Into the Night

Fall 1

The start of my life happens right at this exact moment.

            Every day I wake up and every night when I go to sleep, or even every minute of another adventure that God makes, I am so, so grateful. Do you know the feeling when you open your eyes as the ray of the morning sun greets, you know that day will going to be special? My life is like that—a doubtless graduating honor student and a theatrical ballerina with full of opportunities to come.

            Aside from my passions, I have this loving and supportive family who’re always there for me. When I am performing onstage, I will sneak a little glimpse through the audience—my mom and dad are there, waving hands at me.

            So, as I mentioned earlier, it’s the start of my blissful life. Tonight, I am currently swaying my arms and carrying myself blandly in the air, balancing my body with my tiptoes, stretching my legs upward or split it on the floor, then rotate lithely around as the flash of serene lights are focus on me.

            After the piano stops, I bow in front of the people, still remaining as feline as I need to be.

            The crowd is still applauding even if the curtains are closed and I’m returning to my dressing room. My co-ballerinas and other performers tell me that I’ve been going better and better, since I started in our ballet class when I was four years old.

            I sit down in front of my mirror and removing my braided hair which is tucked in a bun.

            My ballet teacher, Ms. Diane, enters my room. “That performance was really outstanding!” she said. “You inspired again our younger dancers.”           “Thank you. But don’t forget that it’s also you who teach me every single step I do onstage for years.”

            “It’s your natural talent, Audrey. I’m only here to guide you. And for that,” she takes something behind the wall, “This is my gift.” Ms. Diane hands me a bouquet of roses.

            “Wow, these are beautiful!” I say. “I love it!”

            My parents are standing in front of our car as I ran towards them from the theatre. They hug me tight and I do as well.

            “Is there anywhere you want to go tonight?” dad asks. “I know you’re not used staying at home.”

            “How about a romantic family dinner downtown?” mom suggests.

            “Perfect!” I clap my hands once. “Sipping wine in a luxurious restaurant with excellent quality dishes, classic! Let’s go!”

            I just stare at the streetlights and deserted apartments outside by the car. My head is leaned on the window and I think on how I prepared for this night. It’s been two months since the school begun, and my schedule became hectic. After a stressful week, I remember, I got a call from Ms. Diane and she told me about the upcoming big event. That’s why every free period, after school, and weekends, I always headed to our ballet school and practice and practice even when I went home. Those strains and wrestles are swept away on the river because of my fulfilment tonight.