The thought of a world without him is unbearable.
Chapter 32
Willow
I spent the entire day at the dance studio, doing my usual classes this morning, and since I didn't have a shift at Beantastics, I decided to help out with the kids' classes.
Elijah's been at the garage all day since stupid o’clock, and Rivers has barely been at the house unless it's been to sleep or shower since they won the finals weeks ago. He's out with his teammates a lot or catching up on the college work he's neglected. Elijah gave him an earful, which turned into a massive argument that I had to break up.
Even though my brother has been busy and I've not exactly been available much, we put Sunday evenings aside to spend time together, and I treasure it more than I let on.
I’m glad I decided to stay because the kids were so much fun. I love children, and I've always wanted my own someday. They throw themselves into everything without thinking—no fear, no weight of the world on their shoulders. I love that about them. They're untouched by the ugliness adults carry around.
And they are also honest.
Extremely honest.
There was a little boy who decided, very early on, that I was his dance partner. Every routine, game and exercise they had to do, he would appear at my side with a cheeky grin and grab my hand like it was non-negotiable. At one point, he looked up at me—serious as anything—and asked if I'd like to go on a date with him to the park for some ice cream.
It was adorable.
Unfortunately, a small girl with glitter in her hair didn't think so. She told me I was way too old for him and that my hair looked like a tin of spaghetti hoops. Honestly, she wasn't entirely wrong about the colour.
I couldn't help but laugh as they started to bicker, and I politely declined the date.
A knock at the door pulls me out of my stretch, and I glance over my shoulder from where my leg is draped over the wooden beam to see Aria standing in the doorway.
“Everyone's gone; are you staying behind?” She steps into the room, bag in hand.
“Yeah, if that's okay?”
She drops the keys onto the table with a small clatter. “I’m fine with it. I offered, didn't I?” A hand settles on her hip, eyebrow raised like she's daring me to argue.
I huff a quiet laugh. “Right. Yeah, thanks.”
“Everywhere’s locked up, and I will message you the alarm code. You can stay as long as you want.”
I nod with a grateful smile, feeling a little lighter at the thought of an empty studio to myself.
“Oh, I almost forgot. I know you've only been coming here for a couple of months, but there's a show in January that everyone participates in. A scout usually attends to spot potential for a spot in a top dance school. We never know who it is or which school, but… there's a really good chance you could get accepted into one. Somewhere that could actually give you a future in ballet.”
My stomach turns. Back in Newquay, before Dad got sick, dance had been everything. I’d given everything to it. But hospital rooms replaced the rehearsal rooms, and I gave it all up.
I swallow, staring at the floor.
I never thought I’d dance again.
And now I’m being handed something that feels dangerously close to a second chance.
Excitement floods through me along with doubt. What if I’m not good enough? Am I even ready for it? It could all slip through my fingers again.
She must see the reluctance on my face, because her expression softens and she steps into my space.
“I don't need an answer right now. Just think about it. There's no pressure, and remember, Willow, your family now, and I also own the place. I can always make room for you.” She winks, like it's that simple.
Family.
The word catches somewhere behind my ribs. I’m not used to it. The only family I had were my dad and River.
