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"She had a fever Dr Franklin said she has the flu, Celine How could you put her through all that physical exertion?"

"You don't understand," she told him "She has to understand obstacles, overcoth That's what makes the difference between a real dancer and an ah today to be invited to a recital Didn't you hear what I said? A recital!"

"She's too young, Celine," Sanford insisted

"No, you fool She's alrown years You don't know about anything but glass and that stupid factory of yours Stick with that and leave our daughter to me You took away my chance, but you won't take away hers," she cried

And then there was silence

Nine

Despite what Celine had said at dinner, I didn't get to randparents until the day of Madame Malisorf's recital Twice a year she held a recital to debut her new students and showcase her older ones The new dancers like iven a variety of exercises and moves to demonstrate The older ones each perfor the lead in Romeo and Juliet

Because I learned and practiced instudents Consequently they didn't kno far I had progressed and I had no idea what they could do either When Sanford, Celine, and I arrived at Madame Malisorf's studio, the other students and I studied each other during warhters soon to be in a shoot-out Frorandparents, sisters and brothers, I sensed that everyone was hoping their son or daughter or sibling would look thethat All the way to the studio, she bragged about me

"When they all find out that you not only didn't have any training before you came to live with us, but you hadn't even seen a ballet, they will be amazed And wait until they discover how quickly Madah "I can just iine their faces, can't you, Sanford?"

"I still think she was rushed along a bit when it came to that, Celine," he said softly He was the only one to notice ht if I wanted a hot pack or a e Sometimes it was so bad I could barely walk the next day

"I thinkMadae of that, Sanford If she didn't think Janet was doing well, she wouldn't want her in the recital," she insisted

As if I wasn't nervous enough already, Celine's words and ultra-high expectations wereme tremble Maybe because I was so nervous, my feet ached even more They were so swollen, I could barely lace

When we got to Madame Malisorf's studiothat a small crowd of spectators had already arrived,to Celine, consisting of some ballet lovers and other teachers, even ballet producers on the lookout for potential new stars

The studio had a s area behind it I was already wearing my tutu and pointe shoes, so I was ready for war Celine toward ray mustache and an older lady, tall, with her hair a tinted bluish gray and teased, walked beside thee so dark on her cheeks and the lipstick so thick on her lips it made her look like a clown

The gentleman was in a dark blue suit and tie He had a spry walk and a friendly s as Sanford The elderly lady's face was taut, her gray eyes flint cold Even when she drew closer, she looked like so a mask