The Dance We Remember (Love and Other Dreams #4)

Chapter 22

Maxime

I glance at my watch. Six o'clock. Thank goodness.

Quickly, I turn off the music system and clap my hands. "Enough for today," I say, trying to sound carefree, although I've been feeling sick with worry all day.

Aurora didn't show up for training this morning. Instead, she sent me a short message.

Can't come. Will get in touch.

That was all.

"Merci, Maxime," sings Alice, one of the third-year students, winking at me. "You're the best teacher of all." I wave it off, but she dances over to me anyway, fixing me with her big doe eyes. "We should have a private lesson sometime," she says with a tone that leaves no doubt. "My father will pay whatever you want."

"I'm fully booked." I'm relieved that this is not an excuse but the truth. The double burden of working here and dancing in competitions is already more than enough.

She licks her lips. "Fully booked, huh," she murmurs, then fumbles a piece of paper from her pocket and presses it into my hand. "Call me if you need a real partner."

Immediately, in addition to my worry about Aurora's cryptic message, I am alarmed by Alice's words. Hopefully, she only meant dance partner, right? Or has she somehow found out about Aurora and me?

No, I'm probably just imagining things. Everything must be fine.

For the sake of peace, I put the paper in my pocket and turn away. "I'm sorry, I have to go urgently."

There are much more important things I need to attend to now. My visit to the gym will have to be canceled. Aurora hasn't responded to my messages and ignored my call during my short lunch break.

I can't just show up at her apartment, that's clear. So how can I reach her? First, I leave the academy. On my way through the bustling Paris streets, I try calling her again. It rings incessantly for minutes before the call finally disconnects.

My stomach clenches. Not for the first time, I search for clues to understand her silence.

Yesterday in Giverny, everything seemed fine. Or did I annoy her? Maybe it was wrong to bring up my worries?

On the other hand, when we said goodbye at the bus stop, I could see that longing in her dark eyes.

What's going on, Aurora?

What if something is seriously wrong?

I don't even want to imagine that possibility. Instead, I try to convince myself that everything will resolve itself in a positive way.

Breathless, I turn into Rue Lisle and head toward my apartment building. I rush up the stairs to the second floor. Once I reach the top, I fumble for my keys in my jacket pocket, and slowly, a plan forms in my mind.

As soon as I've showered and changed, I'll walk to her apartment and wait there until Sky leaves the house. Aurora told me that she goes to Pilates in the evenings. I don't remember the exact days, but it's worth a try.

Once she's gone, I'll knock on Aurora's door until she opens it.

If she's there.

What a clever plan, Maxime.

Sighing, I turn the corner. A split second later, I spot Aurora. Dressed in jogging pants, her hair disheveled, and her eyes swollen, she leans against the wall next to my apartment door. Her gaze is fixed on her fingers, which nervously pick at each other.

Seeing her like this instantly freezes me in place. "My God, Aurora!"

A violent sob engulfs her. Her slender body shakes so intensely, as if she were in the middle of Siberian winter.

Fear crawls up inside me, along with a terrible feeling of helplessness. But I push it away.

Whatever is causing her to cry so bitterly will surely be forgotten soon.

I unlock the door and guide her through the short hallway into the living area, where she takes a seat with her head hanging low on one of the two chairs at the bistro table.

She sits there, where the evening sun's rays reach her, but even they fail to make her shine. On the contrary, it seems as if all the brightness is immediately absorbed by her despair. What should I do?

I've never been good at this sort of thing, and I’m still not.

Uncertainly, I kneel before her and push the strand of hair that clings to her wet cheek away. "Tell me, Aurora. Together, we'll figure this out," I say hesitantly.

Was that the right thing to say?

She keeps her eyes lowered. "I..." she begins with a choked voice but immediately breaks off.

She obviously can't bring herself to say it, so I just gently stroke her cheek. "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to." Maybe that would be better. It would certainly be easier, at least.

Her lips tremble. "No, I have to."

I know I should be there for her, but I'm becoming so restless inside that I can hardly think clearly. I place my hands on her thighs. "Has Sky found out about us?"

Just voicing the question fills me with utter horror. That would be the worst possible scenario in our current situation.

