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Both Cici and Madison called me and wanted to arrange something for my twenty-first birthday in a few months. I agreed but asked them not to talk about the date with Ares. I'm sure he doesn't remember.
Three weeks from now will be my debut as prima ballerina of the New York City Ballet, and the anxiety is already hitting me hard. I don't need another reason to be tense, and any contact with my Greek guardian would worsen my condition.
I look at my phone on the bed and call JeAnne, praying she’ll answer. Since I arrived in New York, we've only spoken three times. I understand that she didn't want to come live in Manhattan, but after so many years together, is she going to cutme out of her life, like a Band-Aid ripped off and discarded in the trash?
When we talk on the phone, she seems fine but not as mellow as she used to be, and I wonder if I did something to upset her.
"Serenity, how are you?" she answers on the third ring.
"JeAnne, did I do something to hurt you?" I ask, because every time she’s distant with me, it's like a stab to the heart.
"Hurt me?"
"You’re different with me now."
"I'm having some problems, Serenity."
"Can I help? Do you need money?"
"It's nothing you need to worry about."
"And your coming here? Don't you want to see the city? My apartment is huge. I can arrange a charter flight for you. You wouldn't even need to come by a commercial one." I hate to sound desperate, but I'm tired of pretending I'm never sad.
"It is not necessary. I will come soon."
“Okay,” I say, because it's clear she doesn't want to continue talking, but just as I'm about to hang up, she calls my name. "Yes?"
"Are you happy there?"
"I'm fine, JeAnne. I have new friends, and I live in an incredible place."
"That's not what I asked."
I think about the question. Am I happy? I have everything a girl my age could want, so why don't I feel fulfilled?
"Yes, I'm happy," I lie.
"Did you know that Van Lith passed away?"
"What?"
"He died a few days ago."
"How do you know?"
"There was a note in the newspaper. I thought Mr. Kostanidis would tell you."
"And why would he know?"
"Because he was the only person present at the funeral."
"When was that?"
"Soon after you moved to New York."
"But you and I spoke after that. Why didn't you tell me?"
"I forgot."