Chapter 138
Chapter one hundred thirty-eight
Christianna
Watching Meg dance is usually therapeutic, almost hypnotic. Tonight it’s not. She is dancing to music in her head, and it seems like it’s a symphony straight from hell. She’s racing, frantic, and I’m worried she’s going to hurt herself.
I came in to tell her the Earls were bringing dinner. It's a testament to how worn down we all are. Even David doesn't want to cook
Finally I move to stand in her way and she halts abruptly, sweat soaking through her leotard.
We don’t say anything. We don’t need to.
“What if she is discovered?” she whispers, voice breaking.
Tears are falling down my face as I ignore the sweat and embrace my best friend.
“We have to trust. She has never not been five steps ahead.”
She nods into my shoulder as we stand there.
“You need to do the choreography,” I say into her ear.
Her whole body goes rigid, but I hold her tightly so she can’t pull away.
“No, it’s time you followed your heart. I finally did, and I feel alive and free. When you dance, not tonight, but when you let go, that’s your freedom. I love you. I want you to take the risk. You need it.”
She collapses back into me. “What if I fail? What if everyone else was right?”
I rock her as I clutch her. “Do you think David Earl would let a failure near his project?”
Her head rears back as she meets my eyes, realization dawning, finally.
I smirk.
She leans over and wipes her runny nose across the shoulder of my sweatshirt.
“Don’t be a superior bitch,” she snips as she squeezes me before releasing me to head out to change.
I grimace at the slimy line of snot on my sweatshirt and head up to take a shower.