The beautiful ballerina's decision (Amy's story)

"You are such a beautiful Aurora – you are made for being the Sleeping Beauty!" Estelle said and admired Amy. Amy was standing in front of the mirror and checked her make up. It was almost done! Her first night in the leading role as Princess Aurora in Sleeping Beauty! All the tears and worn out ballet shoes were worth as sacrifice; hours of training and practicing. Now Estelle helped her to get ready with the white tutu for the last and final act; Aurora's wedding with Prince Florimund (who was danced by Fred Vaughn). Marmee and Dad had watched her in the first act, but then after the break she hadn't seen them in Act 2. She had to focus on her part during the Vision pas de deux, but now her thoughts were heavy again? Did something happen? Did Meg's children need their grandparents? Meg preferred staying at home because the twins did need their Mum around them; Beth was too busy practicing for the entrance examination for the Music Conservatory; and Jo wouldn't watch cheesy fairy tale ballets. Amy smiled to her reflection as beautiful princess in the mirror. She was sure that talent scouts were in the audience and she was hoping so much to be accepted at the company. She had been Clara, Medora, the Sugarplum Fairy, Lise and Giselle, but Aurora, one of the most challenging parts for a ballerina, was the part she always wanted to dance; especially she had always admired the painting "Aurora" by Guido Reni and she also had copied this fresco at home!

Suddenly, the door got opened and Laurie entered. Amy turned around. "I just want to say, you're so good and brilliant…" he started, then he looked down at his shoes, as if he didn't know what to say. Amy got a flashback.

Laurie was the one young man who was playing the piano at the ballet school. Amy was practicing very hard, and stayed longer than necessary, still trying turns, fixed at the mirror; and wouldn't stop until it was perfect. These brown eyes followed her because Laurie told her he would accompany her dance with some music – he said he had to practice, too, and sometimes he said he just had fun. The other ballet girls always were dubbing "Miss Perfect" or "Frosty Queen" her, and only her best friend Florence was nice to her (she was "Princess Florina" at the ballet production). And there was Fred, who was always perfect, too, and both were partners for the pas de deux for such a long time; and everyone was discussing behind her back, whether they were a real couple or not. Both Fred and Amy had big plans, and Fred was talking about the Royal Opera House in England, with glowing eyes; and they were always talking only about ballet dreams. But Laurie was sometimes chatting with her about casual topics and sometimes Amy felt a bit distracted, admiring Laurie's hands playing the piano. When his gaze met his eyes, she looked away – because ballet did mean focus. But one day, he had suddenly come to her and helped her with a lift; he had turned her around and suddenly their heads were very close; she felt his fingers at her back; and she wanted to ask how…

Suddenly, a mobile rang and she returned to reality. It was her mobile! With a regretful look at Laurie, she answered the phone call. But then her heart beat felt really frozen! "Amy, darling, I'm so sorry, but we are at the hospital. It is because of …Beth. She fainted and apparently, she is very exhausted. The doctor says she is overworked, but they are now doing a medical check on her…Jo and Meg, and Dad are here." Marmee said, sobbing. "Oh no!" Amy whispered and looked at Estelle. "Darling, you don't have to come. I'm proud of you, don't destroy your big chance…" Marmee said. "But Beth needs me. Beth means so much for me! Thank you for letting me know – I'll come at once!" Amy said and finished the phone call.

Just then, Fred entered the room. "Amy, my beautiful princess – I've been waiting for you. Now it is time to be ready for your final dance!" He was grinning, but then he hesitated and frowned.

"My sister is in the hospital – I've to leave right now."

"Are you nuts? This is our big chance! You can't ruin our performance!" Fred hissed, his blue eyes were furious.

"Amy, he is right!", Laurie said with his warm, comforting voice. "You can't help Beth at the moment, and she is certainly in safety. But you could later tell her about your performance." And after a break, he added: "My Mom was a famous ballet dancer in Italy. I was also dancing ballet as a boy, but when my parents died in a car accident because they were rushing to a performance, my grandfather only allowed me to play the piano and watch ballet. Do not rush, everything at its right moment."

Amy smiled and then she nodded. Meanwhile, also Flo and her dancing partner Valeri as well as Kitty Bryant as the Lilac Fairy were standing at the door. "I am so sorry!" Flo said and embraced Amy.

Amy wished a tear away. "Let's go!" she said and looked at Fred.

After the final bow, Amy turned around and went away from the stage. She knew that there would be curtain calls and the audience would demand the princess; and the talent scouts would want to talk with the dancers, but Amy didn't care. She did not even change her dress, she did only slip out from her ballet shoes into her casual ones. Then she put her coat on and left the theater. Laurie was waiting in his car to drive her at the hospital.

"You are a real beauty!" Laurie said, smiling at her. "Everyone is saying that." Amy replied.

"No, I mean really real. Aurora gets gifts from her fairy godmothers, but not beauty. But tenderness, wit, generosity, playfulness and passion. And I think, that is inner beauty." Laurie explained.

"Aw…" Amy said and there was a real smile on her face.

Then, they didn't say anything for a long time.

When Laurie stopped at the hospital, Amy turned to him, and said "Thank you!". Still smiling, she kissed him. And Laurie did enjoy the kiss, his lips did beg for more and butterflies were dancing a waltz in her stomach.

But now she had to remember Beth, and so the kiss had to end. For now, of course.

Of course, everyone in the hospital, was surprised and curious, when the ballerina and her driver went through the white halls.

Finally, they were lead in a room. Beth, rather pale, was in the bed, and the rest of the March family was at her side. "Beth! I'm here! I've danced all the third act only for you – until the Apotheosis in the ending!" Amy exclaimed and rushed to her sister.

Beth smiled: "A real ballet star at my bed! What could I wish more?"

She looked at Marmee: "You could rest all a bit – I want Amy to tell me everything. And Laurie may stay. We know each other from the music class!"

Yet, with a worried look, Marmee, Mr. March, Meg and Jo left; Jo did even look a bit disappointed.

Then, Amy narrated her story, but of course, she didn't confide her worry for her future. The talent scouts probably picked Fred, Florence or Kitty. All her plans would be now different! But Beth was at her side, and Laurie, of course.

Beth smiled and then she said: "Amy, I have to confess….I only faked fainting. I…I was so tired and I know you all are so successful, Jo as a writer, Meg has a family on her own; and I feared I wouldn't manage it any more. I'm so exhausted and there was no other solution. Are you angry with me?"

Amy took Beth's hand and said: "Betty, I would never be angry with you. We should have noticed it! And I can keep your secret, of course!" Both sisters hugged each other.

"Thanks, Amy! Could you watch perhaps a ballet DVD with me? I love the Nutcracker so much!"

"Even better! This year, we'll have the Nutcracker at Christmas! And you'll get the best place and you'll see me dancing! I promise!" Amy laughed.

"And we can also practice the score on the piano, Beth. Just take some time for recovery and don't put yourself under pressure!" Laurie added; and Amy wanted to kiss him again. He was so, so nice!

Then, when the doctor entered the room, Amy also had to leave with Laurie, but she was so happy – it was the right decision and Beth would be fine soon.

She had put her fingers in Laurie's hand, and now both were leaving the hospital.

What would the future bring? She had no idea. But she could still dance, and perhaps with Laurie, even it wouldn't be perfect. No, it would be perfect. Amy looked into his brown eyes and then both kissed again, without rushing, of course. They had all the time they would need.

Ending (for now)

What will happen with Amy's plans? Will she keep her promise?

Just find out in the next installments!