Another sob takes hold of her.

So it's true. Sky knows.

Merde.

"We'll talk to her, explain the situation, and ask her to keep it a secret. She'll understand, and..." I start, trying to find a solution.

Suddenly, she raises her head and looks at me for the first time with her red, tear-filled eyes. "I'm pregnant."

I'm stunned.

The world stops spinning in an instant. Even the dust particles dancing in the light of the setting sun come to a standstill.

I should say something.

I should, right?

But my mind is blank.

There's nothing. No thoughts. No emotions.

Just a shock wave spreading through me, dominating everything, even the air I breathe.

Thick tears escape from Aurora's eyes before she lowers her gaze again. "I'm so sorry. Truly, Maxime, I..."

No. Don't cry. Please don't.

My chest tightens. "You don't have to apologize," I say, hoping it's the right response.

Her shaking head tells me she sees it differently.

I nestle against her, wrapping my arms around her hips and rest my head against her stomach.

My God, inside there, a baby is growing.

A little human, made from both of us.

A living proof of our love.

And our downfall.

How is this supposed to work? We can't become parents. Not now!

Panic floods over me, but I mustn't show it to Aurora.

"We'll manage," I say, vowing to believe that as well.

Aurora's hand finds my head and gently strokes my temple. Her labored breath slowly calms down. "But our dream," she finally says. " Your dream."

It can't be over. But how can we make it work?

I don't know. But one thing is clear to me: we must find a solution. Aurora needs support right now, and it's my responsibility to provide it, no matter how much the ground is shaking beneath my own feet.

Everything will be fine. Everything. Will. Be. Fine.

But how?

Silence lingers between us. I'm at a loss for words for minutes, but then an idea forms within me. "We can have both."

Certainly, it won't be easy, but we have no other choice. We'll put our dancing on hold for now, but we'll start again once it's possible. In the meantime, I'll continue working at the academy. We'll be parents, and one day, we'll dance at the World Championships.

Nervously, Aurora fiddles with my ear. "Do you really believe that?" she asks with a weak voice.

I lift my head to look at her. As much as I want to express what I'm feeling, showing her my fear won't help anyone. Least of all myself. "Only if we stop believing in our dreams can they no longer become reality."

Desperation takes hold of her face. "How are we going to manage this?"

Side by side. And with everything that comes with it. "Together, we can overcome any obstacle." We'll be fine as long as we always look forward and never look back.

Her nod is hesitant, but it's a nod. I stand, put on some music, and then extend my hand gallantly to her. "May I have this dance?" I ask, mimicking a bow.

Without taking her eyes off me, she takes my hand and rises from her chair. A warm smile flickers across her face as we start dancing the first steps of the mambo. This is exactly what I need right now. We tune out our difficulties and focus only on what is good.

The two of us.

***

Three difficult nights lie behind us. Aurora and I have tossed and turned sleeplessly in bed. Finally, we got up before sunrise today and went through all the versions of what we now face. For each scenario, we have tried to find a way. We should be able to refute every objection and every attack on us.

Yet despite our efforts, beads of sweat gather on my forehead as I walk into the academy with Aurora. I wish I could keep her pregnancy a secret, sweep it under the rug where it can fade away alongside all the other things I'd rather not see.

But that won't work.

At our doctor's appointment yesterday, we learned that Aurora is already in her seventh week of pregnancy. In less than a month, her baby bump will be impossible to hide, especially with her otherwise slender figure.

No matter how much it scares me, we have to tackle the problems arising from this situation as quickly as possible. Only then can we look forward without worry.

"Give me your hand," I ask her before we climb the stairs to Madame Durand's office.

Aurora's palms are just as sweaty as mine. "Maybe there's another way?"

She asks this question not for the first time, and I shake my head like the many times before. Not because I'm convinced, but only to ease her worries.

"We can't hide any longer," I reply firmly. We reach the landing, and the door to Madame Durand's office comes into view. I take a deep breath. "No matter what happens in there, as long as we have each other, we can handle it."

She swallows hard. "I could claim that my family in Italy needs me and ask to start again next year."

Absolutely not.

