Dance, Belle, Dance!

By Beth Huffman and Annabel

Dance, Belle, Dance! is the touching story of a young girl, Belle Andrews, who was born with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Her inability to focus in the classroom creates many obstacles and her immaturity results in social miscues, which her peers don't understand. Yet she refuses to be limited by her challenges. Her creative spirit soars as a gifted ballerina. As you follow Belle on her riveting journey, you'll be captivated by her beauty and grace.

Dance, Belle, Dance! is a must-have for those who

* have special needs

* struggle to fit in

* are bullied in school

* embrace their children's unique qualities

* teach and desire to reach out to the underdogs

* want to learn about a courageous girl's struggles with ADHD

• Language: English
• Publisher: eBookIt.com
• Release date: Jul 8, 2015
• ISBN: 9780996571319

Book preview

2015

The Open House

I couldn’t wait to meet my 2nd grade teacher at the open house. Everyone in my family was ready to go except my sister. That was no surprise. We always have to wait on Belle. If that isn’t bad enough, she’s hyper and loud all the time. She has a way of turning things into disasters. I let Mom know that I wasn’t going to be late.

Let’s go! Dad can bring Belle later.

Macey, run upstairs and check on her. She should have her clothes changed by now.

It isn’t my job to check on her. She’s been in her room an hour. We both know she isn’t ready. Do you even care if she ruins my night?

That’s enough, young lady. You’re not going to speak to me like that.

I should have apologized but I didn’t. Instead, I ran from the kitchen and raced up the stairs. I didn’t think it was possible to be any madder than I was. Wrong! I blew up when I saw her fidgeting with all her socks that were scattered on the bedroom floor.

I screamed, Are you kidding me? We need to go and you haven’t even changed your clothes yet! Why are you staring at your stupid socks?

She wasn’t the least bit fazed. I could tell by the blank expression on her face. She looked up and said, Macey, should I wear pink socks or blue socks?

I jerked the pink ones from her hand. Get on your bed now! I’m dressing you. If you’re going to act like a baby, then I’ll treat you like one.

I’m not either a baby. Say you’re sorry.

Shut up, Belle! I mean it. Hold still.

Mom heard all the yelling. I thought sure she’d get mad at us for fighting but she didn’t. She was more upset when she saw the bed. It was covered with piles of clothes that Belle had pulled from her closet. She took a deep breath and said, Dad’s waiting for us. Let’s go.

I have to admit that I was squeezing Belle’s hand all the way to the car. That’s probably why she started crying. I didn’t care.

Mom, Macey hurt my hand real bad. It’s all red. Is she in trouble?

Dad cut her off. That’s enough! You’re both going to be in trouble if I hear one more word. Belle, stop crying. You’re meeting your kindergarten teacher tonight. You don’t want Mrs. Heldman to see you in tears, do you?

I wanted to say, Nice job, Dad. You just asked Belle for her opinion. Haven’t you figured out by now that whatever she says won’t make sense?

I knew she’d start whining. She sounded so clueless.

No, I don’t want Mrs. Heldman to see me crying. I’m going to tell her that Macey hurt my hand on purpose. I think she broke it. She’s always mean to me. She said my socks are stupid. I think I hate her. I think I’m never talking to her again. She’s the worst sister in the world. I wish she’d move away.

I looked out the window and tried not to laugh. When Mom turned around to make eye contact with her, I knew exactly what was coming. They were the rules that Belle wouldn’t follow.

Please quit kicking the back of my seat and listen to me. I expect you to hold Daddy’s hand tonight and to use your quiet voice at all times. Be on your best behavior and make us proud of you. Do you understand?

There was no answer. Mom repeated the question. Belle, do you hear me? We’re close to the school. Are you paying attention?

So once again I thought to myself, Did you really just ask her if she’s paying attention, Mom? She never does. You know that. She didn’t hear a word you said because she’s been fiddling with some paper clips for the last five minutes. In case you haven’t noticed, she’s never stopped kicking the back of your seat.

Belle still hadn’t responded when Dad parked the car. That’s because she had other things on her mind - like unfastening her seat belt, jumping out, running to the front door of the school building and shouting, Macey, I beat you!

I covered my face. I didn’t want anyone to know she was my sister. I was as sarcastic as possible when I said to Mom, She’s done a great job of holding Dad’s hand and using her quiet voice tonight, hasn’t she? I bet you’re really proud of her, aren’t you?

They hurried to catch up with her in fear of what she might do next. I could hear Dad yelling at her for taking off and never looking to see if any cars were coming. I’m pretty sure she missed the point because she interrupted him and said, Let’s go to the playground, Macey!

First Impressions

I had goose bumps when we walked into the building. Just two years earlier, I had been in Mrs. Heldman’s kindergarten class. At the open house, I remembered whispering, Mom, this room looks like a magic castle.

I was afraid to guess what Belle would say when she saw the room. I was even more afraid what she’d say to Mrs. Heldman. That’s why I kept a safe distance behind Mom and Dad. They were holding Belle’s hands to keep her from taking off but that didn’t stop her from hollering, Where’s my room? Where’s my teacher?

I don’t know if Mrs. Heldman heard her or not. I think she did because she stepped into the hall to greet us. I was looking for some dark corner where I could hide.

Hello! I bet you’re Belle Andrews. I’m Mrs. Heldman.

Belle let go of Mom and Dad’s hands, spun around in a perfect circle and said, I already know your name is Mrs. Heldman. You were Macey’s teacher. She liked you. Did you like her?   Sometimes she’s mean to me.

Mrs. Heldman understood why I was staring at the floor. She knew I was thinking, I’m sorry about my sister. We aren’t anything alike. She handled things perfectly. Oh, I enjoyed having Macey in class very much, Belle. I know I’m going to enjoy having you, too. Are you excited to be starting kindergarten?

