I bit my lip, thinking hard. The bloke did not look familiar in the slightest. I was sure I have never met or seen him before, even though the self-assured smile on his face was telling me otherwise.
"Doesn't it ring a bell to you?" he asked slowly, definitely amused by my look.
"No", I shook my head, "I am afraid it does not."
"Well, I play with the Rolling Stones", he said softly, "do you know the Rolling Stones, sweetie?"
"I am not your sweetie!" I blurted before I could realize I was actually saying it aloud. It made him laugh.
"As you wish. But I am surprised."
"Ehm, sorry?" I snapped, crossing my arms on my chest. I was starting to get annoyed, and the fact that I was exhausted and my legs were aching from did not help much. If only I could go home...
"But would you like to know?" he asked politely, interrupting my thoughts. He was looking me in the eye, but in more of a cocky than a rude way. " We will be doing a show at the Palladium next week. I could get you a ticket."
I still don't know why I said yes.
"Lovely. That's just lovely." He grinned, his eyes still fixed on me. "I would be really glad to see you there. I bet you will like it."
***
It was already half past five and I was still at home in my satin gown, quickly going through the make-up bag. I wanted to look good so I desperately needed that lipstick. I threw a glance at myself in the mirror. I was not satisfied with what I saw. A tall, haggard, skinny girl looked at me. I put some more rouge on my cheeks.
This way, I looked a tad better.
I decided to dress up a little so I put on a nice dress. I thought it would be a good idea to accessorize with a brooch Eric gave me for my birthday. I rummaged in the jewellery boxes for a couple of minutes before remembering I had put in the ballerina one. I slowly opened the lid, trying not to scratch it with my nails. The little dancer started twirling around, and I felt the sudden urge to dance too. The music went on and on. First position. Battement. Plié. I danced and danced around the room, giggling uncontrollably until I felt dizzy and had to sit down. My hair was a mess but I was so happy. I was being me. I was the little blonde ballerina. Why would anything else matter?
I was late already, so I hurriedly pinned the brooch, sprinkled my hair with some perfume and almost ran downstairs where a car had been waiting for me.
In the car I was repeating the words I was going to say to Eric. I felt my guts churn. I knew being so nervous because of some boy was stupid but I could not help myself. I took a couple of deep breaths just before the car stopped. Shivering, I got out.
Eric was waiting for me in the lobby. His hands were toying with something. I smiled when I caught his glance but, much to my amazement, he did not smile back. I wanted to sit down so he followed me.
"Hey!" I said playfully and stretched to pat his cheek. He stopped me from doing that by grabbing my wrist. "Has something happened?"
"Actually...No, not really."
I did not like how his voice sounded.
"What's the matter then? Do you remember what you told me over the phone? Cause I do." I stated coldly, leaning back. Eric shook his head.
"Would you like a cup of tea or something?"
"No, thank you so much. I would like you to answer my question."
"Alright," he let out a long sigh, "If you want the truth...Look," he showed me what he had been holding in his hands. It turned out to be a picture of a blonde girl with curls that looked very artificial. I looked up at Eric.
"See, this is Eileen. We have been friends for ages...We met in kindergarten."
"How come I don't know her?"
"I am not sure..."
"So you've been seeing her?"
"Yeah. I thought it would be better if I told you."
"Excellent!" I exclaimed in my best sarcastic tone. Before Eric could realize what was happening, I snatched the photograph out of his hands and tore it up, throwing the pieces into his face. I jumped up.
"Fuck you, Eric Masterson! Fuck you and your bloody girlfriend! I don't want to see any of you! Never!"
I rushed out, slamming the door shut behind me. No matter how much I enjoyed the bewildered and shocked look on Eric's face, I did not want to see him anymore.
I walked down the street, freezing in my faux fur coat. I did not cry, I just could not. I felt empty, my mind was blank. I watched the people pass me by, smiling, laughing, talking lively. I was supposed to feel jealousy towards them and their happiness but I did not. I just walked and walked until I lost track of where I was. Chilly wind was blowing in my face and I pulled my sweater up to cover my neck and chin.
The street I was on came to a dead end so I had to stop. I heard the sound of cars speeding by. I was not far from the road. I turned around and ran until I reached the traffic lights. It was getting dark. I was about to catch a cab to go home when I remembered I promised to be somewhere. Meeting up with someone? No, enough for today. A party? No, definitely not. I was going to a Rolling Stones concert!
Luckily, the ticket was in the pocket of my coat. I caught a car and was at the Palladium within ten minutes. What I did not know was whether I was going to see Mr Jones that evening.- loveandsqualor
YOU ARE READING
No Time To Lose
Fanfiction"There's no time to lose" I've heard her say. Catch your dreams before they slip away Dying all the time Lose your dreams and you will lose your mind Ain't life unkind?