Page 24 (2/2)

expectations," he muttered

That was a feeling I could understand It had to be more painful to be chosen and to fail than not to be chosen at all Look at all the disappointed relatives and friends ould learn about your failure, and then what did you do with yourself? Would that happen to ht Grandmother Hudson, maybe, but certainly not ive up on any thoughts of a career and marry

There's always yourself, Rain, I thought You'll disappoint yourself

Sarah and Fiona were already at the table eating sandwiches and drinking tea Philip Roder, the ballet dancer I had seen practicing, was reading a biography of Isadora Duncan and eating a yogurt He looked up when Sarah asked how I fared with Professor Wilhelm

"He put her in his intermediary class," Randall volunteered before I could respond He seemed so determined to keep a smile off her face

"Really?" she asked, her voice dripping with disappointment

"That's very good," Philip Roder said "He's practically forbiddenhis studio Hi I'm Philip Roder" He extended his hand

"Rain Arnold," I said, shaking quickly "I saw you dancing earlier You're very good"

"Thank you," he said

"Oh, and you know about ballet?" Sarah asked uess, but I don't think you have to know all that ood," I said sharply

"All right," Philip said, bea a wide smile "Someone with spunk"

Sarah looked furious for a moment and bit into her sandwich

"What would you like to eat?" Randall asked erator with him and picked out some cheese He made us some tea as I prepared the sandwiches Before we sat down, Fiona and Sarah left

"What's her proble in their direction

"Don't ot a chip on her shoulder," Philip Roder told me "She's like that to everyone, especially new students"