Chapter 5
1078 Words
“We need to talk.”
Sophia held her breath. Nothing good had ever followed those words.
She looked at Ava with a forced smile. The teenager was the most talented student in the advanced class. If she truly committed herself to ballet and took additional lessons, she could go far in the profession. Sophia had planned to give her an important solo in the end-of-semester recital.
Maybe even the lead role.
But the sadness in Ava’s eyes told her those plans were about to fall apart.
“I’ve decided to quit ballet after this month.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” Sophia kept her voice calm and gentle. “Did something happen? Have you been unhappy here?”
“No, quite the opposite. I love the classes and I love the studio. It wasn’t an easy decision, but I’m in my junior year of high school, and I want to focus on my studies. My dream is to become a doctor, and I’ll only get into a top university if I have perfect grades.”
“I completely understand.” Sophia nodded with a genuine smile. “We’ll all miss you. You’re an incredible ballerina, but you’re making the right choice by following your dream.”
“Thank you for understanding. Can I give you a hug?”
“Of course.”
Sophia hugged her tightly, already feeling the bittersweet ache of missing her before she was even gone.
When Ava left and the reception area fell silent, Sophia closed her eyes and let out a frustrated sigh.
Now only three advanced ballerinas remained.
Ideally, she needed at least twelve.
How was she supposed to organize a proper recital with so few dancers?
It was 7:05 p.m.
Sophia walked to the front door, turned the sign to CLOSED, and locked it before heading toward the changing room almost on autopilot. Her mind raced as she searched for a solution to her financial problems.
Even if, by some miracle, she managed to save the studio from bankruptcy, she would still have to find a way to attract new students.
But how?
After changing clothes and returning to the reception area with her backpack slung over one shoulder, she noticed her phone vibrating on the counter.
A message from Hannah.
Darn, she thought. She had forgotten they were meeting for dinner.
At least the café was nearby and on the way to her apartment.
She sent a quick reply confirming she was on her way and left the building.
—- —- —-
The smell of coffee and cinnamon made Sophia’s mouth water.
Hannah was sitting by the window, away from the other costumers. Her brown hair was tied back in a sleek ponytail, while two curly strands framed her flushed face. Her oversized sweatshirt, leggings, and running shoes made it obvious she’d just finished working out.
The moment she spotted Sophia, she folded her arms.
“I’m charging you a late fee.”
“You wouldn’t.”
“Of course not.” Hannah laughed.
The two had been best friends since they were twelve years old, back when they still lived in New Jersey and dreamed of conquering the world. They had stayed close even after Sophia moved to Paris and Hannah left for college in California.
Life had eventually brought them back together in New York.
“How’s the flower shop?” Sophia asked as she sat down across from her.
“It’s doing well. Thankfully, New Yorkers are hopeless romantics.” Hannah laughed. “How is the studio?”
“About the same.”
“Still only a few students?” Hannah’s expression softened.
“And today I lost another one.”
The waiter approached.
Hannah ordered a croissant and black coffee, while Sophia chose a slice of cake and a cappuccino.
“Are you at least managing to keep up with the bills?” Hannah asked, raising an eyebrow.
“I received a formal notice. If I can’t pay the overdue rent, I’m going to be evicted.”
Hannah’s eyes widened.
“Oh my God, Sophia…”
“The deadline is next Thursday.”
“You should’ve told me sooner. Why didn’t you say anything?”
“You know I like handling things on my own. I didn’t want to worry you.”
Hannah leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes for a moment, silently processing what she’d just heard. After glancing briefly at her phone, she looked back at Sophia.
“You can’t be stubborn about something like this.”
“At least I have a new student.” Sophia shrugged. “That gave me hope that more girls might enroll. Her name is Emma.”
Hannah nodded.
“Today was her first real class after the trial lesson. She started out incredibly shy, but by the end she was already interacting with the others.”
“I’m not surprised. You have a gift for turning frightened children into confident ones.”
Sophia felt her cheeks grow warm.
She had never been good at accepting compliments.
“Her father seems nice too,” she added.
“Oh…” Hannah’s smile immediately turned teasing. “You mentioned the father.”
“Well, of course!” Sophia said, caught off-guard. “He brought his daughter…”
“I’m just making an observation.”
“You’re ridiculous. It doesn’t mean anything.” Sophia laughed, embarrassed. “He’s probably married.”
“What married man takes his daughter to ballet? Usually that’s the mother’s job.”
“Maybe her mother doesn’t have time.”
“I don’t know…” Hannah chuckled. “By the way, how many centuries has it been since you’ve been on a date?”
“Two years isn’t that long,” Sophia protested.
“Why don’t you download a dating app? You deserve to have a little fun.”
The waiter arrived with their orders before walking away.
The first sip of cappuccino made Sophia realize just how hungry she was. She let a comfortable silence settle between them as she ate a few bites of cake.
She would probably need another slice before she felt full.
“I’m really not in the right headspace for dating.”
“I think you should give it a chance. A few kisses never hurt anyone.”
Sophia’s heart skipped a beat as a man and a little girl walked past her table toward the one beside them.
Nathan and Emma.
- Writer
