Page 103 of The Last Dance

She never sheds a tear as she reads. I, on the other hand, cry the entire time. She folds the letter when she’s done and turns towards me.

‘I love you more than anyone else on the planet, Ambri. We are sisters for eternity. Even death won’t change that. I’ll always be with you. No matter where you go you’ll always take me with you.’ She wraps her arms around me, holding me as tight as I’m holding her. ‘I know you’ll be great at everything you do in life. And when you think of me, just know, that’s me always cheering you on from wherever I am.’

I can’t even speak. I sit with her crying for what seems like forever until finally I have to go home and pull myself together.

As I leave her room she calls my name. I turn, the sun shining behind her as it sets. She looks the most beautiful I’ve ever seen her. She tears up this time. I bite my lip to keep back any more tears.

‘Don’t lose your way because of this, Ambri. Do everything you want to do in life. I only ask for one favor.’

‘Anything,’ I say.

‘Don’t let this come between you and Henry. He was yours way before he was ever mine. You guys have so much history. I know he tries to be strong, but he needs you. And I know you need him. I want you guys to be happy.’ She smiles, never letting the tears fall, as I nod, unable to speak. ‘I love you.’

‘I love you too, Rory. Forever.’

*

‘I think that Rory would besoproud of you, Ambri.’ Claire tears up. ‘You know I hate talking about this, but I know she’d want you both to be happy. She could never hate you.’

‘Thanks.’ I know she’s right. But sometimes it helps to hear it come from someone else.

*

I’ve been lying awake all night. Staring at the ceiling wondering whether I should call him or not. I glance at my phone again: two in the morning. He’s probably asleep. Oh, who cares what time it is? I have to call him. I grab my phone and dial his number. He answers on the first ring.

‘Noah was the one who hit you,’ I say when he answers, not even letting him speak.

He sighs. ‘He told you?’

‘Why didn’tyoutell me?’

He’s silent for a moment. ‘Because I deserved it. He had every right to hit me. I’m in love with his girlfriend.’

I gasp when he says love, present tense. I knew this was headed to this place, but hearing him say it is overwhelming.

‘Will you run again if things get bad?’

‘I should have been a better man back then, Ambri. I’ve worked my ass off since I’ve been back to be exactly that. I’ve fought through my demons and, for now, I’ve won. I can’t promise you there will never be another dark day. I can only promise that I want you there if it happens. I want you with me every day.’

I take a deep breath, lying with my head on my pillow and my eyes closed. ‘I’m not Noah’s girlfriend anymore. We broke up.’

‘Claire told me. I’m sorry.’

‘We might need to get some new friends… ones that don’t repeat every single thing we say.’ I laugh nervously.

‘You might be right.’ Henry matches my laugh.

‘You’re my person, Henry.’

I can almost hear him smile. ‘I am. And I’ll prove it every single day.’

‘See you tomorrow.’

‘Goodnight, Ambri.’

I hang up the phone, a feeling of relief finally settling through me.

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