by Paddy Eger
Marta wiped her hands across her face, then nodded.
“Elle, I’ll need you to work your usual magic arranging for parents to drive the students and check out the facilities to ensure they allow enough space for our dancers to perform.” Lindsay rolled her eyes. “Can’t have another grange hall disaster; it makes us look bad even if it was their fault we only had a small corner for performing.”
“Certainly. How are you feeling about being pregnant?” Marta’s mom asked.
Lindsay rubbed her stomach and straightened her top. “I’m fine knowing Adam is indefinitely stationed here. He’ll be around to help baby-sit when I’m working at the studio. But the rest depends on Marta. If you plan to stay here and teach, I’d like you to think about taking over all of my classes. Is that possible?”
Marta nodded. “I guess.”
“Good. I feel better already. Well, almost. Excuse me.” Lindsay stood and hurried to the bathroom.
Marta stared at the handful of papers she held. “Mom, how long do you think Lindsay expects me to stay and handle her workload?”
“I don’t know. Until she’s ready to return, probably next fall. Why? Is that a problem for you? I’d think you’d be happy to have additional classes.”
“Is there someone she might hire to teach ballet classes?”
“Not that I know about, but she’s talking with Veronica Osborne about starting tap and baton classes in the fall. If you’re not sure you’re staying that long, you’d better tell Lindsay right away.”
“Tell me what?” Lindsay said as she reentered the room, wiping her forehead.
Her mom stared at Marta and pulled in her lips before she answered. “Marta’s not certain….”
“Um, I’m not certain I can handle the classes as well as you do, but I’ll try.” Marta picked up her lists and turned to leave. “Congratulations on your baby. It must be exciting to start a family.”
Lindsay sat down and curled her feet under her body. “It’s exciting and scary. You’ll find out one of these days.”
As Marta backed out of the office, she kept an eye on her mom’s face. Did her mom get the message to keep their conversation to herself? She hoped so. Maybe she should have told Lindsay that her plans to stay in Bremerton were unsettled. Being slammed into a corner and expected to decide her future on a moment’s notice was not something she’d anticipated. Why did everything happen in such a rush? She hadn’t returned home to take on the responsibility of a dance studio, yet here she was.
She’d made promises to Steve and Lynne. Both would be disappointed almost as much as she was to disappoint them. What lousy timing. But that was life, and Lindsay’s taking care of herself when she was expecting outweighed the importance of attending performances and graduations.
h
Marta stood in her mom’s kitchen listening to the phone in her hand ring and ring. Where was Lynne? As she started to hang up, the receiver on the other end lifted. “Hello?” said a breathless Lynne.
“Hi,” Marta said, “I don’t know how to tell you this, but I have bad news.”
“Did someone die or something?”
“Miss Holland—”
“She died? Oh my God!”
“No, Lynne. She’s pregnant and needs my help. I’m taking over the Christmas programs, so I won’t be coming to Billings.”
“Ever?”
“No, but not before Christmas. She needs to take it easy during her pregnancy, so I’ll miss seeing you dance the Nutcracker.” Marta waited for Lynne’s response. “Lynne?”
“I’m here.” Lynne’s voice lost its usual animation. “Too bad, Marta. You’ll not only miss me, you’ll miss the little girls. The local kids have the measles, so our young dancers will be in the Billings performances.”
“That’s wonderful news! Are they excited?”
“Yes, and I told them you’d be here. They’ll be so disappointed.”
Marta let the stab of sadness linger inside her. “I know, and I’m sorry, but I need to help Lindsay.”
“Does Steve know you won’t make his graduation?”
“No. I thought I’d build up my courage by telling you first.”
“Did it work?”
“No.” Marta felt the weight of the dance studio situation pushing down on her. “Anyway, tell me how the little girls got invited to dance.”
“It wasn’t a big deal. I told Madame Cosper I understood that three of the young dancers had the measles and that we needed children to fill in for them during the opening scene. I told her our four little girls knew the steps.”
“Did Madame think that was too much of a coincidence?”
“Not when I told her we taught them the dances last year. Plus I shared our overhearing her secret kissing moment with Herbert.”
“No! You didn’t. Really? You said ‘our’?”
“Yep, I did.”
“Oh, Lynne. Why? Did you mention me?”
“Not really. Madame figured that out all by herself.”
Marta sank onto the nearest kitchen chair. “Then what happened?”
“Madame scowled and asked if this was blackmail. I told her it could be but that the girls were ready. I reminded her about last December’s Nutcracker when one girl tripped and fell and another exited the wrong side of the stage.”
“What did she say?”
“Nothing until I said all we wanted was a chance for them to audition. She finally agreed. Isn’t that great?”
Marta let Lynne’s bombshell wander around in her head before she answered. “I wish you hadn’t included me. I’m sure that caused her to think twice about refusing your offer.”
“It was fine. Besides, there’s a big payoff for the girls if they dance. Local children who perform with the company during the year get first chance at scholarships for the ballet academy that’s opening soon. Won’t that be great for the girls?”
Marta’s surprise over Lynne’s methods for helping the little girls silenced her long enough for Lynne to fill in the quiet phone line.
