Dancing in Circles (Circles Trilogy)

by Adams, Victoria

  He glanced about the hallway, checked his watch then nodded. "I'll try."

  "I'll walk to class with you."

  "No. We'll both be late. I've still got to get my books and stuff."

  "See you in class." Julie winked, smiled and walked towards English.

  "Stay away from her."

  Robert spun around.

  Francine stood, with her arms crossed and an ice-cold glare glued on her face. "She may not want to call you trash, but I will. I know who and what you are." She poked him in the chest with her pen. "And you are trash."

  "What do ya know?" His lip curled.

  "You're Shore."

  He snorted. "News flash. Everybody knows that."

  "You're Shoresmen."

  "Still not worried."

  "You're the leader of the Shoresmen."

  A frigid shiver shot through Robert.

  She stepped closer. "You've got a criminal record."

  He stood frozen to the floor.

  "And she knows something you don't. I'm Miss Francine Paulin. I believe you knew my older brother, Jeffery."

  He flinched as if a fist had been driven into his stomach.

  Francine smiled at her victorious demoralization of him. "Do you think she's going to stay friends with you after I tell her about you and Jeffery?"

  "Ya wouldn't." Robert forced the threatening tone out of his voice.

  "Oh. Yes. I. Would." She turned and walked away, high heels clicking in the silent hallway.

  He slammed his locker door, opened it, then slammed it again, picked up his helmet and stormed out of the building.

  ***

  Ok, so yesterday was a bummer. And I really shouldn'ta drunk so much. He pulled on the school entrance door. It squeaked. Shit. Would someone fix this damn door?

  He trudged down the hall. How the fuck do I spend the rest of the year avoiding Julie? Shit. I liked being with her. Standing in front of his locker, he spun the dial on his lock. Why are schools so damn noisy? Shit, my head hurts. He closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead.

  A finger tapped his shoulder. He turned. A rush of pleasure was squashed by a pang of regret as he glanced at Julie. She frowned. "You look awful?" She reached out to touch him, but pulled her hand away. "Does your head still hurt?"

  "Yea."

  "Go see a doctor. You could have a concussion or something. Steph hit you pretty hard with that beer bottle."

  "I don't have a concussion. I have a hangover."

  "What?" Her voice rose two octaves.

  "Ssh! Geez." He closed his eyes and waited for the pain to lessen.

  "Why didn't you come to class yesterday?"

  "Felt like gettin' drunk so I partied." It sounded like a good idea yesterday, but today not so good.

  Julie's brow wrinkled. "At nine in the morning?"

  He turned and tried his locker combination for the second time. "What's it to ya?"

  "What's the matter?" She pulled his arm "Have I missed something? Why are you being so—?"

  He jerked his arm free. "Can I get in my locker?"

  "What's the matter with you?"

  "Nothin', my head hurts." And this stupid conversation is so not helping.

  "If you hadn't—"

  He spun around. His eyes darkened. "Don't preach to me, Julie. I do what I want when I want, and I answer to no one."

  Julie blinked, turned on her heel and left.

  Robert slammed his locker door. The sound reverberated through his head. As he cringed, the first bell of the day rang. Robert put his hands over his ears, waiting for the cacophony to go away.

  ***

  He entered the biology classroom. Passing Julie's desk, he glanced at her, but she looked away. He passed Francine's empty desk, and sat at his in the further most corner of the room.

  After biology, Julie headed to math class without a glance in his direction. Robert didn't bother trying to catch up to her. Calculus was torturously long. His headache had lessened, but he couldn't concentrate. His mind wandered to thoughts of Julie, and his gaze kept drifting from the black board to where she sat.

  Guilt filled his heart for snarling at her. He decided he could deal with Francine. He had to. He wanted to be with Julie. When class ended, he hurried next to Julie and tapped her shoulder. "Sorry I was grouchy. I didn't mean it. I'm a jerk. I know." He hung his head. "Take your pen, stab me through the heart and put me out of my misery."

  She glared at him. He tried to make her smile by lifting the corners of her mouth. She snapped them back down.

  He knelt on one knee. "It's a gorgeous day outside. Can I buy ya lunch in the park?"

  She pulled him up by his shirt. "All right. If you're going to beg."

