A Price to Pay

Chapter 1

August 23, 1924

Las Vegas, Nevada

Scarlet felt perspiration drip down her neck as the lights dimmed signaling the start of the competition. This was her chance, her chance to finally make it as a dancer. A star. Tonight was everything. If she won she'd finally be able to fulfill her dream, the main attraction every night on the Vegas strip.

The curtain rose as the lively music began to play, she looked on as the first couple started to dance. Readying herself for her own performance, she scanned the crowded audience from backstage looking for someone. A familiar face.

Dimitri had been gone for months, overseas fighting for their country. There wasn't a day she didn't worry about him. She sighed glancing down at the wedding ring that sparkled on her left hand. She frowned as she thought back to the day he was drafted, only 24 hours after their wedding.

She looked aroudn the dressing room for her partner, finding him amongst a group of girls.

"It's almost time George." She said trying to steady her quickening heart beat.

She took a deep breathe and looked at her surroundings. Calm down.

The dancers around her hurried to their places making the light wooden floor creak beneath their feet, their shadows casting upon the red panelled walls.

The chestnut haired girl turned to the mirror and straightened out her red dress, the fabric sparkling in the light. The tassels at the hem swaying with her. Glancing to the left in the mirror she gasped, the familiar face she was looking for finally appearing his normally messy hair now shaved.

She twirled around to see Dimitri standing there in his dark green uniform, holding a bouquet of roses. Grinning the way she loved.

She smiled as he let out a low whistle, "You look gorgeous."

He grinned holding out the bouquet. She took the flowers and tossed them back onto the vanity before pulling him into a loving hug. He pulled away after what seemed like an eternity and studied his wife, her dark hair was stuffed into an up-do, adorned with a red feathered headband. Rows of pearls hanging from her slender neck, and her black heals extending the look of her legs. The dress hugging her curves.

"What are you staring at?" she said looking up at him lovingly.

"Just my beautiful wife." he laughed leaning in to kiss her.

"Will you watch the performance?"

"Of course, I wouldn't miss it."

She smiled and turned her attention to her partner, nodding in the direction of the stage.

"I'll be sitting in the front, I know you'll do great."

The 21 year old woman smiled and blew a kiss, winking. "I'll see you after the show."

Scarlet took a deep breathe trying to calm her nerves, listening to the announcer on stage.

"Wasn't that a lovely performance ladies and gentlemen? Next up George and her partner Scarlet!"

Scarlet straightened her back as she walked out onto stage, trying to look as confident as possible. Smiling to the audience she took her partners hand and began an elaborate combination of twirls and steps. She felt herself drip with sweat as they neared the end of the performance. For the finale they had planned to try a new move that would be sure to wow the judges. She was nervous because although they had practiced the routine many times they still weren't perfect at it.

She sucked in a ragged breathe as she looked up into the blinding spotlights, this was it.

She backed up readying herself for the final number, looking toward her partner. Making sure he was ready, after getting a nod from him she lept forward into his arms. Letting him throw her onto his shoulders. She started twirling around his neck at an amazing speed. After he grabbed her arms throwing her into the air, ready to catch her.