Page 39 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

All thoughts of Alex and Kurt vanished as memories consumed her. The gigantic, round chandelier that hung in the middle of the sky-blue ceiling had always reminded her of the sun. The carvings of gilded horses and warriors hadn’t changed. She and Jenna had made up stories about them while waiting for the performances to begin.

The lights faded, the music began, and the golden curtain went up, transporting her into the story of Sleeping Beauty. Anna felt alive for the first time in years. Her heart danced alongside Princess Aurora and the fairies. Her body tensed, longing to be free. Free to dance. Free to fly.

Too quickly, the first act ended. The curtain slowly closed and the music faded away. As the lights came back on, Anna blinked and tried to remember where she was.

“Intermission, Engel.” A voice and the sensation of someone touching her arm invaded her hazy thoughts. Anna turned her head and blinked again, the face slowly coming into focus. Kurt. He watched her with an amused expression on his face. “Are you back on Earth, Engel?”

Anna lowered her gaze and nodded.

He held out his hand and they stood. “You enjoyed that, ja?”

“I did.” Her heart was still dancing in her chest, and as they made their way to the mezzanine, she barely felt the floor beneath her feet. “It was amazing.”

Kurt smiled. “Let us get something to drink.” They walked by Wilhelm sipping a glass of wine and speaking with the same couple from before the performance.

They walked by Alex, surrounded by a group of women, including Kirsty. He flashed a brilliant smile and spoke, and they all giggled.

Kurt handed Anna a glass of iced tea and ordered a glass of wine for himself. One woman standing with Alex glanced over and waved at Kurt. He smiled and raised his glass in greeting.

“Do you want to go over there, Kurt? I don’t mind.” She didn’t want to keep him from other women.

“Nein, Anna. It would be unwise to leave you alone. Someone might steal you away.” He grinned and took a sip of wine. “I am glad you are enjoying yourself. Devin mentioned that you danced when you were younger?”

Anna nodded. “I still do. A little. A couple of classes a week, but nothing like I used to.”

“Jack let you take dance classes? Interesting.”

She nodded. “But he wouldn’t let me perform. I was just thankful he didn’t completely cut me off from dancing.” Anna smiled, remembering Devin’s promise. “Devin told me he’d let me take more classes during the week and, if I was good enough, start performing again.”

Kurt raised his brows. “Are you any good?”

Anna blushed. “I used to be. My parents both danced and were amazing. People used to say I danced like them.”

“They danced professionally?”

She nodded.

“Where?”

“Here.” Anna motioned in the general direction of the stage. “They were principals here... before they died.”

Kurt nodded thoughtfully.

“Excuse me, Miss.” A man in a blue and gold uniform approached. “Are you Anna Perkins?”

Anna bit her lip and glanced at Kurt, who shrugged. She gave an uncertain nod.

The man handed her a folded piece of paper, gave a little bow, turned, and left.

She glanced at Kurt. “Do you mind if I read it?” Who could have possibly sent her a note?

Kurt chuckled. “Read it.”

Anna!

I saw you sitting in Alex’s box. You’re out in public! Without Jack!

Come backstage after the performance! Please!!!!! I miss you!!!!

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