AllFreeNovel
Share Us
It’s the day before Christmas break when we reconvene in the music room for our gift exchange.Greyson gifts the ballerina with an old music box, its delicate chimes filling the room.
I hand her the collection ofShoesbooks by Mary Noel Streatfeild—slightly worn but filled with stories that will inspire her.Greyson receives a comic book from me.One I’ve created just for him.In return, he gives me the video game I’ve been wanting since the beginning of the year.
“If you ever need us, you have to call us,” I say, realizing that recess is almost over.
She nods, understanding the importance of staying connected.“My sister will be with us for a week.”
“You have a sister?”I ask, puzzled by this revelation.
“Yeah, Enya,” she mumbles, the name barely audible.“She lives with our father.Our parents have a weird custody arrangement.”She shrugs, as if knowing it’s a unique family dynamic, yet accepting it.
“When do you get to see your father?”I inquire, genuinely curious about her schedule.After my parents separated, I never saw Dad again, even when he had visitations.After Mom remarried and my stepfather adopted me, he never came back to check on us.
“I don’t,” she replies dismissively.“He only loves Enya.I don’t see the point in seeing him again.”
Greyson is about to speak, but I shake my head, silently urging him not to interfere.I know he might say something like “they both love you” or try to offer comforting words.But he hasn’t experienced divorces, abandonment, or broken families like I have.
I understand her pain, so I hope Greyson won’t attempt to convince her that maybe her dad loves her and she just needs to give him another chance.
Quickly, I scribble my phone number on theDancing Shoesbook, and Greyson does the same on theSkating Shoesbook.“If you need us, call us,” I say, emphasizing our support.“We’ll figure out how to find you.”
“We will,” Greyson assures her.“I have a big brother who already drives, and he and his friends can help if necessary.”
Though I’m not sure if Tucker will actually lend us a hand, I want to be prepared for anything.Our friendship means we’ll always be there for each other, no matter the circumstances.
ChapterTwenty-One
Greyson
The school yeargoes by fast.Between homework, after-school activities, and tests, we suddenly go from holiday carols to the end of the school year.Throughout it all, our quiet ballerina becomes woven into our tight-knit circle, despite her reserved nature.
By the time the May flowers bloom, most of her free time is absorbed in practicing for her upcoming recital—a solo performance.San and I compose a piece for it since it’s for the academy’s end-of-the-year event.It’s a song as beautiful and unique as she is.
The day of the recital arrives, and we finally meet Mrs.Carlton.She doesn’t look at all like her daughter, but they share the same grace.Yet, beneath Mrs.Carlton’s poised exterior, I detect a chilly demeanor.She reminds me of a Disney villain.It’s a mix between Cruella De Vil and Maleficent.
After the recital, we all congregate behind the stage where there’s a wave of laughs and congratulations as we walk by.That’s when I hear Mrs.Carlton’s icy voice slicing through the air.“I don’t understand why you had children playing for her, and not an orchestra.She’s a future prima ballerina, not your average student.You should have more respect for her.”
“It’s an academy recital.We encourage our students to collaborate,” Aunt Ainsley calmly explains.Then, she points at me.“He’s a musical prodigy, and you don’t see his parents demanding special accommodations.”
Mrs.Carlton scoffs dismissively.“Never heard of a Greyson Cooperson.”She scrunches her nose.I’m sure she wouldn’t be as mean, if she knew that I’m actually a Decker.“The quality of this place leaves a lot to be desired.”
My aunt rolls her eyes.Obviously she doesn’t know of me.My parents are very protective of their children.Mom was a child actor who grew up in the spotlight.She doesn’t want that for us.When I turn to look at our ballerina, there’s a flicker of hurt in her eyes.
“You did great,” I tell her, offering a distraction from the unpleasant conversation between my aunt and her mother.
San gently squeezes her hand and nods, his gaze sliding to the stage.His band is performing next, and he can’t stick around.I give him a reassuring look, a silent promise.Don’t worry, I’ve got her.
“I guess that will have to do,” Mrs.Carlton says dismissively.I don’t know what she’s referring to, but Aunt Ainsley gives me a sly smile.
“We have to go.You need to practice more.I saw that wobble at the end, darling.You have to give it a hundred percent from beginning to end,” Mrs.Carlton’s voice is as cold as winter, her icy fingers clamping down on our ballerina’s tremulous hands.“You can always do better.We’ll make sure of it.”
I watch as they retreat.The heaviness in the pit of my stomach makes me feel so helpless.I can’t shield her from her mother’s cruelty, more so when they’re leaving.
Turning to Aunt Ainsley, I ask, “Is she going to be okay?”
Her grin is mischievous.“We’ll make sure of that.For now, she’ll attend a twelve-week camp.It’ll include one-on-one practices and even synchronized swimming to help her form.”
I frown.“Do we even have that kind of camp?”
