It really was an appealing idea, owning her own studio. Then she could make all the decisions. The music would have to be run by her, as well as the choreography being taught. Half the time she felt the music and the moves were too old for the younger children. If she were the boss, she could have some control on that. "You would be great with the little ones," Kitty agreed. "I think you have more patience for the two and three-year-olds than some of the adults."
She was surprised when June touched her face, watching the little girl's expression as she did so. "No one can see it if I have make up on." And in the summer if the giant nasty looking thing on her stomach and back were not properly and completely healed, she'd just wear a one-piece. It wasn't that Kitty was vain, she just couldn't tolerate her own imperfections at times. One of her many flaws.
Kitty was silent while June prepared to show her whatever scars were on her back. She didn't really know what to expect, but what she saw made her gasp sharply and cover her mouth with her hands.
All over June's back, going down under the waistline of her pants and disappearing into the protected areas her nightgown still covered, red circles about a big as a quarter were burned into her skin. There was no pattern and no purpose to them, and they brought tears to Kitty's eyes. How could anyone harm a child in such a way, especially this child? What parent could take a car cigarette lighter and willingly press it into their child's flesh one time, let alone this many?
She managed to whisper June's name as she lightly touched the burns. Tears ran down her cheeks and she felt the urge to be sick. "Your father did this to you?" Of course June was afraid to go back to him. How could she not be? With shaking hands, she pulled the nightgown back down, then quickly pulled June over to snuggle her close. "I'm so sorry," she cried quietly, feeling so much but remembering to stay quiet so as not to wake Theresa. "I'm so sorry, June. You will never have to go back to him. Ever. I don't care what it takes. I will make sure of it. He will never hurt you again."