Page 183 of Rome: The Ballerina

“Who are you striving to be?”

“The best.” I shook my head as I stated facts. “The best Clarke has ever witnessed. The best to ever put her feet in pointe shoes. The best to ever grace the stage. The best.”

“Your confidence lets me know that it’s not impossible for you. So does your presence. You’re not here by chance. Neither am I. We’re the best according to someone–we’re both babies in comparison to all the other girls.”

“I noticed.” I took another look around. Everyone was years older than us. And yours?”

“Prima. I want to be the Prima Ballerina,” she confessed, sighing as she looked out into the openness of the large area.

“And, you will be.”

“So will you–” she assured me, “Be the best thing Clarke has ever seen. I don’t know you too well, but it feels like that will change in time. So, I don’t quite feel like a liar when I say that I promise to hold you accountable. We’re going to have to stick beside each other to survive in here. We’re babies. Count me in your plans. And, I’ll always make sure you’re part of mine.”

Smiling, I nodded. “Tha–”

“You’d better not.”

I shrugged. “And, I promise to have your back as your journey gets rough because to be the Prima Ballerina, it will, and you’ll need someone in your corner.”

“Good to know she’s kind.”

“Than–”

“Girl, please!”

“Did I just say that again?”

“You did. But… I’m Tiana,” she revealed, extending a hand.

“I know who you are,” I admitted, taking a hold of it.

The first day we met was the beginning of something special. Though our progression was slow, it was worthy and it was real. Tiana had never given me reason to question her intentions, love, or loyalty.

“Knock, knock,” I sang, easing my way into the hospital room.

“Rome!” Tiana called out to me.

She was sitting up in bed, sounding and looking just as I remembered. Her arms extended, beckoning for me. I walked right into them, embracing the only person I was privileged to consider a friend other than the women I shared blood with.

“You’re awake.”

“I’m awake,” she cried. “And, you’re Prima!”

“All thanks to you.”

“Not to me,” she wept, “All thanks to you. You were meant for that title. It would’ve been yours a long time ago hadn’t you taken off. My God I’ve missed you.”

“Not as much as I’ve missed you, honey. Don’t ever scare me like that.”

“With that crazy ass nut case in the ground, I’m hoping I never scare anyone like that again.”

I nodded. “Yeah. She’s exactly where she belongs.”

“Enough about that. I’m– I’m just so happy to see you.”

“I have someone I want you to meet,” I said, stepping away from her bed.

Just as the words left my mouth, Saint knocked on the door.

“Come in,” I instructed.

Tiana grabbed my hand, looking at me with squinted eyes.

“Shit, I don’t blame her for trying to end you,” Tiana cackled, staring at Saint. “Maybe I would’ve gone a little crazy too.”

I joined her in laughter, knowing exactly where she was coming from. Peace surrounded me. My eyes burned with happy tears and my heart nearly burst from the joy of simple laughter.

Tiana had awakened from her coma. Saint was a champion. I’d been crowned Prima Ballerina. Aliza was resting in shit. My family was safe. The man of my dreams was my reality. At the very moment, there was nothing more I could ask for in this lifetime.

The end.