Finding Faith

by Anthony Lampe

  Angela was uneasy.

  She had performed this routine dozens of times and she knew it by heart. Despite being a part of a ballet team with a professional coach, it was Angela’s mother, a former ballet student as well, who had helped her choreograph the dance number. Angela had memorized all the steps, yet her heart was pounding uncontrollably and perspiration was breaking out on her forehead.

  Where are they? she wondered fretfully.

  Throughout the season, Angela awaited this night and the chance to qualify for the state finals. She practiced and perfected her routine until it was nearly flawless. She dreamt of this night.

  As she looked out at the ornately decorated theater and glanced around at the full room, she still could not see her family.

  “Come on,” she whispered. “I’m about to perform. I need you here.”Angela knew her talent and what she was capable of, but she needed to see her mom there to get her that confidence booster and sense of calm she desperately desired.

  The symphonic music booming throughout the theater ended and was quickly replaced with a standing ovation from the cheering crowd.

  A young dancer, bedecked in the colorful regalia of her school, stood proudly in front of the judges, curtsied to the audience and smiled with confidence.

  After the lithe girl from a rival dance school exited off the stage, everyone returned to their seats and the buzz of conversation resumed.

  “The last performance tonight is by Angela Jensen,” the announcer said to a smattering of applause.

  Mary-Ellen, one of Angela’s teammates, patted her on the back and said encouragingly, “Out of everyone here, you have the greatest chance of blowing the judges away. You can do this!”

  Angela blushed. “Oh, thank you.”

  She began climbing the short staircase leading to the stage and looked back at her teammates and saw their support. On the bus ride here, many of the girls told her how much they wished they could dance like her. How graceful she always performed. How they all knew she would win tonight and qualify for the state championship. She truly appreciated their support and kind words, but only her mom’s presence would get those butterflies in her stomach to settle down.

  Angela curtsied gracefully to the judges off to the side and took her place at center stage. She quickly scanned the room before the lights dimmed, but, to her dismay, her family was nowhere to be seen.

  Taking a deep breath, she tried to clear her mind of all doubt and replace it with confidence. She pictured her mom’s warm brown eyes and replayed all the words of encouragement she had said earlier that day.

  I can do this. I am ready.

  As the soft classical music began, Angela sprang into motion. Her gentle moves were perfectly timed, her feet were light and on cue, and she was counting the steps in her mind.

  A twist, a leap, a swan-like movement. Every step was planned; every change in form was precise. Trying not to get too overconfident, she focused on each step like they were her last.

  As she did another leap across the stage, she caught a glimpse of a man in a blue uniform with a golden badge entering through the side door just to the left of the stage. It almost looked as though her brother was beside him, but she had to turn away as she continued her performance.

  She felt her mind becoming distracted, and knew that she must refocus.

  With a sudden increase of intensity, her body really came to life with the song. Another leap, a twirl, she matched the high speed notes as if the music had been composed for her. She felt beautiful in her blue and silver tutu. Her skirt caught the light as she swirled across the stage and dazzled the viewers with its sparkly shine.

  Almost there, she thought triumphantly.

  Coming out of a twirl, she glanced out of the corner of her eye and saw her brother push past the police officer and rush up a set of stairs and onto the stage.Angela tried to ignore this sudden distraction as if everything was okay, but the tears running down Andrew’s cheeks were alarming.

  In mid-move, Angela came to an abrupt stop to face her brother. The music was paused a moment later, and the audience muttered in confusion.

  The police officer walked over to the judges.

  Her heart already pounding from her routine began beating uncontrollably. She gasped for words, but fear and confusion made it impossible for her to speak.

  Andrew stood before her and stared at her, but said nothing. She put her two hands on his shoulders and gazed deeply into his brown eyes--eyes so alike both their parents. “Andrew, what’s wrong? Where are mom and dad?” She was nearly shrieking as the words began tumbling out.

  “I’m sorry.” Andrew began sobbing. “I’m so sorry.”

  Angela glanced at the police officer who had briefly been conversing with the judges. His face was grave and she saw the look of sympathy on his face. He began to walk over.

  As she tore her gaze away and looked back at her brother, she could see that he was devastated.

  “What?” she asked as sorrow swept over her. The dread in her heart began to make her cry. “Please tell me.”

  Andrew fought back the tears and said, “We were in an accident. It was just an accident. I don’t understand how this could happen. Angela, mom and dad are dead.”

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