When Aryk first both heard and saw the marimba, Aryk knew she had to be a percussionist. That was back in second grade. So at the end of her fifth-grade year, she told her parents that next year in 6th grade, she was going to play in percussion in the beginning band. Despite the fact that Aryk was mainly joining to play marimba, she enjoyed the drum part too. But her parents wouldn't have any of it.

"Aryk, it's not ladylike. You know that. I want to raise you in style, with elegance. I want people to be awed by your beauty and grace. When you enter the room, I want people to stop and stare, in awe of your beauty. And when they meet you and talk to you, your gentleness and attitude of a proper lady will entice them even more. Plus, it's attractive to boys." Her mother argued.

  Aryk groaned at her mother. "Mom, since when have I ever been gentle, graceful, beautiful, and ladylike? Never in the history of ever, that's when! Besides, so what if men like a girl like that? Too bad for them, I don't need a man! And so what if it's not ladylike? I like it and that's all that matters. Who cares about what society thinks! Don't you want to let your little girl who can die any second live her life to the fullest?" She shot back, playing the death card. 

  Her mother rolled her eyes at Aryk trying to convince her. "We don't know about your situation yet. The doctor said it was uncertain if you would live or die, so go on with life as normal. I'm not falling for that death card. So if you do perhaps live, then it will be all the better. And trust me, you may not want someone now, but you will want a gentleman when you are older."

  Anger was boiling inside of Aryk. "Wouldn't men like me more actually for going against society? I hear they find feisty women hot." She snapped, trying her best to reign in her temper. 

  Her mother's eyes snapped to hers. "Aryk! Don't say that! No they don't! Whoever told you that?!"

  "The boys at school. They said they like bad girls." Aryk sneered, narrowing her eyes at her mother. 

  Aryk's dad jumped in now. "Aryk, do not take that tone with your mother! She said you aren't joining percussion and that's final!"

  "But I don't really even want to do the whole drumming part! I want to play the graceful, elegant, beautiful, soothing, enticing marimba. It's calling out to me, you guys!"

 The parents looked surprised by her vocabulary for a second before regaining their anger and control again.

 "So what? We said you're not joining percussion, it's un-ladylike! So cry yourself a river, build a bridge, and get over it!" Her mother screeched.

  Aryk felt like bawling her eyes out. Yet she refused to show weakness. She was in such angst that without realizing, her inner phoenix that was begging to see the surface came out. In a hurry, she flew out of her house to the woods, burning the wooden door to get through because she couldn't be bothered to open it. She was too mad, anyway.

  A week later, Aryk decided that she still wanted to be involved with music. Her next option was to become a cellist. She told her parents about it. This time they were thrilled to know this. They believed that the violin and cello were as ladylike as it got when it came to playing an instrument.

  They took her to the closest place for cello lessons and she started. Aryk couldn't stand her teacher though. She was a crankpot that hated everyone and everything.

 One day, Aryk was falling asleep at an orchestral rehearsal, not able to handle her boring instructor droning on and on. Her teacher caught her and blew up at her.

  "Aryk Dwarvenburr-Muhrose! Lift your head up right now!"

  Aryk left out a startled snore as she woke up. "Wait what?"

  Her teacher shot a death glare at her. "Recite what I just said." After 3 months, Aryk was fed up with her instructor's attitude. "I'm sorry Mrs.Robinson, but with all due respect, no. I refuse to recite all of what you just said. Do you see the others reciting what you said? No. Why? Because I bet you they wanted to fall asleep like myself, they were just afraid of your jerky attitude!" She shot.

  Mrs.Robinson's tinted a dark pink. "I command you to leave my studio right now." She growled in a deathly tone.

 Aryk laughed once harshly. "Thank you Mrs.Robinson, I am more than happy to do so!" So with that, Aryk grabbed her cello, bow, and marched right out.

  She shoved aside the front door when she got home, still dragging her cello, and marched to her room.

  "Aryk Dwarvenburr-Muhrose! Just where do you think your going?!" Her mother screeched.

  "I'm going to no longer attend cello lessons but keep my baby, what do you think?" Aryk yelled from her room. She referred to her cello as her baby sometimes.

  "Excuse me? No you are not!"

  "Yes I am! That stupid Mrs.Robinson lady kicked me out because I fell asleep and refused to recite everything she said!" Aryk barked. She heard her mothers footsteps, so hastily she locked the door.

  When her mother couldn't get in, she started pounding on the door. "Aryk! Aryk, I command you to open this door right now, you hear me?!"

  "No!" Aryk yelled, her voice cracking. She finally broke down in sobs, no longer able to keep it in any longer. She was tired of being yelled at all the time, all the negativity from everyone, and all the sadness that she had to reign in.

  Her mother heard and felt guilty.