"If you go back to Tuscany, we'll be separated." I look at her intensely. "I want to be with you." My gaze drifts to Aurora's belly. "And with our baby. I want to be there as it grows. I want to put my hand on your belly and feel it kick."

Aurora's cheeks go pale; she swallows heavily. "That would be wonderful."

"That's exactly why we have to do it." I nod my head toward Madame Durand's office door. "Soon, rumors will start spreading like wildfire. It's better if she hears it from us first. And if she..."

She lets out a breath. "We have a plan. As long as we stick to it, we have a chance."

For a moment, I look at her, then I clench my fists. "Okay."

Together, we take the last steps to the door, and I knock and push down the handle. Madame Durand is already expecting us. Or rather, she is expecting just me. I kept Aurora's presence a secret when I requested the appointment yesterday.

"Mademoiselle Olivetta?" With a furrowed brow, she stands up from her imposing leather swivel chair and walks around the solid wood desk. She gestures toward the 1930s-style seating area next to the double window.

I hear Aurora's breath catch as she sits beside me. She clasps her hands under her thighs and bites her lower lip so hard that it turns a deep shade of red.

The boss looks between us, puzzled. "Is there a problem?"

It seems she can tell something is going on. Well then, I'd better get straight to the point.

Where did I want to start again?

"Um... thank you for accommodating us on short notice." I sound as if I've swallowed a rasp. Quickly, I clear my throat.

Madame Durand's already skeptical face twists into an irritated grimace. "Save the pleasantries. What is so urgent that it can't wait until the next team meeting?"

Yes, we've thought everything through, but I still feel unprepared.

Come on, Maxime, just say it!

"I'm pregnant." That bursts out of Aurora all of a sudden.

The corners of the boss's mouth turn downward, fine creases forming along her lower lip. Fear flickers in her eyes. "What did you say?"

Aurora is about to say something, but I hold her back by placing my hand on her thigh. "She's pregnant," I repeat with a calmness that surprises even me.

While Aurora exhales heavily, Madame Durand inhales so deeply that I'm not sure she won't burst at any moment. Her gaze fixates on my fingers, now unmistakably caressing Aurora's thigh.

"Oh my God," she murmurs, then jumps up from her chair and paces the office like a madwoman. The slender heels of her shoes leave marks on the parquet floor. "This is..."

Aurora's legs tremble, but she raises her chin.

The boss abruptly stops and points her finger at me. "You're fired, but that should be clear to you." Her gaze then shifts to Aurora. "And you're out. Immediately."

Just as we expected. "Let's not make hasty decisions, Madame Durand," I say, sticking to our agreed-upon plan with Aurora. With a nervous gesture, I invite her to sit again. "Consider that we are all in the same boat."

She wrinkles her nose. "Nonsense," she grumbles but takes a step closer to us. "Only you two have a problem. I haven't done anything wrong."

"Not yet," I correct her, surprised by the sudden calmness in my voice.

Even more surprising is that Madame Durand actually sits down again. With her forearms resting on her legs, she leans forward.

I edge closer to the edge of my seat and straighten my back. "Thank you," I say first, as the fact that she's willing to listen to us is not taken for granted.

An exasperated snort escapes her mouth. She signals me to get to the point.

For a moment, I glance at Aurora. Courage and strength reflect in her expression. I'd love for her to lead this conversation, but we agreed that it's better if I take charge. After all, Aurora officially knows nothing about the academy's internal processes.

"What do you think Cyrille Perret would say when he finds out you kicked us out?" I ask.

She rolls her eyes to the ceiling. "Once he knows the reason, he'll fully agree with me."

"Will he?" I tilt my head, fixing my gaze on her. It takes effort not to continue speaking right away; it's important that my words have a moment to sink in.

She shrugs. "Of course."

"What makes you so sure?" I don't break eye contact with her. I hope she can't see how vigorously my heart beats. Is the pulsing in my carotid artery noticeable? Does she notice how irregularly my chest rises and falls?

"What else would he say?" she suddenly snaps with hostility.

Now I'm the one who can't stay seated any longer. "You know as well as we do that Aurora and I are Cyrille's new stars." After the tournament in Bordeaux, we all saw in his eyes that he has big plans for us. I gesture toward Aurora, who sits on her chair with clenched fists. "Both of us are the faces of this academy. The reason so many will apply for a spot next year, causing his enrollment numbers to soar."

