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Together, we stepped out into the night. We got into the waiting limousine, and as we drove toward the Lincoln Center, memories flooded my mind. I had once attended a gala here with Sean, my heart fluttering in a gown he’d gifted me. Now, I was not a spectator, but a performer—a woman who had reclaimed her passion.
Sean held my hand, his thumb tracing circles on my skin. “No one will walk away this time,” he said softly as we walked in. “No one will suffer because you took care of yourself.”
His confidence anchored me. As we stepped into the Lincoln Center’s grand foyer, I glimpsed the chandeliers, their crystals winking like stars.
All around us was the excited chatter of people when Sean gripped my hand tighter, his step faltering. We saw someone come forward from the shadows of the corridor.
“Is that …” Sean breathed out, and I froze.
Henry was rolling toward us, accompanied by a young woman.
“Henry?” I asked in disbelief.
He nodded. He’d grown leaner, and his face had a mild tan, like he had been spending more time outdoors.
A petite, auburn-haired young woman walked up to us shyly while Henry came closer.
“Gayle, meet my sister, Chloe,” Henry said.
Gayle turned to me with a bright smile. There was a definite blush in her cheeks as she shifted her weight from one foot to another.
“Chloe, this is my girlfriend, Gayle.”
I knew Henry had been seeing Gayle, but we’d never met before. I could not hide the happiness in my eyes as I gave Gayle a hug and clocked Henry’s contented look.
“I figured it was time you both met,” was all he said, but I could read him well. I knew he was delighted at us finally meeting.
“I’ve wanted to meet you for forever,” Gayle said. “Henry has always spoken so highly of you.”
“Gayle and I were both student leaders, and that’s how we met. We’ve been together for the past year now.”
Gayle’s eyes were on Henry. “He’s amazing. The way he deals with the stubborn admin folks at department offices? He’s a great people person and so kind. I’m really lucky to have him in my life.”
I didn’t know when I started to cry or when Sean’s arm went around mine as I wept with happiness.
“Chloe,” Henry said, reaching for my hand, “I don’t blame you for being so surprised. When you mentioned that you were dancing here tonight in your recent text message, I knew I had to be here. Sean helped us get here in time.”
I turned to Sean, who gave me a wicked smile.
“Henry had to be here,” he confirmed while Henry nodded.
I stared at them, feeling vulnerable. I couldn’t speak. I leaned down and hugged Henry tight. Tears went streaking down my cheeks while his arms went around my back.
“I’ve missed you so much, Henry.”
“Now, go,” he said, tilting his head to the stage as the theater hummed with anticipation, the velvet seats filled with eager spectators. “We’ll speak more after the show.”
The anticipation built within me—a crescendo of happiness, excitement, and thrill. At thirty-three, I felt like the eighteen-year-old me, but wiser, stronger. Tonight, there would be no accidents, no missteps. The stage waited.
Sean gave me a quick kiss and pulled me to him, whispering, “Good luck,” before he let me go backstage.
Half an hour later, I stood in the wings, filled with nerves and exhilaration. Fifteen years had passed since I’d last graced a stage, but tonight, under the spotlight, I would reclaim my tiny but meaningful place in the dance world.
My pointe shoes grazed the floor easily with their satin ribbons. The pale blue tutu clung to me like a second skin as the orchestra swelled, the music beautiful and moving. I stepped forward, my breath hitching as the curtain lifted. The audience blurred into a sea of faces, their collective gaze fixed on me. In the past, I’d danced for applause, for pleasing the audience. Now, I would dance for myself.
My feet found their positions, and with my colleagues, I pushed off into the spotlight. The creak of the boards and the hush of the theater were all too familiar.
I glimpsed Sean in the audience. His eyes held a mix of pride and awe, his hands gripping the armrests. He had stood by me during the grueling rehearsals, the late nights, the doubts. His unwavering support fueled me now. And throughout the dance, Sean watched, his eyes never leaving me. He had kept his promise—to support me, to ensure my well-being.