ChapterThree
SABRINA
Yury was waiting side stage with his usual angry face. I knew I’d missed a few marks on stage but I literally had no warning I was taking lead. Of course, Yury wouldn’t see it that way.
“That was a terrible performance. Why were you not ready to take lead?” Yury spat as he yelled at me. “Go now and change for the second half.”
“Yes sir, I’ll only be a minute.”
“Sabrina, the minute the show ends change quickly for the after-party.”
“Don’t you think Jacqueline should go to the party? I don’t think anyone will even know it was me out there.” I begged to get out of going.
“Why would she want to take credit for that garbage performance? No, you must go but you will spend the rest of the evening practicing.”
“Tonight?” I fought back tears. “It will be midnight before the party is over and we have practice in the morning.”
“Yes, and you might just still be here when the rest show up in the morning if you can’t get it right.” Yury stared at me without blinking. “Do you understand, or must I say it louder?”
“I understand. I promise I’ll do better.” I lowered my eyes as I knew he didn’t like us standing up to him.
I would walk away in a heartbeat if I could figure out how to stay here in America.
I waited until Yury walked away before I dared to move. I needed to speak with Jacqueline before she was sent home, so I hurried backstage to find her.
“Jacqueline, do you have a minute to talk?” I found her sitting off by herself in a dark corner. “I have so many questions and I am so sorry for what happened to you.”
“Don’t be sorry for me. I get to go home, and I am so tired right now I don’t care what will happen when I get home.” Jacqueline patted the seat next to her. “Listen to me. Yury is a maniac and, now that you are lead, you will not get any time to yourself.”
“Okay, tell me, is it worth it?” I reached for her hand. “Is the pay better? Is the after-party fun?”
“The pay is the same, but the work is doubled.” Jacqueline closed her eyes. “The party should be fun, but Yury will watch every move you make. You will not be allowed to have any fun. Do yourself a favor and don’t smile.”
“Really? Won’t people think me rude?” I leaned my head against the wall. “What do I do then?”
“Just nod and be polite when asked a question. Yury will drag you away after fifteen minutes anyway.” Jacqueline stood. “I wish you luck, my friend.”
Jacqueline walked away without another word. I sat wondering what she meant by wishing me luck. I could hear Yury yelling for me. I jumped up and ran for the dressing room to touch up my makeup and switch outfits.
I hope I get a chance to find a phone to call my parents. They’ll be so proud of me for being lead finally.
The second half went about as well as the first half. I was definitely not prepared to be lead. Thankfully, the audience probably had no clue I was messing up. On the other hand, Yury knew. I made my final bow as the curtains closed.
“You have five minutes to be ready for the party,” Yury growled as I ran past him.
I was in a panic as to what to wear when I remembered Jacqueline usually wore her final costume with a cover shawl and kitten heels. I had neither of those items, but Jacqueline’s bag was still in the dressing room. I was slipping into the heels when Yury burst in.
“Sabrina! Come now!” Yury stood with his arms crossed. “Stay next to me. I don’t want you saying foolish things to these people.”
ChapterFour
COTA
Isaw my brother, Kellan, and his wife across the room. I wanted to make a quick getaway to meet my friends, but I couldn’t risk they may have seen me already. All I could do was take a minute to say hi.
“Hey big brother. I didn’t know you were a ballet guy.” I grabbed him in a hug. “Poppy, you look amazing this evening.”
“Cota, always the flatterer. Do you have a date here?” Poppy hugged me.