One Step at a Time

Chapter 2

Sadie POV
After Aedon's solo, the song faded out and the rest of the dance company filled up that stage once again. I made my way to Aedon's side, squeezing her hand as if to tell her 'I'm so proud of you'. We all bowed as the audience stood, applauding as hugged each other. 

I looked down at the house, meeting eyes with my mom. The seat beside her was still empty. Besides her purse that must've been used to save it. Mom saw where my eyes drifted to. She sent me a weak smile, already apologizing for my dad. It wasn't the first time.

All of the dancers exited off stage to the wing, the audience leaving the theatre to meet us outside the doors. Aedon and I ran to our family, immediately being pulled into a big hug.

"Aedon, Sadie, you girls were spectacular out there. I just couldn't look away," Mama Vera squeezed us both. "That solo performance almost had me in tears, honey."

"Thanks, Mom," Aedon beamed at us. "Did you see Sadie's pirouette? It was so sick!" She put her hands on my shoulders and shook me around. I turned my head to smile at her. Aedon always did this.

"She's right. You did the best I've ever seen you," my mom said. She sighed softly, a sad smile on her face before she spoke again. I knew what was coming next.

Don't get me wrong. I love my dad. And I know that he loves me and our family. That's why he's always gone. Even though it doesn't make much sense, but it's true. Dad spends so much time at work for us. The way he sees it, if he works hard and gives it all he has, we will be secure. Security was what my dad wanted most for us. But it wasn't what I needed most all the time. Sometimes I just needed him.

"Your father-" Mom began.

"I'm here!" My dad busted his way through the door over to us. He had his jacket over his arm and his briefcase in hand. Dad jogged over to us, his face red showing that he had rushed to get here. "Did I miss it?"

"Yes." I looked at my mom, she seemed more disappointed than I was. Her temper was boiling up in her, I just knew it.

"It's okay, Dad. It's just one recital." Except it wasn't the only time.

"Why don't I take us all to dinner?" My dad offered, more towards my mom. She hadn't eased her frown since Dad had walked in. "The girls can choose wherever they want."

"Sweet," Aedon pumped her fist in the air. Her hand came down and grabbed mine. She pulled me to the hallway, saying over her shoulder, "we'll go get dressed."

"Well, Sia is pissed." I paused brushing my hair, looking at Aedon, who stood behind me in the mirror.

"Yeah."

"Is Jon- is your dad okay?"

"What do you mean?" I turned to face her.

"He's been doing this more often. It's like he's out of it all the time."

"Mom says he's got a big project."

"Right, Mr. Astrophysicist," Aedon rolled her eyes. "Did I even say that right?" That made me chuckle.

"Dad is just stressed." I shrugged before explaining, "Matteo leaving, Mom's promotion, it's just all a lot. That's why my mom is also pissed."

"I guess so." Nodding her head, she put her lipgloss on next to me in the mirror. "What do you want to eat?"

I let out a silent breath, grateful for the subject change. "I don't care."

"Japanese it is. Sweet."

"Our favorite," the two of us spoke in tandem. I smiled up at Aedon. "Come on, lets go."

We headed out of the bathroom, back towards our waiting family. I gasped in remembrance, "oh wait, I forgot my ballet shoes backstage." Turning back around, "go on without me, Aedon. I'll meet you out there." I jogged towards the wing of the theatre. Opening the door, I scanned the tables only lit up by the ghost lights. Five minutes later, I finally set my eyes on my ballet slippers. Grabbing them, I sprinted out the door. I quickly stopped in my tracks when I saw Aedon still in the hallway.

"I told you that you didn't need to wait for me," I walked up to her side. That was when I realized she had company. A woman, a little younger than my grandparents, stood in front of Aedon. "I'm so sorry, did I interrupt something?' I turned to Aedon with wide eyes, scared that I had gotten us in trouble.

"Don't worry about it," the woman smiled kindly at me. I nodded shyly and grabbed on to Aedon's arm. "I am Shannon Barnes, coach of the Houston Blazes. The youth dance team for Texas." She extended her hand towards mine. I took it as I glanced over her. The way she stood I could tell she was a woman who mean business. Yet warmth came from her smile. I liked her.

"It's nice to meet you, ma'am."

"This is Sadie, my niece," Aedon introduced me. Ms. Barnes gave the look everyone did when they heard that Aedon and I were aunt and niece. A mix of shock, confusion, and overall concern. Not that I could really blame them, I would probably react the same if I was them.

"It's nice to meet you, too, Sadie. I was just telling Aedon about-"

"She wants the both of us to audition for her team. Can you believe it?" Aedon interrupted her, excitement popping from her.

"Both of us?" To answer Aedon's question. No. I could not believe it. Aedon? Sure she was the best dancer I knew, but me. I was average at best. I could keep up the beat and do most of the moves, but I didn't have what Aedon had. And I was okay with that.

"Yes," Coach Barnes nodded, giving a look to Aedon. "Next Wednesday morning. 9am sharp. I will see you two girls there. I must run, but I'll send more info to your parents. Y'all take care."

I waved her a goodbye.

"Did that just happen, Aedon?"

"I think it did Miss Sadie Jane." Aedon giggled, putting her arm around me and dragged me over to tell our parents the news.

----------

"How much do you know about this 'Shannon Barnes'?" My mom asked as we sat for dinner. Aedon and Dad sat on both sides of me. Mama and Papa Vera sat across from us as well as Anna.

"Don't start that, Sia," Anna rolled her eyes. "She is legit. I know a bunch of people who auditioned for that team, many of whom under her coaching. No need to fuss."

"I wasn't worried about that. I just wanted to know if she was a good person. Anna, you know how some of these coaches can be," my mom reasoned. "I do not want those kind of people around my daughter. Sadie doesn't need that toxicity in her life."

"Mom-" "Alessia-" "Sia-" I, Dad, and Anna started.

Anna smiled and continued for us, "I have met her on multiple occasions. She is a lovely and warm woman who puts her dancers first."

"Really?" Mom still sounded skeptic of it all.

"Yes. I wouldn't have invited her if she wasn't, would I?"

"You were the reason she was here?" Aedon gasped. "Anna, you are the best." I looked over at Mom, she seemed to be hesitant of it all.

"I agree with them, Mom. She seemed really kind. I like her, Mom."

"You do?" She tilted her head at me. Her expression softened a bit at this. My dad nudged her with a nod.

"Sadie can handle herself," Dad smiled over at me before turning back at my mom. "If she trusts her, and Anna too, I think we should as well."

"Fine," she tossed her hands up. "But the second I feel like something is wrong, I will step in."

"Thanks, Mom."

"You all can order whatever you want." My dad informed us all. "It's on me. To celebrate our talented girls."

Everyone at the table smiled, except my mom. She had a firm look on her face, but gave a small smile when she saw that I was looking. It seemed like this time Dad's tardiness would not slide.

"Thanks, Dad," I hugged him from where he sat beside me. He kissed my forehead, keeping his arm around me and squeezed me tighter. At least when my dad was around, he gave us everything he had.

------------------------

Another chapter up besties!!!! I know I'm sucky at updating but I'll get there I promise. I love this story too much to give up on it. I hope y'all enjoy. xx