One of the guests wanted to know if Tara and Christian are going to kiss in this chapter. There's nothing more I want, too! However, my story is only aimed at figuring out what went on during the eight months between graduation and the Center's opening ceremony. I had the story all mapped out and did not want to veer from it. I will write an epilogue though (and that'll be my final chapter)and there definitely will be kissing in there! Please review!
Tara was getting ready to leave for her dance lesson when her phone beeped. She had received a text message from Kat.
"Hey T, guess who's back in town?"
"You know I stink at these guess who games. Just tell me Kat, please." Tara texted her back.
"You're no fun! Grace called me today and told me she's here for the inaugural ceremony! And she wanted to know if she could drop by for a few minutes this evening. I told her I would check with you first."
"I'd love to see her!"
Soon, she was on the bus and her thoughts strayed to her dance class. A few months ago, she would not have been excited to perform barre exercises. She had always thought of them as too prosaic. She still remembered how upset she had been with Ms. Raine during first year for relegating her to the barre. But here she was, looking forward to doing a simple plié or an élevé.
She had been tempted to ask Christian if she could practice at the new Center, but had not been able to gather up her nerves for the task. She had also been pretty sure that it would have been torturous to be near him every day and yet stay afar. So instead, she had pleaded with Zach and managed to get some practice time at the Academy. Now that she was finally dancing, she was just one happy camper she had told herself.
The day passed without much incident. Once Tara was back in her apartment, she fixed a light dinner for Kat and herself. Kat working in the movies meant she kept an unpredictable schedule. So it didn't surprise Tara when Kat walked in soon after. She waited for her friend to wash up and join her. The two friends ate their dinner in companionable silence.
Grace arrived a little later with Ben by her side. Kat seemed just as surprised as Tara to see the two of them together.
"Hi Tara," Grace said shyly.
Tara stepped forward and embraced her. "Hi Grace, I've missed you so much!"
"Not as much as I missed you T," Grace said ruefully. She seemed overwhelmed by Tara's welcome. "I don't need to ask if we are still friends, do I?"
"Does the Benster get a hug as well?" Ben smiled at the three tearful friends.
"You can't talk of yourself in the third person, Ben," Kat elbowed him playfully before giving him a hug.
"Tara?"
Tara shook her head, then smiled and gave him a hug as well. She had forgotten how easy going Ben was.
"Hope you guys don't mind me crashing your girl party!" Ben exclaimed.
"We'll just think of you as one of us then," Tara teased him. "After all you can do drag!"
They all laughed at that. Soon after, the four friends were entertaining each other with things that had happened in the last few months. Tara was amazed at all the things Grace had done in Thailand. And Ben, a leading man already! She noticed that the two sat close to each other and held hands the entire time. Apparently, those two had resolved any issues they had. Anyone could tell that they were in love and they seemed really happy together. She was really glad that Ben had found love again and there was no awkwardness between herself and him. It felt good to be able to talk to him guilt free.
"There's one thing I need to ask the two of you," Ben said. "What happened to Christian?"
"What do you mean?" Tara asked confusedly. She hadn't talked to Christian for a few days since he was busy with the arrangements for the Center's opening ceremony.
"I haven't seen the guy scowl or brood even once since I've been here! Well, maybe once… But, I don't think I have ever seen him smile that much…"
"Look what time it is! We've got to get going," Grace nudged Ben not too subtly. "Lucy will be worried if I am too late. Besides, we'll see you two at the Center tomorrow evening."
The friends hugged each other again and bid goodbye after promising to keep in touch.
Later that night, when Tara lay in bed, her phone vibrated indicating a text message. It was Abigail.
"Great news Tara! Get ready to thank me."
How likely of Abby to be cryptic, she thought as she texted her friend back, "Come on Abs, I don't deal well with suspense. What's the news?"
"I sent your story onto my dad. He loved it. He said he'll talk to some people at his publication house and see if they can get your book published!" Abigail texted back.
"You did not!" Tara was shocked. She couldn't believe that Abby had let someone else read her story, let alone that they liked it and may even look into publishing it!
"I did. Get over it already. And I am still waiting…"
"Thanks Abigail. I truly appreciate it." It had been a day full of surprises. She wondered what tomorrow held in store for her. As usual, her thoughts drifted to Christian. She was looking forward to seeing him tomorrow. She had so many things to share with him. She smiled thinking of how she would surprise him before sleep overcame her.
