My lady, we need you. [chapter-1]

"1, 2, 3, and kick," A middle age lady called out from the front of the class

as loud music blared from the speakers beside her. "Turn, turn, and stop."

As she said ‘stop’ all the hip-hop students held the pose listening as the

final notes of the up beat music faded away. "Very good every one! Recital

is only three weeks away." She praised loudly so the whole class of thirty

could hear her clearly. "And for the fist time in my life I think we're going to

be ready." She whispered to the young fourteen year old girl beside her.

"Mrs. Yankivish?" The young girl asked, her frame tall and erect; and her

voice like-wise.

“Yes, Hannah?” The lady said, turning her complete attention to her

inquisitive student.

“I know I’ve said this ever since we’ve started but I still don’t think I’m quite

getting the step ball change. For some reason it just doesn’t work with me.”

“Hannah, my dear, you are my star pupil and everything in hip-hop ‘works

with you’. I never understand how you keep finding things to come and ask

me about every class! But I suppose you wouldn’t be as good if you

didn’t.” Mrs. Yankivish sighed and placed strong hand on the young girl’s

straight shoulders. “Wait over there until we have the room ourselves

dear.”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Valerie! Please don’t forget your gym bag again.” She called to a short

black haired girl about to run out the door empty handed.

“Oh drat! I’m sorry Mrs. Yankivish. I always forget it!” Valerie scurried

over to Hannah who was standing nearly on top of her bag.

“Hannah, when I was out there I saw that creepy guy again. When you

leave you probably should go a different way.” She whispered worriedly as

she bent to retrieve her forgotten bag. She threw it over her shoulder and

added, “And your sure that the police can’t do anything about him all of the

2nd level hip-hop class thinks he’s stalking you.”

“I wouldn’t call it stalking I just see him everywhere… and sometimes I catch

him staring at me…” There was a long pause. “But I talked to the police;

they said that a restraining order could not be placed until he actually does

something ‘offensive’.”

“That’s ridiculous!” The girl turned to leave. “I’d still go the other way.”

She called back.

“Thanks! I’ll take your advice!” Hannah called, truly grateful for her attentive

friends.

“Alright, that’s the last of them.” The teacher said as she positioned herself

in front of Hannah and faced the mirror. “They may be noisy but they

certainly pour out of here quickly.” Mrs. Yankivish smiled. “Alright, if you’re

ready just go through it once as I watch.” Hannah did as she was told

falling out of the step due to slight unbalance. The kind lady explained this

then showed what she was doing wrong. “Now try it once more.” Again

Hannah did as she was told this time getting it perfect.

“Thank you! I’m so sorry to take up your time!”

“I just wish the other girls would be as obsessed and passionate as you

are. May I ask are you as fervent in everything you do?”

Hannah turned to look at her mentor as she walked slowly toward the back

door.

“Everything, I’m not sure why but I drives me crazy if I don’t put my entire

mind and body into it.” Hannah felt some what awkward talking of herself.

“That is amazing! I hope you never change! I say, if you don’t become

some one great I’ll give up hip-hop!”

“Oh goodness,” Hannah giggled at her lively teacher “The reigning state

champion can’t quit. I’ll have to be very careful to get a good job.” Her

teacher smiled as Hannah turned and walked away. “Good bye thanks

again. I’ll see you next Friday” She called through the door as it glided to a

close behind her.

She stood alone out side on a slab of concrete that was the back patio. The

sun was just beginning to sink which made the spring day much cooler than

it had been. She shivered.

“Some days I can’t stand walking home after dance.” Hannah complained

while she unzipped her dance bag to retrieve a gold silk cover up.

“It is awfully cold out isn’t it.” A strange male voice rang from appallingly

close beside her. Shocked Hannah turned and found herself staring into the

face of a red haired young man (he looked to be in his late twenties).

“Oh! I’m so sorry! You scared me! Yes sir it is chilly.” Hannah tried zipped

her dance bag as she walked trying to get away from the stranger.

“You could ride in my car it’s got heating and though it doesn’t look like

much it’ll get you to the place you want to go.” Hannah glanced at the ratty

pick-up truck the stranger had motioned to.

“Sir, I hate to be rude,” she started walking faster as she noticed he was

starting to follow her. “But I’m going to walk.” Before another word could

be spoken she rounded the corner and sprinted away as fast as she could.

She did not dare to look back. A few blocks away she slowed her pace down

to her normal leisurely walk. She felt safe as she past the numerous

homely shops that made up the ‘good side’ of down town.

'I’m only a few blocks from my house. Who was that horrible man! He’s

not the usual creep that hangs around me! The usual one is some how…

nicer looking then that one.’

Shivering more from fear than cold, Hannah slowly trekked the remaining

distance. As she turned on to her street she caught a glimpse of what

looked like the creepy man she has grown accustom to. In a strange way

she was glad to see it was him.

Even if it was better to see him then the other, he still freaked her out and

she kept an eye on him while she walked the last few yards. As she got

further away he would make a subtle move in her direction.

I think he is stalking me Oh God! This is not right! God, I’m terrified! Help

me please.

As soon as she said it small wave of security coursed through her. It was

just enough to keep her going up to her front door. At the door she

chanced to look back and see the pick-up truck that the man had offered

her a ride in.

God! He’s back! Lord, HELP!

With out taking out the fake key and pretending to unlock it as she

normally did, Hannah opened and stumbled through the door. Immediately

she locked the door behind her and picked up the phone that was sitting on

the hall table beside her.

On the second ring her mother picked up the other end.

“Hello?” I pleasant voice rang from the other end.

“Mom…”

“Hannah! Is everything alright?”

“I’m really freaked out, mom. The creepy guy is STILL following me and

now some new guy tried to get me to ride home in his truck! What do I

do?” She prattled off hysterically.

“Honey, Calm down. Are you alright?

“Yes mom, I’m fine. I just can’t stop shaking.”

“I’ll come home right away if you want.”

Hannah sighed. “Would you mom? That would make me feel so much

better.”

“Yes, in fact I’ll pick you up and drive you to ‘Carla’s so you can keep to

your quota of going for Friday night special every week.”

“Thank you mom, so much! I love you.” With that they said goodbye, and

Hannah set the receiver back were it belonged. Sighing Hannah checked

the lock again, locked.

Dear Lord, why is this happening? If you will please make them stop

following me. I don’t think I can stand it much longer.

She prayed fervently, tears streaming down her face, as she sank to the

floor beside the door which she was to afraid to venture from.

In less then ten minutes her mother arrived and came tromping through the

basement door.

“Hannah? Hannah, where are you sweetie?”

“I’m here mom, by the front door.” Hannah replied as she rose slowly to

her feet.

“Oh honey!” Her mom exclaimed on seeing her daughter’s tear stained

face. “Are you sure you want to go we can stay here if you want.” Her

mother offered putting a loving hand around her daughter’s shoulders.

“No, I think that getting out would be much better. I need the distraction.”

Hannah replied.

“Very well, I love you sweetie.” Her mom hugged her close.