December 2nd, 2002

The mugging had really freaked Sara out big time. She couldn't believe something like that had happened so close to their apartment. She reminded herself They were in New York City and things like that did happen. She had a lot to focus on though. Opening night was in a couple of weeks so her rehearsals were all day long. Sara's feet felt like they were going to fall off.

Sara stood on the tops of her toes as she stared at herself in the mirror. Good form, she thought. She lifted her arms up. She had to become Clara.

"Looking good, girl." Chenille stood in the doorway. Sara chuckled.

"What on Earth are you doing here?" She asked.

"Derek said you were about ready for lunch so I decided to come bother you, sweaty white girl." Chenille chuckled.

"Sweaty white girl." Sara smiled, "Gee, thanks."

"No problem, Girl. So are you in?" Chenille asked.

"Yeah I am." Sara said wrapping a towel around her. The two women headed outside and towards Applebee's. Sara was utterly starving. She could eat three horses. As soon as they sat down in a booth, Sara ordered. She knew what she wanted.

"Lord, Child. You're eating for three." Chenille chuckled.

"Well, I've been working all day." Sara sipped her Pepsi.

"I know." Chenille smiled, "I'm counting down the days until I see you on that stage. You're going to look really pretty up there."

"Oh I know that." Sara winked, "Where's Christopher?"

"Oh lord, Sara. There's this little girl in the apartment next to our that he is utterly in love with. They claim their going to get married. He wanted to play with her so I have the afternoon off." Chenille said.

"Good deal." Sara said.

"Great deal." Chenille chuckled. "I love Christopher with all my life, but I just need a break. ALl moms do. You'll find that out when you and Derek have kids. Speaking of which..."

"That's not happening for a long time." Sara said, "I'm a dancer."

"You can still be pregnant and a dancer." Chenille said.

"Oh I know, but I'm not ready." She said. Chenille said.

"Neither was I." She chuckled. Sara stuck out her tongue. Chenille kept on looking at Sara's finger. God, she was excited to see a ring on it and she knew Derek had one ready.

December 16th, 2002

Derek escorted Chenille into the theater. Tonight was Sara's big night. He was so excited to see her as Clara. Sara was so happy to be in this role. It was her dream that had come true.

"This is a snazzy looking theater." Chenille said.

"The best of the best dance here." He said finding a seat in the front of the theater. He wanted a great seat to see his girl.

"I know. Sara is dancing." Chenille smiled. Derek's heart was racing. He couldn't imagine how Sara was feeling. She was probably throwing up. He chuckled softly. That wasn't a nice image, He thought. The lights went down and the play began.

* * *

The whole night had been wild. Sara played Clara so well. She felt like she was Clara. She danced so beautifully it made Derek cry. That was his girlfriend up there. She was a star. He was disappointed to see Sara laying beneath the Christmas tree with her nutcracker in her arms. He knew that was the end. Everyone began to clap. Derek stood up and started to clap.

"SARA!!! You go girl!!!" He cheered. Chenille joined him.

"Sara!!!!" She cheered. Soon, Sara was backstage panting. That was such a rush. Her dream of being Clara had come true.

"You were great." Patrick said.

"So were you." She giggled as Derek rushed back stage.

"Clara Sara!" Derek cheered scooping her up into a hug. Sara hugged him back tightly.

"How was I?" She asked.

"You were heaven on that stage." Derek smiled looking at her. Her eyes were filled with tears.

"It was so much fun, Derek." She said, "I wish my mother was here to see it." Derek's face softened.

"She was here, Baby. She was dancing on that stage with you." He said. Sara smiled softly.

"I hope you're right." She said.
"You made her proud." He said. Sara hugged him tightly.

"God, Derek, don't make me cry." She whispered, "I can't cry again."

"No you cant." Derek pulled away from her, "Chenille and I are taking you out for a celebratory dinner and then I'm taking you home to celebrate in our own way." Sara chuckled and nodded.

"That sounds like a good idea to me." She said as Derek led her out. She was still so hyper. So this was what it felt like to experience pure bliss.

* * *

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