Page 16 of Retribution

I keep the details about Allie to a minimum, when I speak to Bridget. I don’t want Willow to find out anything until I’ve spoken to her myself.

She’s an extremely intelligent nine-year-old and sometimes, too much for her own good. I’ve been trying my best to act perfectly normal around her but, last night she had seen me break.

Normally, I can contain my emotions and control my reactions. That was flipped on its head when I had to prepare myself for life changing news.

***

Entering the busy hall, I take a seat amongst the chattering crowd.

A stage sits central, spotlights cast over it in different directions.

After scanning the audience to see if I recognize anyone, I pull up the brochure I was handed at the entrance. Flicking through the pages, I land on a photograph of Willow.

She is positioned with her right leg stretched outright, her arms in a beautiful arch. Her face is very different to the usual happy and smiley girl I was used to. It was much more taut, focused, and serious.

It makes her appear so much older and mature; she looks exactly like Allie. Her brown hair is pulled back into a tight and neat bun, the opposite to her usual wild and curly locks.

I really have missed out on this huge aspect of her life. Not for any longer.

The situation with Allie seems to have put a lot of things into perspective, like what really matters to me. It’s time for me to put my daughter first.

I look across the rest of the page that’s labeled with ‘Thorne Ballet Studios’, in cursive writing.

A group photo of the entire class is the largest image on the page. Searching each face looking for Willow, I notice her as she’s stood in between the arms of a woman.

The woman stands out from the rest of the group as she is dressed differently, in a black leotard rather than the opposing pink.

Her eyes pierce through the photo and stare right back at me. I hadn’t realized I was completely staring until I’m interrupted by the panel of judges, announcing their greeting and the awards that are up for grabs tonight.

I quickly fold the brochure and pop it into my suit pocket, returning my attention to the stage.

* * *

Here it is, the final performance of the night.

The stage draws dark, and a line of black shadows scurry across the way.

A harmonious violin fills the room and the lights return. Willow is presented in the middle and slowly begins to arch her back and her arms move with such elegance. Her feet move quickly, but with ease.

I barely even notice any of the other dancers throughout the full performance, my gaze entirely upon my daughter.

She looks so beautiful, I really feel like I’ve begun to understand why Willow is so passionate about ballet, the grace and luxurious skill-set that comes with it.

The performance comes to an end and the room erupts into applause. I beam with absolute pride, knowing how much this means to her. Her smile shines out as she takes a bow in front of the judge.

There’s my girl.

The rest of the dancers from other schools come onto the stage, preparing for the results.

My gaze is pulled towards the woman I had seen on the brochure. Her slender figure is obvious in her tight-fitting ruby dress, it clings hungrily to her breasts and hips, complimenting her in every way.

The girls from the performance crowd around her and she laughs, a stunning smile spreading across her face. Within a split second, the spotlights are no longer as bright as they once were.

“This decision was incredibly difficult for us as each and every one of you performed to your full potential…”

I bite my lip with anticipation.

“But of course, the decision we have made represents the true talent of their performance. We would like to announce that the winners of the annual Atlanta Youth Ballet Competition are…”

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