Page 122 of Retribution

I gulp, remembering the story he told me in the car.

“But, there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think of her, I like to think of myself as a better person now. A person that would never be put in a situation like that again, one where it is the difference between life and death. There is no time like the present and you’ve begun your journey, just take each day as it comes. Don’t worry about your past and the mistakes you’ve made, don’t worry about what’s going to happen tomorrow, or the next day. All you need to do is walk with one foot in front of the other and you’ll find the rest of it follows.”

I close my eyes absorbing every word of his, the steadiness of just confronting my battles for the day instead of the next ten years feels so much easier.

“Damn, have you been a sponsor before?” I laugh.

“First time for everything,” he bounces back.

I am thoroughly impressed.

“Ah, you’ll probably need my number.” He holds his hand out for my phone, and I pass it to him unlocked.

He keys in his number and returns it to me.

“I’ve got somewhere to be but call me anytime you need me, well apart from when I’m flying but I’m only working part-time at the moment anyway.”

“Thanks, Devon.” I shake his hand as we stand up.

“See you next week.”

He disappears out of the exit, and I stand still before the doors, inhaling deeply, the weight of the world slowly beginning to lighten and release me from its burden.

Day two of sobriety has been somewhat successful.

1 Week Later

Indie

It’s day three of conducting interviews for the studio.

I was surprised at the quick response from the advert, but there was a mixed bag of applicants. Some younger, some older, some under-qualified and some overqualified. But, none of them seemed to be the right fit, I don’t know if it’s because of my personal connection with this place, or the fact I want the perfect person to fill my boots.

I don’t want to place the studio in the hands of someone who could undo all of my hard work, I want someone who I can trust will keep my high standards and brilliant reputation. I feel like I’m slowly losing hope that this is a good idea after all.

“Amazing choice of flooring.” A woman calls from the entrance of the studio. I look up and take in her stunning auburn hair as it flows down her tall frame flawlessly.

“Why, thank you.” I respond, walking over to her.

“I seen your ad for the job, I hope you’ve got time to squeeze me in for an interview!” She’s confident and composed.

I check the time.

“Yeah, I’ve got some time.” I nod and point over to my office, beckoning for her to follow.

I take a seat behind my desk and grab my notebook filled with notes from prior interviews and take my purple fluffy pen out of the pot.

“Well, I’m Indie Thorne. Sorry, Indie Breckenridge. I’m the founder of the studio.” I blush, still getting used to my new name.

“It’s lovely to finally meet you, I’ve watched you for so many years, especially during your qualifying years, you’re phenomenal!” She smiles at me and I feel the heat rising to my cheeks again.

It’s still bizarre to have people who recognize me in the ballet world, I’m not a celebrity by any means but any person who has followed the ballet hierarchy would know who I was.

“Oh, stop.” I wave her off, laughing.

“Should I begin by telling you a little about myself?” She bats her long eyelashes as I almost forget why she’s here in the first place.

“Oh yeah, of course, go ahead.” I readjust my notebook and grip my pen.

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