Page 66 of Give Me Strength

Then there have been the scouts have been making offers too — early bird gets the worm and all. Most students don’t have to worry about this; but it has some of the, for lack of a better word, slackers on edge because they know that one wrong move, one stupid mistake could torpedo their career before it even begins. Those are the ones who complain the loudest.

If you ask me, they should have been on point at all times, not putting up a front that the scouts will see right through. But no one wants to hear what the rich, privileged overachiever has to say, but they sure as hell want to complain about it where she can hear.

I just want to dance. Is that too much to ask?

So maybe I’m cranky. I’m stressed out too. Bayard has been my dream for as long as I can remember. Of all the schools I applied to, it’s the only one I really want to attend. All this waiting is driving me up a wall. I want to know now, so I can start making plans.

So when Russ picks me up that evening, he pulls up directly in front of the studio — instead of parking like he usually does — I don’t have the mental capacity to fight him on it. I simply slide into the backseat and buckle myself in.

He watches me through the rearview mirror though, like I’ve suddenly grown a second head or something. Maybe I have.

Or maybe it’s because I’m grinning like an idiot, like I have been the last week every time he’s picked me up. Tired or not, I’m excited to go home. To see Gilbert. To fall asleep in his arms, like I have every night for the last week.

“So, Bayard,” Russ begins, easing the car into the flow of traffic. “Did you get your letter yet?”

“Nope,” I tell him, my voice tinged with the exhaustion of the day’s practice.

He hums and keeps his eyes on the road.

The ride home is quiet, the city’s evening bustle fading into a soothing background hum. My muscles ache from hours of practice, and I let my head rest against the cool window, my thoughts a whirlwind of pirouettes, pointe shoes, the ever-looming future… and Gilbert.

We arrive at the mansion, its grand façade illuminated in the twilight. Russ opens the door for me and I step out, my legs still sore from hours of practice.

“Good night,” he says as I make my way to the front door.

“Thanks, Russ. You too.” I give him a small, tired smile before entering the house.

Melissa greets me in the foyer, like she has every single day for the last week. Today, she has an excited twinkle in her eyes.

“Why do I feel like I’m in a period drama or something?” I tease her. “First Russ, now you. You don’t have to welcome me home every day.”

“Just making up for the last five years,” she says, her kind eyes twinkling with warmth as she hands me the stack in her hands, like it’s the holy grail or something. “How about you indulge this old woman?”

“You are not that old,” I reply, taking the stack of letters from her. Among the usual envelopes, one stands out: a crisp, elegant envelope bearing Bayard’s logo. My heart skips a beat. “I’m just going to head up to my room.”

“Dinner will be ready in an hour,” she calls out, but I’m already halfway up the grand staircase. “I expect to see you both down here!”

Heat spears my cheeks. “Okay!”

Hurrying to my room, I shut the door behind me before plopping onto my huge four-poster canopy bed, the soft mattress embracing me. I tear open the letters, my fingers trembling with excitement.

Credit card offers, a letter from a dance magazine, more junk mail, and a letter from Hyun Industries. And then, there it is. The letter from Bayard. My hands tremble as I carefully open the envelope, pulling out the thick, cream-colored paper.

Tears fill my eyes as I read the words slowly, savoring each one.

Bayard Ballet Conservatory

New York, NY

Early Admission Notice

Dear Miss Ashlynn Crane,

We are delighted to inform you that you have been accepted into the Bayard Ballet Conservatory’s Dance Division for the Fall 2016 semester. Your audition and application have demonstrated exceptional talent, dedication, and potential in the field of dance.

The admissions committee was particularly impressed by the depth and range showcased in your audition videos. Your classical ballet performance displayed impeccable technique, grace, and precision, capturing the essence of traditional ballet with an emotional intensity that resonated deeply with our faculty. The second video, featuring your contemporary piece, highlighted your versatility, creativity, and powerful storytelling ability. The fluidity of your movements and your unique interpretative style set you apart as a dancer with extraordinary potential. We at Bayard would be honored to be a part of your journey.

As a student of Bayard, you will have the opportunity to work with some of the most distinguished faculty and choreographers in the world, as well as perform in numerous prestigious venues. We believe that your artistry and commitment to dance will thrive in our challenging and inspiring environment.

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