“Marta, do you realize how special this is for the girls? I was fourteen before I ever danced on a stage with professionals. Our girls may get a chance to dance while they are practically babies.”
“I understand, Lynne. Just don’t get the girls’ hopes up in case Madame slips into one of her angry moments. Warn them about her cane and her thumping their feet.”
Lynne sighed. “I will. But now you’ll miss it all.”
“I know.” Marta slumped forward in her chair and sighed. “I’m so sorry. Hug the girls for me and let me know how it goes.”
When the call ended, Marta sat thinking about how Lynne’s trickery created an opportunity for the little girls to dance. Would they get a fair chance with Madame feeling cornered into giving them that chance? Funny—at the present moment she and Madame shared the feeling of being cornered. She never expected to share any feelings with her, let alone something like this.
Before she called Steve’s home, Marta paced and rocked attempting to calm her nerves. How could she explain her disappointment at being unable to join him on such an important day? What if he didn’t accept that she had no choice in the matter? What if this ended their relationship?
Her palms were sweaty as she dialed his family home. The phone rang several times before Steve answered. Marta repeated the news to him and waited for him to fill in the blanks. “Steve?”
“I’m here. Wow. That’s disappointing in so many ways. I wanted you to see me graduate and to share my excitement with you. I wanted you to meet my grandparents and my friends. I guess I understand. Your dancing still comes first, huh?”
Marta sniffed up her tears. “It’s not that. It’s….”
“Hey, don’t cry. I understand. It’s just that I’m disappointed. Let me think a minute.”
The pho
ne line hummed in silence. No clicks on the party line to relieve the stress building inside Marta. She sat and waited.
“Marta? I have an idea. Maybe we can salvage the trip. If you come after Christmas, I’ll send you a plane ticket. We’ll go to the cabin and talk, maybe have a private New Year’s celebration. Will you come then?”
Marta wiped her nose and eyes and nodded. “I’d like that. I need to ask a favor. Would you go to the opening night of the Nutcracker and take flowers to the little girls? They’re dancing in the first act.”
“Yes, if I’ll see you the end of December. Promise you’ll come?”
Marta dried her face. “I promise. Thanks for understanding.”
h
The weeks leading up to the holiday performances were hectic. Marta barely slept or ate. The dance studio’s dozen performances took up several evenings and weekends. Marta was exhausted and dropped into bed to sleep restlessly until the morning alarm jarred her awake. She resorted to her dance-day meal. Back in high school when she danced several hours a day and several days a week, all she could eat was fruit cocktail and 7-Up. In Billings and now, she added an occasional diet pill when her day stretched beyond her endurance.
Her dance classes felt under control, but inside she harbored a tangle of nervousness, worry, and excitement. If she survived these weeks, she knew she could handle most anything else the world threw her direction.
The classes at the dance studio remained calm until the afternoon a whirlwind named Zandora flew into the studio demanding to see Miss Holland.
“She’s not here,” Marta said. “May I help you?”
“I doubt it. Lindsay copied a tape for Rosalia’s private dances and somehow, someone erased it last night. We need another copy immediately. Rosalia’s performing for our church in two hours, and this tape is blank.”
“Let me make you a copy,” Marta said. “It won’t take long. Wait here.”
Marta walked into the large practice room and assembled the record player, tape deck, and the reel. Zandora followed on her heels. “How long will this take? I’m certain Lindsay could do it in less time than you’ll take. Why isn’t she here?”
Marta connected everything and started the recording process before she spoke. “Lindsay is resting today. Shall I show you how this is done?”
“No. I know how to run a tape recorder. I pushed the red button. We played the tape and it was blank. How could you not check your taping and know it was blank?”
Marta decided to play Zandora’s game. She smiled to herself as she shared her best stage smile. “We did play the tape before we gave it to Rosalia, so this is a surprise.”
Zandora stood silently watching Marta record each selection, but her right foot made a frenzied tapping on the floor.
When Marta finished the tape, she smiled and handed it to Zandora. “Here you go. All three dances are on the tape in the order we danced them at the naval hospital. Is there anything else I can do for you?”
“No, nothing.” Zandora’s high heels clicked as she hurried from the practice room.
“Mrs. Marcus?”
Zandora looked back.
“This time push the white button. The red one erases everything on the tape in the blink of an eye.”
Zandora narrowed her eyes and pursed her lips, then slammed the entry door on her way out.
Marta shook her head and started laughing. Maybe she could handle more than she thought she could. Wait until Lindsay heard about this.
h
The evening before Steve’s graduation, Marta called and spoke with his mother. “Please tell Steve I’ll be thinking of him tomorrow as he graduates.”
“Yes, I will,” she said. “He’ll be sorry he missed your call. It’s been hectic around here with family in town. I’m sure he’ll call you when he gets a break.”
