From now on

Chapter six

Monday of finals week hadn't been the easiest day. The ceiling in the dance studio made it impossible to dance on the apparatus, but that didn't stop them from rehearsing their other routines, the paso doble and the Charleston. Both of these routines only required a little going over, which was convienient as they wanted to put most of their time and energy into their showdance which Dianne had described as a rock and roll Fred Astaire, to an arctic monkeys classic.

It was now nearing four pm and the two knew they needed to think about finishing up early, for tonight was a the night of Emelia's first nativity show. They knew that they were off to a rocky start, part of which was out of their control, but they felt as though they had made progress and as long as the rest of the week was productive then they would be fine, they always were.

Joe practiced a section of their Charleston as they spoke. "So this is her first ever nativity show?"

Dianne nodded. "Yeah. In nursery and reception they only really did Christmas carols, but this year she's doing a nativity, Yeah." She smiled, taking off her ballroom shoes. "She's one of the angels."

"Aw. I can already imagine her in a little white dress and stuff." Joe cooed, Dianne completely in agreement. Emelia was a very cute kid anyway, let alone as an angel in a school show. "I'll make sure to take loads of photos."

"Same, we can send them to everyone. My mum and dad, your mum and dad, everyone really. Tracey's coming tonight, isn't she?" Back in November when the school had informed the parents about the school show, Joe had the idea to invite his mum along, knowing she loved things like this. Dianne couldn't be more grateful, seeing as her parents couldn't. Tracey had practically jumped at the opportunity and said yes. So Emelia was a very happy girl, having some of Joe's family coming.

Joe nodded. "Yeah, mum is coming. She stayed at Zoe's last night, and so I think Zoe will be coming to, But Emelia doesn't know that yet."

Dianne smiled appreciatively, the two sitting down on the studio floor together, her head resting in his lap. "Aw, a lovely surprise. She's going to be so excited. She loves Zoe, the two are like two peas in a pod."

Joe nodded, smiling. "Yeah. Zoe's always been great with kids, and can't wait to have children of her own. She's going to be a brilliant mum, and host the best birthday parties in town." He chuckled. Zoe had always loved hosting, decorating, it was something she had inherited from Tracey. Dianne chuckled along with him.

Just as he leant down to kiss her, his phone buzzed beside him. "God damn it." She giggled as he picked it up, quickly reading the message. "It's Zoe, they'll be here in about two hours. Perfect."

"That gives us...an hour before we leave, and we can take our time. It starts at seven I think. She's going to be exhausted afterwards, bless her." Dianne thought aloud. She stood up, holding a hand out for Joe. "Come on. Shall we think about heading back home?"

He took her hand, getting up but still keeping their hands connected. "Sure."

///

"Late at night, in a lost and lonely part of town..." Zoe and Tracey both sang in unison, going down the motorway towards London, both excited to see Joe and Dianne, and of course Emelia.

"Do you remember when you and Joe used to make home videos to this song? In the living room?" Tracey asked. Zoe laughed out loud, both reminiscing over old times, back before social media and when they all lived together in Wiltshire, among the fields. "I remember it like yesterday."

"So do I. Joe used to be crazy about Faye, didn't he have posters of her on his wall?" Zoe grinned, Tracey nodding. She giggled. "Thought so. And now look at him...he's dancing on Strictly with her!"