Chapter 5 Anneliese Larsen

Ellery decided not to go home to her mother's after what happened 5 days ago. She was so afraid to face her mother and decided to stay in an apartment she rented that was near the theater. It saves her the drive and the traffic going back and forth for rehearsals.

She loves her place and designed it the way she wanted to. Every room was painted with different murals of different complimentary colors. The interior was filled with contemporary art pieces and her furniture was complementary to the colors of the room. It was her happy place. She lives here almost 3/4 of the year and only stays at her mother's place when it was off dancing season.

Since the dance season is about to begin, the dancers' break was over and they were all back to begin rehearsals. Ellery hasn't received any calls or texts from Nikolaj, so she was excited to come to the theater and be able to talk to him.

All the dancers were gathered in the studio as the director Finn Lahey was about to announce the events they were going to prepare for the season.

"Good morning! It feels great to see all your faces once again." Finn Lahey was standing on a podium as he was speaking. The man is tall and stands at 5'11 and so people from the far back are able to see him.

"To open the season the company will be on a tour performing The Swan Lake. The production will be headed by our senior choreographer Nikolaj Nielsen as this would be his swansong after 11 years of service." Ellery lifted her head surprised at the last words Finn stated. Nikolaj then stood at the podium.

"Thank you, Finn. Hello ladies and gentlemen. I know The Swan Lake has been done countless times, but as you may know, this is the first production I did back when I was a young and energetic dancer as you are in the company and it is only right that I do this masterpiece for my final dance with all of you." Nikolaj then glanced at an aghast Ellery who was sitting in the middle of the studio before continuing. Ellery's head was bowed down, her brows frowning and her breath getting heavy.

"This will be a special and unique one, something the audience will never forget. We will begin auditions for the cast by tomorrow at the principal studio. As for today, you may continue with your scheduled rehearsals for the rest of the day." Ellery's heart tore at every word that left Nikolaj's mouth. The faculty left and the dancers made their way to the barres surrounding the room to begin their 3-hour classes and warm-ups before going through 5-7 hours of rehearsals.

Ellery couldn't focus and her faculty noticed instantly as she's always been the most hard-working and the best dancer in the company. By the time it was lunchtime, Ellery and a few of her friends were having a quick lunch at the locker rooms.

"I can't believe Nikolaj's leaving. I'm going to miss him." Said Nikki one of the dancers.

"I heard his going back to Denmark to get married to Anneliese Larsen." The voice of Christina was heard. She was one of the biggest gossips in the company.

"What?" Ellery asked. Only Kate, her best friend knew about their relationship as Nikolaj didn't want to stir controversy about him dating his younger students.

"Their engagement is all over Danish news." Anneliese Larsen was a Prima Ballerina in her time and was widely known in the ballet community and was considered one of the greatest ballerinas in the 21st century.

Ellery tried to suppress the pain she was feeling but her emotions betrayed her. Noticing it, Kate stood up to divert everyone's attention. "Hey guys, have you heard about the new taco place downtown?" And in an instant, everyone was now engaging in a different conversation, yet Ellery heard only their mumbles and didn't bid any attention.

When the day ended, Ellery barged into Nikolaj's office and was luckily alone. The latter was startled by the sudden intrusion but was expecting it all day.

"You're leaving and you're getting married?" Ellery's voice was hurt and betrayed. Not only was he getting married, but the ex-fiancee in question also turned out to be one of her idols, someone she saw as perfect and would give anything to be as good as.

"You heard it right, Ellery."

"How can you do this to me! You toyed me and played with me. You took advantage of my naiveness." She was now bursting into tears.

"I never wanted you to feel that way. But we both know it wasn't going to last. You're half my age, Ellery. I need a woman in my life, not some girl."

"I thought you only said those words before because you needed a little time to think, yet you wasted no time at all. You didn't even let me process the fact that you suddenly left me in one of my darkest times."

"Whoever this guy you're marrying, he is a lucky man because you're a good girl. I wish you well in your marriage, I hope you do the same to me." Suddenly the doorknob turned before Nikolaj can walk closer to Ellery.

"Nikolaj! Annie is waiting for you in the lobby. Ellery what brings you here?" says Finn.

"Tell her I'll be right there," Nikolaj said and started to arrange his stuff.

"Mr. Lahey I just came to inform Sir Nik that I won't be able to join the production this season," Ellery said wiping the tears she had in her eyes.

"My dear why? This is a big production and we really want to highlight you this season." Finn doesn't want to have favorites, but he just can't deny the fact that Ellery really is an amazing dancer and any ballet company would come hunting for her as they've been doing for years. The fact that Ellery was going to miss such a big production triggered Finn to think that she's being fished by other directors.

"It's because I'll be getting married soon Mr. Lahey and would need a lot of time to prepare for the ceremony with my fiance," Ellery announced. She was able to hide the hurt she was feeling a moment ago.

Sighing in relief that his best dancer was not resigning Finn Lahey gave his congratulations. Nikolaj was silent all the while but gave a small congratulatory smile before Ellery left his office. Walking down to the lobby Ellery spotted a pale woman with black hair wearing a red trench coat who had her back facing her.

"Annie!" The familiar voice at her back called out. The woman turned to face Nikolaj and the sight horrified Ellery.

Anneliese Larson was standing in the lobby, waiting for her fiancee with a 5-6 month baby bump.

"What took you so long? Your daughter has been waiting for you." She smiled and walked to meet Nikolaj. Ellery discreetly watched the two lovebirds. Nikolaj caressed her baby bump, smiled, and gave Anneliese the sweetest kiss.

She's pregnant with his baby and was already in the third trimester when she and Nikolaj have broken up last week. This only meant one thing, one thing that Ellery's heart couldn't handle. She was fueled with anger and betrayal as she drive herself home.