Chapter 22
Maxime
I glance at my watch. Six o'clock. Thank goodness.
Quickly, I turn off the music system and clap my hands. "Enough for today," I say, trying to sound carefree, although I've been feeling sick with worry all day.
Aurora didn't show up for training this morning. Instead, she sent me a short message.
Can't come. Will get in touch.
That was all.
"Merci, Maxime," sings Alice, one of the third-year students, winking at me. "You're the best teacher of all." I wave it off, but she dances over to me anyway, fixing me with her big doe eyes. "We should have a private lesson sometime," she says with a tone that leaves no doubt. "My father will pay whatever you want."
"I'm fully booked." I'm relieved that this is not an excuse but the truth. The double burden of working here and dancing in competitions is already more than enough.
She licks her lips. "Fully booked, huh," she murmurs, then fumbles a piece of paper from her pocket and presses it into my hand. "Call me if you need arealpartner."
Immediately, in addition to my worry about Aurora's cryptic message, I am alarmed by Alice's words. Hopefully, she only meant dance partner, right? Or has she somehow found out about Aurora and me?
No, I'm probably just imagining things. Everything must be fine.
For the sake of peace, I put the paper in my pocket and turn away. "I'm sorry, I have to go urgently."
There are much more important things I need to attend to now. My visit to the gym will have to be canceled. Aurora hasn't responded to my messages and ignored my call during my short lunch break.
I can't just show up at her apartment, that's clear. So how can I reach her? First, I leave the academy. On my way through the bustling Paris streets, I try calling her again. It rings incessantly for minutes before the call finally disconnects.
My stomach clenches. Not for the first time, I search for clues to understand her silence.
Yesterday in Giverny, everything seemed fine. Or did I annoy her? Maybe it was wrong to bring up my worries?
On the other hand, when we said goodbye at the bus stop, I could see that longing in her dark eyes.
What's going on, Aurora?
What if something is seriously wrong?
I don't even want to imagine that possibility. Instead, I try to convince myself that everything will resolve itself in a positive way.
Breathless, I turn into Rue Lisle and head toward my apartment building. I rush up the stairs to the second floor. Once I reach the top, I fumble for my keys in my jacket pocket, and slowly, a plan forms in my mind.
As soon as I've showered and changed, I'll walk to her apartment and wait there until Sky leaves the house. Aurora toldme that she goes to Pilates in the evenings. I don't remember the exact days, but it's worth a try.
Once she's gone, I'll knock on Aurora's door until she opens it.
If she's there.
What a clever plan, Maxime.
Sighing, I turn the corner. A split second later, I spot Aurora. Dressed in jogging pants, her hair disheveled, and her eyes swollen, she leans against the wall next to my apartment door. Her gaze is fixed on her fingers, which nervously pick at each other.
Seeing her like this instantly freezes me in place. "My God, Aurora!"
A violent sob engulfs her. Her slender body shakes so intensely, as if she were in the middle of Siberian winter.
Fear crawls up inside me, along with a terrible feeling of helplessness. But I push it away.
