Chapter 16
CHAPTER 16
APRIL
I hang up for the fourth time this morning.
Who would have thought one small flash mob would go viral?
Social media is lapping it up, especially since Samuel leaked the story behind it.
The City’s Golden Boy Meets His Match
Although I’m not sure that is the case.
The first reporter I talked to was, without a doubt, Camp Caleb . She wanted to disprove everything I said. When I mentioned my tenancy had expired, she couldn’t get off the phone fast enough. Not that it stopped the red top papers. But then again, they’re always looking for salacious gossip. They want some sordid love triangle between me and Caleb’s latest supermodel. I wonder what they’d think if they knew he’s already been there. Fortunately, being in New York meant there was no video footage or at least none that anyone would think to search for.
I groan when my phone rings again. I need to be getting ready for class. At this rate, I’ll be switching the damn thing off. I look down and see Di’s name flash up on the screen .
Why’s my foster mum calling me? It’s not our usual day.
I answer in a heartbeat.
“Di?” I say.
“Morning April. How are you?” Her calm voice instantly soothes me.
I lived with Di and her husband, Julian, from age twelve. They were foster parent set number four. My previous family, decided it was not for them after only six months. The two before that I lived with for three years a piece, but they had reached retirement age and wanted to travel.
Who could blame them?
I did.
By the time I landed on Di’s doorstep, I was an angry pre-teen with a large chip on my shoulder.
“I’m.” I pause. I learned a long time ago not to lie to Di. “I could be better,” I sigh.
“I thought as much. I saw the video. One of my students recognised you and showed me before class.”
I inwardly groan. “Of course they did.”
“You looked good. So did the kids and your older ladies. That was quite a routine you put together.”
Shortly after moving in with Di and Julian, I ran away. The police found me trying to check into one of the local shelters. Instead of ostracising me, Di sat me down and told me about the danger I put myself in. After that, she made me join her every evening at her dance studio after school. Initially, I did my homework, but as time went on, I found myself watching. One evening, Di invited me to join in. By age fifteen, I was competing in dance competitions alongside her other students. When I left school, I picked up A-levels in Dance and Performing Arts and began to turn my life around.
“The flash mob was mainly Samuel, although he used my routine. I was there for a meeting. They surprised me as a show of support.”
I force down the lump that has formed in my throat.
“So what’s happening? Why are you having meetings with the city’s leading property developer?”
I drop down onto the floor and lean back against my bed.
“I screwed up,” I say.
“Oh, honey. What’s happened? Is there anything Julian and I can do?”
“It’s fine, I’ll sort it out. Unfortunately, my landlord turned out to be a snake. His offer of yearly renewals was not for my benefit but more because he knew he was going to sell.”
I finally understood it after a long chat with Betty and Don. They thought I knew. Were surprised when they saw how much money I was investing in the property.
“Anyway, my lease is up. The future of the dance studio is at the mercy of Frazer Development… shit ,” I say, trying to keep a tight hold on my emotions.
“What about all the money you’ve invested?” Di asks, her concern evident.
Pinching the bridge of my nose, I answer, “Unless I can work out an agreement with Frazer Development, it’s lost. I’ve tried advertising, but no one is interested in a second-hand floor or mirrors. It’s expensive to move and the cost of relaying. It’s cheaper for them to get a warranty and buy new.”
There was one inquiry since I advertised, but when they looked into the cost, they came back and pulled out.
“Maybe this Caleb Frazer can find a solution? I’ve done some research. His family runs a scholarship program and foundation for underprivileged kids. For a family with money, they do a lot to help those less fortunate. So much so, I’m going to get a couple of my students to apply. It offers them a partial or full ride.”
Just what I need. Di fan-girling over Cal.
“His offices and car show his success, Di. They’re all modern and swanky. He even invited the flash mob in and provided food and drink for them all while he and I were in a meeting.” I say, and Di laughs. “Quickest way to shut everyone up, get them off the street.”
“Or a kind gesture because they showed you their support,” Di adds, never one to look on the dark side. It’s what makes her such an amazing foster parent. “Remember, there are always two ways of looking at things.”
“I know, I know. It’s what you taught me. Never judge a book by its cover. He tells me he wants to help, but…“
“But you’re struggling to trust what he says?” Di fills in.
“Exactly. I can’t help it. How can someone like him even begin to understand someone like me and our community? He’s a good-looking playboy who was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He doesn’t know what it means to struggle, to fight for everything you have. He doesn’t live pay cheque to pay cheque, or have to wonder where his next meal comes from. Life comes easy to him. Do I trust he’ll follow through and not roll over when his board says no? I don’t know.”
“Oh honey, I understand. You’re having to put your faith in a stranger. But look at it this way. There are good people in this world. Caleb Frazer might surprise you.” I rub my temples, trying to alleviate the headache that is forming. Di doesn’t know Cal is not quite the stranger she thinks he is.
“Why don’t you look Mr Frazer and his company up? See all the good he’s done for this city? The areas he’s redeveloped and the improvements he’s made. He works with a top eco architect. Their buildings are innovative. He tries to work with communities to rebuild them, improve them… ”
That is what Cal told me, but I took it as a company line. Trust Di to be the voice of reason. With everything that’s happening, I feel like I’m losing perspective.
“He wants to work with me for the good of the community,” I admit.
“Then why aren’t you grasping this opportunity with both hands?”
I hear her sigh and drop my head back against the mattress.
Di continues. “I remember the angry young woman dropped off at our door. Her clothes and belongings were in a bin liner.” I hate it when she reminds me of where we started, but I know she wants to make a point, and I owe her that. “You were so angry, so scared. You had created a fortress around yourself. No one was coming in. But then, month after month, we got glimpses of the girl underneath. One that has a heart of gold. Sometimes, we need to look beneath the surface when faced with new people and things. I know you find it hard to trust… and I don’t blame you. But don’t look a gift horse in the mouth. Not when you can make a difference. It sounds like you’re being offered a chance to help the kids you love so much. Are you really going to turn him away before you’ve given him a chance?”
Is that what I’m doing? If New York had never happened, would I feel differently?
“But…”
“No buts, you’ll never know unless you try.”
“What would I have done if you hadn’t come into my life?” I say, emotion crushing my chest.
“You’d have found a way. You’re a survivor, April, and don’t you forget it.” Her own voice choked.
“Thanks, Mum ,” I say, and she laughs.
“How are you doing?” I switch our conversation.
“I’m doing okay,” she sighs .
“Still no news on your operation?”
“No, it’s now a waiting game.”
My heart sinks. Here is someone who has done so much for her community, but she is left waiting.
I hear the door bang to the studio.
“I’ve got to go. I’ve got a class. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“Only if you have time,” she says. “Take care, April, and remember what I said.”
“I will.”
“We miss you,” she says, and once again, I force away the lump in my throat. Di and Julian were the first people to give me a real chance. To prove the existence of individuals who were willing to support me, that I wasn’t just a pay cheque, and for that, I will be eternally grateful. “Just think about what I’ve said. We love you, April, and are here for you.”
With that, she ends the call.
“I love you too,” I say, smiling.