“Wonderful, my dear, but you’re not missing your morning warmups to ask an old lady how she is doing. Why don’t you tell me why you’re really in my office?” Her kind smile widened.
Here goes nothing.
“I have decided to resign from the ballet.” I spit it out as fast as I could. I knew that with every second I waited, I was closer and closer to backing out, but I had made my decision.
“May I ask why?” Her lips pursed as disappointment settled into her features.
I sighed. “I’m pregnant.”
“Congratulations, sweetie! That is such exciting news. But, you don’t have to stop dancing to be a mother.” Her joyous tone and kind eyes instantly made me feel a hundred times better.
I threw my hands in the air. “No, I know that. I am going to start teaching. I have an interview all set up for this afternoon, actually. I will not be giving up on dancing, just changing my career path.”
“They are lucky to have you, Nikki, and you will surely be missed here. You are one talented young lady. I am sad to see you go.” She pulled a tissue out of the box on her desk, dabbing at the corners of her eyes before continuing, “Children are the most precious gift in this world. I commend you for putting your family first and still following your dreams, even if that dream has shifted a little.”
“Thank you.” I was in a little bit of shock at Miss Serena’s response, but the warmth and caring behind her words filled me with incredible joy.
“You better bring your little one by when he or she is here. We’re still your family, don’t forget that. And if you ever want to consider teaching here once you have a little experience, I think we might be able to work something out.”
We both got up from our seats, embracing for a few seconds. “I really appreciate that and will probably be taking you up on it sooner rather than later.”
“I look forward to the day. Now, go on before I get too emotional and try to convince you to stay.” She flashed me a toothy smile, and then I was on my way to start another new adventure.
* * *
“How’d your interview go?” Chase asked on the other end of the line.
“I think it went really well.” After I left Serena’s office, I went to Little Prancers, the highest rated dance school on the Upper East Side, to apply for a teaching position I had seen on Monster that morning.
“I am sure you killed it, babe.”
“Are you home?” I asked as I ascended the subway steps just a half block from our apartment.
“No,” he said sharply. “You need to get in a cab and hand the driver your phone so I can give him directions actually.”
“What?” I was so confused.
“Nik, just do it. You’ll understand soon enough.” His tone was sharp.
I hailed the next cab that came by and got in. “Sir, my boyfriend is going to give you the address for where you are to take me.”
I handed the older cabbie my phone and a moment later, he muttered, “You got it kid. We are on our way,” in a thick Boston accent before passing it back to me.
“Where are we going?” I asked the cabbie, taking my phone back.
“Hon, you are going to have to just wait and see.” He pulled away from the curb and interwove through the traffic.
Before I knew it, we were pulling up to the drive of the Cloisters where Chase and I went on the first day we met. The changing leaves made the castle-like building look even more magical.
Chase was waiting for me only steps away, holding red roses, and he rushed over to the cab to open my door for me. “Hello, beautiful,” he said before kissing my cheek.
“What did you do?” I asked, taking the flowers from him.
After he thanked the cabbie and paid for my fare, he pulled me into his side. “Can’t a guy be a little romantic from time to time?”
“I supposed so,” I purred, smelling the fragrant flowers.
He walked me to the bench where we’d sat the first time we were there together.