Page 75 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 2

The morning of opening night for Romeo and Juliet, Isaak called everyone onto the stage after rehearsal. “I have an announcement to make. A rather bittersweet one at that.” Isaak nodded to Aaron, who went to stand next to him.

Aaron had been acting strange all week. He’d hardly spoken to Anna, except when necessary, and wouldn’t make eye contact with her. Was he in trouble?

“It is with mixed emotions I inform you that when this run closes, Aaron will be moving to New York to dance there.”

There were many gasps and murmurs throughout the company. Anna gaped at Aaron, who was staring above everyone’s head toward the back of the stage. How could he not have told her beforehand?

Isaak continued. “Aaron and I have spoken about this a great deal. I encouraged him to audition, and he was accepted by the New York City Ballet Company. I hope you will all be happy for him and wish him well. That is all.”

Many of the dancers went to congratulate him, but Anna spun around and stormed off the stage, fist clenched and tears in her eyes.

Peter caught up with her. “Are you okay?” He put his arm around her shoulders.

“No.” Anna shrugged off his embrace and hurried to her dressing room, slamming the door behind her. She collapsed on the couch and sobbed.

Arms wrapped around her. They weren’t Peter’s. She looked up. Aaron sat next to her, his expression matching the pain in her own heart. “Anna, I?—‍”

“How can you do this to me, Aaron?” She pulled out of his embrace. “How can you abandon me?” She stood and walked across the room, then turned back to glare at Aaron. “You promised Alex?—‍”

“Anna, please believe me. I—‍” He shook his head. “I wouldn’t go unless I had to.”

“Why? Why do you need to go?”

Aaron sighed. “I can’t stay here and not be with you. It’s been eating at me for years that I’m here with you, but can’t be with you, can’t even help you. If I leave—‍” He took a deep breath. “It’s the first step in freeing—freeing myself from all this heartache.”

That wasn’t what he’d started to say, but she thought she knew what he was saying. He was choosing a future without her. “You promised,” Anna whispered, tears spilling over onto her cheeks.

“I’m sorry.” He stood and stared at her. The sadness in his eyes begged for her understanding. “I’m so sorry.” He turned and walked out of the dressing room, closing the door softly behind him.

Anna’s eyes locked on the closed door. Aaron had promised Alex he would take care of her! She stood there, her heart heavy with a mixture of frustration and grief, her eyes filling with tears. She wanted to scream and sob at the same time, but she knew that neither would alleviate the pain.

Chapter 42

Anna forced herself to act warmly to Aaron on stage, but as soon as she stepped off, she was as cold as ice to him. It was difficult, but she’d had plenty of practice at hiding her true feelings lately. And she refused to let herself feel the pain of his leaving. If she could hate him, it wouldn’t hurt so badly.

But it did hurt. Oh, how it hurt! By the time the final performance began, she knew she couldn’t let him leave thinking she hated him. She’d never forgive herself.

After the last performance, she knocked on Aaron’s dressing room door. Peter was busy, so she had a few minutes to say goodbye. Aaron was leaving in the morning.

Aaron’s muffled voice came from inside. “Come in.”

Anna walked in and closed the door behind her. Aaron looked surprised and a little wary to see her.

“Aaron...” Her shoulders slumped and she shook her head. “Why?”

He looked away. “I told you why.”

“Please don’t. Don’t leave me.” Fat tears ran unchecked down her cheeks.

Aaron was on his feet and had her in his arms before the first tear hit her shirt. She leaned her head against his chest, closed her eyes, and breathed in his scent. She hadn’t been in his arms for so long.

When she looked up at him, his eyes were stormy with emotion. She opened her mouth to speak and he crushed his lips against hers. She moaned softly as his mouth took possession of hers, his arms holding her tightly against his body.

“Anna...” He groaned as she kissed his neck and chest.

“Love me. One last time.”

Aaron kissed Anna’s neck as he softened inside her. “I love you, Anna. I will always love you.”

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