“Well, are there any forms of law you could do that your chemistry degree would be good in?” Dane rubbed Nicole’s back. While she wasn’t well versed in law by any stretch of the imagination, she knew there were plenty of different fields.
Nicole sighed. “I don’t think the firm has anything like that, and I’m sure it wouldn’t involve lab work. I’d like to do some lab work.”
“That sucks you can’t mix the two.”
“It does. I’ll figure it out. We’ll figure it out. I’d rather seriously consider things after school is over. We’ve got enough stress right now. No need to add to it.”
“Agreed.” Dane felt a weight come off her shoulders and her guts untwist. For the first time in a long time, it didn’t feel like she was breathing in shards of glass. She hadn’t even realized she was so tense until right now. “Sorry things have been messed up lately.”
Nicole shook her head. “Don’t apologize. It’s not your fault. We both have to learn to deal with it, like we’re doing.”
Dane nodded. “And thanks for thinking enough of me to not think I was having an affair with Samiyah.”
“Honestly, I’ve been jealous of her for a while and I was scared for a moment, but you’ve been through too much with me to do that. Plus, I know we’re going to be close to new people in our lives from time to time. Hell, I’ve made a new friend with a guy in my class, but it doesn’t mean anything.”
Dane made a strangled noise as she felt like her brain short-circuited. She could only imagine what her visage looked like as it felt like her face completely bugged out. What the hell have I missed? “A new what?” Shit, my dumb-ass might’ve shoved Nick to a guy.
Nicole chuckled. “Calm down, love. He’s a friend. I’m not going anywhere without you.”
“Good. I’m not letting you go.” She planned to scoop Nicole into a hug, but it was hard to do with a huge dog in their laps. Still, she did the best she could, a one-armed embrace. “I do get scared about that, though, which is why I’ve been trying to get better.”
“You say that a lot, love, but what do you mean? What does it mean to you? There’s nothing for you to improve on from what I can tell.”
Shaking her head, Dane felt a blush burn her cheeks. “Wish I was as perfect as you think I am, but that does let me know how stupid I am for thinking you’d go off with someone else. I always feel like someone who has it more together will eventually come by and…” Blowing out a breath, she ran her hand through her hair.
“And, what? Sweep me off my feet?” Nicole scoffed and her emerald eyes rolled hard. “Baby, I’ve been with people I’m sure you’d think had ‘it more together’ and they were awful. I want you to feel good about yourself, not for my sake, but yours. I’m not going anywhere.”
Dane managed a smile. “Me neither, and I totally understand all of that. It’s just…I feel like I should be doing more.”
“For you or for me?”
Dane scratched her head. Dane had been happy to a degree before this job, but her music thing made her itch. She wanted, maybe even needed to do more gigs like this. It made her feel fulfilled.
“For me,” Dane answered. Just for her.
“Then, I support you wholeheartedly. You’re not worth less than I am, Danny. We’re in this together.”
Dane sighed. I keep making her repeat this. I get it, but I don’t get it. “I know. Remind me every now and then.”
“As long as you remind me of the same.” Nicole smiled, and the expression made everything inside Dane lift up.
Despite being in a relationship with Nicole for over two years and knowing her for three, Dane had a long way to go in realizing the scope of how much Nicole was there for her and Nicole seemed to have things to learn, too. Leaning over, she kissed Nicole. Nicole returned the kiss and grinned at her even more.
“I don’t mean to baby you,” Dane said.
“I don’t mind a little spoiling. I want to spoil you, too. I just need you to be open to it,” Nicole replied.
“Slowly, I’m becoming this new person who can look back at the old me and not think that was the best possible version,” Dane said. “And that’s thanks to you. No matter what happens between us, whatever road bumps, I will never forget you are the person who’s always there while I put pieces back together and try to figure out where the new ones fit. Even when I say stupid things, I’ll remember that. I love you for that.”
Nicole sniffled a little and her eyes moistened again. “I love you, too. I love you so much.”
“I love you. And I love me, too, now,” Dane said, stroking Nicole’s cheek with her thumb. “You’ve helped me get to this point.”
Tears slid down Nicole’s cheek, letting Dane know she understood how powerful that was. Dane hadn’t loved herself in a long time, if ever. Nicole let her know there was a person in there who was worthwhile and other people could see it. She didn’t need their validation or attention like she used to. She wasn’t garbage to be thrown away or an object to be passed on or a thing to be used. She was worth something.
Dane wept again. “I wish I could just show you everything inside of me to get you to understand what you’ve done for me. It’s the reason I want to do everything for you. I understand why you need to do things, like chores and treating me and junk like that because it’s the same reason I need to do things.”
“I’m glad you understand, Danny. You’re a super, magnificent person as well.”
Dane nodded and didn’t feel like she was bragging for once. This wasn’t bluster or bravado. She was this person who could have a healthy relationship, hold down a gig under pressure, and have a beautiful family. Experience had taught her not everyone could manage such a thing.
“You really are special, Nick. On all sorts of levels, but one of the most beautiful things about you will always be your soul and how you could use it to put someone like me back together. I’m so happy I met you.”
