One Plus One Makes One

No sooner had they kissed for the first time when tragedy strikes and the girl's hopes and dreams of becoming a ballet dancer are dashed when both her legs are badly broken in an accident. The girl is convinced it is a bad omen and the boy is blaming himself.

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One Plus One Makes One

Copyright © 2011 Brian Curtin

ISBN: 978-1-55487-884-0

Cover art by Martine Jardin

All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

Published by Devine Destinies

An imprint of eXtasy Books

Look for us online at:

www.devinedestinies.com

Smashwords Edition

One Plus One Makes One

By

Brian Curtin

Dedication

To my late wife, Fay, who died of breast cancer.

Acknowledgements

I was extremely fortunate to have so much help with my book and, if I have forgotten any one, I humbly apologise. The first that comes to mind is the website Dance.net and, more likely than not, without the assistance I received from so many of the members and staff of that site this book would have finished up a manuscript on a dusty shelf somewhere.  Those that I can remember and, I only knew them by their user names, are firstly Specialballerina she was of tremendous assistance. She assisted in many ways, and we communicated via the internet for quite a considerable length of time. She wrote for me and, it is included in my book, the dream that one of my leading protagonists Liana had. Then there was Finnish Dancer another enormously helpful assistant. I used her account of the lightning strike that she herself had experienced at first hand. She also helped me with scenes from Russia. Another and I do know his first name, strangely enough, it is Daniel or better known on Dance.net as dsrutis. I had chosen Daniel as the name of my leading protagonist long before I corresponded with dsrutis. I used his 'Tips to Male Dancers' that he kindly gave me permission to use and incorporated it as a conversation between Danny and David. Colin Peasley from the Australian Ballet Company was also very helpful. Danae Cantwell of  'Danae Cantwell School of  Dance' in Kempsey New South Wales Australia whose assistance is very much appreciated. Gabi Brie from Kempsey Library. I would also like to thank Sally Odgers from Tasmania, who first assessed my book and edited it for me and whose help and support was also much appreciated. She was the person that introduced me to my new friends at Devine Destinies and the support and assistance that I received from there would fill a full size manuscript. Many thanks to all these people and if you read this please get in touch with me so I can thank you in person.

You may contact me through my publishers Devine Destinies, and eXtasy Books, or dance.net where my username is writer123.I have been a member there since 2004.

Brian Curtin

Chapter 1

To Danny Hunter there was definitely something different about today, nothing he could put his finger on, but he had an uncanny feeling that something special was about to happen. Why he thought this way he found hard to comprehend and, unable to come up with the answer, decided to put his thoughts aside for now.

He and Liana Petroff had walked to ballet class for their Saturday afternoon session, and they had just entered the main street of their sleepy little home town of Glenville. Danny in his preoccupation had hardly spoken a word on the way there, and as they headed for their dance studio situated at the other end of town, just past the main shopping centre, Liana stared curiously at him.

What? he asked, noticing.

Nothing…so what's new today, any sus? she asked.

He could sense that she wanted to start a conversation, obviously curious to know why he was less talkative today and, with nothing conclusive to disclose, he didn't want to tell her his thoughts or she might think he was imagining things. He had never been a great talker, but because of their long association, he was more vocal with Liana. They were close friends.

"Nup, same old same old I reckon," he replied.

On reaching the studio, they both greeted their teacher, Giselle Cooper, and headed for the change rooms.

In the change room, Danny started to ponder again over this uncanny feeling. Maybe he was imagining things and maybe it was just wishful thinking. Ballet practise had been somewhat slow over the past few weeks and had become a little dreary. Nothing exciting had happened. He fully understood that to get something right you had to do it repeatedly, so maybe that was it, maybe he was expecting something far too soon. He was determined to succeed and so he would have to be patient and wait.

Danny's parents had lived on a small farm for three years before he was born, and Liana and her parents moved next door just before Danny's fifth birthday. He and his father had stood at the side fence of their property and watched the arrival. He had hoped they had a boy his age to play with, but his excitement turned to disappointment when he saw they only had a girl and displayed his feelings.

But she looks about your age, his father said.

Yeah I know, Dad, but girls only do sissy stuff.

Danny was no longer disappointed because of the many changes that had occurred over the past seven years, and not only their difference in height, but their aspirations and their extreme love for ballet had transformed their whole lifestyle.

You'll have to stop growing, Liana had commented several days prior, you're leaving me behind.

Yeah, shortie, you're shrinking, Danny had replied and started laughing.

I am not! she'd retorted. You're taking too many growing pills.

Okay, whatever.

They were as close as any two almost teens could be and were very rarely seen apart. If they were not studying together or doing homework, they were practising ballet.

Their properties were only a few kilometres by road from the town. There was only one property of approximately ninety hectares that separated Liana's from a cul-de-sac that led to the main street. Danny's father, through his plumbing service, knew the people that lived there, and had obtained permission for Danny and Liana to use it as an access. On nice days like today, they would take the short cut through this property.

