Ballet, Apples and Wolves (Oh my!)

Showtime!

As we pull up to the Auditorium, the butterflies go haywire in my stomach. To say that I'm nervous is an understatement. The three of us walk inside and backstage, my dad puts my things away and disappears to his seat after giving me a hug for support.

I peek out from behind the curtains and steal a look at the crowd. There is no seat empty. Great, a full house. "Jo?" I look to my mother snapping out of my thoughts. "Just remember that we love you, and to have fun alright?" My mother smiles caressing my cheek. I grin and squeeze her hand for support, she squeezes mine in return. She kisses my head like she'd done when I was little.

"Ah Ms. Samuels. I was wondering if you would show up." Ms. Petit, my ballet instructor says coming out of nowhere. She's a tall, lean woman with a graceful posture. I don't recall knowing how old she is but I'd say 68.
Her hair is done up in a similar bun like mine only her hair is a dark raven-black color. "Oh no Ms. Petit, I-I would never dream to disa-" she cuts me off holding an aging finger up in the air. "No matter, dear silly girl, why aren't you dressed?" She gives me a not so subtle onceover. "It was my fault Ms. Petit I was just having a few words with my daughter." My mother finally speaks up. Ms. Petit throws her a look then glances at me again.

"Well Mrs. Samuels, would you please wrap up your 'few' words with your daughter, I have a show that must start." My mother slightly fazed, smiles nonetheless and leaves me and Ms. P after giving me a funny look to make me laugh. I don't of course. Not one to be on Ms. P's bad side.

"Ms. Samules I expect nothing but the best from you tonight." "Yes Ms. Petit." "As you know I don't give solos loosely do I?" "No Ms. Petit." "That is right. But you my dear girl are the exception. You're the best dancer I have. Hardworking, gracful and most of all talented." I look at her caught off guard by her compliments. Ms. Petit never gives compliments, well not to that extent.

Not knowing what to say I stay silent as she continues. "I'd also like to let you know that I have invited a few of my colleagues from various art schools that include dance. Including one from Juliard." I still from her comment. Juliard, is here?!? Shock must be evident on my face because she raises an eyebrow at me a small but there smirk on her face.
"You'll be phenomenal Ms. Samuels. I of all people know this and you should as well. Ladies, ten minutes until the curtain is up!" I hear a few grunts and more shuffling of feet as I procees Ms. P's words.

I know this sounds a bit cliché but Juliard is my dream school. I've only known about it since forever. I never thought I would have the chance let alone the opportunity to have a shot of attending the school. It's called a dream for a reason. But here is my opportunity now and I'm a mute sack of sagging bones.

"T-Thank you Ms. Petit. For this tremendous opportunity. I swear I will not disappoint you." Ms. Petit nods and pats my shoulder almost affectionately. "I know. Now get dressed silly girl the show must go on! Seven minutes ladies!" She goes off to help another girl. I take a deep breath shaking off some of my nervousness and get dressed as fast as I can.
All dressed and putting on final touches of my makeup when my bestfriend Monet finally appears. "Where have you been superstar? The girls and I were beginning to think you chickened out." She says teasingly and laughs when I roll my eyes. Monet has been my best friend since I could remember.

She stands tall beside me at 5'8 and has a mocha tone of skin. Her hair, now up in a bun similar to my own is jet black. Unlike me she has boobs which she isn't to fond of. "They're a huge distraction. Not just for me but for others as well and I wish they'd shrink somehow." I remember her venting to me about the same topic. One thing I've come to know about her is she does not like to be in the spotlight, being a back-up dancer is absolutely fine with her. She's a bit shy if you didn't know her but once you get to know her you'd find that she's a genuine friend.
"Me, miss this? Pfft like I could if I tried. Ms. P would have me killed." Monet snorts. "I think Ms. P's bark is worse then her bite."

"Well still, I wouldn't want to disappoint her. Oh! You'll never believe it, Juliard is here!" Her eyes widen. "You're shitting me." I shake my head at her use of language, I mean I swear like a sailor at times but hearing profanity coming out of Monet is like that one beloved toddler saying a swear word.

"So yeah, kind of freaking out." I continue standing up from from the chair satisfied with my makeup. "You have nothing to worry though Jo. You're honestly the best dancer here and Ms. P was right to choose you for the solo. So shut up and dance girl." Monet gives me an encouraging smile and hip bumps me. I nod and smile in return.

"Alright ladies. It's showtime!"