Before You Go

FORTY-TWO

One Year After

The next few months are a blur of Noah, school and dance practice. It’s busy, but Noah and I make the time for each other. Always. It helps that we spend nearly every night together. Since we each have our own place, there’s really no reason not to. Plus, I can’t take being away from him for more than a few hours—especially at night.

I wish I was tucked away in covers with him now as I wait in the wings at the theater. Tonight’s the night of our big show. My nerves are out of control and the little butterflies that started tickling my belly have morphed into angry crows battling it out in my gut.

I think I might just chicken out until I look into the audience. From the wings, I can see Noah front and center, looking delicious in his new gray suit. He’s sandwiched between my two families. On one side is Dad, Amy and Jules. On the other sits Mom, Stephen, and Michael. They smile and call out my name.

It’s time.

I let out a deep breath and take my position before I am consumed by the spotlight. And when the music begins, I dance. I go through the movements, my confidence growing with each step and soon, I’m no longer worried.

I perform the best number of my life. Funny, it doesn’t even matter because I know that if I tumble, there are six people out there ready to pick me up again.