AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The cool thing about this number was that it featured all the male tap students. The audience roared with applause as we came onstage and began the routine with a popular jazz song. It was snappy and showed off our skills as we formed a circle and performed cool solo tricks that made the crowd cheer louder.
The number was a success; Ms. Bardo’s kickass choreography helped us shine, and she was so thrilled; her whistling and clapping made me grin as we filed offstage.
By the end of the two-hour show, I was smiling so wide my cheeks hurt. I thought I might wither away without being able to dance in some way, shape, or form because it was everything I loved. According to Mom, my grandmother had been the same. I’d always wished I could’ve gotten to know her, but she died when I was a baby.
Our finale involved a clap-out number where each act was announced, and the dancers came out to bow for the audience. After we were called, we stayed onstage but moved back to allow the next group to be acknowledged. We performed a line-dance routine in the background while we waited. It was to a pop song that all the classes had learned for the recital. It was fun and a release of all the tension. The crowd was up on their feet, applauding and swaying to the music.
That was when I finally allowed myself to look for my family in the audience. I spotted Emil’s parents first, and then a couple of rows back, Mom and Star were smiling wide and clapping to the music. I nearly stumbled over my own two feet when I saw Henry standing next to Star and clapping so hard I thought his palms might sting.
Holy shit, what? Were my eyes deceiving me? But no, there he was in the crowd, smiling and looking so proud and happy. My heart ballooned in my chest just watching him.
Afterward, we filed off the stage to the dressing area to change. There was excited chatter everywhere, but I was having trouble concentrating. Even Emil had to say my name a couple of times before I responded. Once I was back in my clothes, I stuffed my things in my bag and followed Emil out to the lobby, where all the families were waiting for us.
I couldn’t breathe as my gaze scanned everyone until it landed on Mom and Star…and Henry, holding a bouquet of flowers.
Star rushed over to hug me first. “I want to learn to tap!”
I grinned. “I’ll teach you some this weekend.”
Mom was next, but I barely heard her congratulatory words as Henry stood behind her.
“You were amazing,” Henry said, stepping up and pushing the flowers toward me. “I… Your mom told me this is what people do after a recital, so here you go.”
After so many years, Mom and I had an agreement that we didn’t have to do any more flowers, not only because they were expensive, but I preferred she planted her garden instead, something she loved doing.
“Thank you.” I sniffed the roses and carnations out of habit, completely dazed that he was standing in front of me. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?”
“Because it was a surprise, silly,” Mom said, pressing her shoulder to mine.
Students gawked as they passed by us, which felt all kinds of awkward.
I leaned forward. “You were brave to show up here. It’s really cool that you came.”
“That’s what friends do,” he said, and then we stared way too long at each other. Emil and Justin stepped up with their families to chat, both seeming confused about Henry’s presence.
Leah asked him what he thought of the show.
“It rocked,” he said, and she smiled.
As families began filing out, Henry said, “Well, I’m gonna take off.”
“Thank you again for coming,” I replied, holding his gaze.
When he turned and headed to the exit, I watched him go.
Mom threw her arm around me and squeezed.
“I can’t believe you knew about this,” I said.
“He showed up at the diner one night to ask me about tickets.”
My mouth dropped open. “He did?”
“Yep. Asked me to keep it quiet, and I agreed and told him to make sure to sit with us.”
“I…I’m still in shock, I guess.”
Mom chuckled. “Someone’s got a crush.”