After class on this particular day, their dance teacher called Danny and Liana aside and asked them if they were prepared to stay behind, would they like to learn their first pas de deux.

Yes! Yes! Please! they exclaimed in unison.

We are not being picked up today, so nobody will have to wait for us, Danny said excitedly.

It won't take long anyway. I have already prepared a rough outline for a simple dance and I only have to show you what to do, the rest is up to you.

The teacher took some notes from a small case and read aloud the movements as she demonstrated them. She went through Liana's part first and had her follow. After that, she did the same with Danny, and with them together, walked them through the whole routine several times.

Now do you think you can do that to music?

I think so, Liana said as Danny acknowledged with a nod.

Right, then let's do it.

They were very nervous at their first effort.

Not too bad for the first attempt, she said. Only this time, try to relax and let the movements flow. It is perfectly normal to be uptight when you first dance with a partner. Okay, once again.

Yes, that's better, that was much smoother, the teacher said after their next attempt.

After only a few minor corrections during the several run-throughs, Giselle told the pair that she was confident that they had the idea. You can practise that at home. You can take this CD and my notes in case you forget the steps, and I will see you next lesson. If I think you are ready for it by the next parents' night, which by-the-way is in about seven weeks, I'll let you perform, she informed them.

We will be, we will be, Liana exclaimed. Won't we, Dan? she added, looking at him quickly.

Of course we will, he agreed, but in his own mind, he was not quite so sure.

They both thanked her and headed for the change rooms.

So, like how cool was that? Liana asked gleefully when they had left the studio.

Yeah, awesome, he answered. You may not believe this, but I had a feeling that something like that was going to happen.

So that's why you were so uptight on the way here.

Yeah, practise was getting boring and I was hoping for something different.

Well maybe we should ask Miss Cooper for something different, she teased.

"No way, this is going to be really cool."

You're not wrong. Now we have something solid to work on.

Yeah like. Wow!

"Sort of makes all that boring stuff seem worthwhile.

You'll get no argument from me.

"I want to do it as soon as we get home. Can we, please?" asked Liana.

You've won me. We can use the big shed at my place.

Cool.

When they reached Liana's house, Danny waited while she told her mother what had happened at ballet class and where they were going.

The big shed was relatively empty, only a few things needed moving to make enough room. Danny found a broom and swept the floor and Liana plugged in her CD player.

When all was in readiness, they began.

* * * *

Nearby Danny's father was working on a tractor in the implement shed when he heard faint music. Curiosity getting the better of him, he went to investigate. He peeped through a small window on the side of the shed and could see Danny and Liana dancing. He hurried over to the house and called to his wife. Jane, come here a minute.

What is it, John? she asked and met him near the door.

I want to show you something.

What?

Danny and Liana are doing one of them par-de something or other…you know, dance for two.

"Pas de deux."

Yes that's it, come and see.

They hurried to the shed and slowly opened the access door near the small window and stood there watching. Oblivious of their audience, the dancing pair continued their routine. They were too engrossed to notice anything. At the completion, Danny's parents clapped loudly.

Bravo! Danny's father yelled.

Very good, his mother called.

The dancers spun around to see two smiling faces, and looked embarrassed as though they had been caught doing something wrong.

We've got spies, Danny said, then smiled. He was not in the least perturbed by the intrusion.

Yeah, like busted.

That was good, Danny's mother commented, coming into the shed.

Yeah, but it's supposed to be a surprise, if we're good enough by the next parents' night, Miss Cooper will let us do it, Danny informed.

So when is that? his mother asked

In about seven weeks.

You will be heaps better by that time.

Of course, Danny agreed proudly.

Of course, Liana repeated.

"You two have really come a long way to be doing a pas de deux so soon."

Thanks, Mum.

Thank you, Mrs. Hunter.

You have obviously both earned it by the way you just danced.

* * * *

That night, Liana dreamt she was dressed as a swan and wore a beautiful tutu of white feathers, and as she emerged from a lake, she saw a handsome prince standing nearby on the shore. When she approached him, she heard some beautiful music and they began to dance. Liana felt she was flying and her feet seemed not to touch the ground. When they finished the dance, Liana looked at the prince's face and it was Danny. They sat with their arms around one another until dawn, then the swan told the prince that she must go and gracefully disappeared back into the lake.

That's a scene from Swan Lake, Danny said when Liana told him next day.

Yes I know. One day I want to dance Odette.

Yeah and I'll be Prince Siegfried.

Danny and Liana practised their dance meticulously over the ensuing weeks, and he noticed how Liana threw herself into her work, spurred on by the dream.

To this point, Danny had still been attending scouts, but only sporadically and that had been the case ever since he started taking three ballet lessons a week. Now with the advent of dancing together, they were spending much more time in practise. So not being able to give scouting the full attention it deserved, he ended his scouting days.

Parents' night arrived. Miss Cooper had included their dance in her programme, it was the final act before the grand finale.

