by Casey Peeler
“Hey girls!” She looks at us and her smile fades. “What’s going on?” she questions.
Jade looks at me, then back at her. “Cadence hasn’t applied anywhere for next year.”
Ms. Lyndsay takes a look at me, then motions for Jade to get ready for class. Great! I’m about to get a life lesson or an ass chewing.
“Why haven’t you applied to colleges?” she asks, standing and leading me toward her office.
“I didn’t want to go to college. I wanted to dance in the city.”
“What do you mean wanted, Cadence?” she questions as she motions for me to take a seat.
“Since Christmas my life has changed a little. You know that. Now I have no clue what I want to do,” I state.
“I understand that life has changed, but that doesn’t mean that your dreams have. Where’s that girl with attitude? The one that came in here determined to get out? The one that reminds me of myself at your age?”
“Oh, she’s here. I’m definitely getting out. I just don’t know where to go at this point.”
“Cadence, you need to have options. I know there’ll be recruiters at our competitions but apply to the colleges as a backup plan. I’ll do what I can to help, but you have to decide what you want. You can’t sit back and wait. You have to take the initiative. The clock is ticking,” she says as she points to her watch.
“Dancing is all I know. I want whatever I do in the future to revolve around dancing.” At the end of the day, that is all that matters. She stands and tells me to take a seat at her desk. She turns on the desktop, and when the screen appears she tells me to take the next twenty minutes to find the entrance requirements for ECU and UNCG dance programs as well as undergraduate admission. As she leaves me alone, I don’t waste time. This is cutting into my favorite hours of the day. Within ten minutes, I have everything I need. It’s time to dance my ass off.
***
Last week was stressful between checking on Daisy, school and dance practice. All I want right now is for Barrick to calm me down. We only see each other at the barn, and let’s face it, that’s not quality time. He’s offered to pick me up so we can talk, but something has come up at the barn every day. I think Daisy wants him to herself. I’ll have to have a talk with her about stealing my man.
We had an extra practice today to prepare for regionals and by the time it was over, I just wanted to sleep. Barrick came over and we watched TV until I fell asleep.
When I wake up, he’s gone, but I’m covered with a blanket and there is a text on my phone from Barrick letting me know he wished he could have stayed all night. I try to spend time with Mom and Gran on Sundays and attend church with them. It’s not something I’m accustomed to but, apparently, it’s a requirement for the people of Delight. I’ve been going with them since New Year’s and the best part is that I get to sit with Barrick for an hour. Who can resist that? He’s not here this morning and I start to text him, but Gran gives me an evil eye as the choir begins to sing. I quickly set my phone on the pew.
Sitting in morning worship, I try my best to follow along with the preacher. It’s amazing what I’ve learned over the past few months. I’m starting to understand what Gran means by faith and giving everything to Him. As the children leave for Children’s Church, I feel my phone vibrate. Glancing down, it’s a text from Barrick.
Barrick: Want to grab lunch?
Me: Where are you?
Barrick: Back row.
Glancing over my shoulder, I see him sitting in the back row with the ushers.
Me: Hell yes!
I quickly cover my mouth and stifle a giggle, realizing where I am. If looks could kill, I’d be at my funeral. Gran is ready to kill me. Taking a quiet but deep breath, I pull myself together.
As the service comes to a close, I quickly exit to meet Barrick. As I close the distance between us, a smile spreads across his face.
Barrick
As Cadence walks toward me, I’m amazed by her beauty. I saw her every day last week, but only at the barn. She’s always beautiful, but this is the first time I’ve seen her dressed up in a while.
“Hey there,” she says with a smile as her arms embrace me in a hug.
“Hey to you too.”
“So where are we going?” she questions as she steps back and weaves her left hand in mine.
“It’s a surprise,” I say as Ms. Mae and Regina approach.
“Everything okay this morning?” Ms. Mae asks.
