

 

alexialynne: I hope your classes are going well! Oh, and I agree with your theory completely. Honestly, I think they're perfect for each other, too. Thanks so much for reading, you rock!

 

Lightening Storm: lol Yup… Guess you'll just have to wait and see… :o)

 

Madee: Thank you, I'm so glad! I hope you enjoyed the chapter!

 

bluz: lol Well, now you know! Keep reading!

 

lostgirluk: Is he falling? Well, that's up to you to decide…

 

FairyOfDeath: Yeah, writer's block does bite. Hence, the long ass gap between chapters. lol Thanks for sticking with me!

 

the-daughter-chosen: I love the stars… :o) I promise to keep writing, ok? Your addiction will be fed. lol

 

StormWolfX3: Of course you were missed, silly. :o) Glad you liked the twenty questions. I thought it worked it pretty well myself. lol Yeah, the banter is one of my favorite things to write. Verbal sparring is always fun. As for surprises… Would you really expect any less from me? :o) Thanks so much for reading!

 

Kayli: LOL Cool. I figured as much, but I just wanted to make sure. As always, your anger amuses me. Oh, and GO BUFFY! :o) She's my hero. Thanks for reading!

 

Rawr: Just the promise of candy made me want to write. Go you. lol :o) As for the detailed smut… Well, first I gotta work that plot thing in, and then I promise I'll put some smut in just for you, ok? Did he kill his parents? LOL You'll just have to wait and see, huh?

 

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Marylyn-Mercy: Yeah, he can be human when he wants to be, huh? :o) I'm glad you like reading their inner thoughts. I love writing them.

 

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Kayla: Crazy, huh? Yeah, I think that pretty much describes it. lol

 

sexy-tease: Well, I went with your suggestion. Longer chapters. I hope you enjoyed it!

 

 

 

 

Next Chapter: If You Only Knew…