Polar Night (Completed).

Part 9 - Past, 'Luster'

You could still hear the thunderous clapping in your ear, long after the end of curtain call. Blinding lights from the backside of theater room had you barely took in the audience occupying the rows of seats that were booked full a week before the show.
You couldn't see the spectators in the darkness from your spot on stage -only a few at the front row, but you knew they saw you, witnessed your every movement.
The perfect angle you aligned your legs when performing the pleasing aesthetic arabesque, and the multiple leap switched fast to full split mid-air when you delivered those elegant grand jeté and flawless piourette.

Round of applause when the curtain was finally drawn pumped your blood faster with the adrenaline rush, your heart was beating erratically, a foreign pleasant warmth engulfed your inside.
This was exactly the feeling you had been waiting for all this time.

Fame and recognition, the sense of satisfaction when all of your hard work was paid off, when people looking at you with pure admiration.

The backstage area was bustling with people going about their own tasks. Dancers, makeup artists, technicians and cleaning staff altogether trying to finish their work as soon as possible and wrap up for the night. Your fellow ballerinas were sitting scattered over the chairs facing their dressing vanity with bright yellow lighting.

You cast a glance to the door not too far from your table, the one with Sophia's name on the name plate.
Tonight was only the beginning.
You determined you would have your own room just like her. Someday.

The ache from your overstretched hip muscle started to bite, and you winced over the sharp pain near your pelvis.
Your bloodied toes that you already felt amid the show but managed to endure the whole performance were acting too.
It was unbearable before.
But tonight, it was more than worth it.

You ignored the lively voices around, instead, you drank in the solitude while staring at your reflection on the mirror.
Since the last time you met him, you finally found the courage to stand on your ground against your grandmother. Vittorio, the man that Mr. Kim assigned to help you, arranged the logistics and requisite for your career.
He set up daily meal plan for you, your wardrobe, self maintenance, practice schedule and exercise.
It wasn't too long before you saw improvement in your health and your overall appearance.

Your dull hair was smoothed and cut into medium length with layered style that gave more volume, it was healthy and shiny now. You could see the curve on your waist as well as your torso, you threw away all the clothes you had outgrown, bought lingerie and lightweight robe to your now extensive apparel collection.
Your style changed to a more sophisticated one, and you got familiar with branded articles that filled up your closet.

It was a completely different girl staring back at you with those radiant eyes.
You never dared to call yourself pretty, but you certainly could now.
You were attractive, no - you were beautiful, comparable to those girls grazing the pages of magazines and websites. It was a wonder of the things that flawless makeup and expensive hairstyling could make someone looked like a whole different alter ego.
You were on your way with a bright future to become a leading name in ballet world.

"That was magnificent."

The deep voice you had not heard for quite sometime, coming from behind you.
Turning around, your eyes caught the pair of light brown irises, again with that intense stare that always sent shiver running down your back.
You hastily stood and lightly nodded on him.

"It's because of you. Thank you."

He stepped forward while giving you a small smile.

"My support won't mean anything without effort and perseverance from your side. You gave a stunning performance tonight, a very graceful Giselle. It's been a while since the last time I thoroughly enjoyed a tragic story. You danced it so beautiful it got me completely delved into the tale. Well done."

His tone was neutral while his eyes scanned your overall appearance in a quick gaze, certainly wouldn't miss the blush on your cheeks.

"Thank you. I got help from Vittorio too."

There was something different in him, but you couldn't exactly pinpoint what it was. Maybe the way he dressed this time, he wore long sleeve white tunic over dark navy pants. Less fancy, more casual and relax.
Or maybe it was the way he was observing you. You couldn't say it was improper, more like assessing your whole appearance, maybe judging whether you really took care of your health.
You were under his employment after all, his company assets.
Somehow the sheer thought offended you one bit.

"I see that you've put on some healthy weight. Also, theater and the company thrive very well, you are one of our notable dancer now. If this continue, I'll ask Vittorio if he can find a slot for you in a performance at La Scala. Not so soon, maybe for their summer show."

"I ... I would love to. I mean ... I ..."
You stuttered almost in disbelief, words couldn't describe how you loved this man.
"I'll do my best!"

"I can't promise anything yet, competition is fierce. Vittorio will update should there is any development. Meanwhile, continue the hard work, ok?"

He looked approachable when flashing that mesmerizing rectangular smile, his feminine features made him looked like a pretty college boy, especially with his lithe form.

Appearance could certainly be deceiving.

Your heart was still swollen with excitement and pride, and you were sure even your grandmother would have to admit, you indeed delivered tonight performance so well.
It would be your seventeenth birthday in two days, this was a beautiful advance birthday gift for you.

There was a big bouquet of pink roses wrapped in white and gold cellophane paper delivered to your house a day after your birthday -with a card, but no sender's name.
The bloom was so pretty that you reread the written note on the card several times.

'To the stunning Giselle.
-Your new fan.'

Your first admirer.
You were an artist now, people would definitely start to notice you. And it would be just a matter of time before you reach everything you had dreamed for.