Nine Years: A novel (Beneath the Clouds Book 1)

by Jessica Leed

  A combination of sadness and regret punctured Sienna out of nowhere. She shook her head, spreading her lips into a faint smile even though the pain had taken a seat deep inside of her. ‘I actually moved to Melbourne. I did try the dancing thing for a few years, although I fell into teaching. I teach a beautiful grade three class at Kings Cross.’

  ‘Oh! I do know that school.’ Diane’s hands clasped together. ‘It has a very good name for itself. Very reputable.’

  Sienna nodded, finding it strange to hear that a school that caused her so much grief was painted in such light.

  ‘So, you’re not dancing at all then?’

  ‘No, I left it behind.’ She squirmed slightly whilst making sure her smile was still intact as she placed her food cart down.

  ‘Was that difficult? When I think of you, I remember how much you adored it. How determined you were. It’s all you ever talked about.’

  It was although Diane could see beyond the façade, probing deeper to bring the girl she remembered, out.

  ‘It was difficult at the time. I must admit, I do miss it and would have loved the opportunity to have done more with it. But there’s a season for everything and who knows what the future holds,’ she said stiffly with a laugh. Half laughing at herself at how generic she came across. She sounded as though she had recited a quote from somewhere, and in some ways, she had. She had rehearsed the response too many times to count.

  Diane was still looking at her, her eyes indicating to her that she sensed more than Sienna was letting on.

  ‘I don’t know what position you’re in at the moment Sienna, but I have a job prospect that could be perfect for you.’

  Her heart quickened and suddenly the Backstreet Boys faded away completely. ‘A job prospect?’

  ‘Yes.’ Diane smiled. ‘Last year we launched a creative arts program at our school for students considering a career in the entertainment industry.’

  The kindness in the woman’s eyes made her want to check out her groceries and sit down and have a cup of tea with her.

  ‘For the dance stream, it’s a point eight teaching load. Other than theory components that need to be covered, there’s flexibility on how you structure the classes, with a full scaled performance at the end of each semester. You’d be well looked after, a highly attractive salary with all travel compensated for, if you were to commute.’

  She had her full attention. How could this all sound so perfect? Maybe it was the way Diane was selling it. The timing of the conversation alone sent chills down her spine.

  ‘Our current dance teacher is heading off to the U.K at the end of the term so we will be advertising for someone for term four, onwards,’ she continued. ‘If you’re interested, I can easily line up an interview for you and put in a good word, a strong reference.’

  Sienna nodded slowly, a smile filling her face in a way it hadn’t for months. She could see that Diane was finding it amusing the way she was standing there completely tongue-tied.

  ‘Yeah? How does all of this sound to you? I know it’s probably a lot to take in and I might be putting you on the spot a bit! I have to admit, I’m surprised we’re here having this conversation, and having bumped into each other at all. But Sienna, as a student, you stuck out to me like a sore thumb. If your work ethic and drive is anything like it was all those years ago now, then this job I believe would be so perfect for you.’

  Opportunities never presented themselves like this. Diane had a way of making it sound like the job was hers already. Surely there had to be a catch, things like this just didn’t happen to her.

  ‘Wow,’ she inhaled. ‘I didn’t expect to run into you and to be presented with this!’ She exhaled and tightened the knot of hair on top of her head. She wished she looked more presentable, but Diane didn’t seem to think anything of her ratty appearance. ‘Can I get back to you? Can I maybe grab an email address or number and have a think and get back to you? I have to be honest, it all sounds wonderful and I really appreciate that you think I would be a suitable candidate for the position.’

  Diane waved her hand and nodded quickly, multiple times over. ‘Of course, of course. I understand that completely. I’m just pleased that you are open to considering it.’ She took hold of Sienna’s shoulder and gave it a little shake. ‘Ohhhhh, we’d be so lucky to have you, Sienna. We will be in touch soon. You know where to find me.’

  She was such a kind-hearted woman—she always had been. Sienna could imagine her being a lot of fun to work with. The single encounter made her want to neglect all her commitments, throw away everything she had spent years building and say yes, right there and then.

  They exchanged contact details and chatted for a few minutes more before the woman pulled her in for a hearty hug. With her head spinning, Sienna made her way to the self-serve check outs, keeping one hand hovering over the details warm inside her jean pocket. Maybe they would stay there, buried inside, maybe they wouldn’t. She didn’t know what was next, where she would go from here, or what tomorrow would bring. All she could do was hold onto this moment and the hope that came with it.

  As soon as she reached the white picketed fence of her sister’s house, she could hear the excited squeal from Bailey’s lips seep through the cracks of the front door that had swung half open.

  Maybe love was in fact, everywhere. It was within a baby’s smile, through the kindness of woman offering a potential job opportunity, and proved itself over again through the unconditional love of a family.

  Adjusting her grip, she jiggled the contents of groceries by her side and galloped down the pebbled path and up the uneven steps to the door. She could hear Bailey’s squeal of excitement grow louder with every nearing footstep. She waited for a moment, then slowly peered her head inside to find her niece on her hands and knees beaming up at her with the same big brown, almond-shaped eyes they both shared. Immediately she was filled with an overwhelming sense of love and every wall around her heart liquified within a single beat.

  This is what life was all about. This was home. And the truth was, Aringdale had never felt more like home.

  Even after nine years.

  Thank you for taking the time to read my novel!

  I really appreciate all of your feedback, and

  I love hearing what you have to say.

  Please leave me a helpful review on Amazon letting me

  know what you thought of this novel.

  I am truly grateful!

  Jessica

  To be continued in the sequel

  HERE I STAND

  Beneath the Clouds Series

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Jessica is a 30-year-old primary school teacher, former fitness professional and dancer. She was born and raised in Bendigo, Victoria before moving to Melbourne in 2008. For as long as she can remember she has had a passion for storytelling—in all forms. From writing countless short stories as a child to later completing a creative writing course, written by one her favourite authors, Karen Kingsbury, Jessica was adamant to become a published author.

  NINE YEARS is the first book in the two-part series BENEATH THE CLOUDS.

  jessleed.com

  facebook.com/jessicaleedauthor

  @jessicaleedauthor (Instagram)

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  Writing a book is harder than I thought but more rewarding than I could have ever imagined.

  None of this would have been possible without my family. A special shout out to my incredible father who was responsible for the beautiful front cover and promotional images. Thank you for your enthusiasm and creativity in bringing these characters to life.

  To my beautiful friend, Lauren—from the beginning I always envisioned you as my ‘Sienna Henderson’. Thank you for kindly donating your time and for being a significant part of the production of this book. You have been such a joy to work with.

  To the fait
hful Bernadette who hosted my book launch despite having a new born baby on her hands! You have such a heart for the community and for helping others. I am so grateful for you and for your generosity.

  I’m eternally grateful for John who spent countless hours reading over this novel, being a big part of the design of the cover and for composing the most stunning piece of music ‘Beneath the Clouds’. Your talent, heart and generosity blows me away. Thank you for being my biggest supporter and sharing my excitement about my dream of seeing my manuscript make its way to publication. Thank you for your unwavering belief in me and for being there through every detail of this journey.

  Finally, to my wonderful readers, these pages would be closed without you. It is my hope that as the pages unfold you will be swept away on a journey that will move you in some way.