Shall We Dance?

Chapter 31 - Network News

The melody of my phone alarm wakes me up just like every day, but I'm not in my bedroom. After turning it off, I find myself alone in Fer's bed. My sleep was restless as I tried to process all the recent events, images of Ale and the hospital room. I feel exhausted.

After washing the sleep off my face, I find Fer sitting on the couch as he watches the morning news. He points lazily at the kitchen without taking his eyes off the TV.

"There's fresh coffee."

I pour myself a mug and sit next to him. He comes closer and places an arm around my shoulders.

"Nothing about Ale in the entertainment segment," he looks relieved. "I hope you slept better than I did."

"I slept but my brain kept repeating the images and conversations."

"Same for me. I've just been thinking about how to deal with this all. I have so many feelings running through me and truthfully I don't even want to get out of this house."

"It's understandable. When Ethan attacked Cadence I also felt lost. I was upset and angry, and didn't know how to channel that energy."

"Maybe it's because I was trying to give it a place or find someone guilty that I thought Ethan had something to do with it. Now I have nothing."

I have my suspicions but keep my mouth shut. I won't do anyone a favor by sharing assumptions for which I have no proof.

"You probably have work to do for your writing projects," he says. "I can bring you home before I head to the network to see if Liz is available. Maybe she found out more information."

"I can go with you. Usually we would spend the morning practicing and I don't think we have any interest in doing that. I also want to hear what will happen with the competition on Saturday."

"I will appreciate it if you come with me. I don't know if I'll have enough concentration to practice or dance, so forgive me if we have to and don't make it further."

"I don't care, Fer. I only want life to return to normal."

Fer and I get on with our morning routine and it's obvious that we are hesitant about what to do next. Here we feel safe, but I know we will need to confront reality soon. Fer messaged Liz during breakfast to plan a meeting and she confirmed that she could see us. So eventually, we head to the network and I really hope we get answers.

"Sorry to hear about your brother," the security guard says to Fer as we walk by.

Fer gives him a nod and frowns. Other people approach us asking how Ale is doing to which Fer replies that he's recovering; news travel fast around here. Liz is not yet at her office so we get a drink in the kitchen and wait for her. Loud laughter comes from the hallway and Kevin comes in the room.

"Told you Sawyer. Your brother can't keep his stupid mouth contained. Maybe now he'll learn how to shut the fuck up."

Before I can react, Fer has his fist in the air and tumbles on the floor with Kevin after punching him. Crew men pull Fer off Kevin. There are no major damages besides ruffled hair, wrinkled clothes, reddish spots and two men panting while staring at each other in anger.

"What the hell just happened in here?" Liz asks from the door while gazing at the mess of chairs and spilled coffee. "Fer, get in my office. Kevin, get out of my sight."

Kevin shakes himself off from the hold of a man and walks away. We follow Liz towards her office and Fer's behavior scares me some as it brings nasty memories.

"I'm sorry, Mae. It's not in my nature to react like that," he whispers. "He's been pushing my buttons for too many years and now he's gone too far. Deserved more than what I could give him."