Page 50 of Clara's Secret Garden
‘You’re far better at this than me, Elsie,’ I pant at onepoint. ‘You’ve got natural rhythm.’
‘What’s natural rhythm?’
I smile. ‘It means you’re really good.’
Spurred on, she throws herself into it even moreenthusiastically, putting me thoroughly to shame. After the class, I text Roryto tell him about the change of venue, and as we’re gathering our thingstogether, Jaz comes over and compliments Elsie on being brilliant for a firsttimer.
‘There’s a class on Thursdays as well,’ says Jaz. ‘Fancycoming along?’
Elsie looks up at me and nods shyly.
‘Yup. We’ll be there.’ I grin at Jaz. ‘I feel great afterthat. Absolutely knackered but happy.’
Jaz nods. ‘Exercise is the best therapy. Especiallysomething as joyful as Zumba.’ Her smile slips. ‘I have to say, it’s been alifesaver over the past few months.’
‘Oh?’
‘Man trouble.’
‘Ah. Not nice.’
She rallies with a smile. ‘No, it wasn’t. But we’re finenow. I think. I hope.’
I nod. ‘Good. Well, I think we’ll be seeing you again onThursday. Eh, Elsie?’
I stick up my thumb and she does the same. And we’re bothsmiling as we head out to meet Rory, who’s there waiting for us in the car...
*****
Over the following few weeks, Elsie and I continue the Zumbaclasses on Mondays and Thursdays, which we both really enjoy.
Rory is delighted to see his sister coming out of her shella little – especially when we emerge from a class one Thursday and he seesElsie chatting to Lauren, a little girl the same age as her, who does Zumbawith her mum, Tracy.
I wave at Rory in the car and we stand for a minute or twochatting to Lauren and Tracy.
‘These two are thick as thieves,’ murmurs Tracy, smilingover at the two girls, who seem to be deep in discussion, admiring each other’strainers. ‘Hey, come on, Lauren. We need to get you home to do your homeworkbefore bed.’ She smiles at me. ‘See you Monday, Clara?’
‘Yes. Great. Elsie! Rory’s here.’
Elsie swings round, only just noticing her brother in thecar, which I think is a great sign. She and Lauren say their goodbyes and wejoin Rory at the car, Elsie scooting into the passenger seat, talking excitedlyabout Lauren having Toy Story Monopoly which they’re going to play when shegoes over to Lauren’s for tea.
‘That sounds great, Elsie.’ Rory smiles at me as I prepareto shut Elsie’s door and walk home. ‘Wow,’ he mouths.
I nod, grinning. ‘Right, I’d better get back. Lois islooking after Bertie but I said I’d make meatball spaghetti when I got back.’
‘I can give you a lift.’
‘No, it’s fine, Rory. It’s just a five-minute walk.’
‘Actually, I’d like a quick chat.’
‘Oh. Okay.’ He looks so serious, my heart lurches. What’swrong? Why does he want to talk to me and not Lois? Unless he wants to talkaboutLois. Or Elsie, maybe? I slip into the back seat and meet his eyes in therear-view mirror.
‘I’ll just get Elsie home then I’ll take you back.’
‘Great.’
My heart is in my mouth as we drop Elsie off, wondering whatRory is going to say to me. It can’t be anything to do with Lois, surely? Theyseem so happy together...
