If I Could Dance With You Again

IICDWYA: 65

Chapter 65

After the reunion, life seemed to accelerate. Aaliyah was back to managing the studio. She still danced, though rarely in classes, preferring instead to direct and guide. Her creativity remained sharp, but her body no longer gave her the strength she once commanded. The medications, the constant check-ups, the fatigue, and the physical changes weighed heavily on her. Even mentally, she had to undergo routine evaluations.

"Are you sure you'll be fine?" Ruby asked as they headed to work together.

Knowing everything Aaliyah had endured, Ruby insisted on being by her side almost constantly. Aaliyah wasn't allowed to leave the house without permission and was monitored nearly every hour. Ruby didn't even want her to work, but she understood that Aaliyah needed something—both for her physical adjustment and, more importantly, for her mental health.

Ruby's emotions often overwhelmed her. She cried, she raged, she worried endlessly. To her, Aaliyah didn't deserve any of this suffering. For peace of mind, Ruby even requested a surveillance camera in Aaliyah's office. Aaliyah, though reluctant, agreed.

"I will," Aaliyah said firmly. "I have my buzzer in the office connected to you and Wren. If there's an emergency, I'll press it."

Ruby exhaled, relieved. "Fine."

When they reached the building, they parted ways quietly. Aaliyah was genuinely happy to assist in a class today—not teaching, but observing one of their young professionals. She wanted to see the students' proficiency, and this class required only her presence.

She entered the studio with a smile. Returning meant relearning the rhythm of the place.

"Good morning, children! I'm Aaliyah ssaem, and I'll be assisting Betty ssaem today." Her voice was bright as she looked at the eager faces. "Are you excited to dance?"

"Ne, 선생님 (seonsaengnim)!" the children chorused.

Aaliyah nearly squealed at their enthusiasm. Today's lesson was beginner ballet—baby ballet, since even very young children were enrolled. She hadn't taught ballet in a long time. Though she had once taught nearly every style, ballet was something she rarely touched, despite its importance in her past as a figure skater.

Watching Betty lead the warm-ups, Aaliyah felt the urge to refresh her own skills. She followed along quietly.

"Are you not like Betty ssaem? Do you train too?" one little girl asked, her tiny hands gripping the barre.

Aaliyah blinked, startled by the child's mature tone. "I do dance like Betty ssaem," she explained gently, "but teacher Aaliyah needs to train again because she's still weak."

"Oh." The girl nodded solemnly, continuing her stretches.

The two began to interact more. The child helped Aaliyah raise her arm, and Aaliyah mirrored her movements. Amused, Aaliyah realized the girl was correcting her posture as if she were the teacher, repeating Betty's instructions to make sure Aaliyah understood.

"Okay, class dismissed," Betty announced. The children bowed and thanked both teachers, even though Aaliyah had barely assisted.

As the parents arrived, the children dispersed. Aaliyah stepped out once the last child was picked up.

"Aaliyah ssaem, bye!" The same little girl waved enthusiastically. Aaliyah's heart melted. She was about to meet Ruby for lunch when she noticed the girl sitting alone in the lounge.

Security ensured no child left without a guardian, but Aaliyah still crouched down, concern in her eyes. "Are you alone?"

"No, ssaem. Appa is upstairs taking my brothers." The girl's bravery impressed Aaliyah.