Never Too Late

Chapter Twenty Three

Johan sat in silence as he watched his sister laughing and discussing her dance recital with their mom. The recital would happen later in the evening, and they would be meeting up with Luke and their Dad there, so for the moment, they were getting ready.

"Johan, is everything alright?" His mother asked as she came over to him.

Since that night a few days ago at the shoreline, he couldn't help feeling downtrodden. He was happy for Luke but he knew his feelings for Ericka wouldn't just dissolve overnight.

"I'm fine," he answered and stared at his phone.

"I've been meaning to talk to you about something," His mother said while looking at her hands, her expression deep with thought.

"Yeah?" He asked as he noticed her odd behavior and she hesitated before speaking.

"Rachel, can you give us a minute?" His mother said, looking over at her daughter, and she nodded before leaving.

As Rachel left Johan noticed the shift in the atmosphere and wondered if his mother had heard about his absence from school. Suddenly more alert of her concerned eyes and worried smile, he wondered how much he had upset her but she smiled at him and spoke softly.

"Since leaving foster care, I know you've been trying to adjust, but I understand that some things must be difficult for you," She said, looking directly at him.

"I guess, but I'll get there," Johan said, noticing how serious her tone had become.

"I know you will and that's why I've been thinking of sending you to counseling." She finally let out and he looked at her confused.

"I'm perfectly fine, I don't need counseling." He told her but she didn't look convinced.

"Johan, you were separated from us for seventeen years. You never knew your parents or where you came from. Didn't you carry any resentment? Didn't it make you upset when you found out we were here all along? Doesn't that make you angry now?"

Johan sat quietly and deeply thought about her words before smiling.

"Mom, it's alright I'm fine." He said. "Though I wasn't always like this. I used to be angry all the time, angry at the world and myself, but one day, I questioned my anger and realized that it was sadness disguising itself. I decided that wasn't the person I wanted to be and I stopped holding onto things I couldn't change. Now I'm here with you guys, and I couldn't be happier, so why would I be angry?"

His mom looked at him with admiration when he finished speaking and she nodded her head happily. "I'm sorry for jumping to conclusions; I know you are strong, just like your father, but if you ever need to talk, I'm here."

"Thanks, I'll keep that in mind." He said as he smiled at her. He knew he still had a lot to deal with but he would in his own time.

***

Johan, his mother, and his sister arrived at the school's auditorium where Rachel's dance recital was being held. He took a seat in the fifth row along with his mother while his sister went to join the other dancers. Checking his phone, he leaned back in his seat and watched as more people filled the room before he sighed and turned to his mother.

"Are Dad and Luke going to get here soon?" He questioned and she nodded.

"Yes, they'll be here soon." She told him with a smile as the lights in the room dimmed and music began playing. His sister and three other girls came prancing onto the stage in pink ballet outfits with puffy skirts, and they exchanged bows and got into place.

"They're doing a piece from Tchaikovsky," His mother told him as she videoed Rachel on her phone.

"Who?" He asked as he watched them lock arms and start dancing.

"It's called 'Dance of the Little Swans'," She said as they continued prancing left and right.

He'd never seen his sister dance before but he had to admit that it looked impressive even from his untrained eye. Just then he noticed movement in his peripheral vision and realized that his father and brother had arrived.

"Sorry we're late," Luke said as he took a seat. "Dad and I got into a bit of traffic."

"Look at Rachel, isn't she doing great!" His mother said as she pointed to her daughter.

"Yes, she is," His Dad responded proudly as their routine came to a close.

They applauded as they exited the stage and another dancer slowly entered the spotlight. She wore a black costume with shimmering silver glitter all over it and her skirt seemed to be made of thick feathers while her hair was pulled back with a crown of smaller feathers adorning her head. As the music started her movements were deliberate and dainty, her delicate figure twirling and bending softly to the gentle song. Johan was enthralled by her as she carried on her performance passionately.

"This piece is called 'The Dying Swan,'" His mother chimed in as she noticed his fascination with the performance.

"It's beautiful," He muttered.

"I know," Luke added as he watched the dancer intently.

Johan looked back to the stage, and as the dancer twirled softly in his direction, he realized it was Erika. He remembered her mentioning she went to dance classes with his sister once but he was still surprised he hadn't recognized her. She looked angelic and otherworldly but that only made the sadness in his heart grow. He'd only seen her a few times since the night at the shoreline but watching her dance now reminded him of how deeply he had fallen for her.

When the recital was over, his parents went to congratulate Rachel but he went outside to sit alone. He didn't know if he was upset or just feeling sad but he imagined he looked pathetic. Suddenly someone walked towards him and he realized it was his brother who looked like he had something to say.

"Hey, I want to talk to you about Ericka," he said taking a seat beside him.

"What is it?" He asked as he wondered if his brother had noticed his feelings for her.

"I- well," He paused and smiled nervously. "I'm going to ask her out, but I don't know what to say," Luke said as he looked towards his brother for advice.

"Oh,"

"Oh? I'm asking for help and that's all you have to say!?" Luke hissed but Johan remained silent. "Look, I've been meaning to for a while, but I can't find the right words."

"Why do you think I'm the person that can give you them?" Johan said without betraying any emotion.

"Don't you have a girlfriend? I know she's the person you've been going to see when you skip school." Luke smirked but Johan sighed.

"It's complicated,"

"Come on I'm desperate! I've liked her for so long but I don't want to make a fool of myself!" He begged Johan as he got to his feet.

Johan almost started laughing; this entire time, his brother had been shy; that was the reason he and Ericka weren't a thing yet.

"Honesty, that works every time." Johan shrugged as he got up and walked off.

"YOU KNOW THAT DOESN'T HELP AT ALL RIGHT!?" Luke yelled at him but he kept on walking. He laughed under his breath at how ridiculous he sounded but he was secretly jealous of how lucky Luke had been.