around her neck. I felt her tears on my skin, but I didn’t care.
Chapter 25 – Garnet
I’d released every emotion I had built up inside as I danced. I slumped on Daisy’s shoulder, clinging to my older sister.
“I’m so proud of you,” she whispered in my ear and held me tighter. “I love you, Garnet.” Daisy pulled away, wiping my face. “You danced so beautifully.”
“Thanks,” my voice croaked from all of my tears.
“Garnet,” she tucked a rogue strand of hair behind my ears. “Why did you dance for us today?”
I looked at her. Had she really forgotten? Maybe the engagement had thrown her off. “Today’s the 12th; Mom’s been gone for six months.”
Daisy slapped her hand to her forehead. “Gah, I’m so stupid. How could I have forgotten that?”
“Well, you did get engaged today,” I reminded her.
“That’s not an excuse. Man, you are right about me, Garnet; I’m self-centered.”
I watched Daisy mentally kick her own ass. I wasn’t trying to make her feel bad.
“Do you know what I hate?”
I shook my head.
“I wasn’t there,” Daisy paused. “Our fight reminded me that I cared about status over family.” Daisy’s eyes welled up. “I should have been there when she died.”
“Well, I’m going to give it to you straight; you’re right.” Yes, it was the meanest thing I would ever truly say to her, but it was the truth. Daisy could have made it in time to be there with mom. However, she ended up staying on campus instead of coming home. Dad was out of town on another business trip, leaving me there alone with Mom as she took her last breath.
“I would never expect anything but the truth from you.” Daisy’s small smile appeared on her face. “I guess the boys were tired of hearing us cry.”
I turned and saw we were the only ones in the studio. “I guess so.”
“It was Dash, wasn’t it? He was able to get you to dance.”
I smiled. “Yeah, he told me to be me again and that I needed to get my life back. I’ve been dancing for the past couple weeks, just a few times though.
Daisy’s shocked expression faded. “I’m happy for you. I’m truly glad that you have someone in your life you can lean on.”
I could hear a sad tone in her last sentence. I used to confide everything to Daisy before she left for college. Before I stopped being her best friend.
“Do you remember what Mom would yell at us when we fought?”
Daisy nodded. “She always said that sisters shouldn’t fight, because we were each other’s first friend.”
I giggled. “Every time, she would say that.” I felt another lump in my throat. I needed to be me again. “Daisy, you were my first friend. You’ll always be my big sister, and I love you.”
Daisy yanked me closer to her, almost crushing me in her hug. “I love you, Garnet.”
“Daisy, I can’t breathe.” I was serious; she was choking me.
“Sorry,” she let me go. “I was excited.”
“I can tell.” I rubbed my neck and figured it would be sore in the morning from her tight grip.
“How about we get out of here and head home?”
“Nah, how about we leave and get some ice cream?”
“Yes,” she loudly clapped, jumping up to her feet.
I went into the changing room, which was more of a broom closet, and changed my shoes. When I came out, Daisy was still standing there waiting for me.
We gave each other a quick hug and headed outside. Dart and Dash were leaning against the car.
“We’re in dire need of ice cream,” I announced as Dash opened the door for me.
“As long as Dart’s buying, let’s go.” Dash chuckled.
We all piled into the car. We laughed, teased, and joked with each other all the way to the ice cream shop.
We were a family.
Chapter 26 – Dart
The rain was pouring down, and I could barely see out of the large windows, as Dash and I lifted weights. Because of the storm, we weren’t able to take morning practice outside. My arms were worn out from the training, and I knew I didn’t have another round in me. Dash kept pushing me, but I was exhausted.
I quickly took a shower in the locker room, and raced over to class. I was becoming more excited about graduating. I was going to start my life with Daisy soon. I chuckled as I strolled into the classroom. Daisy had thought I was dumping her? Impossible! I loved her too much to leave her. I