“We must go now. Sabrina has much to do for tomorrow’s show.” Yury pushed his hand into my back. “Do come back this weekend for the new show.”
He was pushing me through the crowd, all while he smiled and greeted guests, never once letting me greet anyone else. I had clearly said something that upset him and now all I could think about was how to get away from him before we got backstage.
“Yury, where are you rushing off to with the star of the show?” Murphy stepped in front of Yury. “I have some very important guests that are just dying to meet her. Why don’t you go have a drink while she comes with me.”
Oh no, was fear on my face? How did she know I needed to be rescued? Or did she not notice, and I will be in further trouble after this?
“Don’t worry so much. I won’t keep her for long.” She pulled me quickly away. “Just smile as we pass everyone.”
“Where are you taking me? Yury looks furious,” I pleaded.
She pulled me into the ladies’ room and waited until everyone had left before she spoke.
“What’s going on?” Murphy looked into the mirror, fixing her hair. “And don’t tell me nothing.”
“I’m just very tired and I’m not usually the one to greet people, so I was messing up.” I made it up as I spoke. “I need to get back before Yury gets angry.”
“Do you need help?” Murphy turned to stand directly in front of me. “I can help you, but you have to talk to me.”
I jumped when the restroom door opened. A waitress came through, looking at us without going into a stall.
“Are you Sabrina?” she asked, frustrated.
“Yes, I am.”
“Some angry Russian guy told me to tell you to come out because it’s time to leave.” She shrugged, then walked back out.
“You see, Miss Murphy, if I stay away he only gets more angry.” I apologized, then ran to the door.
“Sabrina, wait for me,” Murphy called from behind me.
“Yury, I am ready. Please forgive my absence.” I looked to the floor like he expected.
“Do not ever do that again or you will never be allowed out in public.” Yury grabbed my arm. “Walk and do not stop to speak.”
I could hear Murphy calling out to us, but Yury wouldn’t stop. As soon as we got backstage, he yanked me around to face him.
“If you want to continue as lead you will practice until you get it correct, even if it takes all night.” Yury stormed off.
I stood motionless until I heard him slam his office door. I was physically and emotionally exhausted and my feet hurt but I knew he meant every word he said. I slowly dragged myself back to Jacqueline’s little dressing room and slipped into my pointe shoes. The theatre was quiet, almost eerily quiet, yet it was still less frightening than Yury. The lights were dim, but it was enough. I sat in the middle of the stage, stretching, then nearly jumped out of my skin when I heard a loud noise.
“I go now. Stay until you have it right. Be at practice in the morning on time.” He walked away without another word.
I slipped my airpods in and played the music for the show through my ipod until I felt the rhythm and began to dance. My body stopped hurting for a while as the routine of the dance took over. At some point I stopped and walked back to the dressing room for a bottle of water. I grabbed an ice pack out of the medical bag Yury always has with us and carried it back on stage with me.
I’ll just ice my feet for a few minutes then start again. I have to get this. I wonder if Yury was this awful to Jacqueline.
ChapterSix
COTA
Iwalked around backstage watching ballet dancers stretching, talking, and gathering their belongings. No one seemed to be happy. Actually, they all seemed miserable. My guess was it had to do with the guy from earlier. My cell rang, startling not only me but a few people nearby. Looking down at it, I realized I was more than an hour late to meet up with my college buddies. I hadn’t been able to find the dancer from before the show, but I had to get going.
Maybe I’ll find her tonight at the after-party or tomorrow night before the show.
I sent a text to my buddy, Jerry. “See you in fifteen.”
My driver was waiting out front as expected. When we arrived at the bar my friends were out front waiting. They piled into the car without warning.