“Yes, ma’am. Took me a little longer to get everything finished up this morning. Is it okay if Cadence goes to lunch with me today?”
Ms. Mae looks at Cadence then Regina. “What do you think?”
“That’s fine with me,” Regina approves. Cadence gives them a hug then we walk toward my truck and meet Jade.
She excuses herself to go with Aaron, and as much as I love hanging out with my sister, I’m so glad she’s not with us. I have wanted to take Cadence to the Buckle store at the Hickory mall since she bought Jade those Miss Me Jeans. I can’t wait to see the look on her face when we walk in, but first, we’ve got to eat. I’m trying to decide where to take her when Cadence speaks up.
“I want Mexican.”
“Like official or Taco Bell?” I question.
“Taco Bell is not Mexican! That’s Ameri-Mexican,” she says as she turns up her nose. “But seriously, I could handle an upscale one like Moe’s.”
“Gotcha covered,” I say, knowing there’s one near the mall.
During lunch, I am surprised to see Cadence eat over half of her nachos before even looking up. She finally looks up to see me staring and offers me a bite.
“Oh, did you want a bite?”
“Nah, you look like you are enjoying them.”
“Oh my gosh, all the extra practice for regionals is making me so hungry.”
“Well, I’m happy to see you enjoying yourself.”
“Thanks, Barrick. I really needed this time away.”
“You’re welcome. Now you ready to do some shopping?”
“Always!”
When we enter the mall, she wants to stop at all of these high-end stores, but I tell her we’re stopping at my store first. I really need a new pair of jeans.
Cadence’s eyes grow wide as we walk into the store. She pauses and looks at me as a salesperson walks our way.
“Welcome to Buckle. How can I help you today?”
“I’m looking for a new pair of these,” I say, motioning toward my jeans.
“No problem,” she says as she walks to a table and pulls off a pair in exactly my size. I have no idea how they do that. Cadence still has a shocked look on her face.
“First time here?” the saleswoman asks. “Hold on, I’ll be right back with something for you.” She returns with a pair of black skinny jeans, a sequined top, a jacket, ankle boots and even a necklace. I look at Cadence, who is speechless.
“Thanks,” I tell her as she opens a dressing room for Cadence.
“Wow, I think she might be better than the girls in the New York boutiques. She picked out some great stuff,” Cadence says.
“I just thought they had some sort of fashion superpower,” I say. She laughs and grabs a few more items before going into the dressing room.
I don’t bother trying on my jeans or shirt because I know they will fit. I wait outside the dressing room for Cadence, and when she opens the door, I’m floored. She is smoking hot and the outfit screams Cadence but not the hoity-toity Cadence. I’m amazed by the changes I’m seeing in her and the outfit justcompletes her.
As we walk to the register, I start to take her items, but she shakes her head. “I didn’t find anything for you at home so this is my treat.” I won’t let her pay and when she realizes she’s not winning this battle, she turns to walk away and I have no idea what she’s doing. Once I finish paying, I see her standing there with another pair of jeans and a different shirt. It’s sort of my style, but has a Cadence twist. I shake my head; there’s no winning
with her.
After we finish paying, we stop to look at the boots. For kicks, I pick up a pair of awful-looking boots to see what she says. She shakes her head and we laugh for the next ten minutes as I pick pair after pair of ridiculous choices. She stops laughing when she picks up another pair and examines the design.
“You like those?” I ask her.
“They’re okay. I mean, I don’t wear cowboy boots, but the intricate detail and the worn look of the leather is amazing. How do they do that?” she asks.
“I have no clue, but I can tell you that they are a lot more comfortable than you think. You’ll just have to see for yourself one day.” She shakes her shoulders and places them back on the table as we make our way out of the store. Today has been amazing, but I know that come tomorrow morning, I’ll have to share her with the cows, school, and dance.
Chapter 12
Cadence
This week has been insane getting ready for regionals. I’ve spoken to Barrick for ten minutes all week and had a few late night text sessions. Daisy is getting close to delivery, and I’ve been watching her as much as I can.
