Lightning Strikes Twice

Chapter 22: Preparation

It's been three whole days since my sister had said she'd teach Marsh to dance. She's been making him practice with her each day, so I'm on my way home to see how he's doing on it today.

As I get inside I see them just finish. Marsh sees me entering, he slowly walks over to me. In the middle of him walking, he stumbles and almost falls over. I quickly go over to him so I can help him stay standing, I look over to Celosia with a brow raised. She shrugs.

"She goes.. so fast.. legs ache."

"Celosia?"

"What? I've got plans for next week, I want him to learn before this one ends."

I walk Marsh over to a chair so he can sit down and take a breather. I look back at Celosia with a grin.

"Oh, you've got plans huh?"

"Shut up."

Celosia walks over to the sink, I hear her turn on the faucet and then turn it back off. She walks over with two glasses of water, placing them on the table. I turn to her confused.

"I don't need any-"

"Oh no, they're both for him."

"Wha-"

I turn back around to see both glasses empty. I look at Marsh, who's wiping his mouth.

"When did you.. when did he..?"

"I don't get it either. He just does it."

Marsh stands up stretching, looking a lot less tired.

"So we're done for today, right?"

"Yes, remember to practice a bit on your own before tomorrow."

"Tomorrow? But I've already got it down, this kind of dance is fairly simple."

"I'm going to test you. No directions, just dancing. If you meet my expectations, then you'll be set for the festival."

"Alright, alright."

Marsh walks over to the front door. He turns back and waves at us.

"Thanks for having me, see you guys later! Oh, and thanks again for teaching me Celosia!"

We both wave at him as he leaves. Celosia smiles at me afterwards.

"You've got some great friends."

I shake my head at her while smiling.

"Its a bit early, but we've got great friends."

Celosia sits down and smiles. She starts crying as she looks down at the floor, I walk over and sit beside her.

"What's wrong?"

"You risked your life to wake me up. You invited me to your group of friends. You're letting me stay with you until I can get a place of my own. You've done so much for me.. you always tried to be this kind back then.. you wanted to be our brother so much.. and I said those awful things.. I'm sorry.."