  In the same park where Robert squared off with Stephan, a hot dog vendor had parked his truck.

  "Let me treat ya to a real meal." Robert bought four hot dogs, a large order of french fries and two cold Diet Cokes. "What do ya want on your dog?"

  "Ketchup."

  "And?"

  "Just ketchup."

  "Somebody's got to teach ya how to eat junk food." He loaded his three hotdogs with every condiment available, poured salt, malt vinegar and ketchup on his fries then sat next to Julie under a tree.

  She grimaced. "How can you eat that?"

  "Like this." He opened his mouth and bit a large chunk off his first hot dog. When he downed the last of his meal, he leaned back on the tree trunk and yawned.

  "Late night?" Julie wiped ketchup off her fingers.

  "Without gettin' grief for it, yea. Stayed up late. Partied hard. Need sleep."

  She patted her lap. Robert didn't need coaxing. He rested his head on her thigh, closed his eyes and in a few moments fell asleep.

  Julie ran her finger across his lips, stroked his hair and whispered, "What is it about yourself you won't tell me? What are you so ashamed of?"

  "Oh my, look at him." Tricia sighed as she and Heather sat. "I said it before and I'll say it again, the Gods did right by this one."

  "Should I ask? What's going on?" Jennifer plopped on the grass next to her.

  Julie blushed. "We're only friends."

  "Then why is he asleep on your lap, and why are you two hiding?" Jennifer rummaged through her purse then pulled out her iPhone. It was time to text.

  "We're not hiding. Just decided to eat here." She glanced at each friend. "Besides, I wasn't sure you'd accept him."

  "We may not be the brightest, but we are the best friends you've got. If you like him, we will too." Jennifer hit send for text one then keyed text two. "Except for Francine, that is. But she'll come around. If she survives her dentist appointment."

  Julie met Tricia's gaze. "What about you? He said there was nothing between you two."

  "It was a fling. He's all yours. If only he was Westland." She sighed.

  "I don't think he'd be as intriguing. None of the guys I've dated makes me feel the way he does."

  Heather tipped her head sideways, waiting for an explanation.

  Julie opened her mouth to speak then shrugged and sighed.

  "It must be love." Heather giggled.

  "Have you slept with him yet?" Jennifer's fingers were ready to text the latest gossip.

  "No. Like I said, we're friends." She brushed a strand of his hair away from his face. "I feel like I'm taming a wild animal. He has to learn to trust me before we can move on in our relationship."

  "It'll probably be the most romantic day of your life." Tricia's voice had a hint of regret.

  Jennifer dropped her cell phone into her purse. It chimed. She pulled it out, checked the message and keyed a response.

  Tricia checked her watch. "Fifteen more minutes of freedom."

  "Guess I should wake him up. Robert." She shook his shoulder.

  He grunted, but settled back into sleep.

  "Kiss him." Heather giggled.

  As Julie bent over, Robert unfolded his arms, wrapped them around her and pulled her close. The touch of his lips on hers arouse
d a fire deep within her. She wanted to embrace him, but her position was too awkward.

  She broke the kiss off with a gasp then straightened up. Hearing her friends' giggles, Julie suspected she was as red as a Valentine's Day heart.

  Robert yawned and sat up.

  "Lunch is just about over." Julie picked at a piece of grass.

  Robert stood then offered his hand to help Julie stand. He held her back as the others crossed the park towards the school. He placed a finger under her chin and lifted it. "I liked it."

  Julie lowered her gaze. She wished she could tell him she liked the kiss, but she lacked the courage. "We'd better go or we'll be late."

  Those were the last words she'd say to him for six days.

  ***

  After school, Julie caught a glimpse of Francine and Robert. From their physical closeness and body language, she guessed they were arguing. Before she could cross the parking lot, Francine strode to her car and drove away. Robert jumped on his bike and roared off in the opposite direction.

  She made a mental note to ask Robert about the conversation as she headed to the car. On the way into the dance studio, Julie reminded herself of her promise to Madame. She dressed and was in class before the teacher arrived. For the entire ninety minutes, Julie sensed the teacher was watching her. She endeavoured to perform to perfection. With every move, she pulled her fifth position tighter or raised her extension higher. Sweat dribbled down her face, chest and back.

