Echo-A Ballet Story

o5

(PLEASE READ) A/N: In the previous chapter, you may have noticed that Paige is starting to cuss a little. Since I, myself don't cuss and feel uncomfortable doing so, I will blot it out with a *Beep* instead of the actual word. I think most of you will agree. So please, DO NOT comment what you suspect the blotted word is because I will simply delete your comment. A big thanks from the author! Enjoy this next chapter!

Three weeks have passed since I was released home. Each day has become a struggle. Most girls would have simply moved on, but it feels like an eternity for me. If I try to forget my time as a dancer, I fear like I'm letting someone down, even though I know that's not true. So I simply went mute. I only talk when I want to or need something, or I'm being talked to. The first couple days they were worried until I told them to give me some time to myself, as of right now, they backed off. Lily and Luke still attempt to make me happy. One morning, Lily brought me coffee and Luke made some scrambled eggs, though they tasted burnt, it still lightened my day just a little bit.

But now, I completely stopped laughing or showing any sort of enthusiasm. I stopped feeling the joy in everyday things. The doctor tried to lighten up my mood by saying that they should take off my cast in a month or two. What's the point? I still won't be able to dance to the music like I used to.

My only escape is going to the horse stalls.

Since they finally allowed me to be on crutches, mom decided it's time for me to go to school. Today was the day that I went to school for the first time after my accident. I dreaded every class period. Emmalee avoided me the whole time, I couldn't blame her, I kind of blew off on her that day she came into my room. I still had to go to ballet class until they sorted some things out. Until then, I get an easy hundred. Once I got through a whole day full of stares, I got home and without a hi to mom, I went straight to my room and shut the door. Forbidding anyone to come in. 

One look into my full-length mirror and I just wanted to puke on the spot. My long brown hair was fixed up into a loose ponytail, a few strands purposely were pulled out. My hoodie giving me any possible warmth during this chilly autumn air and my dark blue jeans made me look slimmer. The thing that always caught my attention was my face. The bumpy scar gave it a jagged look. Thankfully I didn't have any serious blisters. I knew that any possible makeup might make it look worse. 

I put my hood over my head and went to my bed. Putting in earbuds and shutting my eyes. Avoiding my family seemed like the best choice. I didn't want to see anyone. Being alone just felt right. I doze off, awaiting until someone calls me for dinner.

---

"THERAPY?!" I yelled in dad's direction. One of the few occasions they finally made me talk.

"Sweetie, don't yell at your father," Mom warned. Everyone was looking at me at my sudden outburst. But since they were family, it didn't make me feel any different. I rolled my eyes.

Dad took a deep breath, "I know you don't want to, but you've got to understand that we all want to help you."

"That's just it, dad! I don't need help!" I protested yet again.

"Paige," dad started, "you need to get your act together. You can't just lock your family out. You need to move on from the past."

I glared at him. Giving him my angry death stare, "Moving on?! Easy for you to say! You're not a dancer! This ruins my entire dream career!" By now, the entire table went silent, even Abner's and Tim's constant bickering stopped.

Dad gave an exasperated breath, slamming his hand on the table, "That's enough Paige! You are going to that therapy in three weeks unless you get it together."