The Russian Ballerini

5

The curtain closed, the applause thundered, and Taylor couldn't help but beam as she took her final bow as the Sugar Plum Fairy. It had been a magical night, her movements guided by the thought that someone special was in the audience, watching her every step. She had spotted him during her last spin, his figure unmistakable in the crowd, and her heart raced as she exited the stage.

As she made her way toward the dressing room, hoping for a quiet moment, she glanced back, and there he was, waiting for her with that familiar, endearing smile. Taylor's face lit up, and without thinking, she broke into a run. Travis opened his arms, lifting her effortlessly as she leapt up, wrapping her arms around his neck. He held her securely, and they both laughed, their voices a mix of excitement and relief.

"I couldn't miss seeing my favorite Sugar Plum," he said softly, his gaze warm and tender.

"You really surprised me this time," she whispered back, her voice laced with emotion. She had been nervous all evening, but with him there, everything felt complete.

And then, in a moment that felt like it was straight out of a fairytale, he leaned in and kissed her, his lips warm and gentle against hers. The world around them melted away. She forgot about the lights, the theater, the crowd—everything. It was just the two of them, sharing a kiss that felt like it had been a long time coming.

When they finally pulled apart, Taylor's cheeks flushed as she realized they had an audience. Her entire dance company, including her best friend Mackenzie, was gathered nearby, watching them with wide eyes and dreamy smiles. Mackenzie looked positively thrilled, hands clasped together like she was witnessing her favorite romantic scene unfold.

"Oh my God, this is straight out of a Hallmark movie!" Mackenzie whispered to the girl beside her, who nodded, a happy tear in her eye.

Taylor laughed, her face still a little red, but she didn't let go of Travis's hand. She could feel the support and excitement from her friends, and it warmed her heart. They all exchanged happy, hopeful looks, silently wishing her the best.

One of her friends finally piped up, "Taylor, we've been waiting for this! We all knew he was the one when he kept showing up for your rehearsals!"

As her friends shared giggles and exchanged delighted glances, Taylor squeezed Travis's hand. She felt something deep and comforting in that moment, surrounded by her friends who had seen her through every high and low. And now, with Travis by her side, she felt a sense of peace she hadn't known before.

After changing out of her costume, she joined Travis in the theater lobby, where he waited patiently, his eyes lighting up when he saw her. He reached out, and without a second thought, she slipped her hand into his. The contrast was almost comical—her delicate, small fingers nestled in his large, strong hand, but it felt like they fit perfectly.

As they walked out of the theater hand in hand, Taylor felt a thrill that was both exhilarating and comforting. His hand around hers felt secure, and the warmth radiated between them. She noticed the way people looked at them as they left, but she didn't mind. For once, she felt like she was exactly where she was supposed to be.

Outside, a light breeze greeted them, rustling the winter leaves. Travis looked down at her, a mischievous grin playing at the corners of his mouth. "You know," he teased, "your hand fits in mine like it was made for it."

Taylor rolled her eyes playfully, but her heart soared. She gave his hand a squeeze, feeling the security and gentleness he offered with each step they took.

"Guess you'll just have to get used to it," she replied, a soft smile lighting her face.

They walked into the night, her friends still watching from the theater entrance, their expressions a mix of awe and pure joy. Mackenzie turned to the others with a proud smile. "If anyone deserves a happy ending, it's her," she whispered, and the others nodded in agreement, silently rooting for this new chapter in Taylor's life.