  "Oh, Aryk, my baby girl... I'm so sorry. I hope you can forgive me."

  Aryk stayed silent, not having it in her to forgive at the moment. So with a tiny voice, she squeaked out. "No, I'm sorry." She let out another sob and sniffed, wiping her nose with a tissue.

  Begrudgingly, she unlocked the door and opened it for her mom. The guilt and sorrow in her mothers eyes was so strong, she knew she had to forgive her.

  She ran into her mothers arms and tightly hugged her. "Mom... I'm so sorry... of course I forgive you." A guilt filled sob wracked her body. "I am so, so, sorry. I love you to heaven, hell, and back. And if I ever made you feel otherwise...." Tears leaked out of Aryk's eyes and onto her mother's shirt. 

   "Oh... Aryk...," she whispered. She hugged Aryk back, placing a kiss on her forehead. "No baby. Don't be sorry. I love you so very much and think you are such a brave, beautiful young girl. I realize now that I hurt you with what I told you. If you still want to be in percussion, you can do so. Like you said, you like it, and that's all that matters. So what do you say, honey?"

  Aryk puffed out a breath, feeling heartbroken. All that stress, when in reality she could have been in percussion all along. But as much as she wanted to, she simply couldn't because of what happened. She didn't think she would ever feel from the pain inflicted. So much so she didn't even want to think about percussion, as much as it hurt to admit. "Honestly, as much as it pains me to say this, I don't think I can join percussion after what happened. It pains me too much to think about it."

  "O-o-oh. Yes, of course." Aryk's mom stuttered. "I'm happy with whatever you choose." Truth be told, Aryk's mother could see right through Aryk and saw the pain inflicted which made her heart break even more. What pain she had caused on her daughter--it made her so guilt filled and remorseful. She wanted to be strong for Aryk, but it was hard after the sorrow she had caused. It hurt to know her own daughter was stronger than her. But she loved Aryk for how strong she was--this filled her with pride. My baby girl is already so grown up!

  Although Aryk wasn't playing any instruments, she didn't want to give up music as a whole. "What if I joined dance?" She asked in a hoarse whisper.

  Her mother pulled back to look at her, tears streaming out of her eyes. She held her at arms length. "Oh, Aryk," She wiped her tears. "Of course you can. I think that would be wonderful." Happy sobs started wracking her body, and Aryk joined in with her mother. Oh, Aryk, my sweet little dwarf, how I am so happy you found another art you are willing to join. Aryk's mom thought. I am so very thankful to that.

  "Thank you mom. I love you." Aryk said, hugging her mother again.

  "And I love you, too." Her mother said, rubbing Aryk's back comfortingly. When will my baby ever stop amazing me at her bravery? Her mother thought, sniffling.

  At that moment, for the first time in a long time, Aryk experienced what it felt like to feel loved. She felt her mothers words. The feeling was so foreign to her that it took her a moment to pinpoint, and when she did, she started crying happy tears.

  A month later, Aryk had told Candy her decision. Candy supported Aryk wholeheartedly and told the dance instructor, even putting a good work in for Aryk, who was more than happy to have Aryk in her class.

  Aryk was a natural. By her 2nd week (4th lesson), Aryk's instructor realized Aryk was too talented for the beginners, second years, even. So she enrolled in with the 3rd year students. Aryk advanced to the next class within that month and had to keep moving up, until she was at year 12, where she stayed before enrolling in Honeydew Academy.

  Honeydew offered a far more advanced dance program, and though it was difficult at first, after a few months she needed to be moved up to a higher class again. By the end of freshman year, Aryk was in the highest level class, and was performing professionally at universal competitions with her team, although she was much better than the rest. She stayed in the dance program, competing for Honeydew, until her junior year. She had to become an instructor since there were more girls joining the top class, and she was the most advanced. Yet she had no room on her schedule, so with a heavy heart, she left the dance program.

  When Aryk saw the spring dance flyer, she knew it was the perfect opportunity. Her and Candy's mom were now working as heads of the events committee, and Candy and Aryk would have an even higher chance at hosting dance lessons because of it.

  Aryk was in charge of more individual dancing. She and Candy both shared the duty of partner dancing. Lessons would start next week on Monday, and Aryk couldn't wait to finally teach dance.

  By the time Monday rolled around, Aryk couldn't have possibly been more thrilled. She felt content with dance for the first time in a long time. Along with the fact that she could be making a difference in some people's lives completely enthralled her. Maybe she would even influence others to pursue a career in the art of dancing.

A/N: I know, I put a lot of thoughts from Aryk's mom in there, and kind of dragged it on, but seriously. Her mom is a proud mother. No shame in that.

Aaaand I may have wanted to get back in the HDA writing spirit again cuz I wanted to update, it's been too long....