Page 64 of One More Kiss

Bella

“Ok guys,that’s it for today. Great job everyone and I will see you all next week,” I said to the group of tired tiny dancers. They all breathed a collected sigh of relief when the music stopped and ended today’s class.

“Miss Bella, how did we do?” Gracelynn sounded from the group of children dropping down to the mats.

“You guys are doing amazing,” I confirmed as I started to gather my belongings. Today’s class was a good one and I was tired. A nice long soak in the tub and then off to bed was just what I needed. I knew that Sabrina and Callie wanted to go out tonight, but I just wasn’t up to it.

“What about the recital?” Gracelynn asked with a worried voice. She kept her eyes trained on me and I couldn’t help but start to feel uncomfortable. She was a sweet little girl but I wondered if she was using my class to prove something to her parents. I had only met her mother once but I couldn’t help but feel sorry for Gracelynn after meeting her. She had such high expectations for everyone and I could see that Gracelynn was starting to crack under the pressure.

“Honey, you are more than ready.” I meant every word that just came out of my mouth.

“You really think so? My mom is coming to watch me dance and I have to be perfect,” Gracelynn informed me as she started to tense up. Her small body straightened and both her hands balled up into tight fists at her sides.

Taking a deep breath, I dropped my belongs back onto the floor and walked over to the little girl. Waiting for the other kids to empty the studio, I reached into my pocket and pulled out my cell phone. Taping the screen to make the little device come alive, I pulled up my music app and selected a song. Holding out my free hand for Gracelynn, “Dance with me?”

Taking my outstretched hand, Gracelynn and I let our bodies move to the music. “I can’t mess up during the recital,” Gracelynn said quietly as she followed my lead and danced around the now empty studio.

“Stop talking and just dance,” I instructed as I did a spin and let the music guide me.

“I want to be just like you,” Gracelynn admitted as she continued to let her body flow to the sounds of Axel Bryant and his band emanating from my phone.

“Trust me, I am not who you want to be,” I said quietly as I continued to freestyle to the music.

“Excuse me, Miss Armstrong?” Stopping in my tracks, I turned around to see my boss, Helen Ayers, standing in the doorway. “I didn’t know you were with a student. When you are done, please stop by office.”

“I’m sorry,” Gracelynn said as she stopped dancing and bent down to gather her things. Turning to look at me with a sadness blanketing her beautiful face, “Thank you for everything.”

“Wait Gracelynn!” I called out as she rushed past Miss Ayers and out of the studio.

“I didn’t mean to interrupt,” Miss Ayers said as she watched Gracelynn run down the hallway towards the exit.

“That girl has so much pressure on her,” I said as I gathered my belongs and made my way across the studio. Stopping to look around the room one final time, I hit the switch on the wall. I took a deep breath as the room was blanketed in darkness.

“She reminds me of someone I know,” Miss Ayers said softly as she placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. “Walk an old lady to her office?”

“Is everything okay?” I asked with a trembling voice. Goosebumps suddenly popped up on my bare arms and I had a feeling that something was wrong.

Walking down the darkened hallway, Miss Ayers started humming the music that I danced to during my final performance while attending Juilliard. Turning to face me with a smile on her face, “Bella, relax. I just wanted to check in with you before you headed out for the evening.”

Breathing a sigh of relief, I followed the older woman into her office. Watching her walk past the light switch on the wall, I couldn’t help but wonder what was really going on. “Miss Ayers?” I asked as the older woman made her way to the sofa at the back of the office and sat down on it. Reaching over to the small end table next to her, she clicked on the soft lamp before grabbing the insulated cup that sat next to the lamp and took a sip.

“Mmm,” she said as she placed the cup back on the small table and patted the seat next to her.

Following her directions, I made my way into the office and sat down next to her. The old brown couch was so comfortable, I couldn’t help but sink into the cushions. Turning my head to look at my boss, “This is the softest thing I have ever sat on,” I admitted as I let my body relax into the plush cushions on the sofa.

“You know this old thing is probably older than you,” she said with a wink. “This sofa was a wedding present from my parents when Mr. Ayers and I moved into our first apartment after getting married.” There was a softness to her voice that pulled at my heart strings.

“Do you ever stop missing him?” I asked, instantly regretting the question. I had overstepped and hoped that Miss Ayers didn’t hold it against me.

Reaching over and grabbing my hand,” No. I spend my time now just waiting until we are back together again,” she said as the tears welled up in her eyes. Shaking her head, she looked past me towards the wedding photo that rested on top of her desk. “I didn’t ask you hear to talk about me. I want to know how you are doing. Do you have any regrets?”

Taking a moment to let the questions replay in my head, I sunk a little further into the soft cushions of the couch. My eyes fell closed as images of the life I always imagined for myself played in my mind like a movie. I always wanted to dance professionally and then eventually I would open up my own studio and give kids who came from the same neighborhood I did an opportunity that I never had. Opening my eyes as I took a deep breath, I looked around the small office. My gaze landing on Miss Ayers, I felt a smile pull at my lips. “I am exactly where I am supposed to be.”

“I am not the head of some major dance company,” she said.

“True,” I admitted as a clock softly ticked away the seconds somewhere close by. “But I am exactly where I need to be.”

“I am so glad to hear you say that,” Miss Ayers said as a huge smile spread across her face.

“I am too.”

---