Last Dance by Lurlene McDaniel

Author:Lurlene McDaniel
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781581960310
Publisher: Lerner Publishing Group

-SEVEN-

“I won’t go! I’m telling you, I simply won’t go!” Rachel slammed her bedroom door and threw herself across her bed. “Open this door right now, young lady!” Her mother pounded on the door.

Rachel pulled her pillow over her head, wishing her mother would go away. But, of course, she didn’t.

“I mean it, Rachel. Right now!”

Slowly she got up, walked over, and opened the door. Her mother stormed inside the room. “What’s the meaning of this tantrum of yours?” she demanded.

“I told you,” Rachel fumed, “I don’t want to go!”

“Well, I’m telling you, you are going. Your sister has been chosen to dance in Madame Pershoff’s Christmas concert, and we—and that includes you—are all going to watch her.”

How could her parents be so unfair? Didn’t they realize how hard it would be for her to go and sit there? To sit and watch all her friends dance? To watch Melanie dancing the part she had wanted so desperately? Why did Madame have to choose her dumb sister for the part in the concert anyway?

“Listen, Rachel,” her mother continued, “you’re the one who decided to quit dancing. Dr. Malar, your family, Madame Pershoff—all of us encouraged you to take it up again. But no. You took a little barre work three weeks ago and then walked out. No explanations. No nothing.”

How could she tell them about her fear of insulin reactions? Ever since that day at school, Rachel had lived in fear of reactions. That day three weeks ago she had felt another one coming on at the barre and had run out of the studio and gotten a Coke just in time. Dr. Malar said reactions were just part of a diabetic’s life. How could she dance, living in fear of passing out in class or on stage?

“I plan to go back to class,” Rachel said defensively. “Right after the holidays. But I’m still trying to adjust—”

“Rachel, your father and I are very sorry about your diabetes. But we can’t change it. Don’t you think I’d trade places with you if I could?”

She looked at her mother. She could see that her mom really meant it!

“Now, I know how miserable it is to have your life turned upside down,” Mrs. Deering said. “But it’s time to start living again. After all, you’re only thirteen. You can’t crawl in a hole and disappear.”

Rachel wished she could. She could think of nothing to say back to her mother.

“That nice McLaughlin boy says their group would love to have you visit and meet with them. Why don’t you?”

“Because I don’t want to be around a bunch of sick people!” she shot back. “And stop telling me about the Great Shawn McLaughlin. I’m sick of hearing about him!”

Her mother stiffened. “Suit yourself. But you’re making a silly mistake. Everyone needs help at one time or another. Now get dressed. The concert starts in an hour and we are all going. I won’t have your selfishness interfere with your sister’s big evening.” Then she left the room.

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