Chapter 25 #2
“Just the ones that will get her to fall back in love with you.” Sam and I both freeze. “I like her. Try not to make her mad at you again once you fix whatever you did. Sarah is going to be so jealous she’s a ballerina and not a gymnast!”
Hearing Celine say that excites me. I like her a lot too.
I’d always wished I had a niece or a sister like her.
Not that there was anything wrong with my having an older brother or nephews, but I’ve never been able to bond and connect with them in a deep way.
We’re genetically related to one another, but we live separate lives.
Thinking about my nephews, I feel guilty I haven’t made much effort to be in their lives.
Maybe I should start trying to be more present by calling them more than once a year.
I know that my relationship with them won’t change overnight, but maybe I can start small and work on building it up. Same with my brother and sister-in-law.
“We, er, don’t have to tell Sarah right away,” Sam sputters.
“Yes we do, I want Minerva to come with you to my spring recital. That means Sarah is going to want her to come with you to the English Championships and British Championships.”
“Celine, we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves.
” Sam is drumming his fingers against the counter.
I’ve noticed it’s something he tends to do when he’s nervous or thinking.
“Min has her own life and is a very busy person, just like you. She may not be able to come to your recital or Sarah’s competitions. ”
I appreciate that Sam is taking the time to explain to her in an appropriate way that adults don’t always have the same level of freedom as kids.
Sometimes, we are busy. For instance, if Celine’s recital were this weekend, there’s no way I’d be able to go.
I couldn’t run out on Mr. G on a day’s notice, even though he’d probably give me the day off if I asked him.
“Oh.” She becomes stoic. “I understand.”
“Celine, what Sam says is true.” I nod to him. “I promise if I’m free and able to be at your performance, you’ll find me in one of the front row seats with a giant teddy bear and flowers.”
Celine is instantly back to her happy, bubbly self. She jumps up from her seat and rushes over to hug me.
“That’s a nice leotard, but it’s not something that’s appropriate to wear on the train,” Sam says. “Why don’t you go change, and when you’re ready, we’ll head down to Paddington Station.”
“Yes, brother.”
Celine skips out of the room, whistling “I See the Light” from Tangled.
I offer Sam his choice of cereal or oatmeal. He opts for the cereal. “I hope my sister didn’t cause you too much trouble. I really thought she’d sleep in.”
“No, she’s been a great kid. I mean, I was nervous at first, but it was easy for us to bond over ballet.”
“Don’t be surprised if Sarah asks if she can video call once Celine lets it slip she’s met you.
” Sam pours himself a generous amount of my almond flakes.
“She will be jealous you’re a dancer, but I think she’ll get over it quickly once she finds out you’re also a fashion designer.
Sarah loves helping design her club’s leotards. ”
“I’ll remember that for when I talk to her. Is her collection of leotards as massive as Celine’s?”
“You have no idea,” he deadpans.
“Oh, believe me I do. Enough to fill a closet each?” I slide the milk to him.
“Yes. Dad has given the girls the garage just for their clothing.”
“You know, it would help if you didn’t buy Celine one every time she’s in town.” I elbow him lightly.
“She told you about that?”
“Uh-huh.”
“I can’t help it. It’s hard to say no to them when they ask for something.” Sam sighs. “They know which buttons to push to get me to say yes.”
“Saying no once in a while won’t hurt them. Especially when you have to pay for stuff like Celine’s pointe shoes.”
“Ballet is so much more expensive than gymnastics.” He winces. “Most of my weekly pay packet goes to Celine’s supplies.”
“Do their parents offer you any financial help?” I don’t want to pry, but I’m curious.
“No. My dad does where he can, but he’s on a fixed income.”
Hearing that makes me even more angry at Sam’s mother than I was last night. How dare she! I shove the milk into the fridge and close it harder than intended, causing the contents to rattle around inside.
“Min, I have it all worked out. Don’t worry about it.” Sam takes a bite of his cereal and chews slowly. “Anyway, don’t let Celine or me slow you down. I know you have to get ready to head to work too. Are you going to be busy all day?”
“More than likely. My client is getting married this weekend. We had a lot of drama yesterday and had to basically start her reception dress from scratch.”
“I don’t know much about fashion, but that sounds like a tight time crunch.”
“It is. I’d thought we’d have three more weeks.”
“Crackers.”
While we wait for Celine, I bring Sam up to speed on the details of the last few weeks. I’ve alluded to some things over text, but now is the first opportunity we’ve had to properly talk.
“Fashion Guru, I’m sorry if I ever said I was busy. I had no idea how deep in your own work you were.” He pushes his now empty bowl aside. “We won’t keep you any longer. I’ll take care of the washing up and my sister. Go. We’ll talk when you’re free.”