“Evie, it’s not nice to talk about others that way.” Keira scolded.
“But she does! She’s all clumsy, and she forgets the steps!” I had to fight to stifle my giggles at Evie’s pouting. She really was the cutest, even when she was sulking and sassing.
“Well maybe you should be kind and help Gracie, instead of being mean about her.” Keira suggested.
“No way Mom! Gracie is mean to me. I’m not ever helping her.” Evie crossed her arms to cement her words and Keira just sighed deeply, clearly seeing she wouldn’t win. I wasn’t sure anyone ever would win against Evie. She was a kid who knew her mind, that was for sure.
“I’m not sure you know what you’re letting yourself in for coming to this dance class, Olivia. The world of pre school ballet is completely cut throat.” Keira chuckled as she pulled into the parking lot of the dance studio.
“No kidding. Now I know why the guys wanted to come with me so bad. I had no idea I was going to need bodyguards.” I laughed. They had all tried to tag along with us, but Evie had banned them instantly, saying it was a girl’s only afternoon. I hadn’t minded either way, but I had to admit, I felt uneasy being out in the world without one of my guys. It was the first time since I was taken to the hospital by those cops that I had been without one of them, or Xander. But determined to please Evie, I had pushed my worries aside and resolved to just enjoy myself, as Evie had decreed we all would. I was with Keira, in a busy kids dance studio. It wasn’t exactly hazardous.
I climbed from the car as Evie threw open the back door and leapt out herself. She slammed the door closed and grabbed my hand.
“Hurry up Livia! I want you guys to get the good seats so you can watch me!” She cried as she ran off and fought to drag me with her.
“Evie! Don’t you dare run in the parking lot like that. There are moving cars. We’ve talked about this before.” Keira snapped, making Evie pause and look from me to her Mom guiltily.
“Sorry Mommy, but we have to hurry up!” She pouted, making me smile again.
We all three made our way into the bright modern dance studio, neither Kiera or I moving quite fast enough for Evie’s liking.
When we got inside, the room was filled with little girls, all in pink leotards and tutus, all around Evie’s age, and their parents all sat on seats around the edge of the room.
Evie dragged me over to a vacant seat across the room, and shoved me so hard toward it, I almost lost my footing.
“You have to sit here Livia! It’s the best seat to watch me, ok?” She said firmly.
“Ok bossy.” I laughed. “I’ll sit here.” I shucked my thick coat and draped it over the back of the chair, then sat. laughing to Keira who was shaking her head despairingly as she did the same and sat beside me.
“I blame Grant. She gets that attitude from him.” She whispered as we settled in.
“If you say so, but I’d say that attitude is all you Keira.” I laughed. She was the most stubborn woman I had ever known, and she had Grant, and all of her sons wrapped around her little finger, just like Evie.
“You know, you may be right, but don’t you ever tell Grant I said that.”
***
“Livia! Did you see me? Was I good?” Evie squealed when the class was finished an hour later. She was running at me, and I hurried to catch her before she knocked me over in her excitement.
“I did, and you were amazing Evie. You looked beautiful when you were dancing.” I gushed as I hugged her tight. I wasn’t exaggerating, she had looked beautiful, every dance step performed with a perfection that was all Evie. She had remained serious and focussed throughout the entire class, making sure to listen to her teacher and get every move just so. I had adored watching every moment of it.
“Olivia’s right, Honey. You did great today. Great job.” Keira agreed as she patted Evie on the back.
“You’re coming to the recital, right?” Evie asked as she stepped back from our hug. I stood and started to pull on my coat as I spoke.
“Of course. I wouldn’t miss it.”
“The whole family will be coming to see your big debut Evie.” Keira added, delighting Evie as she helped her into her coat.
“Since I did so good today, can we get ice cream now Mommy, please?” Evie asked so sweetly. Keira looked to me, and I couldn’t help but smile. How could anyone say no to the sweet smile on Evie’s face?
“Ok. Ice cream it is.” Keira agreed, to which Evie squealed and jumped up and down animatedly.
“Yes! I’m having one scoop of chocolate and one of strawberry. What flavour do you like Livia?” Evie asked as all three of us headed from the class. We were amongst the last to leave, the others all seeming to have rushed off.
“Oh, Mrs Hastings, can I just have a quick word?” The dance teacher called as we neared the door.
“Sure.” Keira agreed with a smile as she stopped.
“But Mommy…...ice cream!” Evie whined as she and I stopped too.
“I’ll only be a moment Evie. I’m sure you can wait that long.” Keira sighed. “Here, you two go and get buckled in. I’ll be right out.” She handed me the keys with a smile, and I nodded.
“Come on, Munchkin.” I took Evie’s hand and led her from the building, knowing Keira would never get a moment to speak with the teacher if Evie stayed there to sulk about the delay.
“You really, really liked my dancing?” Evie asked as we stepped out into the parking lot. Snow was once again fluttering down to the already covered ground and it was freezing cold out.
“I
