Erik walked towards the door, swept long with the groups of admirers, all clamoring to catch a glimpse of the beautiful dancer. All of them were being turned away by the maid, no doubt a worker at the theater who had been instructed in her job. Erik pushed his way to the front and politely tipped his hat to the woman. "Madame, I wish to speak to the mademoiselle on a matter of business."

The woman knew who he was and gasped. "O-Of course Monsieur... Right this way. She lead him to the ballerina that had amazed all of Paris. She was very pale and skinny. Her hair was straight and a lovely color of gold. She had her costume still on from the performance and her makeup. Her name was Willow Madison.

"Mademoiselle Madison, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Erik said, removing his hat and bowing politely to her before turning to the maid and dismissing her back to her station at the door.
She was removing her makeup and she smiled at him. "Likewise. You're Monsieur Destler, correct?" Willow asked, taking off her wings that she used in the show.

"Yes." Erik said as he assumed a moderately relaxed stance. "I wanted to speak with you about your performance this evening."

She was screaming inside from excitement. She couldn't wait to hear his critique! "I hope you enjoyed it." Willow said.

"You were far too stiff and several parts you were off beat with the music." He replied.

She lowered her head in shame. "Well... Thank you for coming at least... I'm very sorry I was inadequate."

"You have talent. With proper training by a true expert, you could excell." He said.

Willow nodded, disappointed in herself, "I've had practically no lessons, so I should've expected your review to be like this." If he wrote about her like that then no one would come to see her show.

"I came here to speak to you about in fact." Erik said.
"Would you be willing to accept lessons from
myself?"

"I would." She brightened. Lessons from him! This was incredible!

"When would you be able to begin?" Erik asked, anxiously to start.

"As soon as possible."

"Tomorrow you will move into my home and lessons will begin." Erik handed her his business card and then walked to the door. "I will expect to see you promptly at noon at that address."

"Yes Monsieur." She nodded

"Don't be late." He said as he set his hat back on his head and walked out of the room.

Willow began packing that night, extremely excited to be living there and learning from a master. She got her things all together and even packed some extra water bottles and candy bars just in case. She wondered what life would be like there.

Erik spent all night preparing her room and informing his staff of their new duties surrounding the new member of the mansion.

The next morning she ate and dressed herself in her best ballerina outfit. She wanted to impress. Willow took a carriage to his estate.

Erik waited by the doorway and, as the clock chimed noon, a carriage rolled down the long driveway. "On time. Good." He said as he walked out the front door to greet the arriving ballerina.

She smiled at him and gazed as the magnificent manor, "It's spectacular...." She was in complete awe already.

Erik merely nodded and led her into the house, signalling for the butler to gather her things. "You will be staying for the duration of your lessons."
The butler got her things, taking them inside. "How long will my lessons be?" She asked.

"A day? Beginning one and a half hours but increasing to two or three later on." Erik said.
Willow nodded, "Sounds reasonable. Thank you for giving me this opportunity."

"I expect you to do your best. Any second rate effort will be rewarded with ending of the lessons." Erik said as he led her up to her room.

"I'll do my very best, Monsieur." She replied confidently.

"Good." Erik opened her door and gestured for her to enter. "This is your room."

Willow entered and smiled at how beautiful it all was. It was completely white. She unpacked her things, grinning from ear to ear, "It's absolutely wonderful, Monsieur."

Erik nodded silently and walked to the doorway. "Have you eaten lunch?" He asked.

"No, I haven't. I was in quite a hurry to be on time."
"I will fetch you at one for lunch." Erik said as he turned and walked out of the room, closing the door behind him.

Willow got settled in her room, practicing in the open space that the bedroom offered.
Erik returned an hour later and watched her from the doorway as she danced. "Loosen your muscles. You're too tight."

She did as he commanded and immediately there was a huge difference in her dancing.
Erik nodded and then walked over to her, stopping her. "You're not giving yourself enough room. Follow me." He turned and walked towards the door.

Willow followed him obediently.

Erik led her to a large room, equipped with mirrored walls and a horizontal bar for her. "Now, run through that again but allow yourself a larger space to dance."

Ello! This book is a collaboration between me and sarahlet2999! Give her some love people and check out her profile if you haven't yet! Love ya!