The Treehouse

N I N E T E E N

You got this Jess

This is what you were born to do.

Now it's time to show everyone what you're made of.

After my small pep, my feet graced the stage.

Immediately as the first song began the rest came naturally.

All my cares and worries were washed away and I became one with the music.

I threw everything I had into each movement, making sure my turns were sharp, my feet were poised and my posture perfect.

I danced with precise and unbridled passion, my heart barred open onto the floor.

Love

Pain

Heartbreak

Dance was about telling a story and I was the storyteller.

I conveyed every emotion ensuring that the audience felt the rollercoaster of emotions I did.

As I danced across the stage I knew this is exactly where I was meant to be.

This was my home

___

"YOU WERE AMAZING TWINKLE TOES!" I heard Myles yelled before he swooped me into his arms making me release a squeal.

Laughs fell from my lips as he spun me around.

"Absolute perfection!" Myles said placing me down onto the ground, though his arms remained wrapped around my waist, whereas my arms remained wrapped around his neck.

The recital was finally over and it felt bittersweet.

I was proud of my performance, but it was sad to know I would never dance with my team again. Though I wasn't close with any of my teammates they all treated me with respect in the studio and without them, I wouldn't have been able to tell so many stories throughout these past four years.

"Thank you," I said breaking out into a large grin which he returned.

"I'm so proud of you Twinkle Toes, so proud," Myles whispered gently into my ear as he pulled me into a hug.

My arms tightening around him as I buried my head into his chest.

Standing in Myles's arms, I got the same feeling I had on stage.

Being with Myles felt like home.

Once we pulled away from each other I was immediately bombarded by hugs and congratulations from my family and friends.

My smile widening at the sight of them, happy to see all my loved ones here on such an important occasion.

I honestly wouldn't be here if it wasn't for their overwhelming support.

We soon agreed to head to Debby's to celebrate the night.

Just as we were about to head out, Myles pulled me back slightly. 

Everyone else was still heading to the parking lot, as we stayed behind a bit.

"I got you these," Myles whispered gently into my ear.

Turning in his direction I saw that he was holding a bouquet of pink tulips and sunflowers, two of my favorite flowers.

Pink tulips symbolize love and affection. Similarly, sunflowers also symbolize love, adoration, and longevity.

I tried not to look too deep into the gift and grabbed the flowers in awe, touched at the kind gesture.

"Thank you, I love them," I said looking up at him with a soft smile.

I watch Myles's mouth open slightly, but before he could speak he was interrupted by a new voice.

"Excuse me, but are you Jesse Montogermy?" A lady questioned me causing me to turn around.

As I gazed at the beautiful woman before me I couldn't help but notice that she seemed familiar.

She had curls that fell down her back beautifully that matched her honey brown eyes, her light brown skin glowing under the light. She wore a dark blue pantsuit, that fitted her slender figure perfectly. As she stood before me I noticed she was taller than me by a couple of inches, standing around 5'10, though the extra height could be due to the black stilettos that she wore on her feet. 

"Yes, I'm Jesse Montogomery," I replied with a smile making her eyes light up with joy.

"It's so wonderful to meet you, Jesse! My name is Alicia Graf Mack and I'm head of the dance department at Julliard." She said making my heart drop to my feet, my eyes widening in shock.

Alicia Graf Mack stood before me.

One of the best dancers in the industry, known for her amazing performances at the Dance Theatre of Harlem and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

Once I came to my senses I quickly shook her outstretched, making sure my grip was firm.

Taking note of my nervousness, Myles intertwined my finger with his, easing my worry.

"The moment I saw your audition tape I was blown away. We see a lot of talent, but you Jesse are truly one of a kind, no one can dance or tell a story quite as you do. I knew I had to see you dance in person and I was not disappointed. The way you capture your audience is mesmerizing, and your technique is utter perfection. You, my dear, are a natural!" Alicia said with a grin as I found it hard to gather a response, her words shocked me to my core.

"Thank you so much, Alicia! I'm honored by your words," I replied, honestly flabbergasted by her praise.

I mean it's not every day a dance legend speaks highly of you.

"It was my pleasure dear! I know acceptance letters haven't come out yet, but I have high hopes that I will get to see many more of your performances this fall!" She said before saying goodbye.

Once she was out of sight, I released a sigh I didn't know I was holding.

"Pinch me, Myles," I said as he peered at me confused.

"Why?" He asked

"So, I know that wasn't a dream," I explained, still not believing what just happened.

Myles chuckled at my response, his hands softly cupping my face, tilting my head so I was looking up at him.

"Baby, that wasn't a dream. I told you you're the best dancer out there and Julliard would be crazy not to see just how talented you are." Myles said, staring down at me proudly.

I tried to ignore the butterflies that flooded my stomach when he called me baby and simply replicated the smile he gave me.

"Thanks for always believing in me Myles," I said gently as his forehead leaned against mine.

"Always Jesse," He whispered gently.

"Always."