“I’m happy I met you, too. You were the best thing to come out of dating Tyler. In fact, I’d live everything over just the same if it meant I’d end up here in this moment with you.”
Dane smiled big. “Same.”
“I know, but I want you to know you’re worth any pain, agony, or annoyance I’ve gone through. You’re worth the string of horrible lovers. The users and manipulators. I’d take them all again, as long as you’re at the end of the line.”
“Team?”
Nicole nodded. “Team.”
Dane breathed a sigh of relief and felt like the world had been lifted off her chest. She leaned over, pressing her forehead against Nicole’s shoulder. It astonished her that Nicole would say as much, especially after the horrible things she said. How dare she ever think her life would be better without Nicole? Who would ever go through all of this with her?
“I’m never letting you go,” Dane said.
“The same,” Nicole replied.
“I’ll do my very best to listen to you. We can split checks for dates or however we decide to make it happen. I won’t buy crazy stuff. I won’t flip out when you buy groceries. I won’t—” Dane’s words were cut off by Nicole’s index finger.
“I appreciate it. It’s good to know you’ve been listening. You don’t have to go down the list. We’ll work it out.”
Giving a nod, Dane kissed Nicole once more. They sat there in silence for a while, enjoying being together with Haydn draped on them. This was only the start of the healing process. Still, being able to be with each other like this was cool water on a scorching day. Eventually, they got up. Haydn took it upon himself to go to their room and he deserved it, considering how Dane ignored him last night.
Dane and Nicole took a shower together. It was nothing sexual, even though they were naked. It was more about taking care of each other. They didn’t break eye contact, but they didn’t speak. They caressed each other, washed each other, and then exited the shower to crawl into bed. Haydn made himself comfortable in between them.
“How a
m I supposed to sleep with his hot breath in my face all night?” Dane grumbled.
Nicole chuckled. “Well, this is what happens when the baby misses his moms.”
“Baby's' breath can’t possibly be this hot.” Dane tried to move Haydn to where he wasn’t panting directly in her face.
“Just wait until he starts having that dream where he’s running. Then we’re in for it.”
All too true. “Okay, starting tomorrow, no more neglecting Haydn. Need a real night’s sleep to deal with the orchestra and Andrew.”
“First one up makes breakfast and second one up finishes?” Nicole proposed.
Dane nodded. “I think I can handle that.” She meant it this time.
Nicole reached over and rubbed Dane’s shoulder. The simple touch was enough to help Dane drift off to sleep. Unfortunately, sometime during the night, Haydn had that running dream.
***
Opening night was upon them. Nicole hadn’t even realized it was time until a couple of days earlier. She’d been too busy with school. No, she and Danny hadn’t completely worked out the kinks of their schedules, but they’d been doing a bit better. They weren’t snapping at each other and working things out around the house as best they could.
Nicole had stopped practically living at the college library for one. Danny stopped staying late at work, unless the orchestra needed serious practice. Danny felt like easing up on the orchestra made them less frustrated and antsy, which reduced her stress. Relaxed Danny helped Nicole relax, holding her while she worked on her paper. Sometimes, they sat together and worked, Danny tapping out instructions on her phone, sending texts to each member of her orchestra as she listened to the rehearsal playback while Nicole worked on her laptop, writing up parts of the project or sending off messages to Lisa about the project. They’d met up for lunch a few times, as well, with Nicole waiting outside for Danny rather than going in. They split the check. It worked for now.
“All right, everyone, stay together,” Nicole called as her family—her mother’s side and her cousin Elizabeth—gathered in the small theater lobby, which was rather busy. Dane’s family—the Briarmoors, Christine, Luke, and Thomas—were there as well. Mina and Shawn were there, with Clara and her son. Of course, Crow and Terri showed up, standing close to Nicole as if they were guarding her. Everyone was dressed like they were going to the opera rather than a play. For them, they might as well be on some red carpet.
“Nick!” Thomas ran over to her and took her hand. He was dressed in a little tuxedo and bowtie. She wasn’t surprised, considering how formally he and his brother were often dressed to play outside.
Nicole smiled at him and put a hand on his shoulder. “Hey, buddy.”
“When do we get to see Dane?” he asked with stars in his eyes as he held his hands together.
“Not until later. First, we must watch her show. And to do that, we all must get into the auditorium and find our seats,” she replied.
“Then, let’s go!” Thomas threw his fist in the air.
Nicole couldn’t help smiling and she tried to usher the families into the hall, but they were all chatting amongst themselves, everyone expressing joy and pride over Danny. Nicole wondered how Danny would feel when she saw everyone here to support her.
Allison made her way over to Nicole, shyly tucking hair behind her ear. There was an excited flush to her face. “Nicole, is Danny going to play anything in this? I tried to ask, but she never answered.”
“She wants to surprise everyone. You’ll like it,” Nicole promised, wrapping an arm around Allison, pulling her close for a quick embrace. “If we can ever get in there.”
Allison gave her a small smile. “I could help.”
“It’s all right. I’ve got this. I’ve had practice in getting stubborn people to move.” Nicole didn’t want Allison to do anything that might be uncomfortable for her tonight. Tonight was about enjoying themselves.
