Echo-A Ballet Story

o7

Music has been my only escape. I do homework, I listen to music. I do my chores, I listen to music. I do some sort of therapy for my leg, I listen to music. It helps me in some way to think about something other than the accident and the ballet recitals that are going on right now. The counselor told me that all the classes are full, so it is impossible for me to transfer to another class. That puts me back into my ballet class where I have made so many useless memories. Emmalee hasn't really said anything to me since the accident, other than my first night home and a few times at school. 

The doctor finally took off my cast. He advised me to continue using my crutches, but I think I'll manage a couple days without them. I still have to take those dumb therapy sessions with a specialist about my leg. She's pretty nice, but half of the time, I can tell she want's to be elsewhere than here with an insolent patient. 

That night I talked with Luke, I've actually started to consider his suggestion. Though I still refuse to talk with my family about certain matters, I'm reconsidering the idea about competitions. It has been a while since I've last competed with a horse. Maybe this will give me something else to do than sulking around. Maybe I'll even contemplate about owning part of the ranch when I get older. Dad is already planning to divide the ranch among us. Though that is not what I really want to do with myself, I don't see another way out of it. My only other hobby has been snatched away from me. I've wanted to become the best dancer and go to dance school in England, or at least New York. Make a fortune in doing so.

Moon neighed as I got closer to her stall. The limp in my leg was noticeable. I really hope I won't startle her as much. "Hey girl," I said softly, indicating that it was just me. Her white flank was bit dusty, so I opened her stall door and came in. Cooing as I got near her. A brush in hand, I slowly and gently brushed her soft coat, every swift movement made her short fur glossy. Once I was done, I took out two small apples out of the pocket of my coat and gave them to her. 

I made sure her stall was closed and secured before stepping out into the cold breezy air. I let the cold air fill my lungs. Seemed like snow will get here sooner than expected. With Christmas in just a couple weeks, it really wasn't a surprise. I forced my legs to walk towards the tack room to put away the brush. My left leg felt stiff in the cold. Once I was shielded from the wind in the tack room, I quickly went over to the shelf and stood on my tippy toes to put away the brush. 

A familiar feeling washed over me as I put away the brush. Since the cast, I haven't really done any ballet exercises. The feeling of being light made my heart skip a beat. I let go of the shelf a little too quickly, figuring that my legs would cooperate. Moving both of my legs while still standing on tippy toes only lasted for a couple seconds until my left foot got a cramp and stiffened. My heart caught in my throat as I fell face first into the dirt with an "Oof". I must have looked like an idiot. 

"Paige? Why are you on the floor?" I looked up to see Luke giving me a lopsided look of confusion. Cody stood not too far away from us. I couldn't guess his expression at the sight of me. I shifted my position as Luke helped me up. I slowly dusted myself off.

"I uh...was putting away the brush." I stammered, completely embarrassed. 

"You could have just asked, we weren't too far away," Luke said, glancing down at me.

I rolled my eyes, "Well I didn't see you guys coming over here." Luke stood silent. "I must go home," I continued, "Wouldn't want to get sick." I limped past them without a glance. The wind picked up speed, hitting me in the back. Halfway to the house, I facepalmed myself, I just only realized I didn't speak in my British accent. I could only hope Cody didn't think much of it. The porch light was on when I stepped inside the warm house. My hands burned at the sudden warmth.