Chapter 11
Aurora
Six weeks later
Clutching the phone tightly to my ear, I set the suitcase down on the paved courtyard of the modern apartment building and let my gaze wander over the elegant facade with its French windows. The white wooden mullions in the glass panes glow in the bright July light.
This is where I'll be living from now on.
Unbelievable.
Sky and I have stayed in touch since the audition. She was accepted as well, and her parents rented an apartment with an extra room for me.
She was my savior because after the immense expenses for my mother's treatment, money is extremely tight at home. I'll have to get by with a part-time job now.
"I'm here," I whisper with awe into the phone, finding it hard to believe this is really happening.
From now on, I'll be trained at the most innovative dance academy in Europe. And beyond that, I'll finally see the man again who hasn't left my mind since the audition even though we've only spoken once.
It's crazy, but it's true.
Since the academy's acceptance letter arrived in the mailbox five weeks ago, I've been practicing every day. I not only perfected my dancing but also improved my already good English skills with Sky's help. Now, I'll have no problem understanding every technical term at the school. I've even learned a bit of French.
"A new life begins," my brother says on the other end of the line. Suddenly, applause breaks out. It must be coming from my sisters, Camilla and Alessia, who are listening to our conversation via speakerphone.
It's not just a new life for me; it's a new life for all of us. Alessia is about to attend college in Rome, Camilla is moving in with Pietro. And Vico is leaving our hometown, Collina da sogno, without even knowing where he wants to go. It feels like our family is falling apart after Mother's death, but we all have to move forward.
"A new life," I repeat with sentimental feelings, twirling around in a circle. The Paris city center passes by, and the tip of the Eiffel Tower looms in the distance against the radiant blue sky. "Well, I better go in." I reach for my suitcase.
"Show them what you're made of," Vico says.
"We'll come visit you soon," Alessia calls out in the background.
"That would be great." I'm already looking forward to having my siblings with me again.
But for now, I'm filled with excitement to see Sky, so I bid them a quick farewell, tuck the phone into my handbag, and head inside.
A few minutes later, I stand before the door with the elegantly curved number five.
Music drifts from inside, so Sky is home. I press the doorbell, and it opens to reveal my roommate, dancing wildly througha hallway more spacious than the living room at my parents' estate.
The floor shines, vying for brilliance with the mirrors adorning the walls. Airy cream-colored curtains, held together by golden cords, hang at the windows.
Wow.
We embrace each other warmly in greeting, and then she leads me, mouth agape, into a living room as large as a ballroom. There, she dances over to the stereo and lowers the volume. "You're finally here!"
I let my handbag slide onto the elegant herringbone parquet floor and release my grip on the suitcase. "This place is an absolute dream."
She waves it off modestly and takes a step back. "Shall I help you unpack?"
Without waiting for my answer, she reaches for my suitcase and carries it into the room, where she's put up a sign with my name on the door.
I enter the room and cover my mouth with my hands. "This is too much," I whisper, my eyes fixed in disbelief on the oversized window. A window seat is built into the lower part. Colorful cushions are arranged invitingly, urging me to make myself comfortable.
Once again, Sky acts as if this is nothing out of the ordinary. "Over here is your wardrobe." She points at an alcove.
I walk over and peek inside. "No. Way."
