The Ballerina

Acelynn decided that this was irrational. Trying to decide what to wear was for dates. It was for dances, balls, parties, special occasions, funerals, weddings, baptisms, christenings, and fancy restaurants. It was not, however, for meeting your friend’s father.

But she couldn’t help but be nervous meeting the seemingly important business man. Apparently, he was incredibly judgmental and didn’t seem to care much for his own flesh and blood. His visit made his own spawn panic and worry. Acelynn couldn’t even fathom how Tuck and Luke were feeling, but she knew she felt uneasy and slightly sick. Like was had swallowed a can of worms and a net full of butterflies.

Should she go more casually – jeans and a t-shirt? Or was that too informal? Maybe one of the skirts she owned and a plain long sleeve shirt. Or was that too girlish? But maybe he liked girls to be more feminine and less masculine. Maybe he was one of those piggish men who thought little of woman. Should she wear a dress?

It was only nine o’clock in the morning and already Acelynn wanted to rip her hair out. Oh – and ugh, she had to deal with that rat’s nest she called hair.

A knock came from her door. “Come in.” She called but still stared at her clothes.

“Hey.” Tuck; of course. Acelynn took a deep breath and mentally braced herself for whatever was going to happen.

“Yes?”

“Just seeing if you needed any help getting ready.” He said, much to the girl’s surprise. “You’ve only got three hours before he gets here – and believe me, he’ll get here at twelve on the dot.”

“Are you serious?” Acelynn asked, and faced the taller boy.

Tuck was wearing something Acelynn never thought he would. At first glance, he didn’t even look like the real Tuck. His hair was neat and gelled perfectly. He wore a light grey dress shirt that was either new or freshly ironed. The dress shirt was tucked into a pair of black slacks held onto his waist by a black, leather belt. And instead of wearing his usual Vans, he traded the skater shoes for two shiny dress shoes.

“As a heart attack. Even if the plane were to be delayed three hours, Brian Spencer would find a way to get here at twelve.” Tuck drawled and leaned himself against one of the book cases.

“No, I meant about helping me dress. How could you possibly help me – and what makes you even think that I need help?” Now she was just being overly defensive towards him, but Acelynn couldn’t help it. She felt like she needed to be that way around him.

“Pull back, Cujo.” The green eyed man replied calmly and pushed himself away from the bookshelf. He walked towards Acelynn slowly. “And yeah, I think you need my help.”

“Why do I doubt that you can help me?” She replied and began to poke through her clothes again. It was a skimpy amount but she should be able to find something.

“Just admit it; you need me.” Tuck smirked. He was dangerously close to the brunette. She made herself stay in place, fighting him. Acelynn refused to let him continue to push her around and treat her like a rag doll. She had to stand up for herself.

“I think I need you to leave.”

Instead of leaving, Tuck shoved his hand into one of the drawers. When he did so, Acelynn really realized how close he was to her when her face brushed up against Tuck’s shirt. She wanted to inch away, but that would be giving in.

Tuck stood upright again and placed something in her hands. Acelynn looked down and saw a plain, black, long sleeve shirt. He moved again, and this time, a white lace skirt was in her hands. Somehow, it was perfect.

Acelynn didn’t know what to say. Should she thank him? Should she tell him he was an idiot and spend another hour trying to find something else? She did neither, of course. Instead, she just said: “Are you gay or something?”

Tuck hacked up a laugh and smiled a giant smile. “No.” He giggled. “I just happen to be an expert in picking out things that fit my father’s expectations.” The older boy looked so different from before; so clean cut and sharp. His laugh – a genuine laugh because he thought something was actually funny – made him look so much younger and carefree. It made Acelynn relax a little more.

“Well, thank you.” She said to him shyly. Somehow, in the midst of Tuck’s glee, he had taken a step back and left Acelynn with some personal space.

“So, I’ve leave you to your business, my lady.” Tuck said, and bowed to her.
It was official; Tuck was even more of a mystery than before. He left Acelynn so dazed and confused, she had no idea what to think anymore.



Acelynn felt so utterly lost and nervous. Tuck had said that Brian Spencer would arrive at twelve on the dot, and it was five ‘til. She only had a few minutes to make any last minutes adjustments before heading to the entry way to wait, just like Luke and Tuck.

“Ace! Get down here – he’s coming up the drive way!” Luke shouted, and Acelynn’s heart skipped a beat.

This wasn’t a drill, it was the real deal. Brain Spencer was only a few strides of being in the same house than Acelynn was. “I’m coming!” She responded shakily and ran down the stairs to Luke, who looked panicked.

Luke looked as if he were going to a funeral. He had a black dress shirt and black slacks. He looked absolutely deathly. And his black hair along with his dark clothes made his beautiful blue eyes stand out even more. He also looked so much paler.

