Chapter 41

The morning of opening night for Romeo and Juliet , Isaak called everyone onto the stage after rehearsal. “I have an announcement to make. A rather bittersweet one at that.” Isaak nodded to Aaron, who went to stand next to him.

Aaron had been acting strange all week. He’d hardly spoken to Anna, except when necessary, and wouldn’t make eye contact with her. Was he in trouble?

“It is with mixed emotions I inform you that when this run closes, Aaron will be moving to New York to dance there.”

There were many gasps and murmurs throughout the company. Anna gaped at Aaron, who was staring above everyone’s head toward the back of the stage. How could he not have told her beforehand?

Isaak continued. “Aaron and I have spoken about this a great deal. I encouraged him to audition, and he was accepted by the New York City Ballet Company. I hope you will all be happy for him and wish him well. That is all.”

Many of the dancers went to congratulate him, but Anna spun around and stormed off the stage, fist clenched and tears in her eyes.

Peter caught up with her. “Are you okay?” He put his arm around her shoulders.

“No.” Anna shrugged off his embrace and hurried to her dressing room, slamming the door behind her. She collapsed on the couch and sobbed.

Arms wrapped around her. They weren’t Peter’s. She looked up. Aaron sat next to her, his expression matching the pain in her own heart. “Anna, I?—?”

“How can you do this to me, Aaron?” She pulled out of his embrace. “How can you abandon me?” She stood and walked across the room, then turned back to glare at Aaron. “You promised Alex?—?”

“Anna, please believe me. I—?” He shook his head. “I wouldn’t go unless I had to.”

“Why? Why do you need to go?”

Aaron sighed. “I can’t stay here and not be with you. It’s been eating at me for years that I’m here with you, but can’t be with you, can’t even help you. If I leave—?” He took a deep breath. “It’s the first step in freeing—freeing myself from all this heartache.”

That wasn’t what he’d started to say, but she thought she knew what he was saying. He was choosing a future without her. “You promised,” Anna whispered, tears spilling over onto her cheeks.

“I’m sorry.” He stood and stared at her. The sadness in his eyes begged for her understanding. “I’m so sorry.” He turned and walked out of the dressing room, closing the door softly behind him.

Anna’s eyes locked on the closed door. Aaron had promised Alex he would take care of her! She stood there, her heart heavy with a mixture of frustration and grief, her eyes filling with tears. She wanted to scream and sob at the same time, but she knew that neither would alleviate the pain.