Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 64

“If you don’t want to embarrass yourself, Theodore, just leave.”

Emma’s tone was firm and unyielding. Faced with her resolve, Theodore didn’t press the issue any further.

“I’ll wait until you’re done,” he said quietly, and eventually stepped out.

The doctor was an elderly man who listened patiently as Emma described her symptoms. He conducted a thorough examination, then shook his head with a hint of regret. “It’s been five years,” he said. “That’s a long time. I can’t make any promises, but we can try.”

He drafted a rehabilitation plan for her. One of the recommendations was daily

acupuncture treatments.

That wasn’t exactly realistic for Emma.

When the doctor found out she lived in Cresthaven, he considered it for a moment.

“The treatments won’t be a problem. I have a student in Cresthaven who can administer the acupuncture. Just be prepared–it may not be enough for you to dance again.”

“I understand. Thank you, doctor.” Emma wasn’t holding out much hope for her foot anymore, so it didn’t hit as hard as it might have.

The doctor gave her her first treatment, then suggested she stay in Capital City for the next three days for follow–up sessions. After that, she could return to Cresthaven.

But her flight was already booked for the next day.

After a moment’s thought, she shrugged inwardly. Theodore already knew she was in Capital City, so what was the point of rushing? She rescheduled her flight for the afternoon after tomorrow.

As she left the consulting room, Sebastian caught up to her. “Hey, Emma. Want to visit the Academy?”

She hesitated, but the truth was, she did.

“Let’s go!” Sebastian grinned.

Once outside, she noticed Theodore was gone, probably off shopping for gifts with Cecilia.

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Emma climbed into Sebastian’s car, and they headed toward the Dance Academy.

The classrooms, the dormitories, the rehearsal studios–every familiar place stirred something deep inside her as they passed. Her four years at the Academy had been the brightest chapter of her life… and yet, it all ended that summer five years ago. The regret was so sharp she didn’t dare ask herself if she would have chosen differently.

“The Academy’s showcasing some of its top performances,” Sebastian told her. “Ms. Brown’s probably over in the exhibition hall. Let’s check it out.”

Inside, Emma found not only Ms. Brown, but also a graceful woman reading the captions and examining the photos on the display boards.

“Sebastian, Emma, you’re here!” Ms. Brown called, waving them over with a warm

smile.

The woman and Sebastian exchanged a glance. Sebastian winked, and the woman’s lips curved into a smile.

“This is Emma,” Ms. Brown introduced, taking Emma gently by the arm. “And this is Ms. Remington.”

Remington. Emma couldn’t help glancing at Sebastian.

He caught her look and grinned. “You guessed it. This is my mother. She’s your biggest fan.”

So that was it–Sebastian took his mother’s last name.

During the tour, Emma learned that Ms. Remington was planning to donate a brand new theater to the Academy. She’d seen Emma dance years ago and had been deeply impressed.

That evening, they all had dinner together. Ms. Remington warmly invited Emma to a party her family was hosting the following night.

“Ms. Brown will be coming too, so you don’t have to worry,” Ms. Remington reassured her, urging her to accept.

It was hard to refuse such genuine hospitality, so Emma agreed.

Later, Sebastian drove her back to her hotel.

Curiosity finally got the better of her. “If your whole family lives in Capital City, why did you join the Cresthaven Performing Arts Troupe?”

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Sebastian shot her a wry grin. “My mom kicked me out and told me to make something of myself.”

Emma laughed, knowing he was teasing, and let the matter drop.

They agreed Sebastian would pick her up the next day, then said their goodbyes.

Back in her room, Emma realized she’d need something appropriate to wear to the party. She contacted a sales associate from a boutique she liked in Cresthaven and asked her to reserve a dress and shoes at their Capital City store.

The associate quickly sent her pictures of the latest arrivals. Of course, they were all men’s styles.