Page 40 of Part of Forever
I’m sorry,” he says quietly.
“For what?” I ask. We both know Mom well enough to know this really isn’t out of character for her.
“For a lot of things.” I raise an eyebrow at him in question, but he doesn’t look at me as he continues. “I’ve always known how she was about ballet. I swore I wouldn’t let the same thing happen to you.”
“It’s not,” I say, but the words don’t feel quite right in my heart. Am I turning into my mom? Surely not. I’m dating Tucker now, even if my parents don’t know about that. I’m doing that for myself. My life isn’t only about ballet.
“It is happening.” Dad looks at me intently. I don’t know when I’ve ever seen him be so serious. “I thought things would help when you had a different coach, one that wasn’t Mom. But you just started dancing more.”
“I had to,” I try to explain. Doesn’t he understand that I didn’t do any of this because of Mom, but because ofmydream to be a professional dancer? “I had to work hard so I could get into the Paris Ballet Academy.”
He looks sad. “I just don’t want you to throw away the people in your life so you can get to where you want to go in the ballet world.”
Anger bubbles in my chest. “I’m not. I won’t. You don’t think I’m really that much like her?” I don’t know what it’s like for most little girls, but I’ve known for a long time that I didn’t want to end up like my mother, who was always obsessed with being the best and having her dancers be the best. I mean, I would like to be thebest. I sink lower into the pillows, realization washing over me. “Oh gosh, I am just like her.”
He comes over to me then and grabs my hand. “No, Rosie, I don’t think you are. But you could get there if you’re not careful. I think this Tucker boy is the best choice you’ve made in a long time.” I look up at him in surprise. Aren’t dads supposed to not want their daughters to get serious with boys when they are teenagers? “I mean, I know you tried to not date him by dating Shawn, which was really dumb by the way, and I know it wasn’t real. But I think Tucker is good for you.”
“Um, thanks. I think,” I say, even though I’m not exactly surewhatto say to that. I want to tell him that he doesn’t need to worry. But maybe dating Tucker isn’t enough; maybe I need to do something more than simply date someone to prove that ballet isn’t the only thing in my life that I care about.
“Just remember there’s more to life than ballet.” Dad pats my knee.
I nod as my phone rings, and my heart begins to race as I see the number on the screen.
“It’s them,” I say, and Dad nods in understanding. The people from Paris are calling.
“Hello.” I hope I don’t sound nervous. This call could change everything.
“Hello, Rosie,” says one of the women who sat on the panel at my audition. “I’m calling to inform you that you have a spot at the Paris Ballet Academy starting in the fall if you choose to accept.”
“Yes, yes,” I squeal and the woman laughs. “I will be there.”
“Wonderful, we’re so excited to have you,” she says and then we both hang up. Thirty seconds and everything is different. Thirty seconds and the future I’ve worked for and dreamed about is going to become a reality.
“I got in, Dad!” I exclaim.
He gives my knee another squeeze before sitting back down onthe cot. He’s smiling, but I can still see concern etched on his face from the conversation we just had.
“I got in. I’m going to Paris!” I sink into the pillows again, this time daydreaming of days full of music and dancing and spending my nights walking the streets of Paris. All is right again; the tumor is out, I’m going to Paris, and I have the best boyfriend and best friends a girl could ask for. Life is good, no—life is perfect.
17
Dad is goingover my release papers with a nurse when another nurse pushes Lucy into the room. Lucy, who’s in a wheelchair and looks a lot worse than just a few days ago. She’s pale and her eyes are bloodshot.
“Sorry I didn’t come to see you sooner,” she says. Her voice is still so full of life, even though her body is not.
“Oh, no worries,” I say, because I can see how exhausted she is. If I were her, I probably wouldn’t have come to see me, even if I said I would.
Lucy looks at me like she wouldn’t have missed this for the world. “How did it go?”
“All clear,” I tell her and I can’t help but smile at the words. All clear. Of course, they will still be watching me closely, but I’m one step closer to Paris and back to my normal life.
Lucy grins, a smile that fills her whole face. “Rosie, that’s amazing!”
I can tell she’d like to hug me, but her nurse says, “You have to sit.” As if she’s a dog and not a person. I’m surprised when Lucy listens to her. In the short time I’ve known her, she seems like the kind of person who does what she wants.
“I’m so happy for you,” she says, moving her hand to mine. “I’ve got an emergency surgery tonight, but I wanted to check in before they prepped me, since my nurse said you’re leaving.”
“Wait,” I say, worry hitting my square in the chest. “Will you be okay?”
