Page 77 of Fighting Fate
I give a gentle smile, observing them. My heart fills with a deep sense of gratitude. They've been my steadfast support through every peak and valley, and I'm certain they'll remain by my side, regardless of what the future holds.
Turning my attention back to the task at hand, I clap my hands together, a playful nudge to get their asses moving. "Alright, I've got the Hanmann sisters to coach," I announce, a hint of urgency in my voice.
"Yeah, yeah, we got it the first time," Payson responds with a roll of her eyes, while Brooke just shakes her head, her smile mirroring mine.
As they make their way to the door, Payson casts one last look back, waving with her usual brightness. Brooke, on the other hand, stops, her smile turning tender. "I'm proud of you, Milli," she states, her voice carrying a depth of sincerity that resonates to my core.
"For what?" I ask, genuinely puzzled.
"For everything. College, dance, just...life. You're doing amazing. See you tonight," she says, her smile widening with pride. Then, with a final wave, she steps out, the door closing gently behind her.
Left alone, the music softly playing in the background, I take a deep breath. A wave of gratitude washes over me. This life—my friends, this studio, my college journey—it's more than I ever dared to hope for.
"Milli, Milli, you're here!" The Hanmann sisters' voices, tinted with excitement, reach me before I even see their tutus fluttering and ballet slippers tapping against the studio floor. Close behind them, their father, Ben, strides in, a picture of rugged charm.
Ben has always struck me as a blend of literary heartthrob and a dash of cowboy. His dark green eyes and sandy blonde hair complement his tall, broad-shouldered frame perfectly. He greets me with a smile, his dimples adding to his allure. "Hey there, Milli. Thanks for having the girls come in early today."
I beam back. "It's no problem at all, Mr. Hanmann."
He lightheartedly scolds, "Milli, remember, call me Ben. 'Mr. Hanmann' just adds years to my age."
Our laughter mingles. "Okay, Ben it is."
He hesitates, a hint of nerves in his eyes. "Actually, Milli, can we talk a moment before the class?"
That catches me off guard. What could Ben want to discuss?
I nod, curious and a bit anxious. Ben's unease seems palpable, his gaze intense. He fidgets, fingers raking through his hair. "It's about the upcoming Dazzling Duo Dance," he starts.
That mention stirs a mix of emotions in me. The Dazzling Duo Dance—a renowned mother-daughter competition I'd always dreamed of joining, but never could. Thanks to my mom's disapproval, it remained a dream, watching others participate while I sat on the sidelines.
But that's the past. I focus back on Ben, twirling a curl around my finger to steady myself.
He continues, "Lily and Georgia, they're eager to join. But the thing is, their mom...well, she's not around to be their partner."
That revelation hits me. It explains so much—the absence, the unspoken gaps in their stories.
Ben's gaze meets mine, filled with earnest hope. "I was hoping...could you...would you think about helping them enter the competition?" His voice trembles a bit, but he quickly adds, "You don't have to feel pressured. Regardless, they think the world of you."
His eyes hold a vulnerability, a silent plea hanging between us. The moment stretches, heavy with unspoken desires and expectations.
"So, what do you say, Milli?" Ben asks, his eyes locked on mine, waiting.
Ben's appeal catches me off guard. I'm neither their mother nor a relative. Yet, here I stand, approached to take on a role for the Dazzling Duo Dance that feels both deeply personal and overwhelmingly challenging.
However, the idea ignites a spark of excitement inside me, presenting an opportunity I never thought would come my way, especially given my own past experiences with similar events.
"Ben, helping Lily and Georgia would be a joy for me. They're incredibly important to me, and they've earned this experience." My words carry a dual significance: they hint at the chances I've let slip by in my own life while also expressing a steadfast willingness to embark on this new journey.
Ben's reaction is immediate—his face breaks into a relieved, grateful smile. "Milli, that's wonderful. Thank you. This...it means a lot to us." His quick correction and blush add a layer of sincerity to his gratitude.
I return his smile, feeling a surge of purpose. "It means the world to me too, Ben. I'm honored to be a part of their journey."
This is more than just a dance. It's an opportunity to impact these young lives, to be the mentor I've always aspired to be in my dance studio. I want to show them that their dreams are within reach, that they are capable of soaring beyond any limits.
After exchanging a few more sincere, warm words, we go our separate ways. Ben heads toward the waiting room, and I turn to the Hanmann sisters, my heart brimming with enthusiasm. The prospect of the Dazzling Duo Dance fills me with an invigorating energy, ready to pour my passion and creativity into every step of their dance routine.
"You know you looking fucking hot, right?" Payson remarks as I pull up near the Alpha Rho Tau house. The same house, the same throng of costumed students spilling out—aliens, Dwight Schrute look-alikes, all igniting a private chuckle. Skipping this Halloween bash was an option, but that wouldn't be fair to me or my friends. Even if it isn't actually Halloween, students at NorthRidge U. will take an opportunity to party, especially Alpha Rho Tau.