Page 91 of Wonderstruck

At the front of the mirrored studio, MissGirelle’s sharp eyes narrowed. The sunlight streaming through the windows highlighted the streaks of silver in her tightly wound bun as she crossed her arms.

“Excuse moi!” Her accent sliced through theroom. “Zis class is precious. Latecomers must prove zey are committed to ze art of ballet.” Her gaze pinned Goldie in place. “Are you committed?”

Goldie’s wide eyes darted to me, her face pale under the flush. I gave her a small nod of encouragement. “Yes, ma’am. One thousand per centcommitted.”

Miss Girelle’s lips pursed, her expressionunreadable before she waved a hand dismissively. “Zen hurry up. Warm up s’il vous plaît.”

Goldie released a shaky breath and hurriedover to us, her bag slipping off her shoulder. “God, everyone I ran past on the street must’ve thought I was insane,” she muttered.

Cora glanced up from her seat, deadpan. “At least the rest of the world is finally catching on.”

Goldie shot her a mock glare before breakinginto a grin. “Happy birthday to me, right?”

“Thank you, guys. For coming,” I said quietly,my voice barely above a whisper.

They didn’t need to be here. But when they’d pulled me aside last night and asked if I was okay, I hadn’t been able to hold back. I’d admitted how nervous I was, though I wasn’t sure why. Every time I tried to pinpoint the reason, my thoughts strayed back to the crash.

The memory flickered in my mind, but not the worst parts. No, instead, I thought of blonde hair, green eyes, and shoulder so tall and broad they cast the same shadows that Everest did.

I hadn’t seen Finn in days—a week, maybe?Ever since the crash, come to think of it. Which was weird, considering how we left things. Usually, we would’ve had ice time or a study session in the library by now but… nothing. Part of me wanted to blame the distance on being away from Liberty, but it didn’t feel right. It had to do with that night. I was sure of it.

I was scared.

Of me?

Of losing you.

His words echoed like a song I couldn’t forget.If he showed up at Goldie’s party tonight, I’d ask him.

Thekey word beingif.

Three sharp claps snapped me out of mythoughts. Miss Girelle stood in the centre of the room, her hands raised. “Now, my little primas. Let us zee what we are working with!”

Before we could move into place, the doors slammed open once more. I froze, my eyes widening at the sight. Standing there, panting slightly, were Tristan and Jesse. Both were dressed in pink tights and snug grey tank tops that clung to their torsos like second skins.

“What the fuck—” Cora whispered, her jawdropping.

Miss Girelle raised a single, unimpressedbrow. “Can I help you, gentlemen?”

Tristan exchanged a look with Jesse beforestepping forward. “Uh, yeah. We’re here to start our New Year’s resolution. You know, to become ballerinas. This is the right place, right?”

Miss Girelle’s eyes narrowed. “The new yearis still two months away.”

Jesse shrugged. “Call us eager.”

Snickers erupted around the room, and Iturned to Goldie, whispering, “Care to explain?”

She bit her lip, guilt flickering across her face.“I told Tristan we were coming here because you were nervous… and I may have told him that I was nervous too, so…” She nodded toward the boys.

Daisy raised her hand, her voice hush as she leant towards my ear. “Actually, Jesse joiningwas my idea.”

Miss Girelle sighed, pinching the bridge of hernose before waving them in. “Seigneur, donne-moi la force.1 Find a space and warm up!”

Tristan strolled over to Goldie, his tattoos stark against the pink.“Couldn’t find black tights?” she teased.

“These were the only ones that fit,” he saidwith a shrug. “Kind of into it, honestly.”

“Same,” Jesse added, towering over Daisyeven when he bent into a stretch. “Surprisingly comfy.”

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