Yes! I’m excited! I want to see my new room. Can Macey come with me?

Mrs. Heldman reached for her hand and calmly said, You can show her your room another time. I’m sure she’s anxious to meet her new teacher.

Before she could argue, Mom added, I’m going with Macey tonight and Jeff is going to be with Belle. We’re so pleased that you’ll be her teacher, Mrs. Heldman.

Belle didn’t like the plan one bit. She stomped her foot and started yelling, I want Macey! I want Macey!

Mom and I quickly walked away and didn’t look back. My room wasn’t very far away. I could see Miss Rex standing in the hallway. I’ll never forget her warm handshake. My heart started beating really fast when she said my name.

Macey, I’m so happy that you’re in my class. Your 1st grade teacher, Mrs. Bowers, and I are good friends. She told me that you love to read and write stories. Is that true?

It’s true. Mrs. Bowers said I should be a teacher when I grow up.

That sounds like a wonderful idea. Now please introduce me to your mother and tell me a little bit about your family.

Miss Rex, this is my mom. Her name is Caroline and my Dad’s name is Jeff. He’s with my sister tonight because she’s starting kindergarten. Her name is Belle.

Mrs. Andrews, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Macey, why don’t you and your mother take a tour of the room? You’ll see your name on one of the desks.

The rainbows of color on the bulletin boards and walls were dazzling. Mom, look at all the books. There have to be at least 100 or more. Don’t you think?

You might be right, sweetie.

I wonder if Miss Rex will let us take them home. I bet she will. And look how close my desk is to Kylie’s. This is so cool.

Honey, I know you want to stay longer but we need to go. I’m sure that Dad and Belle are waiting for us.

By then, Miss Rex had come into the room. I waved goodbye to her but she didn’t see me. She was showing parents the new computers we’d be using. As soon as we were in the hallway, I spotted the exit door that led to the parking lot.

Mom, I’m going this way. I’ll meet you at the car. I don’t want anybody else to see me with Belle tonight.

I wish you wouldn’t say hurtful things like that. She adores you. She’s young and immature. She’ll grow out of it.

Yeah, she’s definitely immature but I don’t think she’ll ever grow out of it.   

A few seconds later, I heard a voice yelling, Daddy, where’s Macey? I wanna see her room.

I was out the door immediately.

Bedtime

The ride home was exactly like I thought it would be. Mom asked Belle how her night had gone. She gave the same answer she always does when she isn’t paying attention.   

Uh, I don’t know. I can’t remember.

Dad tried to get her to say something that sounded half-way normal. Now you know what happened. Tell Mom and Macey what Mrs. Heldman had everyone do. Tell them about getting in a circle.

When she didn’t answer, he tried again. Belle, what did you have to say?

I had to say my whole name. What else, Daddy?

You had to tell everyone your favorite color.

Oh, that’s right. I said I love pink, purple, blue and yellow. Some kids started laughing. I didn’t think it was funny. Did you, Daddy?

I should have kept my mouth shut but I didn’t. They were laughing because your answer was totally stupid. You were only supposed to say one favorite color.

I don’t care. I like a lot of colors. Hey Macey, when we get home, let’s make hot fudge sundaes. Then we can play some video games.

Mom quickly put a stop to that. No ice cream before bed and no video games. You can have a bowl of cereal or fruit. You’re also going to need another bath. Why exactly did you draw blue lines on your hands and legs?

I saw some boy do it tonight. It looked fun.

Mom gave Dad a serious dirty look. Jeff, why didn’t you keep a closer eye on her?

Caroline, she was darting around the room all night. I couldn’t keep up with her.

As soon as we got home, I headed straight to my bedroom and slammed the door. Even though I covered my ears with pillows, I could still hear Belle’s voice. When Mom was begging her to stop splashing the bath water, she said, Mommy, I want to have a sleepover with Macey tonight.

No. You have school tomorrow. You’re sleeping in your own bed and that’s final.

Five minutes later, my bedroom door flew open and she vaulted onto the bed. You look funny. You’re hiding under your pillows, aren’t you?

Yeah, I am. I’m trying to hide from you and your big mouth. Go to bed!

But I’m not tired. I have a secret plan. Wanna hear what it is?

Sure. Tell me. I can’t stand the suspense.

Okay. Here it is. When Mommy and Daddy are asleep, I’m going to tiptoe past their room and sleep with you.

No way! If you don’t leave by the time I count to three, I’m slugging you with my pillow. One … two … two and a half …

Stop counting! Mom said I could sleep with you.

You BIG LIAR! I heard what she told you. Do you even get it that you’re starting school tomorrow?

I think I get it but I’m not sure. I wish it was summer all year long, don’t you? Guess what I’m hiding behind my back?

I really don’t care. Go!

I will but let’s play a game first. Close your eyes and try to guess what I put in your hand.

Okay, my eyes are closed.

I knew immediately what it was. I didn’t have to open my eyes. Belle had stolen the blue marker from Mrs. Heldman’s desk.

The Bus Stop

Kylie and I have been best friends since kindergarten. She only lives two streets over and we’re always together. We can’t stand it if we go more than two days without seeing each other.   I knew she’d be surprised that I was alone when we met at the bus stop.   

Macey, is Belle sick?

No. She’s fine.

Then where is she?

Right then the bus pulled up. I’ll tell you on the way to school.

When we were in our seats, we huddled together like we always do when we’re sharing secrets. I tried to whisper because I didn’t want anyone to hear me. Kylie, you wouldn’t believe how she acted at the open house. I was afraid what she’d say next. She was out of control.

Did she do something really bad?

"Yeah, she did. You know those colored markers that Mrs. Heldman always keeps on her desk? Belle