Page 40 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

Love, Jenna

“Who is Jenna?” Kurt asked.

Anna folded the note and pressed it to her lips. “My best friend. Well, she was a long time ago. I haven’t seen her in...” She shook her head. “She’s a dancer here.” Master Jack didn’t own her anymore. Devin did. Would he be upset if she went to see Jenna?

“Do you want to go see her after the show?”

“Oh, Kurt. No. I don’t want to inconvenience you?—‍”

“Nonsense, Anna. If she has taken the time to write you that note with all those exclamation points...” He laughed. “You should see her while we are here.”

Anna chewed her lip and looked back at the note. It had been ages since she’d seen Jenna. Oh, how she longed to see her friend! But she was out of the Manor only to please Kurt. A visit would take time away from him. “I shouldn’t.”

Kurt tilted his head and searched her face, then shook his head. “No. You should. I will ask Alex to help us get back there after the performance. He knows his way through the maze. I have been back a few times...” He shrugged, mischief glinting in his eyes again.

Anna’s mouth twitched, resisting the urge to smile at the thought. “I don’t want to be any trouble.”

“It is no trouble, Engel. I assure you.” He smiled. “I would like to make you happy.”

Anna drew her brows together. He wanted to make her happy? Why?

He laughed. “We are going to see your friend. Do not argue with me.”

Anna smiled, her heart lightening. She didn’t understand why Kurt cared so much, but she decided to be thankful and enjoy another good moment. “Thank you, Kurt. You’re so kind.” She went up on her toes and kissed him gently on the lips.

Anna finished her drink as the lights flickered. Wilhelm walked with them as they made their way back to their seats. He and Kurt spoke softly and she tried to listen, but their conversation was in German. And once back in the theater, the beauty of it all consumed her again.

“Alex.” Kurt sat in his seat and turned to his brother. “Can you help Anna and me get backstage after the show? A friend of hers sent her a note asking her to see her afterward. I do not remember how to get back there.”

“You have a friend in the ballet?” Alex’s eyes lit with curiosity.

Anna nodded.

Alex smiled warmly. “Then of course I will.”

Kirsty pouted. “Alex, I have to get to the airport after the show.”

Alex frowned. “This will only take a few minutes. I’ll make sure you’re not late.”

She glared at Anna and then looked away as the lights dimmed.

“Thank you,” Anna said to Alex.

He nodded, his eyes soft

The music began anew and within a few minutes, she was soaring in rapture yet again.

Prince Désiré walked out on stage and Anna leaned forward and stared. He looks so familiar... Anna tore open her program to find the name of the dancer. Aaron Schroeder. Anna gaped silently. He was the graduating student she’d danced with during her last performance. Once he’d gotten over the fact he was dancing with a girl much younger than himself, he’d been kind to her. She’d liked him a lot.

“What is wrong?” Kurt whispered.

“I know him. The prince.”

Kurt cocked his brow with amusement in his eyes. “Really?”

Anna nodded and turned back to the stage with a sigh. Aaron had always been an amazing dancer. Eight years of maturity had made him even better. Anna sat with her chin in her hands and watched him with his partner, enraptured by his strength and agility. She couldn’t help but imagine being on stage with him again.

When the performance was over, Anna clapped as hard as she could, and stood and cheered with the rest of the audience when Aaron came out.

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