I hand her a plastic bag containing the shoes. She takes them out and turns them over in her hands. “They’re ultra-light.”
“Uh-huh. Here’s the shanks. I’d start with the hardest if I were you.” I show her the internal compartment where she can insert the plastic supports. “Oh, I should’ve asked. What do you use for padding? Lambswool? Toe pads?”
“I don’t use anything.”
My eyes widen. “You’re brave.”
Celine shrugs. “I’m lucky, the rubbing of the shoes has never bothered my feet.” Once they’re on, she places her hands on the barre and rolls up onto her toes. “Blimey. These feel... different.”
“It’s a strange sensation. The shank conforms to your foot.”
“Yeah. It feels like the shoe has already been broken in.” She pops down to a flat.
“Do you want to sew on the ribbons and elastic while I start breakfast?”
“Yes, please.”
Spending time with Celine,I’m able to gain a little inside dirt on Sam. The overwhelming picture she paints is that he’s not just her older brother. He’s asuperbrother.
“...and Sam walked in with so manyflowers for me that one of my teachers had to ask him to sit in the back row because he kept poking Ellie’s mum, who was sitting next to him.
“This other time, he took the train from London to Nottingham to pick up Sarah, then rented a car and drove them three hours to Newcastle upon Tyne for a gymnastics camp. Sarah said they should’ve taken the train, but Sam insisted on a direct route. He didn’t want her to get caught in any delays.”
At about half past eight, a knock sounds on the front door. “It’s open,” I shout.
Sam enters, shaved and looking dapper in a pair of charcoal trousers and crisp white dress shirt. “How are two of my favorite ladies?”
“Good. Especially now that your ugly beard is gone,” Celine says.
“I’m surprised to see you up this early, Celine.” He walks over to hug her.
“She’s been up since about six.”
“Has she now?” He gives her an inquisitive stare.
“Uh-huh. I told Minerva all about how you’re the best brother there is.”
Sam relaxes and takes up an empty bar stool. “Have you been telling her all my secrets?”
“Just the ones that will get her to fall back in love with you.” Sam and I both freeze. “I like her. Try not to make her mad at you again once you fix whatever you did. Sarah is going to be so jealous she’s a ballerina and not a gymnast!”
Hearing Celine say that excites me. I like her a lot too. I’d always wished I had a niece or a sister like her. Not that there was anything wrong with my having an older brother or nephews, but I’ve never been able to bond and connectwith them in a deep way. We’re genetically related to one another, but we live separate lives.
Thinking about my nephews, I feel guilty I haven’t made much effort to be in their lives. Maybe I should start trying to be more present by calling them more than once a year. I know that my relationship with them won’t change overnight, but maybe I can start small and work on building it up. Same with my brother and sister-in-law.
“We, er, don’t have to tell Sarah right away,” Sam sputters.
“Yes we do, I want Minerva to come with you to my spring recital. That means Sarah is going to want her to come with you to the English Championships and British Championships.”
“Celine, we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves.” Sam is drumming his fingers against the counter. I’ve noticed it’s something he tends to do when he’s nervous or thinking. “Min has her own life and is a very busy person, just like you. She may not be able to come to your recital or Sarah’s competitions.”
I appreciate that Sam is taking the time to explain to her in an appropriate way that adults don’t always have the same level of freedom as kids. Sometimes, wearebusy. For instance, if Celine’s recital were this weekend, there’s no way I’d be able to go. I couldn’t run out on Mr. G on a day’s notice, even though he’d probably give me the day off if I asked him.
“Oh.” She becomes stoic. “I understand.”
“Celine, what Sam says is true.” I nod to him. “I promise if I’m free and able to be at your performance, you’ll find me in one of the front row seats with a giant teddy bear and flowers.”
Celine is instantly back to her happy, bubbly self. She jumps up from her seat and rushes over to hug me.
