One year later…
Odette didn't like cleaning this classroom; a giant painting of her was placed prominently on the wall as if it were mocking her of the things she had lost. Someone suggested taking it down, which earned glares from Louis, Rosita, Auguste, Lucien, and Marie. Lucien and Marie were visiting the opera less and less due to failing health. As Odette cleaned, she was aware of the set of eyes on her. Louis had a habit of watching her while she cleaned. This made her nervous. She did not like him judging her performance.
Of course, this is not why he was watching her. He was taking in her graceful movements; even while she was cleaning, it looked as if she were dancing. He fought the urge to take her in his arms and lead her in a small waltz. During his time in Russia, he had dated a woman named Zina. Although he could not get himself to fully commit, as his heart was with Odette. When Auguste had casually mentioned this to Odette, he saw her face flash from jealous to a strong blush. Now it is as if the two of them were dancing around their feelings for each other.
Odette paused in her cleaning to glance up at the painting. "Isn't it a beautiful painting?" Louis finally spoke. Odette nodded mutely. "The subject in the painting is still just as beautiful now." She felt a small blush rise, "Always the charmer." She muttered and continued cleaning. He came up behind her and began massaging her neck and shoulders. She sighed tiredly and leaned up against him; it was amazing how relaxed she was when he was near. He managed to take her in his arms and began to sway; she had not noticed, being so exhausted.
Suddenly Odette turned away. "don't cry." Louis whispered to her. Odette felt her cheek; it was indeed tear-stained. She took a breath and said, "It hurts to remember." Louis looked puzzled, "Remember what?" Odette turned to face him, "remember who I once was. I could have been a great ballerina. I wonder what it would have been like?" She pondered wistfully.
Silently Marie watched them. She loved Odette like a daughter. Marie could see that Odette could dance, just not as well as she used to. She lost her confidence, and her broken ankle wasn't helping matters. Marie left the doorway and walked into Auguste's office. "How is she?" he asked. "Louis is with her." She said. "I really want her to teach." "She just needs the confidence." Rosita walked in. "Hello, Rosita." They greeted the prima. "Oh, that reminds me, I have enrolled Camille LeHaut in Louis's class, and I must go tell him that she will arrive this morning," Auguste told them as he exited the room.
By this time, Louis had left the classroom, and Odette continued her cleaning. She had contemplated telling Louis about the girl who was staying with her but decided against it. Felicie would make herself known to Louis very soon.
That night….
"You hate dancing." Odette winced at that sentiment. "Oh child, if you only knew." Odette thought to herself. Those shoes, Odette could never part with her red pointe shoes. It was risky, and Regine would surely turn her wrath onto Odette, but she knew that child had passion, and she would help her succeed. Even if it meant living vicariously through her. Odette trained Felicie, through unusual methods, Odette wasn't used to training without demonstrating, but she was able to cover the basic points with unique methods. It wouldn't last long, however, as Odette was called to Louis's office. She knew that Regine had found out the truth. She walked in confidently to await their fate.
So now our little red-headed tornado is thrown into the mix. She had brought back Odette's spark. Louis noted a change in Odette; she was more confident and not as skittish. Louis thought things were going well until the real Camille Le Haut and her mother appeared.