Chapter 49

The next day, Jane arrives at the dance class. She looks refreshed, put together, and she is on time. She likes the feeling of things being back to normal. It’s as if she hadn’t left.

“It’s good to see you back, Jane,” proclaims Martha. “Let’s get you in line.”

“Yes, ma’am, it’s good to be back,” says Jane.

Jane isn’t sure how much the other girls know. Do they know she went away with Brad Halliwell? That she performed for an elite crowd? That Brad is wanted for a crime? That Jane is heartbroken? She feels like everyone can see through her, and it all seems very humiliating. Did Martha keep her word?

“Now, Jane, since you’ve been away, we learned this new step. Watch the other girls as they do it.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Jane obeys.

When they finish their class, Martha brings the class together. This is unusual for her, as they usually just keep to themselves.

“I have an announcement to make. Jane, can you come to the front, please?” Martha commands.

Jane feels embarrassed and nervous. She knew she shouldn’t have told Martha anything. Oh God, what is she going to say or do? Jane looks at Martha with wide eyes, as if to say, Whatever are you doing?

Martha just nods back a reassuring glance, as if to say everything will be okay.

Jane gets up in front of everyone.

“Now, ladies, we do this for anyone who has news like this, so don’t think I’m giving Jane special treatment, okay? I want to announce that this morning I received an email saying Jane is invited to be the premiere ballerina at a notable gala event in Iceland,” Martha announces.

Everyone gasps, and a few of the girls roll their eyes in disgust.

“Let’s applaud Jane for all her hard work. She has impressed a few very important people.”

Everyone claps, and some of the girls go up to Jane to hug her. Jane is stunned herself and has no idea how to respond.

“Oh my gosh, Jane, we had no idea! Is that why you were away for a week?” some of the girls asked.

“Yeah, it’s all happened pretty fast,” says Jane, looking over at Martha. “I’m not sure what to think, really.”

“Have you ever been to Iceland?”

“How did you meet these people?”

“Can we come to see you dance?”

Questions were coming at her from left and right. Jane liked the attention, and it seemed to ease the sting of what had happened in the last few days. She is a bit concerned, though, that there is some kind of string attached.

“So, Jane will be leaving on Friday for Iceland,” Martha furthers.

Jane is stunned again. Her Mom is busy making arrangements as they speak to bring Jane back to Utah in less than two weeks.

“How long will I be there for, ma’am?” Jane asks, not wanting to reveal why she is concerned. She’s yet to tell Martha she was planning on giving up all together.

“They want you there for a week, Jane. I am sure you can arrange that!” she says.

Jane gets flustered and runs to the change room. Does she have to pay for her ticket? She can’t afford it. What if she wanted to say no?

Valerie follows Jane in.

“So, whose cock did you have to suck to get this gig?”

Jane felt ashamed because Valerie was right this time. It’s quite possible Jane is being invited because Brad pulled a few strings and wants to see her.

Jane turned and walked away from her.

“I’m sorry, Jane. I shouldn’t have said that. Really, I’m proud of you. That’s pretty phenomenal, and you should be proud of yourself,” concedes Valerie.

Jane can’t believe what she’s hearing. Valerie has never apologized to her before. What has shifted?

“Martha spoke to me, Jane. She said I was being too hard on you, and I should ease up. I can see her point. I’m so sorry I hurt your feelings.”

“That’s okay, Valerie. I get that you have more life experience than I do. I’m a bit wet behind the ears.”

“Well, break a leg in Iceland, okay? Don’t forget about us when you hit the big time,” Valerie says, doing an air punch on Jane’s arm.

“Oh, I’ll never be able to forget about you guys! That’s for sure,” Jane says.

“By the way, where were you last week? You just seemed to up and vanish.”

“Oh yeah, it was a family emergency. I had to head home,” she said.

“Oh, okay. I hope everything’s okay.”

“Yeah, I think so,” Jane says. She is uneasy about all the lies she’s been having to tell lately, just to save face.

Valerie leaves the change room, and Martha walks in.

“Are you okay, Jane?” she asks.

“Yeah, I think so. I don’t know. What do you think? Should I go?” she asks.

“Well, Jane, as far as I’m concerned, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It could chart the rest of your career,” Martha encourages.

“I guess so.”

“I thought you’d be more excited about this. I’m so thrilled for you.”

“Well, it’s just, you know, I don’t know how much of this is my ability and how much is because Brad feels sorry for me and wants me back. It just seems a bit icky, if you know what I mean.”

“I can see your point, Jane, but if you need to know, it was the President of Iceland who personally contacted me to request your presence. I really think it’s about your talent,” Martha explains.

“Really? The President?” Jane is surprised.

“Yup, the President. Jane, I think you’re made for big things, and you’ve yet to catch up with yourself. If you don’t go, you’ll kick yourself.”

“You’re right, Martha. I have to go. Friday you said?”

“Yes, Friday.”