In Motion
Days had passed where Dorcas watched the window during rehearsals, oftentimes leading to her being yelled at for not paying attention, all for a glance at the legacy herself.
Dorcas had never met her but she felt that she had seen enough of her Instagram posts to spot her out of a crowd.
This proved more and more difficult as more days went by without even a glimpse of blonde hair. Marlene was like a ghost it seemed, with the announcement of her arrival to Harmony Dance Academy being almost a week ago. Dorcas had started to think she was living at the Academy and simply didn’t feel the need to leave, which Dorcas can respect. Or perhaps there’s a back entrance she doesn’t know about.
Talk of the famous Mckinnon's arrival was over tabloids as people speculated where they were staying. Dorcas was in awe over the things she read and heard in passing over the last week. Things that both made her feel sorry for and hate Marlene at the same time.
Of course she hadn’t forgotten about her own promise to herself. To become better than her and make her prove herself. That is if she decided to let herself be seen as even the paparazzi can’t find her on the streets.
It was a full week after her declaration to herself that Dorcas decided to seek Marlene out further.
She had finished rehearsals for the day and knowing that the majority of the other studio had finished an hour prior, she made her way into the building across the street.
Inside was structured much like her own studio, save the logo and colors, and she was greeted to an empty lobby. Had it not been for the soft music radiating from a room towards the back, she might have left.
Feeling compelled by the building music she approached the room and like fate it was Marlene.
She was by herself and was dancing in a way that appeared second nature, like her mind was somewhere else while her body moved. It was clear that this was Marlene's specialty. Like her mother she was a brilliant ballerina. The way she moved was fluid but not without purpose.
The music filled the room and Dorcas’ ears as she watched Marlene perform a routine she imagines she’s done a thousand times by this point.
Dorcas was so captivated by her dance that she hardly noticed when Marlene began to slow and caught Dorcas’ eyes in the long mirror that covered the wall.
It was then that Dorcas was able to really look at Marlene, her blonde hair was loosely thrown up and she was in a soft pink leotard and skirt. She had on white leg warmers to beat the cold and the only part of her outfit that didn’t match the rest was her cold stare. Despite the soft, delicate outfit, Marlene was anything but.
“Scouting the competition already?” Marlene cut the tension in the air and Dorcas froze.
Dorcas suddenly felt ashamed to be there. Her whole mission was to make Marlene dance, to prove that she was worth her moms fame, so why did she feel guilty.
Maybe it was the way Marlene had purposefully kept herself out of the spotlight last week. Maybe it was the use of the studio after hours so she could think and dance without pressure. Maybe it was all of this and the fact that Dorcas had in turn purposefully intruded on her peace.
Dorcas’ own jealousy and competitive nature was subdued as she stared at Marlene through the mirror from where she still stood frozen in the doorway.
“I’m sorry.” She muttered out, “I was just,” she trailed off, not knowing what to say that would make her actions justified.
Marlene didn’t let her think. “Just what, getting a glimpse of the legacy?” She gritted out. “Hoping some of my talent will rub off on you. Or did you want me to teach you how to be a good dancer?”
Marlene finally turned and Dorcas was still frozen, though now for a different reason. Had Marlene really asked that? Why would that be why she was here right now?
“What?” Was all Dorcas could get out of her state of shock and confusion. Where was this interaction going?
Marlene stepped forward, she was quite a bit shorter than Dorcas, though she held herself taller. “Did you come here hoping for a private lesson, or an introduction to my mother? Clearly there’s something you want, sneaking in here after hours to watch me.” Dorcas also notes her French accent, something she should have guessed given her mothers background.
Though she’s still confused at the upfront hostility, Dorcas is able to produce a full sentence in response.
Dorcas starts to remember her original goal in coming here. “I wanted to see if you were actually good.”
It’s Marlene’s turn to look shocked, then amused as she laughs. “What?” She asked.
“I wanted to see if you were actually good.” Dorcas repeats. “To see if you were worth my time and energy to compete against.”
Laughter again fills the room, however, seeing Dorcas’ straight face, eyes piercing her own, she stops.
“You can not be serious. Thinking you can compete on my level.” Marlene looks Dorcas up and down. “Who even are you?”
“Dorcas Meadowes. I dance at Rhythm Revolution.” Dorcas holds out her hand, an offer.
Marlene simply looks at it momentarily between turning, a rejection.
Marlene dismisses Dorcas with a wave of her hand as she reaches for her water bottle.
“Never heard the name.” She says with little interest and starts to stretch on the bar.
Dorcas is confused again and gestures outwards. “It’s the dance studio right across the street, surely you’ve heard of it.” She laughs, how could she be so ignorant to not notice a building 30 feet away.
“No,” Marlene says, “your name. I do not know your name.”
Marlene makes eye contact again through the mirror and continues.
“Anyone who’s name I do not recognize.” She faces Dorcas again. “Is not worth my competition.”
Dorcas is struck with something she can’t name as she stares again, starstruck at Marlene. All guilt she felt for barging in has evaporated and she is now very glad she interrupted. Marlene needed a reality check, and Dorcas was happy to give it to her. She was going to prove herself somehow.
She steadied her face and held herself as tall as she could which wasn’t hard as she was easily 5’ 9 in her sneakers.
Looking Marlene in the eyes she declared herself to the girl. “You know my name now, and you better not forget it because I’m going to prove myself good enough for not only you but everyone after you, and I’m going to do it without the help of my mommy.” And with that she turned her heel and walked out with new motivation.
Left in the empty studio, music still looping in the background, Marlene stands in awe of the woman who could’ve professed her undying love to Marlene and it would have affected her less than the statement she just made.