Read Online Spiralling Out of the Shadow (The Spiralling Trilogy) by Michelle Dennis Evans - Free Book Online Page B

took you to?’
    ‘ Yeah,’ she said, in a flat tone.
    ‘ I went to church there this morning.’
    ‘ Why?’
    ‘ Because. I really like it.’
    ‘ Did your family go?’
    ‘ No. I’ve made some friends there.’
    ‘ Mum reckons it’s just a church for those who don’t have a religion.’
    Hmm , no. Not really. My tongue fell hard against my teeth.
    ‘ I’m starting to think church and God are ancient and outdated anyway,’ Stephanie said.
    ‘ Can I pray for you?’ I hoped my offer hadn’t freaked her out.
    ‘If you think it’ll help me.’ Stephanie giggled. ‘Bye, chat soon.’
    Good, she was amused. Better than being angry.
    P lease watch over Stephanie. Keep her safe. Amen.
    A soothing warmth relaxed me as I opened my eyes. She was in unknown territory.
    Catching me off guard, my green-envious-monster rose up again, wishing I had a boyfriend and hoping she ’d get dumped.
     
    *~*~*~*
     
    With Joey as my partner for the end of year ‘Show Dance,’ rehearsals weren’t too bad. Joey listened to my woes about Stephanie and helped me to encourage Suzie.  On the odd occasion when he did cross the friendship boundary, I promised him I’d land on his toes if he kept flirting. The alluring behaviour died down and I began to trust our friendship while his toes remained unbruised.
    There was nothing quite like the thrill of when I ran towards Joey full pelt, like in the “Dirty Dancing” final lift. Instead of just going straight up into an aeroplane flying position, I was to go up, pause, then slink over his back like a snake, grab his waist turning my body inside out to flip, spin, twirl and land on my feet right in front of him. After a million run-throughs, we were sure we’d perfected it. Every time I jumped my blood rushed, sending me into a natural high. From every angle in the wall mirror, we looked fantastic.
    ‘I can’ t wait to tell Steph. She’ll be so impressed.’
    ‘ Just concentrate or you might land on your head.’ Joey laughed.
    ‘Ha ha.’ I faked a belly laugh, grabbing for my stomach. 
    ‘ Okay.’ Miss Skinner clapped her hands. ‘One last time through tonight and we’re done.’
    The music started. I knew every step so well, I could have done the dance in my sleep.  Run full pelt, spring, rise, lean, grab, flip, spin and ... ouch!
    Kerthump .
    ‘ Argh!!!’
    ‘ What happened?’ Joey turned and rushed towards me.
    ‘ Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!’ I curled up on the floor, rocking, holding my leg and foot.
    ‘ What did I do?’ he asked.
    ‘ Me ... stupid! I’ve twisted my ankle.’
    It was bad. Emergency room bad. Swollen to the shape of a soccer ball bad.
     

CHAPTER 12
     
     
    Dr Frank scratched his head and readjusted his glasses. He turned from the x-ray and spoke to Mum and Dad, leaving me on the examination bed like a little child. Torn ligaments and a slight fracture. I needed to keep off it as much as possible with orders not to dance until it healed.
    At home, t he couch became my comfortable resting spot. I stuffed my face with chocolate, while I watched old movies with a box of tissues.
    Stephanie rang late, just before ten, sounding over-the-moon-happy. ‘I just had dinner with Jason’s family.’
    ‘ Are they nice?’ I asked.
    ‘ They’re a little strange.’ Stephanie giggled as she spoke. ‘They didn’t talk. We ate dinner in silence.’
    ‘ How did you cope with that?’
    ‘Silently.’
    ‘Why are you so happy?’ I couldn’t help but laugh with her.
    ‘ Because his parents leave tomorrow.’
    Oh no, warning ... warning.
    ‘ Careful.’ I could see this becoming a danger zone. Couldn’t she?
    ‘ Why?’
    ‘ Home alone, is he?’
    ‘ With his brother,’ she said.
    ‘ Temptation might get the better of you.’ Oh, Lord, help her. 
    ‘Don’ t be crazy. I’ll be fine.’
    As if . She needed help.
    ‘I’ ve stuffed my left ankle,’ I said, rearranging the bandage.
    ‘ No way! How?’
    I told her . She seemed