Gina's P.O.V.

Tuesday's dance class was not as fun as I had previously anticipated. Our teacher, Mrs Florentino, decided today was a good day to test our knowledge of everything we've learned the past four weeks since starting this class. There wasn't very many of us, just me and nine other girls. Mrs Florentino mostly teaches Modern Dance classes, but decided to take in a few girls who just wanted to have some fun - Boys too but we haven't had any sign up yet.

That's where I come in at. I've always loved dancing since I was a little girl. So, when I saw the flier for 'Mrs Florentino's Dance Classes - $30 For a month session. Come learn how to dance and have fun in style!'

I just couldn't pass it up.

I walk over to the IPod dock and plug in my phone. Music starts blasting out of the speakers, the lyrics flowing through me and sinking into my skin. Everyone left a while ago, leaving me inside alone while I wait for my mom to come pick me up. Yes, I have a car, but it's in for repairs! My eyes close on their own accord and a smile spreads across my face. I let the music move me, throwing myself into my dance. Thoughts of the blue eyed football player cross my mind, my heart skipping a beat and my pace picking up as I leap and spin in the air, landing a little less gracefully than I had hoped but still good enough for me.

"More spring in your step, Gina, you don't want to drag your feet." Mrs Florentino calls out to me, causing me to jump in fright and break my form. With a laugh and a small smile on her face, she makes her way over to me, "Arch your back a little more too as you go into the turn, it'll help keep your balance when you come back around to land."

My arms drop as a huge gust of air passes my lips as I sigh and smile tiredly, "I'll get it right, I swear!" She laughs at my exclamation and turns her attention back towards her bag. I laugh awkwardly and scratch the back of my neck, "I uh - I thought you and everyone else left already?"

She lets out another small laugh, "No, I've been here the whole time." She slings her bag over her shoulder then crosses her arms, "You know, Gina, I've been watching you dance - more than the others - and I think you've really got potential. What do you think about scheduling more lessons with me?"

My eyes widen in shock and my face breaks out into a grin of excitement, "Really?!"

Her eyes sparkle as she nods, a grin taking over her features as well, "Yes, really. We could further explore your dancing abilities and get you one step further into the dancing world." Her voice falters as she corrects herself, "That is if that's what you want. I don't want to push you into anything you're not comfortable with."

I quickly correct her, "No no, I'm definitely interested."  Swallowing past a knot in my throat then letting out a shaky breath, I stomp down the excitement blooming in my chest, "I would love to, but..." Suddenly, my excitement dies completely as I shyly glance to the floor, "I'm not sure if I'll have enough to cover it..." My voice trails off, my heart dropping as I wait for her judgmental stare.

The sparkle in her eyes comes back as she gently pats my shoulder, "As long as you're interested, the offer still stands. Think about it, talk to your mom; I'm sure we would make excellent progress." She walks past me and takes my phone off the dock. She points outside while simultaneously handing it to me, "I believe your mom is here, so we can talk about this again soon, alright?"

I glance outside to find that my mom is in fact sitting outside waiting for me. Oh man, I hope she hasn't been waiting too long. The thought pushes me to start grabbing my phone and bag laying along the wall,  giving a quick smile and wave to Mrs Florentino as I pushed open the doors, "Okay, I'll see you then. Thank you!"

She laughs to herself and waves goodbye, then turns away to shuffle through her own bags. I turn my sights towards my moms slightly beat up mini van - which I still don't understand why she got since there's only two of us - and fling open the passenger door, startling enough to jump in her seat and drop her phone from her hands.

"Gina! Goodness, you scared me!" She stares at me with wild eyes and wipes the bangs away from her eyes, a small smile forming across her face.

I grin sheepishly and hop in, heaving to close the heavy door, "Sorry, Mom. Overly excited."

She gives me a knowing look before shifting the car into reverse, "What is it this time? Kyle, coffee, or a new dance routine?"

"Neither! Well," I frown slightly and scratch my head, "Maybe all three?"

Mom shoots me a confused glance then turns her attention back towards the road, "Maybe? What does that mean?"

I bite my lip then smile sheepishly, "Mrs. Florentino asked if I would want to take extra dance lessons with her, to explore my abilities a little more."

Her fingers slightly tighten around the steering wheel, her expression flipping between happiness and worry. She lets out a small breath and glances over at me, "Honey I-"

My smile drops as I cast my eyes down to my lap, the small blossom of hope in my chest withering away as I whisper,  "I know mom, and I understand. It was a long shot anyways, I'll tell Mrs. Florentino that we can't afford it."

"No," My mom huffs out another breath then reaches over to grab my hand, holding onto it tightly and sending a reassuring and determined smile my way, "We'll make this work. I want to make this work for you."

We sit in silence for a moment, my eyes blinking at with surprise. Swallowing past the lump still in my throat as I hold back my tears and squeeze her hand, "Thanks, Mom." My heart aches as I think about our situation. Life has not been easy since my dad left us - Claiming he found love with another woman when I was only four years old - leaving my Mom all alone to care for me. Miles from her family, due to having moved here with my dad before I was born, and having no money to our names after he left to be able to travel back home.

Despite all of this, she has never faltered - always giving me the best she could no matter what. Even with the few health scares we've faced over the past two years, she tries her best. I glance over at her, observing the way she so comfortably sits in her own skin - Beautiful, confident, and sure of herself. I only wish to be as strong as she is.

She catches my stare and flashes me a wide grin then turns into our driveway. Once we're inside and settled down on the couch together, she takes a sip of her tea and gives me a knowing stare, "Now, tell me about Kyle." I rub my hands together excitedly and dive into telling her about my day, the smile never leaving her face for a second.

~•~

• Author's Note •

Hi, Friends!!

What do you think of Gina's story so far? 🤔😍

What is up with her mom??? If you remember, I had made mention of this in my previous book - Stealing Kisses From the Good Girl.

Tell me, how did you find your way here? Drop a comment and share some love!! Even better if you found me through other book recs! 📚🎉✨

Currently, it's summer where I'm at and it's DYING HOT. Y'all, I just wanna melt into a puddle until Autumn comes around. Also, there are no swimming pools/areas anywhere near where I live unless I wanna travel an hour so. Long story short, I'm suffering in this heat. 🤣😂 BUT it makes for a great excuse to eat ice cream and stay inside the AC house to read...🤷🏻‍♀️📚🤣

Stay tuned for more updates!! Let me know what you think!!

Don't forget to Vote, Comment, Share, and Follow me! 😘✨📚

Much love,
~Molly K.

Written 11/8/2017 - Published 7/6/2021

Paperbacks, Hardcovers, and Ebooks of Saving Ariel are available on Amazon and on my website, authormollyk.com ! If you have read the book before, please go leave a review for me on Amazon! All of your support helps get Axiel's story out into the world! 🥰

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