I gave Ryan a tour of the entire estate during a FaceTime session a couple of days ago, and he had been just as impressed as I was, but also a little jealous. I told him that he needed to beg his parents to let him come out here for a visit, but they were wary of Richard since he’d threatened them with lawyers – which was understandable. We talked for hours that day, but since then, he seemed more distant and barely responded to my texts.
Every time that I set down my phone, my heart ached with loneliness. My only solace was losing myself in dance. I knew I was probably pushing myself too hard after just wrapping up a difficult season, but anytime I tried to sit still, I was overwhelmed with unwanted emotions. Focusing on dance, and the pain that came with it, was how I stayed sane. My physical pain numbed the emotional.
I showered and changed, but I felt so listless, so empty. Ryan hadn’t answered my texts yet today, and I was essentially alone in a house that was beautiful, but intimidating. Everything was so expensive and extravagant, that it felt more like a museum than a home. I understood why the guys decided to hang out in the guest apartment instead of in here.
I wandered downstairs, my footsteps echoing on the marble staircase. Mrs. Ferguson hummed to herself in the kitchen, and I took a step back, unsure if I should go in. My tummy grumbled, and I hadn’t eaten at all today, but I didn’t want to intrude.
Mrs. Ferguson solved my conundrum when she saw me hovering.
“Katya, dear,” she said with a friendly smile. “Come in, are you hungry for a snack?”
I smiled back at her, but hesitated in the doorway. “I don’t want to bother you.”
“Nonsense,” she said as she herded me into the kitchen. “Have a seat, and I’ll whip something up for you.”
“Oh, I can figure something out,” I said awkwardly.
I was used to being independent, and I wasn’t sure if she would try to give me chocolate chip cookies or chips like a typical teenager would eat. I kept myself on a strict diet to keep my body in the ideal ballet shape.
“I did some research when I heard I was getting a ballerina as one of my charges,” Mrs. Ferguson said with a smile. “I made a lovely fruit salad and prepared some snacking vegetables for you.”
I brightened in interest. “That sounds amazing.”
Fresh fruits and vegetables were a delicious, yet healthy treat, and thankfully low in calories. I was instantly grateful for Mrs. Ferguson’s thoughtfulness. It was always awkward when someone tried to be nice by giving me sweets. I either had to force myself to eat some of it so I didn’t hurt their feelings, or make the situation incredibly awkward by trying to refuse their offer of kindness. Either way, I dreaded those interactions.
“What are your plans for the rest of the day, dear?” Mrs. Ferguson asked as she dug around in the refrigerator.
“Um, I’m not sure,” I confessed. “It’s weird to have so much free time.”
Mrs. Ferguson gave me an encouraging smile. “The boys get restless, too. I think it’s important to take some time just to relax, though. You need to clear your mind so when things start up again, you won’t get overwhelmed.”
“That’s really good advice,” I said thoughtfully before letting out a sigh. “It would be a lot easier to relax if I had my best friend with me. It seems so empty without him.”
Mrs. Ferguson nodded, and her eyes were warm. “The silence of this place can get to me. Especially when the boys decided to spend all of their free time in the guest house instead of here.”
There was a flash of sadness in her eyes that surprised me. It seemed like she genuinely missed them, so they must not be that terrible to her. I guess Nina and I brought out the worst in them.
Mrs. Ferguson brightened. “Why don’t I show you to the media room? I’m sure you can find something interesting to watch.”
I nodded in agreement. “That sounds cool.”
It would have been even better if Ryan were here with me, but I needed to stop whining about being alone. I was a strong, independent woman, and I could enjoy things by myself.
Mrs. Ferguson left me in the room that resembled a miniature movie theater along with more snacks than I could eat, and all the remotes I needed to watch Netflix in style. I initially settled in one of the ultra-comfy plush leather chairs, but I moved to the floor to stretch. After all, I couldn’t be a complete slug.
I watched four episodes of the Witcher, and I was just starting to understand what was going on when the door crashed open.
I scowled when I saw my mother. She looked furious, but I raised my chin defiantly. I wouldn’t allow her to intimidate me.
“Richard expects me to stay here, in the house for the next week, because of you,” she said angrily. “He disapproved of a spa trip I had planned over a month ago. He thinks I’m a bad parent by continuing to live my life. I shouldn’t have to become a shut-in just because you’re moping around – he certainly wouldn’t.”
I rolled my eyes. “You are a bad parent, but I don’t want you around, either. I think you should go on your trip.”
“Richard’s worried that you’re having a difficult time adjusting,” Nina scoffed. “He thinks that little girls need their mothers.”
I scoffed. “I’m not a child.”
Nina looked at me sharply. “Richard thinks you are, and that’s what matters.”
She looked me up and down, and the sneer on her lips told me exactly what she was thinking. I lacked womanly curves,
