This town

Chapter 4

The entire night Val had thought of a plan how to stop Sharna going on her date, or at least to stop her from a mistake she might make. But he wasn't sure about it yet, he thought that confronting her was a good thing. But on the other hand, he was afraid for her reaction. She had told him before that  he was not in control of her life and that she could make her own choices, but he wanted to prevent her from making a mistake. 

When he arrived at the studio Sharna was already there and he could on her face that she was really happy. Especially when he compared her to the other girls, who all had tired looks on their faces. He remembered Sharna telling him that they would go out together, so the only reason Sharna was this happy, would be because she was excited for tonight.

Mandy explained that they were going to rehearse all the numbers today in the same rehearsal space. Which would mean a lot of waiting for most of the time, but at least everybody was able to see all the dances. 

They started with the opening number and Val was excited to dance with Sharna. And she also had a constant smile on her face. Afterwards all the other numbers would pass.

They were finished earlier than expected, so Mandy gave the dancers a couple of hours off. Val immediately hurried to Sharna.

"So, I was thinking. Maybe we can hang out this afternoon?" Val was nervous when he asked her and by the look and Sharna's face, he knew he had surprised her.

"I already have plans this evening and I have to head home to walk Duke and Daisy." 

Val ignored the fact that he knew she was making up an excuse.
"I love those dogs. Do you mind if I join you?" Val silently prayed she would say yes this time.

"I guess you can. See you at my apartment then?"

"Yes, I'll see you there."

Val was really happy. He still didn't have a plan how to stop the date, but at least he was in her presence right now. So at least he could try something. 

Val waited for Sharna by the cars and he followed her on the road towards her apartment. Sharna opened the door for him and Val walked in.

Since the last he had been there, a lot had changed. Sharna had rearranged her apartment, but he knew she sometimes liked to do that. When he walked into the living Duke and Daisy came running towards him. And from the kitchen he heard another familiar voice. "Shar, are you home already?"

"Yes, rehearsals were finished earlier. So I'm going to walk Duke and Daisy with Val."

"Val? Is he here as well?"

"Hey Woo." 

Woo, Sharna's mother, appeared from the kitchen. "Hey, good to see you Val. It has been a long time." Woo gave Val a hug, but Val could still feel some distance from her. And he couldn't blame her, he had been responsible for it after all. 

"It has been a long time indeed. But you look amazing. How long are you staying?"

"I'm staying until Sharna returns from the tour. I'm going to take of Duke and Daisy, so they don't have to go to the shelter for too long. And that way I can watch Shar dance."

"That is an amazing thing, but that means you will be spending Christmas and NYE here as well."

"Yes, and I finally have some time to spend it with my daughter." 

Woo pulled Sharna close to her. "And that will be the best Christmas and NYE in a long time."

"We are going mum, see you soon."

"Take care, Shar."

Sharna got Duke and Daisy ready for their trip and walked towards the front door and Val followed her. When they were outside, Val thought it was safe enough to talk.