"That may have been the case," the boss angrily interrupts me. "But stars that don't dance burn out in the night sky long before the sun climbs over the horizon." She shakes her head as if she's deeply disappointed that I don't understand this. "Cyrille will see it the same way."

"No, he won't," I assert. Our sponsor is a businessman. He knows the value of long-term thinking. "And I'll tell you why." With a stride, I approach her. "Aurora and I are not giving up dancing. We are taking a break, but we will come back. Better and stronger than ever before."

A furrow forms between her eyebrows. She opens her mouth, but I don't let her speak.

"How long do you think it will take to find another dance couple that can become the face of this academy?" Aurora suddenly interjects, then bites her lip. Her apologetic gaze tells me she can hardly stand by and let me fight this alone.

I shift my attention back to the boss. She doesn't need to answer; all three of us know how scarce talent is and that the Académie de Nouvelle Danse Paris is certainly not the first choice for those who seek the elite of partner dancing. They want to be in England or Italy, where the best of the best train.

I see her fingers slowly clenching in her trousers. She gasps for breath as I walk over to Aurora and extend my hand to her. She takes it and rises to her feet.

Now we stand together facing the boss, and not for the first time since I learned of Aurora's pregnancy, I feel a paralyzing fear.

"We'll make our way, with or without the academy," Aurora says firmly.

"So this is not about us, but about the future of the academy," I add, doing my best to suppress the trembling in my voice.

That's it, we don't have any more arguments. Side by side, Aurora and I now wait for her reaction, which for now consists of a weary breath.

What does it mean?

Her gaze drifts into the distance behind us. Agonizing minutes of silence pass, which I can endure only because Aurora is by my side.

Although what I just said is undeniable, life without the academy will be incredibly challenging for us. How will we find a sponsor to fund our careers? How will we balance our lives between family and competitive dance without further assistance? We would be on our own, while here at the academy, we not only have access to all resources but are also secured by my teacher's salary.

I'm sure the boss is contemplating all of this as she tries to come to a decision. Her jaw tightens a little more with every passing second until she finally turns to both of us.

"What about the French Championship?" she asks with a strained voice.

"We'll dance as long as we can," Aurora replies quickly.

Her skeptical look bodes ill. "Dancing is a competitive sport."

As if we didn't know that.

Undeterred, Aurora shrugs. "The championship is in just under two weeks. I see no reason we shouldn't compete."

Silence spreads once more.

My God, can't the boss just make her decision already? I want to get this over with and forget all of this as quickly as possible.

"What do you think?" I ask her directly, hoping to bring this to an end.

Her expression turns serious as she looks back and forth between Aurora and me. Then she rests her hands on her thighs and rises from her chair.

"I need to make a call," she says decisively, heading toward her desk and picking up the phone. Her index finger hovers over the speed dial button with Cyrille's name. "Is there anything else?" she barks at us out of nowhere, signaling us to leave her office.

Confused, we turn to leave.

"Why isn't she saying anything?" Aurora whispers to me. "Is she on our side or against us?"

"I have no idea," I reply, feeling exhausted, and hold the door open for her.

We step out, and I close the door behind us.

"Cyrille, Marie Durand here," the boss's muffled voice says in French. I immediately freeze in place. "We have a problem," her strained sigh doesn't bode well.

I press my ear against the still-open door, and Aurora clings to me. Madame Durand succinctly explains what we just discussed. Then silence ensues. Only the faint creaking of her desk chair is audible. Nothing else.

I wonder what Cyrille is saying right now.

"I know," the boss responds with clenched teeth. "But do we really need them that urgently?"

She seems to be waiting for his answer. My heart pounds hard against my chest, and Aurora reaches for my hand. Our sponsor needs to be on our side; then Madame Durand will see it the same way.

She grumbles irritably several times. "As you wish," she finally says. "They can stay. But if this goes wrong, I won't take any responsibility."

Thank God.

We look at each other, and I can see in Aurora's expression the weight that has just been lifted from her. However, I know for certain that it's nowhere near as heavy as mine.