Butterfly (Orphans 1)

"I did horribly," I moaned.

"No, no. It wasn't your fault."

"Everyone thinks it was," I said, wiping my tears away with the back of my hands.

"Come on," he said. "We'll watch the rest of the recital."

I took his hand and went out to the audience. It seemed like everyone was looking at me and laughing. I kept my head down, my eyes fixed on my feet as we went around and down the side to reach the chairs. There were two empty ones. My new grandparents had left.

Celine said nothing. She sucked in her breath and stared at the stage as the scene from Romeo and Juliet began. Dimitri was as wonderful as he was in our studio. He danced as if. he owned the stage and it was apparent, even to me, really just a beginner, that he made the others look better than they were. When their scene ended, the applause was louder, the faces of the guests full of appreciation. Madame Malisorf announced a reception in the next room where she would be serving hors d'oeuvres and wine for the adults.

"Let's just go home," Celine grumbled.

"Celine . . ." Sanford began and I knew he didn't want to make me feel any more awkward than I already did.

"Please," she said. "Let's just go home."

He got behind her chair and started to wheel her out. Some of the people stopped to say they enjoyed my dancing.

"Don't be discouraged, little one," a red-faced man said. "It's like riding a horse. Just get up and do it again," he advised. His wife pulled him away. Celine shot him a nasty, hateful look and then turned toward the doorway. We couldn't get out of there fast enough for her.

I wondered where Daniel was and spotted him talking to one of the older ballerinas. He waved at me as we left, but I was too embarrassed to wave back. It wasn't until we were all in the car that I spoke.

"I'm sorry Mother," I said. "I didn't know that girl was so close to me and she didn't notice me either."

"It was the other girl's fault;' Sanford

comforted.

Celine was so quiet, I didn't think she would speak to me again, but after a few minutes she began.

"You can't blame anything on the other dancer. You have to be aware of the other dancer. If she or he is off, you have to compensate. That's what makes you the best." Her tone left no room for argument, but still Sanford tried to defend me.

"She's just starting, Celine," Sanford reminded her. "Mistakes are something you learn from."

"Mistakes should be made in practice, not in recital," she spat. "You'll have to work harder." She was ashamed of me and didn't pretend to hide it.

"Harder? How can she work any harder than she's working, Celine? She doesn't do anything else. She hasn't had a chance to make new friends. She needs a life, too." Sanford wouldn't give up. It shocked me since he always gave in to her so easily.

"This is her life. She wants it just as much as I want it for her Don't you, Janet? Well?"

"Yes, Mother," I said quickly.

"See? I'll speak to Madame Malisorf. Maybe we can get her to give her one more lesson a week."

"When? On the weekend? Celine, you're being unreasonable:' Sanford said.

"Sanford, I'm tired of you arguing with me. And I will not have you always taking her side. You are my husband, Sanford; your allegiance belongs with me. Janet will have an extra lesson."

Sanford shook his head.

"I still think that might be too much, Celine," Sanford said, gently this time.

"Let Madame Malisorf and I decide what's too much, Sanford."

He didn't argue anymore. As we headed for home I wondered what happened to the idea of going out to dinner? What happened to my new

grandparents? I was afraid to ask, and I didn't need to since Celine told me anyway.