Girlfriend

27. Keep Smiling

"Alright, Cathy Jean, you ready?" Ebony asked as I finished up my makeup. "You're going to do absolutely amazing."

"Thanks. And thank you for believing in me. I really appreciate it," I said with a small grin. It felt really good to smile.

"Then I guess you'll also appreciate that I'm opening my own dance school and I want you to be the first one to enroll."

I gasped. "Oh my gosh, you're joking!"

"I'm not. I want you to be around dancers that...look more like you per se," she explained. "I'm excited."

"Me too. Thank you so much." I gave Ebony a quick hug before hurrying to my place for showtime.

David was the first person I saw when I got to my place. Unfortunately we dance together for most of the show. We both knew this wasn't the time to be arguing with each other. I nod at him and he nods back as the curtains open, revealing the audience who began to applause.

When the music starts and we begin dancing, I forget about everything that happened between him and I before hand. It doesn't matter anymore; it never should've mattered.

The show goes off without a hitch and I feel so accomplished during curtain call. Just to think that about a month ago I was going to skip this event, makes me incredibly proud of myself.

My mom was the first to stand and the whole house followed her lead without second thoughts. I scan every person in the crowd and I'm surprised to see Michael and his mother in the audience, standing and clapping as well.

Michael's eyes meet mine and we hold contact until the curtains close.

"Cathy, Jean, I'm so proud of you!" Ebony cried, embracing me right when she saw me. "You are an amazing dancer."

"Thank you so much. I couldn't have done it without you."

She got quiet all of a sudden and I raise my eyebrows in confusion. "I think your friend David wants to talk to you."

I turned around and saw David standing behind us. He waves awkwardly when he notices that I saw him.

"We can talk later," she said, patting me on the shoulder before walking away.

I reluctantly walked toward David and he shifts his weight from one foot to the other as the silence between us gets thicker and thicker. I crossed my arms and waited for whatever he had to say.

"Look, I just wanted to say that I'm sorry for hurting your feelings and I totally understand why you're mad at me. I shouldn't have done what I did and I should've respected you. I'm apologize," he said, fidgeting with his hands a little.

"I appreciate your apology. You're a nice guy, David, but sometimes enough is enough," I replied. "Maybe we can be friends again but not today."

"I understand," David said. "You did an amazing job tonight. See you later, I guess."

I agreed and we went our separate ways feeling quite content. I'm glad it wasn't a nasty fight like some of the previous times but it was kind of hard to say goodbye to him. Especially since we had been through so much together.

I went back to my dressing room to pack up and as I was putting my makeup away in my bag, there was a knock on my door.

"Come in," I called absentmindedly.

"Hey, Cathy Jean."

I'd recognize that soft, sweet voice from anywhere.

I turned around and looked Michael over, my heart jumping at the sight of his beautiful brown skin and the clothes he chose to wear that complimented him so well. I looked away as fast as I turned around.

"I thought you were mad at me."

"I was irrational," he said, taking slow steps toward me. "I just really wanted to make you smile."

"I know and I'm sorry. But you've made me the happiest girl in the world, Michael and David will never make me feel the way you do," I replied, closing the space between us by wrapping my arms around his neck. "I love you."

Michael smiles and places his hands on my waist. "I love you more."

He presses his lips against mine and I realize our love for each other is more real than I thought. Michael's the one who made me truly happy and he's won my heart for that feat.

"Cathy Jean, are you ready to...oh, I'm sorry," my mom excused herself from the situation as soon as she saw Michael and I kissing.

"No, it's fine, Mom. This is Michael, obviously," I said, gesturing her inside. "Michael, this is my mom."

"It's nice to finally meet you," Michael says with a curt nod. "Cathy Jean talks about you...a lot."

"I understand," my mom laughed. "I owe you everything, Michael. You don't know how happy you make Cathy Jean. I haven't seen her this happy since her dad was around."

Michael squeezed my hand at the mention of my dad. "She's made me really happy as well. I love her a lot."

It's hard to contain my smile at his comment so I let it out. It felt good to not be under the heavy weight of sadness. Now that I have Michael in my life, I don't think I'll ever be that depressed ever again.

Even though I'm happy now, my life isn't and will never be perfect but I can't keep looking at it in a negative light. Maybe if I keep smiling, things will get even better. Just maybe.

A/N: Wow, this story is over I can't believe it! I feel like this last chapter was poorly written but oh well. Thanks for reading and I love you all so much!!!!