Chapter 104

***Kenya.***

***December 24th, three years earlier***

***Manhattan Theater.***

I could feel my heart spiraling as I danced. Struggling with the fear inside me.

The sound from the playing orchestra soothed me, allowing me ease into my performance. My muscles strained under the intensity of pressure. But I ignored the pain.

Dance was a part of me. An extension of me.

Ten of us were having our final evaluation. And it was to be done in the clear view of the public. Thirty of us in my set were all grouped into a set of ten for each performance. And we were the last set to perform.

I wanted to break under the pressure. But I recalled I had to pass this assessment, because it was the determination of our careers as dancers. Tonight several dance companies were among the audience, watching us. I was terrified.

I got into character. One of Santa's elves, trying to help him get gifts across the world. Though the role was a very small one, yet I appreciated it. It was something I never expected, considering my limp. All the other tutors had ignored me. Shoved me to the side, even though they were aware I needed the assessment to graduate.

But Professor Lynnburg was kind enough to give me a chance.

Soon, we finished the dance and the entire audience applauded us. I felt elated to be a part of the show. My legs were like springs and I couldn't contain the excitement. The lead dancer in our team was Milano, who acted as Santa. He delivered his performance competently. And I was very hopeful for the marks we were to get.

As we returned backstage, our other class mates greeted us with cheerfulness. Their words were highly appreciated. Professor Lynnburg came around, his clipboard in hand, poised to give us our final assessments. I felt my heart in my tongue, clenching my other classmates tight.

Professor Lynnburg finally acknowledged us with expressionless eyes. His eyes on me, I feared the worst.

"Firstly, well done to all of you. You put in much efforts and you achieved a good result. The best scores. I am proud of you." He declared.

A heavy silence, fell across the room. Suddenly we broke into loud cheers, hugging each other. I caught sight of the professor's small smile and I knew he was really proud of our performance.

After we grew quiet again, he called out our assessment results. When he called my name, I was astonished to find out that I scored the highest. A news that came as a surprise to me. Best in my class, he said. And he gave me a perceptible nod of acknowledgement.

Before he left, he called me aside.

"Miss Anderson, there is a scout from a dance company that is here to recruit the best student. The student would become a dancer with the company. Beginning in February, after your graduation ceremony in January. Performing in public shows and their pay is highly catchy," he said.

I stared, awestruck. I was speechless for seconds.

"If you aren't interested, I can just go out there, inform him..."

"No, professor." I protested. Who wouldn't want this opportunity. I was graduating in January and would start a job immediately as a dancer. It was like a dream. "Sir, I would be honored to accept." I informed him, tears already in my eyes. A smile danced on his lips as he watched me.

"Congratulations, Miss Anderson. Let's go meet the scout." He led the way.

I was finally going to become a dancer, like I always dreamed. And I knew that my mum and sister will be extremely proud of me. They couldn't be present for the show tonight, because Amanda and Alan were going to welcome their new kids from the Adoption Agency in Brooklyn.

8-year-old Stacy and 5-year-old Lisa. Their parents died a few years ago and they had no other living relatives. As a result of Amanda and Alan's inability to have children, the cause known to only them, they chose to go for adoption.

The scout stood to greet us as soon as we approached. Tall, athletic, he looked like a dancer.

"I am Regan Leon, one of the scouts for Byron's dance company." He extended a handshake to me. I took it and tried keeping a serious face.

"Every year, we collect the best graduating students from schools and offer them a place with our company. From all indications, you are the best in this set." He held my gaze.

I was too excited to even make a coherent sentence.

"So, would you be glad to join our team. If you agree, a contract would be handed to you this instant. Resuming with us in February." He managed a smile.

I nodded and he chuckled.

"I guess that is a yes." Pulling out a file from beside him, he handed it to me.

"Thank you, sir." I greeted, clutching the file to my chest.

I was crying now. He didn't even give a look to my leg. He only saw a dancer and nothing else. I couldn't be happier. I would have hugged him if I could, but I had to maintain professionalism.

"No, Miss. Thank you for being the best. We are lucky to have you on our team." He remarked. I held my breath. That one word, '*lucky*.' I couldn't believe the man saw me as a lucky.

Since I could remember, the only ones that saw me as lucky were my family. An ache tugged within me, as memories flooded.

Now Mr Leon saw me as lucky.

"I'd be on my way now. Professor, Miss." He nodded and walked in the direction of the exit. I still couldn't believe it and continued to stare after him.

"Congratulations once again, Miss Anderson." The professor greeted.

I turned to him, my eyes blurry. Unable to help myself, I fell into his arms and broke into wracking sobs.