Danny and Liana waited in the wings. There were still two more performances to go before their turn.

I'm like freaking out, Liana whined.

Who isn't?

But this is the first time that it's just the two of us on stage, she went on.

Well just-- Danny paused as Liana interrupted him as she put her hand over his mouth.

I know what you are going to say, the same thing you said at our first performance as a group when we were only five, she reminded. Just think of it as a rehearsal.

Yeah I was going to say that, he agreed. But I was also going to say that just imagine that we're in the shed with the door locked on the inside and a bag over the window.

That's funny, she said and laughed. You certainly know how to make me relax, I don't know how you can be so cool.

I'm not, trust me.

It spun me out that day your parents busted us.

Same.

Danny and Liana remained silent as they watched the other performers, then it was their turn to go on.

Don't forget we're in the shed, Danny whispered as the introductory music started.

I won't. She gave him a quick glance and half a smile.

Their performance was excellent, there was thunderous applause at the conclusion. Danny felt Liana's hand shaking in his as they made their final bow.

Next was the grand finale. All the performers were on stage. The appreciative audience clapped loudly. Miss Cooper joined them and motioned to Danny and Liana to come forward to take a bow. The clapping increased in crescendo. Then two junior dancers, who had performed earlier, came forward with two small bouquets and presented them to Danny and Liana.

When the curtain was drawn, Danny met his teacher back stage and she congratulated the pair on their performance.

How did you feel with all that applause? Danny asked after the teacher had left.

That was awesome, it sent shivers up my spine, how about you?

Same.

I was shaking like a leaf at the finish when we took our bow, Liana said.

"Was that your hand shaking? Danny said and smiled. I thought it was mine."

Shortly after, their parents joined them, along with Danny's grandmother, who had come from the city to see him perform. There were hugs and congratulations all round.

You're a fine dancer, my boy, I can see a big future ahead of you, his Nan said as she hugged him. And you, too, my girl, she added to Liana.

That was quite a compliment coming from his Nan, as in her past she had been a prima ballerina in several big productions. Danny felt proud of himself and Liana for he knew his grandmother did not give praise lightly.

At the beginning of the next ballet lesson, the teacher complimented the participating students on a job well done, and gave Danny and Liana a special mention. The following Saturday she showed them another routine, this time more difficult.

Are you cool with the new dance, Dan? Liana asked as they walked home.

Yeah.

Great, we'll practise it when we get home, hey?

No probs.

When they reached the big shed, his mother was in the back yard working in a small vegetable patch. She waved to them as they entered the shed.

We have a new dance to rehearse so no peeping okay? Danny called and smiled.

Aw, spoilt sports, his mother answered followed by a huge grin.

Danny and Liana rehearsed the new dance whenever they had the opportunity and performed it on the last parents' night for the year. The parents and all who attended applauded loudly at the end of their performance.

After Christmas, the two families went on a camping trip to their favourite caravan park. This park was not privately owned but belonged to the local council and had limited facilities. It had no power connected to it and only a toilet block and some open fireplaces, but it was great for pitching tents, self-contained caravans, and it was sheltered from a beach by some small sand hills.

The first day at the park after the tents had been set up, Danny and Liana decided to practise another dance their teacher had given them to work on during the school break. The other campers were delighted with this unexpected entertainment and gathered around them in a circle.

Look at all the people watching, Liana whispered nervously.

Don't take any notice, Danny whispered back.

Loud applause greeted their impromptu performance.

More! the crowd yelled.

Somewhat reluctantly, Danny and Liana repeated the performance and after a quick bow dashed off into their tents.

Then Danny and Liana decided to go for a swim and, after clearing it with their parents, the pair donned their swimmers and made a beeline for the beach.

* * * *

The parents had told them that they would join them later. They were not perturbed that Danny and Liana were to swim in the surf because they were both powerful swimmers due to their constant ballet practice and love of swimming.

Later the fathers arrived with some folding chairs, a couple of beach umbrellas, some towels and drinks. About half an hour later, the mothers arrived. They had stayed behind for a short while to sort things out as they put it.

While the parents sat there and watched the pair frolicking in the surf, it became increasingly obvious to them that Danny and Liana were getting closer. They were rarely ever apart and enjoyed each other's company. The parents reflected on how things had changed in the years that they had known each other.

You know, John said to Liana's parents, Sasha and Olga. When you first arrived, Danny wanted Liana to be a boy.

This comment brought a chuckle from everyone.

That's has well and truly changed, Olga commented."

* * * *

Liana's parents had migrated to this country five years before Liana was born, and although they were now both fluent in English, they spoke with a broad Russian accent, and when at home, they only spoke in Russian, this was to insure that Liana was fluent in Russian. She might want to use it one day, her father had said.

Sasha had come to Glenville temporarily as a building supervisor for a large supermarket project. The company he had worked for, had in the past, always supplied accommodation if it was out of the metropolitan area and paid for it, but in