Because of You

Chapter 16

"Ok. Let's start with something simple," Nina said calmly as I followed behind her onto the dance floor. I leaned my crutches against the wall and limped the rest of the way over. Nina looked back at me and I nodded. "How about a... double axel turn to the floor?"

"Nina?! Easy?"

She laughed. "I'm just playing. How about a chaines? Just one."

I nodded and began to prep for the turn. I was certainly wobbly. I looked at Nina and saw Jayden watching me out of the corner of my eye. I stumbled, but caught my balance again. I started to turn... and landed on the ground. My foot had decided it didn't want to support my weight. I huffed and got back up determinedly, not allowing Nina to help me.

I started the turn again, again, again, again. For a whole thirty minutes I tried to turn and ended up on my butt on the floor. I couldn't do it. I stayed on the floor, staring off into space, dazed. I vaguely noticed Nina walking over to me. "You're doing great Honey. It's gonna take time," she said softly, squatting down by me.

I shook my head. "I ca—" I cut off as I felt the sudden urge to cry. I didn't cry in front of people. I sucked in a breath and hauled myself off the floor. "I have to go to the bathroom," I mumbled, hobbling off as fast as I could. Nina took a step after me, hand outstretched, then stopped. I slammed the door behind me without really meaning to. I was panicking.

What would I do if I couldn't dance anymore? All the time and commitment down the drain. And dance was all I had. I was too afraid to try anything else. Tears spilled silently down my cheeks and I sunk to the floor. God you stupid foot, just work! I yelled in my head. There was nothing else to hit so I hit the floor.

I heard a little knock on the door. It was so quite I wasn't sure I had heard it at first but then Jayden whispered through the crack in the door, "Wendy? I know you're in there. Can you open the door please?"

I took a deep breath, wiped my eyes, and pulled myself to my feet. I looked at my watch. I had been in the bathroom for 10 minutes; longer than I thought it had been. I cracked the door open a tiny bit and stood looking at my feet. "Do you want to talk about it?" He asked gently.

I shook my head no. If I started talking about my fears I would probably cry again and I had never cried in front of someone before. I didn't trust anyone enough. "Ok. Can I talk to you though?" He asked calmly. I frowned, but nodded. As long as I wasn't talking I should be okay. He sat down and pulled me to the floor beside him.

"Nina is right. It's gonna take time. But you can't give up. I know it's not in you to give up."

"I don't wanna dance anymore," I lied.

"I know that's not true. I've seen you dance and you're amazing. Like my little sister. But she didn't have the choice to keep dancing; you do. I know you don't want to stop dancing. I know it means the world to you. But, if that's not enough motivation, will you keep trying for Jinni? For me? I can't stand to see someone else I love stop dancing."

I snapped my head up and stared at him. Ha-had he just said he loved me? Me? "S-someone you... love?"

His gaze didn't break away from mine as he nodded. "Wendy, I love you."