Ballerina Shoes

Two

( IN TRAINING )

~~~

Angie came to the dance studio early that Thursday to help with the younger class that day. She hoped that eventually she would be able to teach some of the younger classes while she went to a prestigious college nearby, where she would be studying physical therapy as well as dance.

"Glad that you're able to teach over the summer," Ms. Taylor smiled.

"I'm glad to be here. Hopefully I'll be able to keep up with it during the fall, if I make it into the college I'm hoping to."

"Oh, I'm sure you will. Ballet is first this summer, while they are still a little more focused."

Angie nodded and began pulling on her ballet shoes. She was already in the classroom when Victoire finally pulled into the driveway.

"Hey Angie! Hello, Ms. Taylor. Sorry that I'm later than I originally promised, but I offered to start taking Lily to class with me for my aunt and uncle."

"It's no issue, Victoire. Evangeline only arrived a couple of minutes ago. And as long as Lily is able to get here."

Lily only offered a shy smile. "I don't have any ballet shoes with me for today, Ms. Taylor. I didn't realize I'd grown out of mine until yesterday, and my mum said it was too late to get new ones."

"I'm sure I have some in the back for you to use. Miss Morris, would you mind..."

"Not at all. Lily, come with me so you can try them on."

Lily looked uncertainty at Victoire.

"It's just Angie. Go on!" she gave her shoulder a light push, and Lily followed.

"What classes are you taking this year, Lily?" Angie asked in an attempt to spark conversation.

"Everything this year! Ballet, tap, and jazz!"

"That's wonderful! You know, I think you have great potential in all of them, but ballet especially. You'll be a beautiful ballerina one day if you keep up the good work."

Lily blushed, and simply gave a modest "Thanks."

"Alright, you have smaller feet, so maybe these ones?"

Lily took the shoes and tried to pull them onto her feet. She shook her head, her red ponytail swinging back and forth. "Too small."

"Alright, a size up then. These?"

"Good, but the ties are long."

"Tie them in a bow. Hopefully you'll have your own by next week and can cut the ties."

Lily nodded and tied the elastic ties and shoved them into the front of the shoe to hide them. "Like this?"

"Perfect. You're early, so you can wait with Vic and I in the waiting room."

Lily nodded with a smile and ran out of the room, the ballet shoes padding her steps slightly. Angie followed more slowly, taking shorter steps than usual. When she got back to the waiting room, she saw Lily talking excitedly to Victoire. So, she turned to Ms. Taylor.