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Dad invited us to sleep over. It’s the house we grew up in, and it would have been tragically nostalgic and heart-breaking if we’d slept in our old rooms knowing Caden is the first to leave us for good. Our family is splintering and nobody wanted to face it.
Caden’s the only one who accepted Dad’s invitation. Which was super sweet of him. And brave.
Because of this audition looming, I left with Lexi. She wanted to run to Brad, because he could distract her from anything, anytime, anywhere.
Hunter took off to whatever mysterious place he goes to.
Max had Natalie waiting.
Guilt plagued my decision. But this audition was pressing in and sleep was mandatory.
Not that I got any.
But I tried.
Frankly, I thought I’d come here, dance a few rounds and be sent home or book background, per usual. That was the goal, and it was a good one that deserved my full attention. Then I’d go help Caden pack. That’s where my siblings and most of our cousins are right now, stuffing his life into boxes that will be shipped to another state where we’ll never see him again.
Stop thinking like that, Sam!
But I can’t stop.
I just can’t.
He’s my big brother. My homie. My guy. Yes, Max is the oldest, but Caden and I are closer. He’s always watched over me, teasing me, driving me bonkers. But he’s…there.
I can’t believe he’s leaving!
What if he loves Chicago?
What if he stays forever?
“Please give me another chance?”
Ms. Galloway leans over. “She’s a very talented dancer, Stu.”
He glares at her.
The Bug doesn’t budge.
With authority, Galloway calls to her award-winning pianist, “Kelly, again!”
Gentle music expands from nimble fingers.
This cue I do not miss.
My worries disappear as I’m transported to an imaginary world where my soulmate has snuck out of his home to see me before dawn’s sunlight steals our chance.
We’re forbidden by our families to be together because we honor different religions. But the moment our eyes met, we fell in love, with no choice but to hide it.
Since I’m alone in this audition, I imagine myself approaching where we said we’d meet, discover him waiting for me like he said he would, and fly across where we would pass one another, gazes locked over our shoulders until we had to release the stare.
I do not see the lack of him, the mirrors, or my solo reflection.
I see only beautiful him.
My troubled partner.
My perfect mate.
