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Both girls giggle helplessly, and she laughs, while I am smitten. She adds, “I used to dance ballet when I was little.”
“Then why did you stop?” Ashlyn asks, stunned. I’m also interested in the answer as I don’t know much about that aspect of her life.
Giselle shrugs. “Because of my height. My teachers hinted I could never make it as a ballet dancer. I don’t mind because I love what I’m doing now. It was fulfilling while it lasted.”
“Please tell us about it, Aunt Gigi,” Maddie entreats.
“Yes, please,” Ashlyn adds.
It’s clear that the three girls have a lot in common. I feel a little like a fourth wheel. Ashlyn has barely glanced in my direction since we sat down for dinner, all her attention focused on Giselle and Maddie. I don’t know why I was ever worried about her meeting Giselle.
“My love for ballet was instant. As a little girl, I knew I wanted to dance and entertain with it. I was barely Maddie’s age when my parents took me to see my firstNutcrackershow. Oh, it was so magical that I knew I wanted to be a part of the production. And so, my parents enrolled me in the School of American Ballet. It wasn’t long after that that I got to perform in theNutcracker.”
Ashlyn and Maddie’s eyes widened like saucers. They look at each other before returning their gazes to Giselle with excitement dancing in their eyes.
“You performed in theNutcracker?” Maddie asks, barely keeping from bouncing in her chair in her enthusiasm.
“Yes. Do you remember seeing all the kids on the stage, dancing? I was one of them,” she explains gently.
“Oh, my God.” Ashlyn’s eyes are almost popping out of their sockets. It warms my heart to see how impressed she is by Giselle.
“What was it like?” Maddie questions.
Giselle’s face takes on a distant look. “Oh, it was like being in a fairytale. At first, I was nervous, but when I got on the grand stage and started performing, it was as if I should never stop. The music, the costumes, the props . . . they all make you feel as if you’re in another world entirely. You completely forget about the audience and bask in a world of beauty and bliss.”
Both girls stare at Giselle with something akin to heroine worship. I’m not surprised, since I believe I also have the same glint in my eyes for her.
“But not to worry, I’m sure both of you will experience all that soon enough. If you keep focusing on what you want and take action every day, surely you’ll get your heart’s desires.”
Ashlyn nods enthusiastically. “Please tell us more.”
Giselle sighs but smiles. “Did you know I was named after a famous ballet?”
“Aww. That’s so cool,” Ashlyn responds with awe.
“Yes. It’s a ballet by Adolphe Adam.”
I remember the romantic and heartbreaking story. How apt to name Giselle after it.
“If you like, I could take you both to see it the next time it plays at the NYC Ballet,” she offers.
For the first time in almost an hour, Ashlyn turns to me with beseeching eyes. “Can she, Dad? Can she take us to see it?”
I glance at Giselle, who quickly looks away. “Sure, sweetie.”
“Thanks, Dad.” Ashlyn and Maddie look at each other with glee before plaguing Giselle with more questions.
Observing the affability between Giselle and Ashlyn makes me realize that I made a mistake in not introducing them to each other sooner. Giselle could have spent Thanksgiving with us and gotten to know my family. It was unwise of me to remain skeptical about having her in my life, despite my strong feelings for her.
Hopefully, I haven’t ruined my chances with her for good. Her attitude toward me is disheartening.
“Girls, I think you’ve bothered Giselle enough for one evening,” I cut in when they continue pestering her. “Give her a chance to finish her dinner.”
Giselle looks at me, then smiles at the girls. “You are not a bother. I enjoy talking about dance with you. Besides, I’m done with my meal.”
“Then perhaps we could talk.”
She stiffens perceptibly, though I don’t think the girls notice.
