I had not danced in years, or even thought about it, but seeing Rochelle practice took me back to when I was a child and my only joy was in dancing. Rochelle was much better than I ever was, watching her dance in her recital I couldn't help but cry. Kai sitting next to me noticed, leaning over he asked me what was wrong. "Nothing, she's just so graceful. She reminds me when I used to dance." "You never told me you danced" "It was a long time ago, I haven't really thought about it in years." Kai knew me too well, "Liar" he said putting his arm around my shoulders. On the way home after the recital Rochelle said "My dance teacher said I'm the best dancer in class and if I continue to get better I might have a chance at joining the Fae Dance Company when I get older, isn't that awesome!" I smiled at her, but inside I was remembering when I told my aunt almost the exact same thing. I refused to let history repeat itself, so once the kids were in bed I told Kai we needed to talk. "When the day comes that Rochelle wants to join the dance company, we're going to let her regardless of her age, okay?" I could hear the tinge of panic in my voice. Kai heard it too. "Where's this coming from? She said she might have a shot when she's older, that could still be years away." I Sighed and sat down, "When I was seventeen, I had a shot at joining a dance company myself. I told my aunt, who forbade me from joining, as I was too young, well I snuck out and went to the audition anyway. I messed up my audition and since I didn't want to go home I went to the park. That's where I met James." "So you don't want Rochelle to make the same choices you did. She's not you, and you're not Berlin. When and if the day comes that she wants to join a dance company, I'll keep an open mind. Fair?" That wasn't exactly the answer I wanted, but it would do. I tossed and turned all night, memories plaguing me the whole time. I finally gave up and went outside to tend to the garden.
When morning came I had the best idea, once every one was awake I decided we needed a family day, and we all went down to the beach. We spent the whole day there. It was so peaceful. Sebastian and Rochelle went for a swim, then while Kai and I sunbathed, they built sandcastles. We returned home as night fell.
A few days later while sitting in the living room I heard the front door slam followed by Sebastian yelling at his sister "Its none of your business! Leave me alone!" "Hey! What's going on?" I said as they entered the living room. "Rochelle? Sebastian?" I said looking from one to the other. With a sigh Rochelle finally said " We went to the park after school, Sebastian got there first and when I got there he was talking to a girl." "Well there's nothing wrong with that, Rochelle." "But mom, he was talking to that vampire girl. So I got mad at Sebastian and we came home." "Rochelle go on, I'll talk to Sebastian." "fine" "Mom, I don't see what the big deal is. She's not all that different than we are." "Yes she is. Her kind are dangerous, none of them can be trusted. Believe me I know. " "You're wrong mom." "Sebastian, don't argue with me. You are not to talk to her again. Do you understand me?" "Yes ma'am" He said as he went upstairs. Part of me knew I was wrong and felt guilty for what I said, but a bigger part just wanted to keep my family safe. No good could come from Vampires.
