As Miss Krammer & I went inside, she told me that Miss Helen and her neighbors were helping prepare the girls for their numbers, and that they would soon join us in the first row.
After we sat down I whispered to her, "I'm very pleased that everyone seems to think I'm a real girl."
"That's because you're well-dressed, your movements are graceful, and your voice hasn't changed yet," Miss Krammer commented. "This is your first time in public as a girl, isn't it?"
"Yes, Miss Krammer. But I've practiced being a girl at home, and at my favorite aunt's house, but that's when nobody was around."
"It's paid off, dearie. And, as long as you are Priscilla, you may call me, Miss Caroline."
"Your first name? I'm honored, Miss Kra-I mean, Miss Caroline."
Then the other ladies sat down, Miss Helen closest to me. She had a frown on her face.
"You took a very big risk just now, Priscilla, challenging those boys. What if they had suspected...something?"
I explained my concern for ***, then said, "It's a tribute to YOUR skills that they didn't suspect ...anything!"
I was pleased to see her frown reverse itself. "Flattery will get you somewhere, dearie, but be more careful in the future!"
"I'm sorry I upset you, Miss Helen. I won't do anything like that again."
The house dimmed, the recital began.
As with most recitals, this one started with the youngest girls. After a few tap numbers the ballet students took the stage. The last number before Kathleen was scheduled consisted of ten girls in pink and white fairy tutus.
But I wondered if they were ALL girls!
I whispered to Miss Helen, "Are there any boys on stage?"
"There certainly are, but I won't point to them. Try to figure out on your own who they are."
I suspected at least four, but I never knew for sure.
The penultimate number was "Hansel and Gretel". A 15-year old girl named Elizabeth had the male role, while Kathleen had the girl's part.
I was enchanted, as I hoped everyone else was, at the gracefulness displayed by my girlfriend.
Watching her in a dirndl costume with a few petticoats made me realize how much I loved her; it also made me realize how someday I'd like to be on stage as a graceful young lady.
During the well-earned applause Miss Helen asked me, "You want to be in the Hansel & Gretel ballet someday, don't you, Priscilla?"
"I do, but certainly not as Hansel!" I replied.
The finale was a pas de duex with Madame K. in male costume and Kathleen in a romantic tutu. Of course I was envious of the teacher!
After the recital it was time for refreshments in another part of the building. But before we went there, Kathleen came over to me and said, "Priscilla, my aunt has outdone herself, you look wonderful! I hope you feel wonderful, too."
"I do, Kathleen. It's been one of the greatest days I've ever had."
She introduced me to Elizabeth, who was still in Hansel garb. I could see the girl was pleased by what I was wearing.
"Come downstairs with me while we change, Priscilla. We'll have time for some girl talk", Kathleen smiled.
Elizabeth also smiled. "Girl action, too."
TO BE CONTINUED!
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