When Luke saw Acelynn, he seemed to look a little more relieved. Maybe he wondered if she would look presentable enough. Of course, she didn’t have anything as fancy as any of the Spencer’s, but she did look acceptable and she knew it pleased Luke. “You look good.” He smiled weakly.

“Thanks.” She reflected the smile back at him.

All three teens jumped when the front door swung open. They all stood at attention in line and witnessed the return of Brian Spencer.

The door opened quickly and loudly. It made a sharp banging noise as it hit the door stopped when Mr. Spencer entered the room. The eldest of the Spencer Clan stepped into the room with such an authoritive presence, it made Acelynn shiver. Brian Spencer was at least half a head taller than Tuck. He wore a classic suit; a white button up with a black jacket over. His own black slacks matched both his sons and he also wore a black tie.

He had golden hair that matched neither of his sons and totally threw Acelynn off. If she were to have guessed, she would have never chosen this man as the father of Tuck and Luke. They looked absolutely nothing alike. He had neither blue or green eyes but brown, like Acelynn’s own. And this man had a permanent scowl on his face.

“Hey, Dad.” Luke breathed out. His voice quivered in the air.

Acelynn noticed that in his hands, he carried a stack of letters. Instead of addressing Luke and looking at his son, he continued to shuffle through the bills. “Hello Lucas.” His deep voice pronunciated. It sent shivers down the young girl’s spine.

It was silent for another few moments. It was as if no one knew what to say or do. Tuck was leaning against the staircase banister lazily. He didn’t seem to really care about this whole thing. Acelynn wondered why he even showed up.

“Dad, this is Acelynn.” Luke continued. “She’s one of my friends from… School.”

“Wonderful, Lucas.” Brian Spencer replied, but he didn’t make it sound all that wonderful. He continued to look through the mail. It was a large stack. The wind blew, making Acelynn shiver and she realized that he never closed the door.

“Hello Mr. Spencer.” Acelynn dared speak. She fidgeted a little.

Brian Spencer finally looked up to the sound of a girl’s voice. His stony eyes judged Acelynn at that very moment. As soon as he looked her over, he went back to looking through his mail. “Who are you?” Acelynn’s heart skipped. “One of Tuck’s whores?”

The small girl let a cough escape her lips. Tuck also did the same but did it more animated and brought his hand to his face. “I’m sorry, what?” She asked.

“Dad – Dad, I just told you; this is Acelynn. She’s a friend from school. She’s going to stay here for awhile.” Luke said desperately.

And at that moment Acelynn realized how much Luke desired his father’s attention. It wasn’t as if he was some bratty three year old wanting attention; Luke wanted his own father to recognize his existence. Luke, for whatever reason, didn’t get his father’s love. He cared so much what Brian Spencer thought and Brian didn’t even notice. How pathetic Luke must feel Acelynn would never know. In fact, she never wanted to know.

“So you’re finally taking after your brother?” Brian Spencer said drily. Acelynn’s cheeks turned red at his insinuation that she was sleeping with his son. “Whatever. Is lunch still being served at twelve-thirty? Good. I’ll be in my study until then.”

At that, the head of the Spencer Clan walked up the staircase and disappeared from sight. The door was also left open, and the cold was filling the house. Acelynn heard a familiar scratch and then smelt the familiar scent of cigarette smoke. She turned to her right and saw Tuck smoking.

“Well that went better than I thought it would.” Tuck said to no one in particular. He leaned back on the banister.

“Shut up.” Luke responded quietly. He walked towards the front door and closed it, stopping the winter air from coming into the house. “I’m… I’m going to go tell the cook that lunch is at twelve-thirty.”

“Luke—“ Acelynn began to say as he left for the kitchen. But she stopped herself, because she didn’t know what else to say. What could she say? So she let him walk away and silently mourn for his crushed feelings.

How could a father possibly treat his son that way? What could possibly drive someone to behave in such a manner? Couldn’t Brian Spencer even see how awful he had just made Luke feel? With his cold words and stony exterior. It was so obvious that Luke wanted some sort of recognition from his father that it was almost painful to watch. Acelynn wanted to interfere, but how could she?

She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. This was a tricky situation and she had no idea what to do. Leave Luke alone, or be with him? Her maternal instincts told her to go and be with him, but she was frightened as to what would happen if she did.

“Come to my room, Acelynn.” Tuck spoke and startled the girl. She had forgotten he was still there. He put his cigarette out on the banister, leaving a small, black mark. He dropped the cigarette butt on the floor and left it. “We need to talk.” He repeated the words Acelynn had told him the day before.

“About what?” She asked in a small voice.

Tuck looked incredibly serious. It scared the girl a little as to what he may want to talk about. “It’s important; just come on already.” He replied as he climbed up the stairs.

Acelynn’s curiosity got the better of her and she followed the dark character up the staircase.