The weeks passed. We had rehearsals and outings. The relationship between Michelle and me was becoming deeper. Outside our class, the only ones who knew about our relationship were my brothers. My parents knew I was dating someone.

As for Michelle's family, her parents knew me, but they didn't know what was between us.

In December, we knew the Christmas gala choreographies perfectly. Now, it was time to choose who would perform the duet.

—Are you sure you would rather not take the test?— one of Michelle's friends asked during the warm-up.

—I don't even know if I'm going to take part in the rest of the gala.

She didn't want to go out with the others on stage. It would reveal her true identity to her parents. She wasn't prepared for that yet.

—Let's have fun until then— I said, taking her hands, going to our places for the first dance.

The teacher glanced at each of us. At that moment, she made a few corrections. Even someone like me could execute the choreography well.

We all danced to the first two songs, the boys and I walked off-stage for the girls' dance, then we switched places. And finally, the time had come to choose the best duet.

The couples took the stage one by one, showcasing their passion for dancing. They executed the steps perfectly, but couldn't capture the song's message.

The last duet came down from the stage to applause, the teacher wrote some things while we talked.

—Sara, Michelle, came on stage.

We all stayed silent.

—Teacher, I'm not going to take part— Michelle explained.

—And since my partner will not be there, I don't see why I should take up his time— I added.

—I know— she answered, —Still, I would like to see your progress.

She wasn't the only one, everyone looked at us.

We held hands, it would be impossible to convince the teacher not to do so, without any choice we went up on stage.

The music began. My nerves caused me to fail some movements. Michelle noticed and smiled.

—Just look at me.

The nerves started to calm down. I enjoyed watching her dance. It was a privilege to do so from afar. The auditorium and everything else disappeared, it was only the two of us.

The music ended, applause and cheers filled the auditorium.

We had to wait for the teacher to announce the winning duet. We were all sitting on the stage, each one talking on their own.

Michelle and I were betting on our prediction of who would be chosen.

—I'm sorry you couldn't take part in the test.

—Don't worry, besides, it's not like I like ballet any more.

—I still don't understand why you changed to this club.

—I wanted to see you dance closer.

She fell silent.

I took her hand and gave her a kiss, we both intertwined our fingers, our faces got closer little by little.

— Miguel!

Her father was beneath the stage, he climbed onto it and lifted her up.

—I went to look for you at the courts, and I found you, dressing like a faggot!

The wig ended up on the floor, the teacher tried to calm the man down, but he took Michelle away from the auditorium.

The teacher tried to stop Michelle's father from taking her. He threatened to accuse her of going to the principal.

I followed them.

They arrived at the car park, the man forced his daughter into his car. The adults continued arguing, I ran to Michelle's window.

—Michelle! I'll save you! Give me time…

She had her eyes downcast, tears falling down her cheeks.

—How are you going to save me, if you have even been able to save yourself?

The car started, both the teacher and I watched them leave.

…

I didn't get to see her for the next few days, it was a miracle her father hadn't taken her out of school. She stopped attending the club classes, I knew about her from her friends, who had asked me to give her space for a while.

The school sent the invitations to parents for the winter presentation a week before. I lost interest in knowing anything about it.

I asked Caleb to pick me up early, I didn't feel like being at the club.

At departure time, I waited for my brother in the car park, I saw his car park, but in his place my mother was waiting for me.

She drove for a bit before speaking.

—You've been down lately.

—There hasn't been anything good lately.

—One of your teachers gave me the invitation to the gala.

—Don't get excited, I'm not going to take part.

The silence returned. Mom drove to the house. When we arrived, she turned off the engine. She left the car outside the garage. I didn't understand what was happening, I took my backpack ready to go out.

— We need to talk.

In that sentence, I sighed and put my backpack back on the floor.

She was still clutching the steering wheel, I had rarely seen her like this, lost and confused.

—I sense that you need help, but I don't know how to do it— she started to speak.

She seemed prepared for this discussion.

—I want to be part of your life. But, every time I'm starting to understand you, you distance yourself again.

I have known this woman for seventeen years. This was the first time she tried to communicate with me.

—It's okay, you can help me anyway.

—But I wish to do it! And if I can't, I want you to at least trust me to vent…

She had my full attention. I once dreamed of this talk, but it felt like a lost dream.

— I would rather not be apart from you, Sara. I still don't understand you, but I love you as you are.

Once again, I felt something explode within me. This time, tears escaped, which felt strange.

I couldn't help Michelle, which made me feel very helpless. Confusion grew stronger inside me. At that moment, it felt like a long wait was ending.