Scene 15

Scene Fifteen...Advanced Ballet
Time: Morning, Saturday, February 2, 1946
Place: Viridian Library
Storyteller: Janet


I find William in the library. Medical section per usual. We leave because Miss Thompson hates me. It's seventy-five degrees and sunny. The bench in the shade looks inviting.

"You know I need advanced ballet for Rockettes."

"Yes. When?"

"Now."

"Your math grade is up. Seems like an ideal time to ask The Giant."

"Dad won't let me drive til sixteen. Mom won't drive outside Viridian. I'm stuck with the bike."

"Where are the advanced classes?"

"South Beach."

"That's better than North," William looks on the bright side.

"Lately Dad has been hinting that dance lessons are for kids. He thinks it's time for me to take more college prep classes."

William looks confused. "He said you could study dance if you keep the math up. 'B' is good."

"Deep down Dad knows that a dance career clashes with college. He's hoping I forget the dance-math deal."

"Well Janet, you have the memory of Lucy the Elephant. He's a man of his word. I assume these advanced teachers have impressive credentials?"

"Russia, Paris, New York."

"Perfect. Your dad appreciates a good education. And I heard him tell your mom she should get out of the house more. The Giant may surprise you."

Popular posts from this blog

Scene 95...Epilogue

WARNING Spoiler Alert !!! This is "The End" Please read scenes 1-94 first. EPILOGUE...Scene 95...Letter From Janet Time: June 16, 1948 Place: Nice, France Storyteller: Janet Dear Paul, I can't believe you missed the Monaco Grand Prix, all because of college. Nino won in a Maserati, per usual. The Prince kept staring at me again. Doris needs to see the Oceanographic Museum in Monaco. It's on a cliff above the sea. Betty likes her job at the hospital. Also, she's taking Mediterranean cooking classes. By the looks of her, she's eating too much delicious food, or she's pregnant. William will soon be joining the faculty of medicine at Aix-Marseille University. I wonder if they'll get an apartment? Can babies live on boats? Surprisingly, Dad didn't explode about Betty moving a hundred miles away. He's busy getting the vineyard perfect for Tony's visit. Mom continues to paint with the Big Shots. Guess you heard I graduated.
Read more

Scene 21

Scene 21...Swan Lake Time : Afternoon, Saturday, March 2, 1946 Place: Ballet School Storyteller: Janet Mom is watching me drive. She says, "What do you suppose Brodskys were fighting about last week? And in front of us? When Madame called to say they accepted you, I almost dropped the phone." "Yea. I was down in the dumps, thinking I'd never see this studio again." "Park over there. "Mom points to a space in the shade. Anna introduces me to the class. The two dozen students are probably in high school.  We warm up at the barre, then move to the center. "Adagio," says Mistress. She leads us through a series of exercises, fluid and focused, performed slowly. "Arabesque," Anna continues. I stand on one leg. The other extends behind my body. My goal is to create a smooth line from shoulders to arms and into the toes of my extended leg. The door slams. Sergey enters, all smiles. I hold my pose until Mistress says ot
Read more

Scene 17

Scene Seventeen...Rubies Time: After school, Friday, February 15, 1946 Place: Doris's house Storyteller: Janet I burst through the front door without knocking. Betty is dressed for work. Doris will be home from her shift soon. "What did he give you? Show me." "Hi Janet. How are you?" my sister teases. "Don't torture me. What did you get for Valentine's Day?" "I'll tell you about our romantic evening and then show you this." She puts the little, red box on the kitchen table. I try to grab it, but Betty is quicker. "Okay, make it snappy. Skip all the boring stuff." "William ordered us the most expensive entree on Sal's menu, lobster." "I don't care about food at the moment. Move on." "We walked back to his boat, arm in arm, with Tom. A golden moon reflected on the water; is full moon tonight?" "Who cares? What did you drink? How many?" "Rum an
Read more