I felt like lightning had struck. Here I was, next to the hottest guy I'd ever seen, yet my grandmother thought I could beat him on his home turf. I could remember the conversation from a week ago, like it had happened yesterday. Some words more lucid in my mind than others : Lay waste to the Blackwells and your father's reputation and business will remain untouched, but if you fail, expect very harsh repercussions for the both of you.
I didn't know what she meant, but apparently my dad had looked like he'd seen a ghost. I didn't question him. I knew he was a brave man and whatever Elizabeth Grant held around his neck like a noose, must have been huge. After the brief but demanding conversation, she then enrolled me into enemy territory and gave me skating equipment. I asked her why I needed such a thing and she only replied with a wicked smile and the words, "To be on the same playing field." Before leaving the same way she had arrived: abruptly…
Dakotah's smile faded as he must've seen an array of expressions cross my face. His gaze like a hawk: sharp and inquisitive. I was about to tell him I was alright, those eyes searing deep into my memory, but truthfully I felt my heart break a little. I was thrust into a new school, a different life, and the only friend I seemed to have made was technically a rival. A moment passed, where I wondered if Dakotah already knew who I was but his honest expression revealed that he wasn't wicked or conniving. Like my grandmother.
"Sorry, did you say 'Dakota Blackwell'?" Rubbing an eye as if tired, I hoped he didn't see through the façade. I was surprised as fuck.
Dakotah suddenly looked nervous and grabbed a bit of his long hair, twirling it around his forefinger. "Yeah. My father's the Director and Founder of this academy and Blackwell International. It's a huge corporation created for lovers of dance, ice skating, and the creative arts; among others. Him and my mother worked their whole lives to fulfill the wishes and hopes of those who could only dream about such grandiose ideas."
Shifting into a more comfortable position, Dakotah continued, "I was practically raised here. My sister Talutah and I. We roamed these grounds for years, playing in the courtyard fountain, running in the corridors, pranking the professors." At the memory, I could see the hint of a smile. "But I never thought that someday I might have to run this place."
I watched as his smile turned grim. Being the curious idiot that I was, I blurted, "What's so bad about that?"
Turning to look me in the eyes, "If I do, that means I would be giving up my dream."
"What would that be?"
"Ice skating of course. I want to be an international champion." His smile returned, and I couldn't help smiling myself.
"I see…." I understood what it had meant to have a dream. A deep longing passion that overwhelms you to the breaking point of the impossible. I understood it so well, that I felt a protective need for the man in front of me. I was going to help him achieve it, come hell or high water. "I truly hope you achieve it."
"Thank you." He then pushed himself out of the seat just as a crowd of about a hundred people came pouring in. "Well, I better get ready, the last half of orientation's about to begin. Once again, it was nice meeting you William. I do hope we can meet again." Walking away, I watched in despair as my only friend left me with a bunch of complete strangers.