Page 41 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

Chapter 17

While they waited for the theater to clear, Kurt stood behind Anna and wrapped his arms around her waist. He swept her hair over her shoulder and nuzzled her ear. “I cannot wait to take you home and make love to you,” he whispered.

Anna suppressed a shiver and smiled. Once they were alone, there was no reason for him to stay nice. He nibbled the back of her neck and she let out a sigh while pressing her hips into his, to make him think she liked the idea. Her body would react as it should, eventually.

He groaned and pressed back.

“Mein Gott, Kurt. Can’t you keep your hands off her for one second?” Alex stood with his hands on his hips, frowning at his brother.

“Why should I?”

Alex growled.

“I think he might be jealous,” Kurt said in a loud whisper.

Alex snapped something in German. Kurt did likewise. Anna’s eyes widened and looked at Wilhelm as they argued. Their voices were soft, but intense, and sounded even harsher with their native language.

“Alex! Kurt!” Wilhelm exclaimed softly.

The two brothers immediately stopped speaking, but didn’t stop glaring at each other.

“Just because few people understand you, does not give you the right to act that way in public,” Wilhelm whispered sharply. “Mein Gott, are you children again?” He shook his head. “I apologize, Anna and Kirsty. I do not know what has gotten into my sons tonight.”

Alex cleared his throat and lifted his chin. “Shall we make our way backstage?”

Alex led them through the theater toward the backstage area. As they walked down a long, dark hallway, Alex and Kirsty spoke in soft voices, though it sounded like they were arguing. A door at the end of the hallway opened up into another hallway, this one brightly lit.

Anna squinted as they made their way through the dressing room area. She was still struggling to see in the bright light when someone squealed her name and a blur of pink tulle wrapped itself around her, knocking her back a step. Anna froze, though after a moment, she realized someone was hugging her and that person was female.

The female leaned back and grinned at Anna. “That’s no way to greet your best friend.”

“Jenna?” Anna hardly recognized her in her stage makeup. Her dark blonde hair was pulled back into a tight bun and her blue eyes were covered in bright blue and silver stage makeup.

“Of course, silly.” Jenna jumped up and down on her toes, the flowers in her hair fluffing in the movement. “I’m so glad to see you!”

She hugged Anna hard again and Anna gingerly wrapped her arms around her friend’s shoulders.

“What are you doing here? Jack let you out? What are you doing with Alex’s family?”

“Oh, um. I met Kurt last night?—‍”

Jenna grinned. “Nice.”

Anna bit her lip. Jenna had no idea why she’d met Kurt.

“So how come you’re here? Why did Jack let you out?”

“Oh, I... I don’t live with him anymore.”

“He let you move out?”

“Kinda.” Jenna frowned and Anna shrugged. “It just happened this week. I don’t really understand what’s going on. But I’m staying with Kurt tonight. I’m sure I’ll understand more later.”

Jenna grimaced. “You always have weird things going on.”

“But I might be able to dance more,” Anna added quickly, trying to change the subject. “Maybe even perform again... if I’m good enough. Maybe with the school.”

“Oh, Anna. That would be so great! It was such a shame Jack cut your dancing back. I never understood why he did it.” She hugged Anna again. “So, can we be real friends again? Like, talk and stuff?”

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