Eventually they piled into the auditorium and found their seats, taking up a decent chunk of the front row. With the size of the theater, they could’ve sat in the back and still had a great view, but being in the front gave them just a little glimpse into the orchestra pit. Thomas and Luke opted to sit with Nicole, as did Allison. Nicole’s parents sat with Henry and Lynn. She hoped that was the start of a friendship of some kind. Christine had an open seat at the end of the aisle, but stopped to talk with someone. Nicole wasn’t sure who the man was and didn’t bother to think on it.
The house lights dimmed and the curtains opened. Showtime. Allison took her hand and held it, but didn’t dare look away from the stage. A friendly bard with an amiable smile and flashy bells hopped out on stage to set the scene for the audience while pretending to play the lute, which sounded hilariously like a sax. He got laughs when he went to tune it and it now sounded like a drum. One last try produced a sound like a piano and he gave up, deciding to tell the tale without the aid of music.
“I want a guitar like that,” Luke remarked.
“So, you can be a one-man band?” Nicole guessed.
“Yeah, and it’d be funny,” he answered with a huge grin. Nicole chortled a bit before they focused back on the show.
***
The end of the play was predictable because of the heavy fairytale elements. What wasn’t expected was for Samiyah, the violinist, and Lennox, the guitarist, to emerge from the orchestra pit where the audience could see them. They stood on opposite ends of the stage as the hero and villain faced off. Samiyah pointed her violin bow as the hero gripped his sword and Lennox aimed his guitar like a gun as the villain banged his magic staff and it became a blade. Nicole glanced at the kids to see how awed they all were, mouths hanging open and eyes wide.
For the final battle between the hero and the villain, Samiyah and Lennox actually played their instruments in an epic and intense duel. Their posturing against each other was on level with the actors. For the front rows, they could see the fury in each musicians’ face to match the sword fight going on between the hero and villain. In the end, when the villain was struck down, Lennox struck a final chord and collapsed as well. Samiyah let off a flurry of notes as the hero posed in victory, finishing with her bow in the air.
The audience stood and cheered, probably for longer than expected. Nicole was on her feet, clapping and whistling. Luke and Thomas screamed. Even Allison had her hands over her head to applaud loudly and hollered. The cheering finally tapered off and the play was able to move on.
The curtains closed on the hero and princess kissing and a light, sweet song from the orchestra. The audience applauded loudly once again. Danny had done a wonderful job on the score and Nicole was certain the crowd appreciated her efforts, even if they didn’t realize it. They probably did, considering the love people gave when the hero directed attention to the orchestra. The audience erupted as the orchestra stood and waved. Maybe the people do realize how much the music helped the show.
With the show over, Nicole and company flooded back into the lobby to wait for Danny. While waiting, they all talked about their favorite parts and songs. Luke had to air guitar while trying to mimic the sound of the final battle song. Eddie charged over to join him and Sabrina followed, playing an air violin while she was at it. Thomas challenged Ben to a pretend sword fight. Henry slipped away and bought the boys souvenir foam swords.
“Wow, I’m impressed by what Danny put together,” Nicole’s father said with his arm around her mother.
Her mother nodded, smiling. “The music was incredible. I honestly didn’t know she had that in her.”
Lynn stood up a little taller. “I always knew that kid was something special when it came to music.”
“Yes, hopefully, she can pursue this. I wish they were selling CDs or something of the music. Quite a few people agreed with me,” Henry said, looking around, as if to find those who concurred. The lobby was still packed with people, smiling, talking, enjoying themselves together with the actors trickling out into the crowd.
T
hey all nodded. Nicole hoped Danny could pursue this as a career as well. Before she could voice her opinion, she was hugged from behind and Danny kissed her neck. She laughed.
“I pray this is my girlfriend or you’re going to have about twenty people beating the shit out of you,” Nicole remarked.
“I could take ’em,” Danny joked, and she gave Nicole a squeeze around her middle.
Smiling, Nicole turned to Danny and gave her a small kiss. “You did great, love. We’re all impressed.”
Danny grinned and then looked out at the crowd here for her. “I didn’t expect this many people. Hell, even Elizabeth came.” She motioned over to Elizabeth, who had taken pictures and was showing them to Nicole’s grandparents.
“She likes you and wanted to be a part of your big break. I’m sure she’s happy she came because this show was amazing. What made you think to have Samiyah and Lennox actually show themselves for the final showdown? That was incredible. It added to the tension rather than taking away from the story. Somehow, I felt more invited into the play’s world when seeing the musicians.”
Danny chuckled. “I wasn’t supposed to do that. I know Andrew’s pissed, but I thought it would add to the music and the scene.”
“It did.” The music heightened the battle, but seeing the musicians made it seem like the instruments themselves were fighting, like the battle was so epic even inanimate objects had chosen sides. Seeing the musicians' movement made the music that much more powerful.
“Look, I’ve got to go make sure the orchestra is okay and check in with Andrew and Calvin. Is there something going on I should know about?” Danny asked, knowing they had plans to go out. This was too huge to not celebrate.
Learning to Walk Again Page 33
