I sweep onto the stage, my heart ready to burst out of its cage, but my mind sharp. My muscles have memorized every part of every step, and I feel them deeply. I blend into Odile’s skin, her motives and actions becoming mine. A mischievous young girl trying to steal a prince’s heart. I feel her dedication as Fernando and I spin across the stage under Rothbart’s watchful eye. As I edge closer to mycoup de force,the thirty-twofouettés,I’m not scared. In fact, I’m excited for them, knowing that I can do this. They’re not absolutely perfect—they were never going to be—but I feel the strength in my standing leg at every turn. I’m in control of my hips; I hold my composure. In other words, I nail it.
Taking my bow at the end of the show, I catch the lingering look of Monsieur Dabrowski on me. I don’t see surprise or disappointment in it. In fact, I’m pretty sure I read at least a touch of pride. But I don’t have to guess for too long, because he asks to see each of his leads in private afterward.
“What finesse, Mia,” he starts calmly when it’s my turn. “That was wonderful.”
Yesterday, I might have asked if he really meant it. I may have even registered a little shock. But not today. I know deep inside that this was the best performance of my life. Until the next one.
“I’m very happy with my decision,” he says, his voice softer than usual. “It’s not always easy to know how things will turn out, but you are the perfect Black Swan. In fact, I think you would have been a gracious White Swan as well.”
I smile. I appreciate the compliment, but I think he’s wrong about that. “Audrey was a dream Odette,” I say. “I liked being Odile. She has an attitude and a dark secret. It was more fun this way.”
Themaître de balletsmiles, but then his face grows serious again. “I’m not supposed to tell you this….” He stops and looks like he’s thinking about what to say next, or how to say it, anyway.
I hold my breath. Rumor has it that the apprentice program directors will make calls tonight, inviting their top picks for auditions tomorrow. I know I shouldn’t get my hopes up, but I don’t care. What I felt dancing on this stage, it was powerful. I’ve always known the path ahead of me, but now I can see it so clearly.
“It’s not really in my hands,” Monsieur Dabrowski adds, careful with his choice of words, “but any company would be lucky to have you.”
I exhale, feeling a little light-headed. Does that mean he talked to the ABT apprentice program director about me? Is he trying to tell me that he helped open that door, and that the rest is up to me?
“Thank you, Monsieur Dabrowski. You have been the best mentor I’ve ever had.” My voice shakes as I say it. And I mean it. He’s been downright harsh. Almost cruel on occasion. But I’m not sure I’d be standing here right now if he hadn’t pushed me in the right direction.
“And you have been a very good student. We all make mistakes at times, and that includes me. But you did the right thing. You stayed true to yourself.” He pauses, letting me wonder exactly what he means. His face softens as he continues. “I saw you and Louis the other night. He thinks I have no idea what he’s up to, but I pay more attention than he gives me credit for.”
I stand still, unsure of how to react. But then he breaks into a smile. “It’s all right, MademoiselleJ…Mia. I know what you’re capable of now. And I look forward to seeing you do it all over again tomorrow, at your auditions.”
I gasp. Am I getting more than one? I know he won’t tell me. He’ll let the apprentice program director share the news directly. But, with Monsieur Dabrowski’s stamp of approval, I have everything I need to be the best I’ve ever been.
But I still feel the need to clear the air between us. “About Louis…,” I start.
He waves it off. “I can’t blame you for following your heart. Both of you. It all worked out in the end.”
My throat tightens with emotion, and for a moment I worry that I’m going to start crying happy tears. Because here’s the truth. I did follow my heart. I chased my dream. I put all my trust in my feelings, and now I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. Just a few graciously executed steps away from an apprenticeship at the American Ballet Theatre. Come with me, Odile. I’m taking you to New York City.
IF I THOUGHTthe day couldn’t get any more exciting, I soon find out that I was wrong. As I walk back to the dorms with my friends, Louis is waiting in front of the door with a bouquet of dark red roses.
“Oohlala,” Anouk whispers into my ear, and I’m pretty sure my face turns the exact shade of these flowers.
“Sorry,” Louis says quietly as he hands them to me. “I didn’t mean to embarrass you in front of your friends.”
I roll my eyes. “They’re embarrassing themselves,” I say, glancing at Lucy and Anouk, who are not-so-subtly staring at us. “You are just…perfect.”
“Come on, girls,” Audrey says, gently pushing them along. “Let’s go inside.”
Then, just before she walks off, she turns back to me. “I can put these in water for you, if you’d like.”
I smile and bring the roses to my face. Their scent is strong, intoxicating. I don’t want to let them go, but I alsoyearn to take Louis in my arms, so I hand them to Audrey.
As soon as we’re alone, Louis beams. “You were incredible. I wanted to stand up and scream about how amazing you were onstage.”
“I’m glad you didn’t,” I say with a laugh.
I almost want to share what his dad said to me, but I can’t jinx it. Until the apprentice program director calls, I don’t know anything for sure.
So instead, I lean forward and kiss him. I will need all the strength I can get for tomorrow, and that’s exactly what kissing Louis gives me.
“Okay,” Louis says afterward, grabbing my hand. He pulls me in the direction of his Vespa, parked next to the bus stop. “There’s something I have to show you.”
“What? Now?” I ask, resisting him. “Louis, I can’t. Not tonight. The auditions are tomorrow….”
