Page 50 of Cloudless

ONE MORE

KAM

The smell of hairspray hangs in the air as I search the theater for familiar faces. It’s moments like this that make me appreciate my height as I peer over everyone’s heads to get a better view of the room.

A nervous energy flows through the space as kids run around in costumes. Parents with exhausted faces chase after them as I try not to step on anyone.

Three tall figures in the distance standing above the crowd act as my landmark in the over-crowded space. I clutch the overpriced flowers to my chest as I weave through the aisles to get to my friends.

A blanket of darkness descends as I reach our row of seats just in time. I ensure the aisle seat remains empty for Lila. Wyatt’s brows raise as we lower into our seats. “Cutting it close, aren’t you?”

Jasper’s face lights up as he pokes his head around Wyatt. “Kam! I thought you got lost.” The multitude of toy cars lining Wyatt’s legs shift as he tries to keep Jasper from tumbling out of his seat.

I lower my voice as classical music takes the place of voices around us. “Nah, I couldn’t miss Posey’s performance. Traffic was just a lot worse than I was expecting.”

Dax’s voice filters through the darkness. “This place is packed. Who would have thought a ballet recital could rival our crowd size?”

There’s no way this is a stadium full of people. However, I have to admit I’m shocked at the turnout. “Have you seen Lila? I know she was having an issue with Posey’s costume.”

Mace’s voice is the one that rises above the music. “We got it worked out. Nothing a safety pin couldn’t fix. She should be back out soon.” His voice falls to a whisper. “Should we have saved some seats for the grandparents?”

I shake my head as I fold myself into the tiny seat. “Nope. Lila said they aren’t coming.”

He raises his brows. “I figured they would be here. Especially since the court date is coming up.”

I shrug as Miss Emma’s voice drowns out the music from her place on center stage.

“Thank you all for coming to our Annual Fall Recital. All my students have worked very hard these past few months to bring you our take of Swan Lake.” A practiced smile pulls at her lips as she looks around the crowd. “I hope you enjoy the show.”

I swivel in my seat to look for any signs of Lila as applause follows Miss Emma from the stage. A streak of blonde catches my attention despite the low lighting.

A smile blooms on my face as Lila pushes the spring-loaded theater seat down before settling into it with a huff. “I never want to see another ripped seam again.”

A quiet laugh tumbles from my lips as I push the hair from her face. “But you conquered that ripped seam.”

She raises her brows as a smile touches her lips. “It’s not like I could let it win.” Her eyes grow soft as they fall to the flowers sitting in my lap. “You got Posey flowers?”

I’m thankful for the darkness that hides my blush. “Well, yeah. She couldn’t be the only one without flowers.”

The gentle kiss she plants on my cheek is more than worth the money I forked up for the flowers. How someone could live with themselves after charging almost one hundred dollars for twelve roses, I’ll never know. I definitely won’t be using that florist for her next recital.

My ears ring with the increase in the music's volume as the kids in white spin on stage.

A stray hair around Lila’s face tickles my cheek as I lean closer to whisper, “When is Posey’s group supposed to dance?”

Her mango scent washes over me as she turns slightly. “She should be next.”

The music fades as the dancers take their final poses on the stage. Sweat coats my palms as I try not to crush the bundle of roses in my arms.

I take deep, even breaths as a nervousness takes over that’s more severe than anything I feel before a game.

I can control my performance and live with the mistakes I make.

I just don’t think I can watch Posey mess up her dance, knowing the embarrassment that she would feel and look back on for the rest of her life.

A line of pink files onto the stage with a practiced efficiency. My eyes move past the boys and girls until my eyes land on Posey in the middle of the group.

Her gaze sweeps across the rows of seats before settling on ours. The wattage of her smile grows with every seat she sees that’s filled with people who love her. Warmth blooms in my chest as she sends us a little wave before taking her starting position with her classmates.

The pounding of my pulse nearly overrides the music I’ve grown so used to hearing her practice with in my living room these past few weeks.

I anticipate each movement and step in my mind as they follow the music. Her happiness shines as brightly as the lights that illuminate her smile as she dances. Lila’s fingers find my leg in the darkness as she digs her fingers into the fabric. I sit up straighter in my seat as the spin draws near.

I lost count of the times Posey fell in my living room as she tried to master a spin that always seemed just out of reach.

My breath stalls in my chest as I intertwine my fingers with Lila’s. Posey’s feet are sure under her and her ankle is stable as she raises her arms above her head and spins.

I count every turn.

One.

Two.

Come on, Posey. You can do this.

Three.

Come on. One more.

Four!

Our group releases a collective breath as I fight to stay in my seat. Our shouts of celebration, however, flow freely through the theater as Posey’s smile doubles in size.

My heart pounds in my chest as the music fades. I have no idea if our row is the only one standing. I don’t look around at anyone else as Posey exits the stage with a triumphant smile. To be honest, I don’t really care what anyone thinks about our group.

My only focus is clapping and cheering loud enough for Posey to hear me.