I Used To Be

Chapter 11, Part 3

"What day is it?"

"Friday."

I looked out the window. A blaze of orange leaked across the tops of the trees.

"Morning or evening?"

"Evening." Isabelle squeezed my hand.

I opened my eyes. There was no one else in the room, but Mom's coat and purse were in a chair in the far corner.

"Fuck – we have to go! It's opening night!"

Isabelle put her hand on my chest.

"Don't worry about that right now, honey."

"Okay, even if they can't let me out of here, Isabelle, you have to go! You're the Sugarplum Fairy!"

"And so is Candy. It's fine, Anna. It doesn't matter."

"Yes it does," I started crying. "Please. You have to."

"No, I don't. I really don't, Anna; trust me."

I was so tired. I had felt and said at various times throughout my life, especially recently, that I had no energy, but I didn't know what it was to actually literally have no energy until now.

I closed my eyes.

"Isabelle. I'm serious. Promise me. Candy can dance for you tonight, but you're dancing tomorrow night. Please. Promise."

Isabelle sighed. "Okay, Anna. I promise."

I fell back asleep and dreamed of her dancing, but in my dream, I was the Sugarplum Prince. As everyone was applauding, I handed her a rose, and kissed her as the curtain fell.