Free The Ballerina and the Revolutionary by Carmilla Voiez Page B

twinkled in response. ‘How are you feeling today?’
    ‘All the better for seeing you, my dear.’ A dry cackle escaped her lips. She reached for a plastic beaker beside her bed.
    Tomas leaned across me and passed it to her. I shrank back. He tapped my arm and nodded.
    ‘It’s okay.’
    ‘Mum, Cathy and Melissa are here.’
    ‘Little Missie. How is my beautiful granddaughter?’
    ‘Getting bigger and brighter every day.’
    Vivienne nodded. ‘Of course she is. She’s a Nightingale.’ Vivienne stared at me. Her pupils grew and shrank as she tried to focus on my face. ‘I’m sorry, dear. Who are you again?’
    ‘Crow,’ I croaked.
    Another nudge from Tomas. ‘It’s Giz, Mum. Giselle.’
    Her smile wavered and she nodded. ‘You look different.’
    ‘Yes,’ I answered. ‘I cut my hair.’
    ‘Shaved it, more like. How are you? How long has it been?’
    ‘Six years, Mum.’
    Vivienne nodded again. I couldn’t read any expression on her face. She turned to Tomas and grinned. ‘So what about a cuddle with my granddaughter?’
    Tomas passed the pink bundle of flesh bound in cream lace frills and navy velvet across to Vivienne’s eager arms. She kissed the top of Melissa’s head and breathed deeply. Melissa reached up and tugged her grandmother’s nose.
    ‘You are so pretty, Little Missie, and such dainty toes. You’ll be a dancer like Nanny one day, won’t you?’
    I sighed, loudly. Vivienne lifted her eyes to my face. A chill ran through me as I waited for her anger to strike. I turned away and glanced at Tomas and Catherine. Catherine gripped Tomas’s arm so tightly I saw red crescents rise across his flesh. Both of them watched woman and baby cuddling on the bed. I looked back at Vivienne. Her eyes belonged to Melissa as she kissed the baby’s fingers. I wondered whether she had ever kissed mine.
    ‘Here, Tomas dear. My arms are getting tired. Could you take her?’
    ‘I will,’ Catherine said, picking her way across the narrow space to Vivienne’s bed and sweeping her daughter up in her arms. ‘We’ll get a cup of tea from the café. I think Melissa will be hungry soon. Come for us when you’re finished, darling?’ She kissed Tomas’s cheek.
    Tomas placed his hand on my shoulder. The feeling reminded me of my drawings and I suddenly felt claustrophobic. I sat down on the edge of the bed and he released his grip.
    ‘Giz is here, Mum,’ he said.
    ‘I know, I know ... Ask her what she wants this time.’
    Tears stung my eyes.
    ‘You asked for her, remember?’ Tomas stroked my cheek in what I assumed was supposed to be a comforting gesture, but made my skin crawl.
    I felt more awkward than ever. ‘This was a mistake.’
    ‘Giselle ...’ Vivienne reached across and placed her hand on mine. Her skin felt dry and thin.
    I wondered why.
    ‘Mum,’ I said. I couldn’t force any warmth into my voice.
    ‘Oh, Giselle ... Thank God you’ve come. So you forgive me, darling? Tell me you forgive me.’
    I shook my head. ‘What?’
    ‘I should have protected you, all of you. I’m sorry.’
    ‘Mum?’ My voice lost all strength. It reminded me of a cornered mouse, trying to calculate the cat’s next move. ‘Mum. What are you talking about?’
    ‘You ran away, but now you’re home.’
    ‘It’s been six years, Mum. I’m a grown-up now. My home is in London.’
    ‘Don’t be ridiculous, Giselle. You belong with your family - with me. I’ll protect you this time. Keep you safe. Do you forgive me? I only wanted to keep you safe.’
    I backed away. ‘Safe from what? Forgive you for what?’ My voice sounded unnaturally shrill. Blood pounded in my ears. I struggled to catch my breath. I heard the soft pad of tennis shoes hurry towards me from behind.
    ‘Is everything okay?’ A female voice enquired.
    ‘Nurse. It’s my daughter. It’s Giselle. She’s come back to me.’
    ‘That’s wonderful, Vivienne. I knew she would.’
    Vivienne grinned at me. Her teeth looked darker than I