Page 3 of Rome: The Ballerina

“You were born to be great. I won’t let my shit suppress your nature. You are bigger than this. Bigger than all of this. You’re my superstar. I need you to shine, and know that I can see your light from wherever I am. Okay?”

I nodded. “Okay.”

“Now, go ahead. Get your day started. I’ll talk to you soon.”

“Did you give them the morning off as I requested?”

“I love you, baby.”

“Te–”

The line died.

Bzzzt.

Bzzzt.

I silenced the vibration in my hand with a push of the button on the side of my phone. My capacity had been reached. My heart was in knots. And, any more turmoil would annihilate me.

I can’t,Mother.

It pained me to ignore the call from Rhea, but my day depended on it. Progress was paramount. I wouldn’t make any if her voice swept across the line.

My feet moved quicker than my thoughts. I made my way toward the dressing area of my bedroom and peeled my shortsdown my legs. My top was next. Slowly, it slid upward and then fell to the floor quietly like the feathers of a wounded bird.

Naked, like the day I’d entered the world, I uncapped the antiperspirant and rubbed it underneath my arms. I placed it on the shelf after I’d coated my skin fairly, and swiftly followed with the body balm that had become my saving grace. I swiped underneath each breast, across my bare, lasered mound, and in the creases where my treasure met my thighs.

There. I thought, placing the cap back on the tube.

Seamless, buttery soft panties covered my most prized possession. The chill of the fabric made fine bumps thicken the skin on my arms. The brown leggings slid up my frame with ease. They rested against my midsection, leaving little room for bloat or growth, yet they promoted unrestricted movement.

Brwn&Bodied.

They’d become my favorite brand of athletic gear from the moment I put my feet on the pavement in a pair of theirMax Movementleggings. The cinch was incredible. The forgiveness was unforgettable.

The matching sports bra settled over my breasts. A cropped crew neck with a deep, plunging zipper and elongated neckline fell on top of it so effortlessly. I pushed my feet forward as I pulled the free pair of socks up to my ankles. The total of my last order rewarded me with cash benefits I’d used to my advantage.

Upon entering the bathroom, lights illuminated the space. Heated floors greeted me with warmth. My shoulders lowered slowly at the realization I hadn’t been as clueless as I’d believed while creating the schedule for the technical details of my new home. Though complicated, they were necessary.

Naturally, my feet stiffened, curving into an arch. On my tip toes, I glided toward the sink. Warm water cascaded down the marble, disappearing into the drain as quickly as it had come outof the faucet. I slathered toothpaste on my brush as I marveled at my reflection in the mirror.

“Raegan–” I paused, waiting for the computer with access to many of my spaces to speak up.

“Good morning, Rome. The weather is nice today. There is plenty of sunshine with a high of seventy-five. Winds are light. Is there anything I can do for you this morning?”

“Yes.”

“What can I help you with?”

“Shuffle Cleo Sol.”

“Shuffling Cleo Sol.”

“Raegan,” I called out, again.

“Yes, Rome?”

“Integrate a little SZA. The slow songs. And Sade.”

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