Page 9 of Beyond The Barre

Scarlett remembered looking in the mirror that night, anxiously pinching at the baby fat still on her small body, imagining her partner straining to lift her up onstage. A dancer's instrument was her body, and Scarlett’s had to be perfect.

Her baby fat had melted away, and with training and a careful diet, she’d hit her teens with a perfect dancer's build: lean, muscular, and lithe. She remembered overhearing her mother talking smugly with some other dance mums after rehearsals. “Of course, we don't have to worry about Scarlett’s figure,” her mother had said proudly. “She has discipline; she doesn't let herself go.”

Then puberty had hit and suddenly, all the willpower in the world hadn't been able to stop the weight creeping in. New curves had developed where once she’d been so slim. The scales had gone back on the kitchen counter. Her teacher had designed a brutal new diet plan and cut out everything except the most necessary fuel.

Scarlett put the half-eaten salad in the fridge, pulled on her running shoes, and went for a jog. Old habits were hard to break, so she kept up the diet she had started in her teens and the daily exercise regime.

Out the door of her duplex, she turned left onto the deserted road and jogged her usual gruelling track up and down the steep hills of Maleny. As she passed the most scenic lakes and creeks, and lush green hills with dairy cows grazing, she let her thoughts drift to Lincoln.

How was he spending the day? He’d told her he would be with his family. Aimee was a lucky child to have such kind parents, and be surrounded by family and friends. Not the lonely childhood she’d had.

As if thinking about her mother had conjured her, Scarlett stopped running and pulled her ringing phone from her pocket.

“Merry Christmas, darling.”

“Merry Christmas, Mum. How’s your day going?”

“Good. We’re in Sydney. Staying in Circular Quay.”

“Oh, nice.” Scarlett remembered the last time she had been to the largest Australian city. Her company had been touring the country, dancing Giselle to packed out theatres.

Scarlett walked while she and her mother chatted, catching each other up on the last few weeks of their lives.

“Have you been going out much? Dating?”

“I had a work Christmas party a couple of weeks ago.”

“You should put yourself out there more. Meet some people.” Her mother sighed, “I’m not trying to push you. I'm just saying that it's okay to let your hair down every once in a while. You know—live a little. Maybe act like you're twenty-seven instead of seventy-seven.”

Her words stung, but only because they were true. Scarlett was living the life of a hermit, but only because it was safe. She was still healing and recuperating from the last few years. This was the first time in her life when she didn’t have high demands or expectations placed on her. She was finally resting, taking some time out just for her.

“I have been invited to the opening of a new bar on New Year’s Eve.”

“Really? Tell me more.” Her mother’s voice was filled with enthusiasm.

“The owner, Linc, invited me. It’ll be a huge event.”

“That sounds like so much fun. I’m really glad you’re going. Are you and Linc dating?”

She couldn’t help but let out a nervous laugh. “No, I barely know him. He makes craft beer for a living.”

“He’s an entrepreneur. Nothing wrong with that. Is he handsome?”

She didn’t want to get her mother's hopes up that her only daughter was ready to settle down and have a family. Scarlett didn’t see that scenario playing out anytime soon.

“Linc looks very similar to Prince Harry. The red hair and freckles.” But those green eyes were like nothing she had ever seen before. Uniquely Lincoln.

“Very nice. Have you been going out long?”

““Mum,” Scarlett groaned. “I told you, we’re not dating. This is just a social event that the whole town is invited to.”

“Well, I’m just glad you’re going out. A small town like that probably doesn’t offer much for you young ones. You should take all the opportunities you can get.”

Scarlett found herself at the centre of town. No cars were moving through the main roundabout, so she could clearly see the large tree on the island in the centre. It was adorned with Christmas present ornaments, tinsel, and other colourful decorations.

After today, many locals would head to the various beaches or camping spots for a holiday week with their families. But Scarlett had no such plans. In fact, she had no plans at all. For the first time in her life, no one had demands or expectations of her. The Summer School program was a week away, and she had already prepared for the upcoming classes.

Maybe she should take up a new hobby? Or start reading more?

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