Thursday evening Barrick picks me up from the studio and we stop for a Blizzard at Dairy Queen before going home. He told me I must have one as a treat for busting my ass for the past two months. As he drives me home, I tell him I’ll see him tomorrow around lunch when I get out early for the competition. He walks me to the front door and gives me a good luck kiss before saying goodbye. I wish I could stay in his arms all night. I don’t want him to leave but I have to get a good night’s sleep for the competition.
When I walk in, Mom and Gran are in the kitchen talking about tomorrow. I take a seat at the table and Mom asks for the time sheet from Ms. Lyndsay to see when we need to arrive. She is going to work from home tomorrow so she’ll be ready to go when I get home. Gran is going with us, and I know Barrick will be here to take care of the farm.
As I go to my room to call it a night, I’m shocked when my phone rings. Looking down I can’t believe it’s Lauren.
“Hello?” I say hesitantly.
“Hey Cade! How are you?” she says as if nothing has happened.
“I’m good. How about yourself?”
“Great! I got into NYU!” she squeals. “Have you got any calls yet?” I shudder.
“Not yet. I’ve applied to a few schools, and I’m hoping that I’ll get noticed at competition,” I state, trying to keep my voice upbeat.
“Oh my gosh! I almost forgot to say good luck tomorrow!” she says and I wonder how she even knew.
“Thanks, but how did you know?” I ask.
“Seriously? Cade, I’m your best friend. I know these things,” she says and I let out a laugh. Best friend? I was pretty sure the moment I left New York she was never going to call me again. It’s good to know she has been thinking about me.
“I can’t believe you remembered!”
“Well, I’ve had it marked on my calendar since you told me before Christmas. So tell me, how do you feel?”
“I think we’ve got this. We’ve increased our difficulty level, and I discovered the heart that I’d been missing.”
“Heart?”
“Yeah. You know how we dance no matter what emotion we are going through?”
“Yup.”
“I actually came home early because Dad and Barbie dropped some big news on me. It’s a long story and I don’t want to talk about it, but when I came home Barrick picked me up and made me feel better. Lauren, Barrick is what I’ve been missing. Barrick gives me all of the feels I need to add heart to my performance.”
She’s quiet. “Are you serious?” she says in a snarky tone.
“Like a heart attack!” I state.
“Who says that?” I giggle knowing that’s exactly how I reacted the first time I heard that comment.
“Nevermind, I know you don’t understand and it’s okay. I’ve decided to live my life how I want to. You should come visit. Who knows, you might find a good ole country boy too,” I say with a smile.
“I think I’ll pass. So this is the new Cadence? You were acting differently when you were here.”
“No, I’m still Cadence, but I’ve realized life isn’t about possessions. It’s about the relationships. Especially the ones that stand beside you when life doesn’t go as planned. Lauren, you know I love you, but you weren’t there when I needed you most. I value our friendship, but I’ve realized people change.”
“Damn, why don’t you tell me how you really feel,” she says and I know she’s hurt, but maybe she’ll understand it this time.
“Lauren, you’ve been my friend since I can remember, but until you realize life is more than a pair of Jimmy Choos you’re not really living.”
She doesn’t speak for a few moments. “Cadence, look, I know the move has been hard on you and the stuff with your dad has been rough. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you but I like my life the way it is. I still want to be your friend and keep in touch because I miss you, just don’t expect me to love all that country stuff like you do now.”
I miss her too, but I don’t know what it’s going to be like going forward. “I miss you too. Thanks for calling to tell me about NYU, and good luck. I’ll text you after our competition this weekend.”
“You better! I’ll talk to you soon.” We disconnect and it feels good to know we’re on good terms, but I know we’ll never be as close as we once were.
