Page 34 of Crash
“Tessa, when I took you home last week, there was a picture of you at your entertainment center. The little girl in her ballerina uniform standing on her toes stretching as high as you could reach. I heard you tell your toddler class the same thing, it made me realize how much the new building meant to you. It’s not just a business venture, but an opportunity to mold other young girls to be like you. There’s no way I was going to let your dream fail.”
I remove the blindfold, and when she opens her eyes, her crew, friends, parents, my parents, and all of her students are standing there inherbuilding.
The joy and emotions overtake her, and she has no words to speak. A little girl walks up to her holding a dozen mixed flowers, and she presents them to her.
“Ms. T., we are sorry that you broke your leg. We want you to have these flowers to show that we love you.” She smiles and runs to her parents.
Courtney comes forward to speak. “Sis, you have touched all of these little lives, and with your strength, courage, and bossy attitude, we have formed this kick-ass team that have danced with some of the biggest stars across all genres of music. We couldn’t have done this without you.” She cries what I can only hope are tears of happiness.
Janelle steps up and speaks. “And this community will not let this setback stop what you have planned for these kiddos. So, the summer fest is still going to happen, as scheduled. Courtney and I will run charge, but you will be there to make sure we don’t F it up.”
“You guys are amazing, truly, and I don’t know how I’m ever going to repay you. But why are we standing in this building? I won’t be able to get it now since the traveling show has to be cancelled.”
“Uh, yeah. About those two things. Well, three, actually,” I comment.
“Austin, what did you do?”
“Hmm, well, I know this badass lawyer who was able to renegotiate the contract you had just signed, and have it start six months after you’re fully healed and able to return to dancing. Then, and only then will it be deemed enforceable. So, you have time to get the show back together. As for this building, it’s yours.”
I take the deed out of my back pocket and along with it a sparkling set of keys and hand them to her. “See, my dad just happens to know the owners of this property, and I made them an offer they couldn’t refuse. I was able to get it mortgaged and paid it up for two years. I figure that should be plenty of time for you to get your extra classes going and you can take over your business. The only thing I ask is that your first dance from recovery be with me.”
The tears become more prevalent, and she still hasn’t found her words.
“You can blame Austin for all of this really. I mean, he’s my big brother and I had to go along with it.”
The participants laugh at my sister trying to bring a little humor to the tense moment.
“Oh, you guys. I can’t even begin to take all of this in and process it. Mom, Dad, I can’t believe you went along with this ruse.”
“Well, honey, Austin put this together in two days. At least, the building part. He incorporated Janelle and Courtney to get the kids and their families together to help with the surprise.”
Tessa pulls on my arm, and I kneel beside her.
“Austin, thank you.” She kisses me deeply and passionately. When we break, our foreheads touch, and she says the words I’ve dreamed of hearing for over the past week. When I think about it, you could say I’ve wanted to hear them for a while.
“I love you.”
