Page 127

Take our year of grueling rehearsals out of it, this tour was supposed to be different. It was supposed to be the thing to get me out of here, the opportunity I always longed for, but the longer I’ve been away, the more I’ve missed the small faces in front of me.

It also doesn’t help that before the tour even happened, change became impossible because life had already changed me.

Not having the courage to chat about myself, I shift the focus to the girls.

“Enough about me. Can I see you guys dance? Last comp of the season is next month, so let’s see what you got.”

The girls hop to their feet and quickly move into formation. Watching them is probably good practice for the crowd at Dance Tech Nationals. The nervous jitters they have right now will only triple under those bright lights.

“I can’t believe I’ve never seen this routine danced with music,” I whisper to Vic.

We’re standing at the front of the room, waiting as a new employee I don’t know waits to start the music.

“Queue music,” I shout, naturally slipping right back into my coaching role.

“Music on,” she confirms back.

When the music begins, the hardworking young ladies in front of me leave me rendered speechless.

I didn’t choreograph an easy routine for them. They’re beautiful dancers, so they don’t need simplicity; they need a challenge.

The growth, teamwork, and beauty that’s taken place in my absence stun me. They don’t need me here with them to be successful, but if I want to feel any form of the word, I don’t think I’ll be able to have it without them.

I missed developing them into a team. Missed every special moment, and for what? Just to try my hand at fitting in with a group I knew I didn’t even want to be a part of?

I should’ve been here.

“They’re so good,” I whisper, trying my best not to choke on emotion.

“They’ve wanted to be good for you all season. When they break every practice, that’s what they end on.”

I don’t look in Vic’s direction. I know if I do, I’ll lose it. Instead, I study every movement in front of me.

“They really say that?” I ask, happy the music is loud enough to muffle the tears I know are coming.

“Yep, they even got do it for Fia embroidered into the side of their leggings.”

The end of the routine slows, and I look at all their smiling faces. Quickly, I gather myself, wiping my eyes with the sleeves of my sweatshirt before tears fall down my cheeks.

When the music stops, the girls are breathless. Hands placed on their hips and knees, but their eyes are glued to mine for approval.

“Girls–” I croak, not knowing how to articulate what I need to say, so I say what I know they need to hear.

“I am so proud of you girls. That was incredible.”

“Maybe if you have another break, you can come back for Dance Tech and see us perform,” Grace says, eyes shining with hope.

“Yeah, maybe I’ll be able to work something out.”

Their class ends after they perform for me, so after catching up with a few parents, I stick around for the remaining classes and help Vic close everything down for the night.

“You can head out. I think I’m going to stay and dance for a little.”

Coming around the front of the desk, I place my elbows in front of the main computer, watching as she shuts it down.

God, I miss it here.

“You sure? You still have your key?”