A Nerd, a Tough Kid and the Wonder of Dance

Chapter 17: back to dancing

My parents welcomed me home as I expected (hoped) they would. I didn't really want to talk about the break-up, but something had to be said. We were sitting at the dining room table, having just finished eating.

Mum spoke, "Sapphire was a beautiful girl, classy, well mannered, always pleasant. I did like her, Garth."

Dad's turn, "I don't disagree with what Mum said, Garth, but I felt that somehow she wasn't right for you."

Then me, "I don't think we were right for each other, Dad. So I guess that we just have to put it down to an episode in our lives and move on."

None of us spoke for a minute or so, then I said, "I've got to get my uni sorted out, then find a part-time job, and I want to get back into the dancing."

"Good."

"What????" I turned to stare at my father.

"I said good. Leave it at that," he grunted.

Mum and I exchanged surprised, raised-eyebrow smiles, then she asked with concern, "How are you going to fit all that in, sweetheart?"

"As best I can. I guess I won't be able to do a lot of dancing; I'll just do what I can."

My parents looked at each other and Mum spoke quietly, "Love, Dad and I will support you until you finish your uni. That way you don't need to get a part-time job and can do your dancing properly."

"That's a bit of an ask, Mum."

"We can afford it and we want to."

I looked at Dad who just gave a sharp nod. I got up and gave them both a hug.

I got my uni sorted out - my course was now going to take me a year and a half longer than originally scheduled. That was okay, could have been worse.

I didn't want to go back to dancing until I was properly fit again. First a month of hard training, then I started doing my old dance exercises and practising routines at home. It was surprising how quickly they all came back to me.

A month later, I rang Mrs Reinke.