Chapter 13
Cadence
I wake up the next morning excited and hurry to the barn to start my chores. I check on Daisy and tell her I’ll be away this weekend and ask her if she can hold off having the calf until I’m back home. She moos and I know she’ll try her best. As if she can stop nature. After all the cows are fed, I walk out of the barn and see Barrick pulling up in his truck. He’s smiling from ear to ear when he gets out and I can’t hold back, I run to him and hug him. As he spins me around, I feel my heart soar.
As he puts me down, I wrap my arms around his neck. “Morning,” I say.
“Mornin’ beautiful. You ready for this afternoon?”
“Hell yes I am. How was Jade this morning?”
“A dancing ball of nerves.” I must make a face because he quickly explains. “On competition day she always dances the moment her feet hit the floor. Every year it never changes. It’s a way for her to get the nerves out.”
“What’s going to happen when she gets to school?”
“Oh she’ll do leaps down the hall,” he states flatly. Before I can say anything he continues. “I’m kidding. She’ll get it together by then,” he says with a laugh and I hear Mom calling from the house.
“I guess I better get ready for school,” I say.
“No worries, I’ll be here when you get home at lunch,” he says as he kisses my forehead and I walk toward the house.
The morning drags on but when I finally hear the lunch bell, I’m out the school doors and on a mission. I’m ready to take this competition and bring home a crystal. I crank up the music in my Range Rover and jam out as I make my way to the farm. Pulling in, I’m shocked to see that Barrick’s truck isn’t there. I thought he said he’d be here. That’s a bummer.
As I walk toward the house, I send him a text but don’t get a reply. I eat lunch, pull my hair into a bun, apply my makeup and fake eyelashes, and double check my dance bag before we load up the Suburban. When we are on the road, I text Jade to see if she’s heard from Barrick, and she tells me she hasn’t. As much as I would have loved to see him before I left, I can’t let it distract me. I put my ear buds in and focus on what’s about to happen. Jade and I are about to have a flawless performance.
Arriving at the convention center, I make my way up the stairs to the open room. I shake my head at the makeshift dressing room. Jade is there and already in her costume stretching. I quickly take the costume from my rolling rack and slide it on. Then I take my headpiece and look for a mirror. It’s amazing how the saturated black cherry sequin lac
e forms the sleeves and adorns the leotard while the black shorts, with a cherry side bustle, give just enough pop. Taking the black and red feather headpiece, I place it tightly into my side bun then begin to stretch with Jade.
“You ready?” she asks.
“You know it,” I state with confidence as Ms. Lyndsay appears and takes us to an area outside to rehearse once more. She tells us to have fun, smile, and give it everything we have. When we finish, we walk to the auditorium and make our way backstage. After watching two performances from the side of the stage, it’s our turn. I take a deep breath as we are called.
“Taking the stage is number sixty-five, “Beautiful Friends”.
As Jade and I take our places, we glance at each other and get into our starting positions. As the cello begins to play through the speakers, we begin to move in tune with each other. I can feel the beat beginning to change as the music switches from a single instrument to an entire rock orchestra and our movements shift into straight contemporary. I don’t focus on anything but the music and as the music shifts yet again, Jade and I break into different cadences ending at opposite ends of the stage.
When I glance in Jade’s direction, we both exhale and smile. We know we nailed it when we hear the applause from the crowd as we exit the stage.
“Oh my gosh! We were on point!” I say as I hug Jade.
“Girl! That was amazing! You should have seen the crowd. It was obvious they were expecting a ballet number.”
“Well, that was definitely not ballet,” I say as Ms. Lyndsay approaches us.
“I’m so proud of both of you. Cadence, I didn’t want to tell you before but there’s a recruiter here today. She liked you a lot.” My eyes go wide as a lady in a trendy outfit appears from the side.
“Hi Cadence, I’m Natalie James from Boston Conservatory. You have something special. What are your plans after graduation?”
I pause. “I’d like to join a company or attend college to pursue a degree in dance.”
“I’d like to talk to you more about what we have to offer, and maybe schedule a tour for you. How does that sound?”