Page 32 of Tendu: Dancing in the Castle

“Are you talking about the dyslexia?” interjected Simone. “Because I always thought that was a put-on to get out of doing stuff.”

I struggled not to shout. “It is not a put-on.”

“Dyslexia?” mused Michelle. “That could actually be interesting.”

Disgusted, I stormed out of the room and stopped in the corridor, wondering and then knowing exactly where Will had gone.

“Amalphia, wait.” Aleks had followed. “Ignore her inappropriate nonsense. Remember what is important. The training. Us.”

“It’s okay,” I reassured him. “I’m going to find Will and sort out the forms. You could have a word with her about her attitude, though.”

He sighed. “I will try. But you should not push your friend too hard. The tough regime at the castle will not be right for everyone.”

“I think he can take it,” I said. “Especially after your teaching. Aleks, you’ve done great things for us.” I squeezed his non-hurt hand and then headed off to what was fast becoming a place of daily refuge.

In the bathroom, Will stared at himself in the mirror. I leant my head against his arm, a stance from long ago, and we regarded each other in the glass.

“You’ve got to come with me, Will.” I felt an inexplicable level of panic at the thought of being far away in a strange land without him.

“Don’t upset yourself, Treadwell. I’ll come. Not impressed with the stuck-up cow, though.”

“No one is.”

We sat side by side on the cold lino floor and answered mundane and not so mundane questions on the form. It was like the old days, and yet actually the start of a new adventure. Stepping out into the unknown was surely easier with friends at your side.

The door opened. “Everyone is okay in here?” asked Aleks.

“Yes,” I told him.

“This is good. Justin, he is very excited about the pool.”

“There’s a pool?” I asked.

“Is very big.” Aleks stretched his arms out wide.

“Are you going to teach us those big lifts that you’re famous for?” asked Will. “And the jumps, the massive ones that go all round the stage?”

Aleks shrugged. “I can show you this. So. It is Tuesday, Amalphia, and time for your class in my studio. Five minutes, we go.”

Will’s questions continued. “Are we all gonna get private lessons?”

Aleks raised his eyebrows, possibly tiring of the inquisition. “This could be discussed,” he said, and then left with our forms.

“Watch out for him, Malph. He’s got a reputation.”

“Yes. Everyone keeps telling me that, thank you, Will,” I said, cross, then softening. “I’m really glad you’re coming, though, and, you know, that we’re friends again.”

“Always were, babe. You just forgot for a while.”

Chapter 10

Twelvedayslater,Iwiped a smear of chocolate from my cheek in Aleks’s small kitchen and admired twenty-four perfectly iced cupcakes. They were an apology, not that it had really been my fault.

We’d had three more days of college followed by a week off. Time in bed had been interspersed with learning a sexy new pas de deux, and going shopping for food and yet more gifts.

“Soon it will all be different, so different,” Aleks had told me. “This is our time. We must enjoy it to the full.”

So I didn’t complain as he did up a watch strap or undid new underwear. Life was a magical dream, hazy with love and autumn sunshine.

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