Page 31 of Rome: The Ballerina

“In every lifetime, lady.”

The call ended, prompting me to finalize the structure of my curls. My reflection in the mirror met me with my father’s voice.

You’re perfect, Rome. Just the way you are. My Prima. My Prima Ballerina.

“Thank you, Father,” I whispered, turning away from the mirror in an attempt to keep my mascara from ruining the rest of my makeup.

I pulled the brown dress over my head and slid it down my body with ease. The heels clung to my feet, making it almost impossible to determine my skin from the dark chocolate strap. I strutted toward the mirror, again.

This time, I wasn’t empty handed.The Sevyn Summers Duowas in tow. I dug my fingers into the body butter, slathering it on my arms and chest. I smoothed it up my neck and down my back. Anywhere that sunlight touched, I wanted the butter to rest so that the subtle glow was easily adorned.

After I’d coated my skin with the butter, I doubled down with the oil that completed the duo. My skin appeared flawless. The elusiveness of the ultra-fine particles of glitter and mica combined gave the perfect illusion of led-lit melanin.

It’s just too good, I thought, admiring myself in the mirror.Too good.

I placed the heavenly duo on the counter and headed back into the bedroom. Though Roulette had designed andcompletely furnished my dressing room, laying my things out on the bed felt like such a big deal for me. Nostalgic. Like the first day of school. First day of ballet camp. First dance. Prom. Graduation.

I had a lifetime to use the dressing room. Tonight wasn’t the night. I slid on the gold jewelry one piece at a time, each adding a bit of significance to my wardrobe. Once finished, I made my way to the dressing room, finally, stepping into the full clothed haven.

Perfume lined the vanity. I sealed my lids, extending my right arm. When my hand landed on a mystery bottle, I opened my eyes to findWildeunderneath the tips of my fingers. It was Roulette’s latest obsession. I never strayed too far from her suggestions. She was forever hip to the latest and greatest when it came to girl things. Woman things. Feminine things.

“Oh great.”

I uncapped the fragrance and spritzed from my head all the way down to my ankles, where I paid extra attention. The scent was scrumptious. I couldn’t determine if it lived up to its name. It was rather safe. Savory. Vanilla, yet floral. Bergamot but slightly citrusy. I couldn’t put my nose on the notes it contained, but I couldn’t wait to research them at a later date.

“Okay, Rome,” I said, standing in the full-length mirror.

Stunning.

My throat swelled with regret. I swallowed the lump but it reappeared immediately. Squeezing my lids together, I slapped the side of my leg and decided to retrieve my cell.

They won’t let me live it down. I reasoned.

With my cell in my hand, I returned. I unlocked the screen and searched my call history for the group call that contained every woman in the Childers clan. Roaman was the first to answer.

“You look pretty, baby. Where are you headed?”

“One second, Roaman. I want everyone on the line so I won’t have to say it more than once.”

“Okay. Is everything okay?”

“Um hmm,” Royce joined the call. “Everything is fine with this one.”

She was privy to information they weren’t.

“Tell me something good,” Roulette answered.

Rugger joined, quietly.

Range did the same.

“Hello, ladies and gent,” Rather sang.

“Who is the gent?” Range asked.

“Roulette. Y’all know she thinks she wears the boxers in her relationship. I don’t understand how Israel deals with her.”

“Because my pussy good. Fuck you thought? And, he’d better be glad I put up with him. I gets rid of niggas. Don’t act brand new. If he tired, I know another nigga rested up!”

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