Marta stayed near the phone the next day, but he didn’t call. Was he mad or busy? They’d not confirmed a specific flight for her coming after Christmas, so maybe he had second thoughts.
h
Holiday dance performances continued over the next two weeks as the dancers entertained for social clubs, grange functions, and on the KING television special. Events provided great publicity for the studio. Marta planned to share the news with Steve, but the phone didn’t ring. Should she call him or write a letter? What if he didn’t want her to come to Billings? If Lynne heard all Marta’s fussing about Steve, she’d tell her to “get a grip” and “be patient,” and she’d be right. Marta went back to her little house and kept busy making and wrapping Christmas gifts.
At eight o’clock in the morning on December 22, the doorbell rang. Marta looked out and saw the mailman impatiently looking around. “Morning,” she said.
“Miss Selbryth? I have a special delivery letter for you.” He handed her a clipboard. “Please sign after the X.”
The letter was from Steve. Inside was the promised ticket and a note.
Marta,
Graduation was great. Parties were fun. Sorry you missed both. Went to the cabin with friends for several days. Out of town family members are staying to celebrate Christmas so I’m hosting them at the cabin as well.
Dad’s driving back and forth to work so he picked up your ticket and mailed this for me. I’ll pick you up at the airport.
Hugs,
Steve
Each day, Marta had waited for his call at her mom’s house. Now she knew why he’d not phoned her. Today she relaxed and helped her mom decorate the family Christmas tree, counting the days until she’d see Steve.
While Marta and her mom shared a dinner of navy bean soup and fresh baked French bread, they listened to holiday music. Then they returned to decorating the Christmas tree.
“Your Dad loved this album. He said it hustled him into the spirit of the season.”
Marta nodded. “Perry Como can do that.” She set down her handful of tinsel and stepped back. She flopped down on the couch.
Her mom watched her, then sat down beside her. “It’s been a busy season. Thanks for helping at the dance studio. You’ve made lots of kids and servicemen in hospitals very happy this year.”
“The article in the paper will generate more new students, I imagine,” Marta said.
“I apologize for assuming you wanted to stay, honey. I thought you liked working for Lindsay. You’ll need to let her know if you’re staying or not to help until the recital is completed. You haven’t spoken to Lindsay about it again, have you?”
Marta ran her fingertips over a tree branch, feeling the bristles and adjusting an ornament. “No, I haven’t talked with her. Too many of my personal decisions need to be made and I don’t know what to tell her yet.” Marta tipped her head to one side, surveying the tree. “But you know what?” She bent and picked up a tiny box. “I’m not okay until I find out what’s inside this box from Robert. An engagement ring?”
Her mom smiled and shrugged. “Maybe.”
“If it’s a ring, what will you do?”
Her mom returned the tiny box to under the tree before she spoke. “I don’t know. I’m like you. I’m unsure of my next step.”
Her mom’s answer surprised Marta. She’d never thought of her mom needing to make life changing decisions at her age. But if she planned to marry Robert, that was a major adjustment.
h
Christmas Eve found Marta and her mother sitting in the dark with the tree lights on. They played carols and drank Crème de menthe from small wine glasses. About nine, Robert rang the bell and came in carrying an arm load of gifts.
Her mom helped him unload his arms. “Hey! You already brought plenty of gifts. You’re spoiling us!”
Robert laid the gifts under the tree and stood back. “You two are easy to spoil. You never ask for anything.” He stood, removed his coat, and kissed her mom’s cheek. Happy Christmas.”
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The three sat quietly for some time until Robert hopped up and started handing out presents. “Okay, these six need to be opened tonight.”
Marta and her mom unwrapped several boxes each, exposing a new set of individually wrapped pots and pans. Their shiny copper bottoms reflected the tree lights when they were placed under the tree.
“Hey! Put those in your respective kitchens, not under this tree. We need to leave space for Santa’s gifts, you know!”
When he left at eleven, Robert had given her mom the ring, promising to not rush her into making a decision. Marta experienced a twinge of envy as she watched them exchange a kiss, but mostly she felt excited for her mother. She’d been alone for so many years, scraping by and never complaining. Now she’ll have someone to share her days and nights.
Christmas morning after a breakfast of Jul Kaga, scrambled eggs with mushrooms, and steaming mugs of peppermint tea, Marta and her mom sat in the living room listening to Christmas music while waiting for Robert to stop in before joining Alice and their relatives for Christmas dinner.
Holiday happiness bubbled inside Marta. In three days she’d be in Billings, attempting to smooth over ruffled feathers from missing Steve’s graduation and the little girls’ dance debuts. Being home for Christmas felt better than last year when her mom surprised her by showing up in Billings. Home with family still trumped friends.
“Mom, let’s each open one gift before Robert arrives, okay?”
Her mom laughed. “Okay, but I get to choose the one you open.” Her mom laid a soft package on Marta’s lap. “Happy Christmas.”
Marta gently squeezed the gift and looked quizzically at her mother. “Hm-m-m. Feels like a sweater or a new bed pillow.”
Her mother smiled. “Just open it.”
Tears filled Marta’s eyes as she opened the gift. Her mom had inter- woven her pointe shoe ribbons, creating a decorative pillow cover. Most of the ribbons were pale pink; others were black, rose, and white to match her ballet costumes. All shared their worn spots, a sure sign they were her original ribbons.