Many years later
Kate was as busy as ever. Being one of the many maids in the Stahlbaum house, she was getting the house prepared for the annual Christmas Eve party that was to be held in just one hour. The table had been elaborately set with fine china and silver, and the main room had the biggest Christmas tree you could ever imagine. Kate was making the finishing touches to the garland hanging on the mantel piece. "Done," she breathed with a sigh of relief. She could only dream of what the party would look like. Her parents died when she was six, and thinking they could use some extra help around the house, the Stahlbaums took her in. The maids raised her, and taught her how to cook, clean and do basic housework. But before her parents had died, Kate knew she loved one thing more than anything, and that was to dance.
Every time she heard music play, she could just feel the melody inside her and could not help but start to move to it. Even now, ten years later, she still loved hearing the orchestra practice their pieces before the party began every year, though sometimes it did distract her. "Kateā¦.Kate!" Mrs. Stahlbaum called, trying to get her attention. Kate finally snapped out of it, jumping a little at the second call of her name. "Sorry Mrs. Stahlbaum, I got sidetracked. The decorations are done though!" she exclaimed. Mrs. Stahlbaum looked around, pleased at what she saw. "Yes, yes, this will do just fine. You may go now. And don't come out until after the party is finished." Mrs. Stahlbaum was a stern woman. She was not at all harsh to the servants of the house, but not quite kind either.
Kate made her way to the kitchen, pondering what it might be like to join the party. She had watched it ensue every year, and every year she wished she could join the guests as they waltzed around the main room. She watched through a window in the kitchen, as she did every year. Mr. Stahlbaum entered the main room, followed by their son Jamie. Mr. Stahlbaum was a banker, and often had to travel to different parts of Europe for meetings with his employers. He often found interesting gifts to give to Jamie and his wife on his excursions, and this Christmas was no different. He had found something he thought Jamie might enjoy while in Germany. Jamie was, to say the least, a rambunctious, spoiled brat. His parents had a very hard time controlling him, especially with all the festivities that would be going on around them.
"Now Jamie, you will only get your present if you are on your best behavior. Is that clear?" Mr. Stahlbaum tried. With a huff, Jamie responded smugly "Yes, of course I will be good father!" With that, the Stahlbaums opened the doors of their home to all of the well-to-dos in their community.
