“They wouldn’t send you to college if you didn’t bend to their will?”
“No, they saw dance as a frivolous hobby that wouldn’t lead me anywhere. If I wanted to chase my dream, it was my responsibility to find a way. So, I went to my favorite dance instructor and explained my situation. We worked tirelessly for weeks, researching schools and programs. It wasn’t enough to be accepted to a program; I had to have the scholarship, too. The cards were stacked against me in certain programs because they distribute the aid based on financial needs. Mrs. Canon called in favors with her contacts that could help.”
“Sounds like a terrific woman.”
“She is and I owe everything to her.”
“Poppy, she may have been your cheerleader, but it’s you with the talent.”
“Yes, but at seventeen-years-old, I wasn’t mentally equipped for the stress. While all my friends were enjoying parties, football games, and beach weekends to celebrate the last year of high school, I was in a dance studio preparing for auditions. It took a toll on me, and each time I was breaking down, Mrs. Canon would lift me by reminding me to dance to my destiny.”
My fingers go to her ribcage, sliding along where the words are inked on her skin. “The meaning makes the tattoo more beautiful.”
“Thanks.”
“That’s a lot of stress on you. What I don’t understand is how your parents were so removed.”
“That’s the funny thing. They weren’t. It sounds stupid, but even with all the blood, sweat, and tears, I have significant memories from that year. With Tasha gone, it was the first time I had my parents to myself. They did not fill my house with negativity and tension; it was the opposite.”
“They basically told their teenage daughter to find her own way to support her dreams. I can’t foresee how that would be a loving home.”
“From what you’ve told me, my upbringing was nothing like growing up with Edward and Annie Graham, but it was our way. Marco and Karen never missed one of my performances, nor any of my special moments. They praised my hard work. When it came time for auditions, Karen took me to every single one.”
I shake my head, trying to wrap my head around what I’m hearing. “Now I have whiplash. Are you telling me they finally came around?”
“They changed their tune. Karen saw my determination and spun it as grit and ambition.”
“They were testing you with tough love?” I grind out, getting pissed at the thought of a teenage Poppy putting herself through this while they stood by.
She shrugs nonchalantly. “Maybe, but it didn’t matter because I was offered several scholarships, including a spot at Julliard.”
“I know nothing about dance, but I know that’s fucking impressive.”
“Thank you.” A flicker of pride lights in her eyes. “But in the end, I chose UNC because it was closer to home and had an unbelievable program.”
“Did your family finally catch on and get on board?”
The flicker of pride dies and she nods sadly. “Yes, they were proud of me and relieved I was only a few hours away.”
“No offense, baby, but you’re losing me here. And seeing as you keep referring to your parents by their first names and they aren’t in your life now, it leads me to believe there’s a lot of shit to come.”
She gets up, moving to the bar to refill my glass. When she returns, I tug her into my lap.
“That was the prelude to you understanding how the rest of the story goes.” Her voice is faint and hoarse, setting my nerves on edge.
Dante’s warning rings in my ears.
“The family she grew up with chewed her up and spit her out. They fucked her over on the concept of loyalty, love, and moral values.”
I take the glass from her and swallow most of the liquor in one gulp.
“What did they do to you?” I press her to continue.
“My college years were amazing. I met friends, had exceptional training, and life was awesome. My parents visited, and we never discussed their original disdain for my choice to pursue dance. Marco was busy ramping up his political sights and getting involved with local and state government interests. He was a natural, too. Many times, he’d call me and ask my opinions on issues. We’d discuss his stance, his platforms, his ideas. It made me happy that he valued my insight. Everyone was living their own lives. Because of our schedules, Tasha and I only saw each other during holidays or breaks. We grew distant because she didn’t keep her opinions to herself on my choices. Marco and Karen stayed out of it, or so I thought.
“November of my senior year, I began dating Isaac. He may have been the football star to everyone else, but to me, he was just Isaac. Over Christmas break, he visited and won over Marco and Karen’s approval within minutes. Tasha had graduated and was living at home while looking for a job.”