Page 72 of A Play for Love

“It hurts because she’s right. When I couldn’t dance anymore, I felt empty inside. The ballet was my entire life, and I wanted it to be Sofia’s life. I wanted her to be everything I wasn’t, and the only way I could cope with the emptiness was to live through her. She’s such a brilliant and beautiful dancer.” My mother softly smiled as she looked at me.

“Really, Mom? Because all you ever did was criticize me and tell me how to be better when I was at my best. You have no idea how much I resent you for that. And another thing, do you even understand how badly it hurt me when you took Donovan’s side? You have no idea the things he said to me and the names he called me. He was just as unsupportive as you were.”

“I’m sorry, Sofia.” She looked away.

“You were such an amazing ballerina, Mom. You lived your dream. So, I don’t understand.”

“You’re right. I did live my dream. But once I stopped dancing, I felt like a stranger to myself. I didn’t know who I was outside of the ballet world and had difficulty coping. Perhaps that’s why I kept you so close.”

“I don’t understand,” I said.

“I was so angry when you left because you were seeking something I never had the guts to do. People knew me as the great Rose Finnegan, a world prima ballerina. If I’d left that world behind, I’d be forgotten, and I wouldn’t know who I was. Then I was Rose Finnegan, prima ballerina and mother to the great Sofia Finnegan. I was still me and wanted to hold onto that forever. I’m sorry I’ve ruined your life. I know I have issues, and I will seek help for them. Nathan and Shaun are right. Family is life, and life is family. I want to rebuild our relationship, Sofia.” Tears filled her eyes. “I have a daughter, a grandson, a future son-in-law, and a granddaughter. I want to get to know them and be a part of their lives as much as yours.”

I brought my hand up to my face and wiped away the tears that fell down my cheeks.

“Sofia, how does that make you feel?” Charlotte asked.

“I don’t know.”

“Charlotte, Nathan told me you’re the best. I would like to start seeing you as my therapist.”

“I would like that, Rose.” Charlotte smiled. “Since you’re in New York, we can do weekly sessions over Zoom.”

“That won’t be necessary. I’m moving to Los Angeles.”

“What?” I exclaimed. “What about the ABT? New York is your life, Mom.”

“It was my life, darling. Now, it’s time to start a new one.”

Fuck. I wasn’t sure how I felt about her moving to Los Angeles. I looked at Charlotte, and the expression on her face told me that everything would be okay.

“I promise to give you space and all the time you need, darling. After everything I've done, I know it won’t be easy for you. But I’m hoping that you can find it in your heart to forgive me.” She reached over and placed her hand on mine.”

“When are you moving?” I asked.

“Hopefully soon. I’m going to start looking for a house while I’m here.”

CHAPTER26

Nathan

“How do you think it’s going over there?” Conner whispered so Ella couldn’t hear him.

“I don’t know. It could go either way.”

The sliding door opened, and Charlotte walked in.

“Well?” I asked.

“I think they’ll be okay.” She smiled.

I took Nicholas from Conner. “Ella, come on. We’re going home,” I said as she sat in the living room on Conner’s laptop.

“Okay, Dad.”

Sofia's eyes locked on mine when we stepped through the sliding door, and I could tell something was wrong.

“Grandma Rose, come on. I want to show you my bedroom!” Ella ran to her, grabbed her hand, and led her upstairs.

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