Butterfly and Flame - Alina and Evan

Dancing and Memories

Alina woke up Saturday morning with a huge smile on her face. She quickly changed into a green maxi dress that matched her leotard. She pinned her long hair up in a bun and tied a green chiffon scarf around her head. Grabbing her bag and keys she made her way to the kitchen where her parents were sitting having their tea and breakfast. "Good morning beautiful people". She greeted them with a kiss and hug each. "Good morning love, you look extra Bonita today" her father said. "Yes. You do. Im so happy you are following the doctors advice and living a little. We want our Alina back. Dancing, music, fiesta, and stories". "You guys I'm fine. I've been fine and I will continue to be fine. Please don't worry anymore about me. I'm happy doing what I do. Oh and I didn't get a chance to tell you but the illustrator is finally back and we start on my book this week". They told her how happy they both were for her and that it set there minds at ease knowing this, as they were embarking on an extensive trip. "We will be in touch frequently and just know that we will be back in a second if you need us. If any of you kids need us". Leo rolled in to the room and added his two cents. "You two just need to learn to relax. You've been planning this trip for years and now it's finally here. Please promise that you will enjoy every second of it and that you won't miss out on anything because your worrying about us. Between the three of us I can assure you we won't burn the house down". They all laughed and Emma got up and wrapped her arms around her son. "I'm only sorry that you won't be coming with us, but I understand that school is a priority and you are so close to finishing up by next semester and walking". Emma was shocked at the words that left her mouth. She stared at him and then at her husband and then at Alina. She couldn't believe she had just said that. It was Leo who first broke up laughing, then Alina and finally hugging his wife Andres Jr.. Emma finally let herself smile and laughed as well. " Mom, it's alright I'm gonna roll down to get my diploma and you know what, that's just fine with me".

After dropping off her parents and saying their last goodbyes Alina headed to the dance studio.
Marina was already there waiting for her. "Hi Al, everything's ready to go. Kids are all checked in and their all finished getting into their costumes. They're soooo excited. They're gonna drive you crazy!" Alina smiled as she threw her bag down behind the desk and went directly to the dressing room to take off her dress and put her toe shoes on. As she came out Marina hugged her and said she would be back in a couple of hours to lock it up. "Ok sista! See ya later".
Alina made her way to the smallest room in the back of the studio and warmed up for fifteen minutes. She adjusted her Chiffon skirt and looked at herself in the mirror. Her leotard was not too low and the back was not two revealing with the skirt on. She was careful to be more conservative with her appearance since having received too many unwanted looks from some of the fathers who would pick up their daughters after class. Once she felt loose and mentally ready she made her way to the main room to greet her students

She heard them before she saw them and smiled as she remembered how good it felt to put on new costumes and twirl around with her friends. It was one of the best feelings ever. She quickly gained their attention without having to raise her voice too much and reminded them that today was very special because it was their practice recital and that it was going to be performed in front of their parents and a very special guest. The owner of the studio and the only Prima Ballerina in town. She would be sitting up in the balcony area so they needed to do their very best. She reminded them to hold their heads high with straight backs and pretty feet and gentle hands. Alina looked up to see Natalya and Luis already seated and waved at them. She moved to the side of the room and plugged in her phone, turned on the blue tooth and waited for the music to turn on. Although she didn't dance on point anymore she wore her toe-shoes and walked out to greet her students who were already in position. As she looked up she was surprised to see a tall figure in the back of the room who hadn't been there when she walked in. He wore a baseball cap and was against the far wall with his arms at his sides in a relaxed stance. He was wearing black jeans and a white button down shirt rolled at the sleeves with the collar open. She was caught off guard and nearly panicked when she saw him but as her vantage point wasn't very good she couldn't get a good look at his face. Just then the man moved further up the wall of parents until he came up to a column and leaned back against it instead. He removed his cap and sunglasses and she recognized him immediately. The hair, the posture and his physic. Their was no mistaking him. She smiled shyly and quickly regrouped. As the music started to play she raised her arms and began to dance.