Awakening (Book One of The Geis) by Christy Dorrity Read Free Book Online Page A

stomach flattened to the ground.
    “I don’t know, but it felt great to work up a sweat,” I said, pulling a few Band-Aids out of my bag. “I’m going to talk with Ms. Slannon,” I said, stuffing my shoes into my bag. “Don’t wait for me. I texted my mom to come and get me.”
    I crossed the floor to where Ms. Slannon talked with some of the girls, and waited until she packed up her things.
    “Thank you for the lesson, Ms. Slannon.”
    “Oh, McKayla, you’re welcome. I was going to stay after and practice some choreography, but I think I’ll go home. Come on, I’ll walk you out.”
    “Do you need me to help you clean up?”
    “I don’t have to clean up after classes anymore. The new janitor is great.” She waved to the girls who were calling their goodbyes back down the hall. “How are you feeling about your solo the other night?”
    “Good. I was nervous, and I forgot a few steps, but I had fun.”
    “You danced beautifully.” She looked me in the eye. “I’m hoping to solo you in a few more dances this quarter. But I can’t do so if you continue to disregard the rules. Curtain time is mandatory.”
    “Yes, ma’am.”
    A light rain drizzled down the glass doors, and it was getting dark. I could see my mom’s car through the rain.
    “Do you need a ride?” Ms. Slannon pushed open the door.
    “No, my mom’s here.” I hung back. “Ms. Slannon, what do you know about Irish dancing?”
    She stepped back inside. “Irish dance? I’ve never done it, but I know that it’s been around for a while. Why do you ask?”
    “I saw some girls doing Irish dance when we were in Idaho Falls the other night, and I really want to learn how.”
    Ms. Slannon cocked her head. “I had a friend in college who competed in Irish dance. But that was way before Riverdance came out and it got so popular. I’ll see if I can get a hold of her and ask what she recommends.” Ms. Slannon smiled. “I’m sure you will do well in any dance you try.”
    “Thank you.” I ran out the door to meet Mom, making a mental note to look up Riverdance.
    When I got into the car, one of my pointe shoes fell out onto the floor.
    “Do you have everything?” Mom asked.
    I checked my bag for its mate. Somehow, I’d gotten out of the high school without it. “I left one of my shoes.”
    “You better go back and get it. I’ll wait.” Mom motioned for me to go.
    I hurried inside. My legs were already stiff from the cool of the night, and I embraced the blast of hot air that welcomed me back inside.
    Most of the lights were out, but the windows from the cafeteria cast a glow bright enough for me to see. The halls were eerily quiet. I moved silently, my insides squirming, even though I knew there was no one else in the building.
    There it was. My ballet shoe sat in the hallway, the ribbons trailing after it in a square of light that spilled from the gym door. I leaned over to pick up the shoe and froze. A rhythm echoed from the gym. I crept forward silently, wondering if Ms. Slannon had come back.
    She wasn’t there. Someone else had decided to use the empty gym for practice. Underneath the far basketball hoop, a man danced in an unlikely costume of overalls and work boots. The janitor, who finished the floors and cared for the grounds, danced without music.
    I hid myself behind the doorframe, not wanting to be discovered. Even if I had entered the room, he wouldn’t have noticed me. Eyes closed, he danced with wild abandon. He was younger than what I thought a janitor would be—probably twenty-eight or so. His face was smooth except for a hint of stubble on his jaw, and his dark hair stuck to his face from exertion.
    I rubbed at the raised hairs on my arms, dismissing the brief thought that I should retreat out the door and leave him to his dance.
    Low to the ground, the janitor’s feet moved in rhythm. Shuffles and slides were punctuated by an emphatic stomp that reminded me of the Irish dancers. The steps wove meaning and depth,