Falling Stars (Shooting Stars 5)

with his questions, his eagerness to show just how

much he knew about each of our teachers. When

Brock Marlowe asked him about parts he had played.

Howard rattled off a very impressive range of roles. I

was terrified Mr. Bergman would follow by asking me

how many times I had performed in public, what

orchestra I had been a member of, or what

my training

had been up until now. I would surely look like a

musical pauper.

I continually glanced at Madame Senetsky to

see her reaction to everything said and asked. She

maintained a stoic expression, her eves barely

confessing an emotion or a thought. I had the distinct

feeling that she wanted her staff to make its own judgments about us and would do nothing to influence

that evaluation.

As the evening wore on, most of us did relax.

Despite the formal, stiff beginning to the dinner, each

of our teachers spoke about himself and his

professional experiences, and before long we were all

witnessing a fascinating conversation about

international theatrical events with names of famous

people woven in so casually and so quickly, we didn't

have a chance to react. Every so often. I looked at

Cinnamon and Rose, who wore soft smiles of

appreciation on their faces. Steven looked bored and

from time to time fidgeted with his silverware. Ice

looked like someone visiting another country, her

eyes small but full of curiosity. Only Howard sat with

a demeanor of confidence, as though he was a regular