My Regreats

Chapter 8

The picture above is what I think Kaylee looked at the recital. I drew it myself, but I'm not very good at faces. So, Kaylee is faceless in this picture.

I was 17. It was the night of my recital, and I was a bundle of nerves. I started out taking a simple ballet/jazz/styles class. Now, I was taking nearly every dance class possible for teens. At this point, I should probably start looking for a studio that is more for adults, but I couldn't bear to say good bye. This studio was the place where I discovered who I am. These past 8 years have been hard, and Passions Studio has helped me get through it. I couldn't ask for a better place to be.

Today, I was officially "graduating dance school", what ever that meant. Today was the day that I was no longer a student. That day, I became a dance teacher. A few weeks ago, Michelle had asked me a question that just about changed my life. She wanted me to be assistant owner. After all, she couldn't exactly own the studio forever. When she retires, she wanted me to take over the studio.

So, today was the day I, officially, became assistant owner. I was so excited. I looked down to see my costume. I was wearing an angelic, flowing contemporary skirt and a glittery sleeveless top. My fiery red hair was pulled into a messy bun and I had a fairly light makeup on. I was also wearing my, specially designed, point shoes. Instead of an angelic pink, I favored tinted red shoes with silver lace. People always said it looked perfect with my hair. I couldn't agree more.

On stage, I could hear Michelle rambling on about all of the exciting things that happened that year. A couldn't help but giggle a little. That past year, I sprained my ankle (twice), got in a car accident, graduated high school a year early, and went through 2 boyfriends. It had been a stressful, crazy year. Yet, I couldn't ask for a year any different. It may have been hard, but that past year had been one of the best years in my life since my dad died. I stopped becoming depressed and actually began to smile! Suddenly, I heard Michelle's voice ring in my head, and I jumped a little.

"With all of the craziness that has happened, I decided to get an assistant owner. I have been debating about it for a while, and have recently found the perfect girl. From now on, she will cease to be a student, but a teacher and owner, at Passions Studio. Every one, give a warm round of applause to our very own Kaylee Spencer." That was my cue. With that, I, as gracefully as I could, walked onto the stage with my brightest smile.

****

After the recital was done, I was standing and talking to a large crowd. They were all congratulating me on my promotion. All I could do was smile and nod. I was overwhelmed. After the crowd died down, I walked over to the confection stand. All of the good desserts were gone, but I saw a cup of lemonade calling my name. Before I could reach it, though, I heard a familiar voice behind me.

"What, couldn't handle the crowd?" She asked with a grin, cocking her hip.

"Michelle!" With that, I pulled her in for a giant bear hug. Still smiling, I pulled back to look at her face.

"So, how are you managing?" She asked, knowing that I was more than overwhelmed.

"Wow!" It was all I could manage.

"Don't worry, you will get used to it."

"I hope! I'm just excited to start this new chapter. These past months I've already choreographed a few dances. I'm so excited to teach the kids. I'm sure it's going to be a great experience. I'm just so excited!" I let out a girly giggle.

" I can tell! I'm sure that with you teaching and helping me manage the place, we can..." Suddenly, my phone started buzzing. Who would be calling me right now? Quickly, I pulled my phone out of my purse. I looked at the caller ID and nearly had a heart attack. It was my mom.

"Sorry, I need to take this, but I will talk to you later. After all, we have business to discuss." I smiled apologetically, and walked to the ladies room.

Picking up the phone, I answered, feeling my heart racing. The last time mom had called me was when Connor fell and broke his arm. Moms phone calls were reserved for emergencies only. After all, she was normally too drunk to tell the difference from a 2 and a 5. She would only call me if it was an emergency. I heard the phone ring, praying that Connor was okay.

"Mom?!?" I called into the phone, feeling my heart nearly skip a beat.

"Kaylee? Is that you?" She sounded almost... Worried. Oh no.

"What happened? Don't sugar coat it! Just tell me what happened." My mom had a habit of making things seem less important than what they were. It always frustrated me when she sugar coated things. Sometime, a person just needs the cold, hard truth. That person was me.

"Kaylee, I need you to come home, right now." Panic raced through my veins. "Your Aunt Charley was just diagnosed with breast cancer."