Between Two

Chapter 19

CHRIS

"I know, Gracie, but mom's at work. Sit down." Gracie whined, stomping her foot before sitting down in the chair in front of the mirror.

I grabbed a couple hair ties and a hair brush, brushing back her golden locks into a ponytail. She moved uncomfortably on the chair, her hazel eyes starting to get watery.

"Am I pulling your hair too hard?" She shook her head vigorously, her bottom lip starting to quiver.

I let go of her hair, furrowing my eyebrows as she started to wipe at her eyes, "Gracie, what's wrong?" A cry escaped her, tears starting to pour down her face.

"I don't wanna go." She stood up from the chair and ran out of the room.

I ran a hand down my face, not understanding why she did that, "What the fuck?" I muttered it, walking out and towards her room.

I frowned, seeing her laying down on the bed, crying. I sat down next to her, gently patting her back.

"What is it, Gracie?" She hiccuped, sitting up to face me.

"I-I don't wanna go." I nodded, pulling her onto my lap.

I wrapped my arms around her, cradling her a bit while she continued to cry, "Why? You begged me for months so that I'd pay for lessons and it's been going fine. What's the matter now?" Her small body shook in my arms as she tried controlling her tears.

She inhaled a deep breath, stuttering a bit, "T-there's a dance... it... it's s-s..." She started crying more, burying her face against my chest.

"It's okay, just go slow." She gripped my shirt in her small hands, her tears soaking through it.

"A dance... with my dad... I-I don't have one." I closed my eyes, holding her closer to me.

"All t-the... girls... they have their dad to dance with. They make fun of me because if it and the way I talk." She continued talking, choking on her tears and I clenched my jaw, hugging her tight.

"It's okay, baby, they're just jealous because you're adorable and talented." She shook her head, crying even harder.

I felt a tear roll down my cheek, my heart breaking for my little sister. I wanted to take away all the pain she was feeling, I wanted to make her feel better.

"You know, how about I dance with you? Would you like that?" She looked at me with red, watery eyes, her lips parting.

She nodded, and I wiped away her tears, "And after I can take you to Build-A-Bear, go get something to eat. We'll even go get ice cream." She nodded again, still sniffling.

I knew that it was going to be a lot of money, plus I still needed to pay for her ballet lessons. It was okay though, I'd just need to pick up some extra shifts, maybe even get another job, but I don't care. As long as I get to see her smile, hear her laugh again. I just want her to be happy.

"Okay, after your lesson today we can go." She wiped at her eyes, still hiccuping a bit.

"C-can Avi come? I want to see her." I wiped at my own eyes, hoping Gracie would feel better soon.