  "Class, you may leave. Julie, would you please stay behind?"

  The other dancers looked at Julie, who shrugged. They curtsied and exited, gossiping with each other.

  Madame stood before Julie and interlaced her fingers. "What do you want to do when you leave school?"

  "Go to college, I guess."

  "The Civic Dance Company, in Highgate, is holding auditions in November. I think you should attend."

  Julie's jaw dropped. "You. Want me? To audition? For the company?"

  "Yes. The Civic is a small company. A good place to start."

  Julie spun around and hugged Madame. "You think I'm good enough?"

  "You are a beautiful dancer, but before you can audition, you will need more practise. How about Saturday evenings?"

  Eyelids open wide, Julie nodded.

  "Go now, tell your friends and family, but be here at seven p.m. tomorrow, ready to work."

  Julie ran straight for the door, skidded to a stop, hurried back, curtsied, then floated out of the studio.

  She didn't know who to tell first. As she changed, she called home. The answering machine picked up. Who next? Tricia? Jennifer? They wouldn't get excited. They never understood her love of dancing. Robert. She'd call him. No, she couldn't. She remembered seeing his cell phone written on the wall in the Laundromat, but she couldn't recall the numbers. But, she knew where he lived.

  If she hadn't been consumed with exhilaration, she' have listened to the little voice inside her head that said, "Don't go to Shore."

  Julie charged up the stairs and knocked, but as usual there was no answer at Robert's door. She tried the latch. It was unlocked. She pushed it open. "Hello? It's Julie."

  She peeked around the door. On the couch, a couple were intertwined in a passionate embrace. The female lifted her head. When Lauren's gaze met Julie's, she emitted an obnoxious cackle. The male peered over the top of the couch. Julie closed her eyes. She opened one eye and watched as the man untangled himself from Lauren and crossed the room.

  He stroked Julie's long hair. "I like this."

  She pushed his hand away, nauseated by his touch.

  "Care to join us?" He lewdly motioned to the couch.

  "I'm looking for Robert." She tried to sound unafraid and keep her knees from collapsing.

  Both Lauren and the Robert-look-a-like erupted with raucous laughs. "I threw his sorry ass out." His vile tone added to his repulsiveness. "If he ever shows his miserable mug around here, I'll cut him good." He picked up his switchblade and with a well-practised flip of the wrist flicked it open.

  Every nerve sensor in her body flashed Danger! Danger! She turned to exit the apartment, but Mike grabbed her arm. "Not so fast, little lady."

  She reached into her pocket and pulled out her cell phone. "Let go or I hit 911 and scream rape."

  It was a brief flinch of Mike's grip, but Julie shook her hand free and fled down the stairs. Her hand shook so hard, she couldn't put the key in the ignition. Using her left hand to steady her right, she managed to insert the key, start the car and drive away. When the car crossed the invisible line, which separated Midtown from Shore, she allowed herself to breathe.

  That must be Mike, Robert's brother. Wow, do they ever look alike. Sorta. He's evil creepy though. Way older, too. I wonder where Robert is?

  As she neared home the elation of the news returned. "Mom." She slammed the back door. "You'll never guess what!"

  "Actually, it's me." Her father placed his briefcase and car keys on the counter.

  Julie hugged him. "Oh, Dad. Guess what? You'll never believe it. I don't believe it. It's so great."

  Her father waited.

  "Madame wants me to audition for the Civic Dance Company." Julie spun around.

  "That's great." He hugged his daughter and twirled her around.

  Jangles raced in adding her jumps and barks to the excitement.

  Mrs. Anderson and her two youngest daughters entered from the living room. "What's all the commotion?"

  Julie danced her mother around the kitchen. "You won't guess. Dad didn't. Nobody could." She explained her news.

  Her sister, Sheila, made a "so what" noise and left the kitchen. Ashley upon hearing that it didn't involve her, raided the cookie jar.

  "Oh, honey, that's wonderful. Do you want to join?" Mrs. Anderson caught Ashley's arm and pointed to the jar.

  "Yes. But I didn't think I was good enough." Julie bounced from foot to foot.

  "My little girl is growing up." Her father squeezed her shoulders. "I'm so proud of you. This calls for a celebration."

