SATONI

SHOW TIME

After spending a lot of time getting ready for this big dance performance that I have been planning, it was time. Everything was set up perfectly and everyone was ready. I looked around at all of the seats that were currently being filled. My heart started to beat quickly in my chest. I don't know why I was so nervous because I was used to dance performances and performing in front of people. But I wanted this to be perfect and I wanted my dancers to feel good about themselves after everything was done. I wanted them to get scholarships and contracts. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath because I knew that I had to get my emotions under control. I was torn between crying and jumping up and down. In just a few seconds, I would have to go out there and do my introduction speech. There was nothing to be nervous about and that's what I would continue to remind myself.

"I am so excited for you."

I smiled and turned to face Kari. "I'm glad that you were able to make it."

"Are you kidding me? I wouldn't miss this for the world. We will be sitting in the front row."

"That's going to make me even more nervous. I have to try my best not to look at you because you're either going to make me laugh or make me cry." I pulled her into a hug, and she hugged me back. I loved having Kari in my life because she always made me feel okay even in a situation like this.

"Will your husband be here tonight?"

The last thing that I wanted to do was talk about my husband. We talked about things, but we weren't one hundred percent yet. He still wasn't staying at home. "I don't want to think about that right now. We talked about things and I told him my expectations."

She pulled me into another hug and told me that we would talk about it later which I was grateful for. The last thing that I wanted to do was ruin my night thinking about my husband. He knew how important dance was to me, but he didn't really support me. But I knew that I had to support myself and support my students and that's exactly what I was going to do tonight. Tonight, was not about him, it was about me and my team. I took another deep breath and got myself together so that I could walk out and do by introduction speech. Just as I was about to step onto the stage I heard his voice.

"I want to thank everyone for coming tonight."

I pulled the curtain to the side and to my surprise Satoni was standing on the stage. What the hell did he think he was doing? I didn't even know that he was going to be here. I don't know what he had planned, but I had to stop him. I was about to walk onto the stage but Kari grabbed my arm to stop me.

"Let's just listen to what he has to say."

I frowned; did she know that he was going to be here tonight? This had to be something that they planned. I wanted to argue with her about it, but I didn't. I decided to listen to what he had to say.

"Before we get this started, I just want to say a few things. My wife loves to dance. She puts her heart and her soul into what she does. I haven't been the best supporter when it came to her career and I regret that. Being on this stage and seeing how many people came out to support her proved to me that I needed to do more. Tonight, I want to celebrate my wife's journey and her career. I want to celebrate her hard work and dedication to what she loves. I want her to know that I support her and I love her. I need her to know that I am so proud of the woman and mother that she is. This show is so much more than just a performance. This is a show to prove to you how hard work and dedication can build other people. Every single dancer tonight has worked hard to make sure that this is perfect for you all. So, I hope that you enjoy it."