Read Online Abigail: Nice Girls Finish Last by Bruno Bouchet - Free Book Online Page A

twenty-four hours.’
    â€˜You have a date?’ he asks.
    â€˜Why wouldn’t I?’
    â€˜You would, I’m just confused why you would need to lie about maritime knowledge.’
    I didn’t come to him, of all people, for a lecture on not getting into awkward situations. ‘Would you like a list of ways you owe me?’
    Â 
    The next day on the ferry to the aquarium I’m gripped by panic.
    â€˜I’m skipping rehearsal without permission, to test practise a date. I’ve lost it.’
    â€˜Say “No” to Ballet Guilt,’ Sammy tries to calm me.
    â€˜Wendy is a lead role. It’s a sappy, wimpy lead but it’s a lead. If I’m not there, Zach will downsize my solos.’
    â€˜Zach will have so much to worry about, he won’t even notice. And someone will fill in for you.’
    I didn’t think of that. Tara might be doing the Prix but she’s still in class. And if anyone is a natural for playing a sappy lead it’s her. What have I done?
    At the aquarium I focus on skilling up on marine life. I will dazzle Finn with my knowledge of the lifeforms that inhabit ninety-seven per cent of thehydrosphere. Sammy doesn’t think fish facts are good date conversation topics and tries to confiscate my notebook as we go round the tanks.
    â€˜If you’re not going to help, I don’t know what you’re doing here,’ I say. He claims to have problems that need discussing too. When doesn’t he?
    â€˜Recent heartbreak, though admittedly I was the dumper. And which international school I’m going to pick if I win the Prix,’ he recites his current issues.
    â€˜My problems are real,’ I tell him.
    â€˜Why is it so important that you impress this guy? He should be impressed enough going out with you.’ I like the compliment.
    â€˜Okay,’ says Sammy, ‘let’s simulate the date.’
    We sit down in front of a fish tank. A shark, of which there are 350 species worldwide, swims by ignoring us.
    â€˜After you’ve wowed him with your cuttlefish convo, he sidles closer. Puts his arm around you.’ Sammy acts out my date, I feel his arm around me.
    â€˜And then what? We just sit here. With no apparent purpose.’
    â€˜This is why normal people visit aquariums. To meditate on the wonder of nature.’ We sit there, watching marine species drift by like useless facts.
    â€˜Am I doing it right?’ I ask.
    Enough of the date practice. We move on. Who knew there could be so many fish to learn? It’s easier to help Sammy with his problem – which dance school he should attend if he wins the Prix. We go through Berlin, Beijing, Malmö. Sammy pours out all these facts about the cities. How does he know so much information?
    â€˜I’m actually the cliché of a stupid ballerina.’
    â€˜No you’re Abigail Armstrong. You don’t care what anyone thinks of you.’
    â€˜I care what I think of me,’ I admit. ‘Doing this musical I got this glimpse. There’s a whole world that has nothing to do with ballet.’
    As we get the ferry back, I look out at all the buildings on the harbour shore. Apartments, houses, offices, all full of people who aren’t dancers, who probably have never even been to the ballet. People leading exciting lives, having interesting conversations on different topics. People not obsessed with only one thing. Even the ferry is full of people leading interesting varied lives: ferry captains, stock traders.
    â€˜I could be a ruthless stock trader,’ I say.
    â€˜You could be anything,’ says Sammy.
    Â 
    At the Academy, I go to see Miss Raine in her office. I don’t want to play Wendy. ‘I’m not quitting the Academy. I just don’t have time for a lead role right now.’
    â€˜Why not?’ she asks.
    â€˜I think I just need some space to pursue other interests. I feel like you’re preparing me for a