  "Pizza Place. Pizza Place." If Ashley was going to be denied a meal consisting solely of chocolate chip cookies, she'd insist on pizza.

  ***

  After a fun evening of pizza and a family Whack-A-Mole tournament, Mr. Anderson suggested it was time to go home. Tired but happy, Julie settled into her bed, secure and warm within the love of her family. Tomorrow would be the dawn of the realization of her childhood fantasy. Can't wait to tell Robert. Wonder where he is?

  Chapter Seven

  As Julie drove to dance class, she wondered where Robert disappeared to. He hadn't been to class since his argument with Francine last week. She pulled off the off-ramp and turned onto Tenth Street when she spotted a person entering a fast food restaurant wearing a Shoresmen jacket. Pulling a quick u-turn, she parked and entered the restaurant. From his short, slim build and light hair, Julie guessed it was Robert's best friend, Paul. He sat at a booth, munching on a hamburger and french fries.

  She slipped into a seat across from him. "Hi. Remember me? I'm Robert's friend, Julie. Do you know where he is? He hasn't been to—"

  Paul nodded and swallowed. "Let me finish. I'll take ya." He wolfed the last two bites of his meal, grabbed his drink and directed her to his car. It was an older model, customized in a deep royal blue interior with a bride's garter hung on the rear-view mirror. He unlocked the door. "Follow me."

  Julie hesitated.

  "It's ok." Paul held the door. "I may be Bob's best friend, but he'd still cut me down in a second if I hurt ya."

  Julie followed as he drove to North Shore and parked next to him near an old tenement. He led her up a flight of dark, worn, wooden stairs. Her nose wrinkled at the obnoxious odours in the hall. Her fight or flight reflex kicked in – flight taking charge. She fought her fears and held her ground. He opened an apartment door and motioned to her to enter. Julie looked into Paul's face for any sign this was a trap. Seeing nothing to scare her into leaving, she e
ntered the room.

  It was lack-luster and furnished with cheap imitations of good quality furniture. Robert slept on a worn couch. His Shoresmen jacket lay in a heap onto the floor. A bruise covered part of his left cheek. Both the cut on his swollen lower lip and above his right eyebrow were raw.

  Paul tossed his keys onto the kitchen counter. "I think his ribs are bruised."

  "What happened?"

  "Mike."

  "His brother did this to him?" Julie looked back at Robert and shuddered.

  "Yea, Lauren spit out some trash talk crap about him. Bob's great in a fight. He's tough, cunning and unbeatable. 'Cept for Mike. When they was kids, Mike beat on him all the time. Bob, he won't fight back when Mike hits him, so he loses every time." Paul shook him. "Bob, wake up. Ya got company."

  Robert opened his eyes. They weren't the same sensual ones, which melted her heart the first time he looked at her. Instead, these eyes reflected pain.

  She knelt beside him. "Hi."

  He said nothing. She read in his eyes, she was the last person he wanted to see. She gave him a soft kiss on an undamaged part of his lips. "Don't talk. Let's go. I'll take you to my place."

  Robert tried to argue, but a wave of pain stopped him.

  "You're sick and injured. Let me take you home."

  "No." His voice was hoarse and breathless.

  She stood. "Either you come willingly, or I'll drag you down those stairs myself."

  "I don't want your pity, and I don't need your sympathy." His eyes darkened with anger.

  Too infuriated to listen to his words, Julie stammered, "My pity…my symp—" She fought to control her temper. "Is that what you think this is? Then you're stupider than I thought. This is simply concern from one friend to another. At least that's what I thought we were. If any of your brains are still unscrambled, use them. Let's go."

  Robert gave in. Her voice hurt his head. It'd be easier to comply than fight. He tried to stand, but a sharp pain stopped him. Hissing, he didn't move.

  Julie reached out. He brushed her aside. Gritting his teeth, he stood, took a step and stumbled. Paul reached forward, grabbed Robert's arm and hooked it over his shoulder. Julie crossed the room and opened the door. With every step, Julie saw a mask of pain cover Robert's face.

  As Paul closed the back passenger door, she started the ignition, gave a brief wave and drove away. She glanced over the seat at Robert. How am I going to explain you? You're not quite the same as bringing home a stray kitten.