My Love, My Future, My Life

Chapter 19

An unexpected Turn of Events

Melanie and Sophie limped away from the ballet troop without looking back. The tense silence was enough to choke even the strongest of horses. Sophie started to say something, then thought better of it.

"I know you're up to something," Melanie accused. Yep, the ingrate is back.

"Wow Mel, that's like a thank you.. But different" Sophie shrugged. "I am helping you, after all."

Melanie rolled her undamaged eye and came to a halt, crossing her arms. "Yes that's exactly it. You're helping me, you are up to something.. Though I can't say I completely blame you. I would be plotting something behind your back as well."

Jesus, if this girl would park her stupid pride for one second, maybe we could have actually became friends..

They continued walking in silence and soon came across Melanie's door. She unlocked it and walked in, practically closing the door in Sophie's face. Sophie took a deep breath and shut her eyes tight before entering. She made a brief mental note to slaughter Erik the next time she saw him.. He probably knew dirty secrets of every single person involved in his Opera house.. Why on earth was he making her do the impossible?

"Do you need ice or anything?" she asked Melanie, who grunted and turned her head away.

"Thank you Sophie, that would be lovely" Sophie mimicked, she had always hated when her mother did that to her as a child.

"Non, you can go now" she answered in a small voice. "I'll be fine now."

Maybe it was loneliness kicking in, maybe it was the need for a friend who didn't skulk around underground and in corners, maybe she was just becoming a softie in old age, but whatever the reason Sophie Semler felt her heart pull. She made a place for her on the bed next to Melanie and looked at her.

Suddenly, it made sense. It all finally made sense. If she hadn't landed somehow by Erik's door, she would have a chip on her shoulder the size of China, very much like the poor girl in front of her. It was a long shot, but she figured hell, it's worth a try. She would do exactly what Erik did, in his own way.

Show concern.

Not that she would immediately become best friends with this girl, but she could care. She could be interested. Would it be an acting job? Sure. Would things change between them? Maybe. For the better? Well, like the saying goes, "Anything is possible."

"Melanie, how did you get into dancing?" she asked, shifting her weight on the bed to sit cross-legged.

"What?"

"Yes, you heard right.. How did you start?"

"Mon mere. My mother danced. Oh she was so graceful, like a beautiful swan, or a deer. It was like nothing could touch her when she was dancing, the outside world did not exist. Since my father was not, what we shall call the most attentive, I too desired that kind of joy. What about you?"

Here it was.. The moment of truth. "It's a rather long story…"

"Nonsense. I told you mine."

"Alright," Sophie took a deep breath. "Back home, we have schools of dance, music, and voice. Now you cannot just sign up and say "here I am, teach me." No, you must audition and be the best of the best."

"Like putting on a show here!"

"Right. Now I started dance when I was around two. I started with ballet, then moved into tap. Eventually I got kicked out of the class because I was mouthing off, thought I knew everything" Sophie laughed. She didn't actually remember getting the boot, but it was a story that was passed around many a holiday table.

"It wasn't until high- I was a teenager I started again. I became obsessive with attending one of the schools. I wanted to be the best, I wanted to be the Prima Ballerina. I got good reviews and feedback, but I was only good, not great, and not the best. So I worked harder and pushed myself harder then ever before. By the grace of God and every miracle in the world, I got in! I was accepted. But it was not to be."

Melanie's bright eyes turned downwards and she formed the word "oh" with her mouth.

"I was in school for six months, and all the while I would watch the other dancers. The grace, the passion, the real, true love of the art. I felt like a fraud, a traitor, a blemish on dance as a whole."

"Why?"

"Because I was good, not great, and not fit to join the ranks of these other girls. I left two weeks later.'

"But if it's what you love…"

"That was it, I wasn't sure it was what I loved. I wasn't sure if I wanted it for me, or because my parents wanted a star, or if I only wanted it so I could be better at something then somebody. Now with my hindsight, I want it. More then anything."

"Well then it's up to you to get it. Nobody else can do that for you. Do you want to be the best?"

"Yes, I do. I want to be the best."

"Well second best around here at least," Melanie said with a small smile.

Sophie was bowled over. Did Melanie just make a funny?

"No, I think the best title is mine" she laughed.