Spotlight on the Mirror

Chapter Twenty-One

As Holliday sat in the dressing room, she couldn't help but stare in the mirror. It was weird to not see Natasha staring back at her but it was also strange to not see her old self. Even though she knew she was the same, she felt different and in certain terms, looked different as well. Holliday couldn't put her finger on it but she was changed. As she continued to apply make-up for the performance, she couldn't help but to think of her crazy dream.

Being Natasha definitely put her own life into perspective but the dream felt so real and she still got goose bumps thinking of specific moments. Usually, she forgot most of her dreams the minute after she woke up but the Natasha dream seemed so realistic. Holliday just knew it all couldn't be true. It was a coincidence that Natasha was in New York and dream started there but all the other moments must have been part of her imagination. It had to be.

Right?

Holliday was in deep thought when Ms. Cylla approached her from behind.

"Ms. Mosely, may I have a word with you?"

"Of course, Ms. Cylla."

"I just wanted to say that we both know that you're not my first choice for Giselle but after watching you today, you seem... Determined."

"Thank you."

"Don't fuck this up. All eyes will be on you and you have the whole performance riding on your back. Good or bad, the reviews will be printed tomorrow morning. Break a leg, Ms. Mosely."

"Thank you, Ms. Cylla."

As she walked away, Holliday saw Ms. Dee approaching her with a smile.

"I heard Carmen and don't listen to her, you will be great. Just remember that you were born to dance Giselle. I've saw you this afternoon and I have full confidence that you will dance wonderfully."

"I'm just starting to get nervous but I could dance the whole performance in my sleep. I have no worries."

"Good. Just remember to keep your stamina towards of the end of the Act I. It can be difficult to keep your energy up when you control the entire scene."

"Have you ever danced Giselle?"

"Yes, I have. It was actually one of my last performances before I went on tour. But the part that I was born to dance was Aurora from Sleeping Beauty. I can still envision the entire performance in my mind."

Ms. Dee had a look on her face that told Holliday that she was in her own deep thoughts of reminiscing. Holliday felt awkward but didn't want to break Ms. Dee's blast from the past. At times like this, she felt so much pity for Ms. Dee. Not dancing is hard enough but to be forced to give up on your dream just seemed cruel. Eventually Ms. Dee snapped out of her fantasy and focused back on Holliday.

"So, what are your plans for the future?"

"I don't... I don't have any."

"What do you meant? Didn't you apply anywhere?"

"No, not really. I didn't fully prepare then life got in the way. I'm ashamed to say that I have no plans for after graduation."

"Don't be. This dance career can be very fickle and tricky at times but we each find our own way. I have faith that you will make your own path of success."

"Thanks, Ms. Dee. I really needed to hear that."

Before exiting the room, she called out, "Break a leg!"

Holliday felt a new form of power from knowing that her two instructors thought she had the talent to be great. She looked over at the white tulips that her dad had purchased for her and smiled while she read the small card again.