We perform the traditional reverence and end the class. Excited chatter breaks out and the other ladies in the room take a few moments to introduce themselves to me. Each one expresses a sincere hope that I’ll be returning in the future. My heart flutters in delight at the possibility of a new group of friends. Ones who love ballet. I love Liz, but she’s not the type of person who likes going to the theatre.
“We’re all headed out to the Corgi and Crown pub across the way. We do it every Monday night. Would you care to join us?” a student in a Queen Mary uni hoodie asks.
“Thanks, but I’ll have to pass this time. I have someone waiting for me.”
She glances at Sam, who waves.
“Oh, he’s fit!” She adjusts her glasses. “He’s welcome to join us too.”
“We both have to get an early start in the morning, but maybe next time.”
“Of course, the invitation is standing.”
She waves goodbye. I take a moment to lean against the barre and work through my feet. The pointe shoes are stiffand pinching all my toes. I’d forgotten what it’s like to have to break in new shoes. Actually, I should probably get refitted by a professional. My feet may have even changed shape.
Sitting on the floor, I remove them and rotate my ankles. They’re an angry shade of cherry red, with a few indentations from the ribbons near my ankle. Next time I’ll make an effort to wear tights.
“I didn’t get your name when you came in.” I glance up at the teacher. “I’m Gladys.”
“Nice to meet you.” I wipe a hand against my leggings. “Minerva.”
“Your technique is brilliant. How long have you been out of dance? You must’ve danced professionally.” I’m impressed with what her eagle eyes have picked up.
“Four years, give or take. And yes, I did.”
“That long?” She cocks her head to the side.
“Yes.”
“Hmm... I was going to guess a year or so, perhaps. But not four years.”
“This was actually the first class I’ve taken since retiring.”
Gladys offers me a few pointers of where I should work on strengthening my body. We exchange a few more words, then part ways. I gather my remaining belongings and meet Sam in the lobby.
“Fashion Guru, you are full of hidden talents.” He wraps his hands around me and kisses me.
“Sorry, I’m all sweaty.”
“I work in a stable. Smell doesn’t bother me.” He lets out a throaty laugh. “But if it bothers you, maybe this will help.” Sam takes hold of my arm and slips a delicate purple-and-white camellia corsage onto my wrist. “There, perfect.”
Sam’s worked his magic on me again. He’s always managing to surprise me with a different type of flower every time we meet. I sniff the camellia. “Mmm... so good.”
“Did I do all right?”
“You did better than all right. I never got to go to anything like a prom or school dance. I always wondered what receiving one of these might be like. Now I know—it’s like being a princess.”
“That’s what I was gunning for.” I lace my fingers through his. We walk outside hand in hand. “You never got to go to a dance?”
“No. I missed out on a lot of things because of ballet. I was doing homeschool at the LABT academy by the time I was in high school.”
“Do you regret it?”
“No, I don’t. I mean, Idowish I’d gotten the chance to experience some of the things normal teenagers did, but I wouldn’t trade it for being able to dance professionally. Ididhave the chance to fulfill a lifelong dream, even if it was only for a short while.”
I’ve had a lot of time to reflect on my life lately. As I have the opportunity to finally begin the process of healing my scars and wounds of the past, it's made me appreciate what I was able to achieve.
“Thank you for coming. I wouldn’t have had the courage to make it through tonight’s class without you pushing me. I didn’t know how much fun I’d have.”
