Page 164 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

Jackie had many tiny black braids pulled back into a bun and beautiful ebony skin that glowed in the light from the window. Her eyes were black and cheerful and glinted with mischief.

The next few hours were pure bliss for Anna. It was a dream come true to dance in a class full of potential professional dancers, unlike the adults that sometimes cared and sometimes didn’t. Every girl in the room was there because they wanted to be there and was striving to do her very best. The experience was both thrilling and exhilarating.

Chapter 68

“Aaron, may I see you in my office?” Isaak stood in the doorway as Aaron sat down on the wooden studio floor to change shoes so he could go to lunch.

“Sure.” Aaron pulled off his slippers and shoved his feet into his flip-flops as he stood, distracted by thoughts of Anna. Isaak turned and walked into the hallway, and Aaron hurried to catch up. He hoped he’d see Anna on the way to Isaak’s office so she wouldn’t worry that he’d run off. “I just need to find Anna so?—‍”

“That’s not necessary. She should be there already.”

Aaron stopped in his tracks, dread filling his stomach. “Why?”

Isaak turned and sighed. “It’s not something to discuss out in the open, Aaron. Please.” He motioned to the stairs.

With every step, Aaron’s stomach churned more. Something was up. Isaak looked troubled, and if Anna were there already... Had something happened to her? Aaron hurried to Isaak’s side and followed him into the bank of offices.

Anna sat on a chair in front of his office, bouncing her knees and moving her fingers on her thighs as if they were dancing for her. She looked up when Aaron approached, eyes bright and a glowing smile on her face. She jumped to her feet and hugged him hard.

“Hey, hon.” Aaron let out a breath of relief and kissed her soundly. She was fine. “How was class?”

Her eyes sparkled with life. It was a beautiful sight. She was truly in her element. “Heavenly.”

Isaak stood in his office doorway and raised his eyebrows.

“Sorry, Anna. Isaak wanted to see me, then we can go to lunch.” He winked at her, making her blush.

“Actually, I need to see both of you.” Isaak motioned for them to follow him into his office.

Aaron frowned and he and Anna went in and sat in the chairs opposite Isaak’s contemporary wood and metal desk.

Isaak gave both of them a sad look. “I understand the two of you are dating?”

Aaron nodded and took Anna’s hand. “Yes.”

Isaak gave Anna the saddest look Aaron had ever seen on the older man’s face. “Anna, I—‍” He sighed. “God, forgive me for doing this. You look so happy.”

Aaron’s stomach churned again. Was he going to kick Anna out of the program? Had Devin worked his evil magic against Isaak and told him to not let her dance? “Isaak?—‍”

Isaak held his hand up. “Aaron, you are a professional dancer. A member of the company.”

Aaron nodded.

“Do you remember the rules we have about company dancers dating students of the school?”

Aaron frowned. He had some vague recollection of it, but it had never been an issue. Most of the students were under eighteen, and he had no desire to go to jail.

“You and Anna cannot date if you both want to remain in your current positions.”

Aaron’s heart dropped like a rock. “What?” He turned to Anna, whose face had turned white, and she stared at her hands.

Isaak looked as miserable as Aaron felt. “I’m so sorry. I truly am. The last thing in the world I want to do is hurt either of you.”

“Isaak, you can’t be serious! You can’t do that to us.” It felt like a thousand knives were piercing through his chest. He glanced at Anna, who had twisted her fingers together and was hardly breathing. She was so pale...

Isaak sighed. “I called Melanie to see if we could waive the rule in this circumstance. Anna is not a normal student.” Melanie was the President of the Board of Trustees. “She said no. That it would set a bad precedent.” He looked at Anna, who still stared at her hands. “I’m so sorry.”

The Board of Trustees. Alex. Alex must have something to do with this. That son-of-a-bitch set him and Anna up, knowing this was the rule. Oh, they were going to have words.

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