─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

Juliette stood in the center of the dimly lit ballet studio, her slender form reflected in the wall of mirrors surrounding her. It was a Wednesday afternoon, and she had the studio to herself, a rare luxury she cherished. The familiar scent of rosin and sweat clung to the air, grounding her in the space where she felt most alive.She tied her hair into a tight bun, securing the last bobby pin with a practiced hand. The strains of a melancholic piano melody filled the room, her chosen piece for today. As the first notes of "Clair de Lune" by Debussy floated through the air, Juliette closed her eyes, allowing the music to seep into her soul. Her body began to move almost instinctively, each step, each arabesque, perfectly in sync with the hauntingly beautiful tune.Dancing alone had always been a form of meditation for Juliette. It was in these moments of solitude that she could lose herself in the rhythm, letting go of the world outside. Her thoughts drifted, swirling with the music, as she performed a series of pirouettes, her movements fluid and graceful. She pondered her future, her dreams, and the almost-boyfriend who had started to occupy her thoughts more than she cared to admit.Matthieu. As Juliette transitioned into a series of grand jetés, she heard the soft creak of the studio door opening. She didn't need to look to know who it was. He had been spending more and more time around her.

"Am I interrupting?" Matthieu's voice was gentle, respectful of her sacred space.Juliette completed her final leap, landing gracefully before turning to face him. 

"Not at all," she said, slightly breathless. "Just finishing up." Matthieu leaned against the doorframe, his dark eyes watching her with an intensity that made her heart flutter. "You were amazing, as always."

"Thank you," she replied, a blush creeping up her cheeks. "What brings you here?" He shrugged, stepping further into the room. "I wanted to see you. Thought maybe we could grab a coffee or something."

Juliette's heart skipped a beat. "I'd like that," she said softly, but her smile faded as she noticed their teacher, Madame Léon, approaching from the hallway. She was a stern woman, with a sharp eye for talent and an even sharper tongue for those who failed to meet her expectations."Juliette, a word, please," Madame Léon called, her voice carrying the weight of authority.Juliette nodded, glancing apologetically at Matthieu. "Give me a moment?""Of course," he replied, stepping back to let her pass.Juliette approached Madame Léon, her mind racing with possibilities. Had she done something wrong? Was this about her technique, her attendance, or something else entirely?Madame Léon regarded her with a critical eye before speaking. 

"Juliette, I have been watching you closely. Your dedication and talent have not gone unnoticed. I have an opportunity for you."

Juliette's breath caught in her throat. "An opportunity?"Madame Léon nodded. 

"L'Opéra National de Paris is holding auditions for their summer company. They are looking for new talent, and I believe you have a real chance. This could be the start of a remarkable career."

The words hung in the air, heavy with promise and expectation. L'Opéra National de Paris—the pinnacle of ballet, the dream of every dancer. Juliette's mind whirled, excitement and fear battling for dominance."I... I don't know what to say," she stammered."Think about it," Madame Léon said, her expression softening slightly. "You have the talent, Juliette. Now, you need to decide if you have the courage."Juliette nodded, still in a daze. "Thank you, Madame. I will."As she returned to Matthieu, her thoughts were a whirlwind of possibilities. He looked at her with concern. "Everything okay?""Yes," she said, a smile slowly spreading across her face. "Everything is more than okay."They left the studio together, and Juliette felt as if she were floating on air. The conversation with Matthieu was light and easy, his presence a balm to her racing thoughts. They parted ways with a promise to meet later, and Juliette headed to the boutique where her friends were waiting.
The small boutique in the heart of the city was bustling with activity, its racks filled with the latest fashions. Juliette's friends, Sophie and Eloise, were already there, flipping through dresses with an air of excitement."Juliette, over here!" Sophie called, holding up a glittering red dress. "What do you think?"Juliette smiled, joining them. "It's beautiful, but maybe a bit too much for the party."They laughed, and the search continued. Juliette was still floating on the news from Madame Léon, but she didn't want to bring it up just yet. She wanted to savour the moment, to enjoy the simplicity of shopping with her friends.After several rounds of trying on dresses, Juliette found it. The dress. It was a deep emerald green, with a fitted bodice and a flowing skirt that brushed her ankles. The neckline was elegant, a subtle V that highlighted her collarbones, and the fabric shimmered softly in the light."Wow," Eloise said, her eyes wide. "You look stunning."Juliette twirled in front of the mirror, the dress moving with her like a dream. "I think this is the one."Sophie nodded enthusiastically. "Definitely. You have to get it."The decision made, Juliette felt a sense of satisfaction. As they paid for their purchases and left the boutique, the sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the city. The three friends chatted animatedly about the upcoming party, their laughter echoing down the streets.
When Juliette arrived home, the house was filled with the comforting smells of dinner. Her parents were in the kitchen, her mother stirring a pot of something delicious while her father set the table. It was a scene of domestic bliss, one that Juliette had always cherished."Hi, sweetheart," her mother said, smiling warmly. "How was your day?""Eventful," Juliette replied, her heart pounding with anticipation. "Can we talk after dinner? I have something important to tell you."Her parents exchanged curious glances but agreed. Throughout the meal, Juliette's mind was a whirl of thoughts, her appetite barely present despite the delicious food. Finally, as the last dish was cleared away, they moved to the living room."So, what's this important news?" her father asked, settling into his favorite armchair.Juliette took a deep breath, the words tumbling out in a rush. "Madame Léon told me today that I have an opportunity to audition for L'Opéra National de Paris. She thinks I have a real chance of making it."Her parents were silent for a moment, the weight of the news sinking in. Then, her mother spoke, her voice filled with a mixture of pride and concern. "Juliette, that's incredible. But it's also a big step. Are you sure you're ready for this?""I think so," Juliette said, her voice steady. "It's everything I've ever dreamed of. I know it's a huge challenge, but I want to try. I have to."Her father nodded slowly. "We believe in you, Juliette. Whatever you decide, we will support you."Tears filled Juliette's eyes as she hugged her parents. "Thank you. I can't do this without you."As she went to bed that night, Juliette lay in the darkness, and allowed herself to imagine what it would be like to dance on the grand stage of L'Opéra National de Paris. The applause, the lights, the feeling of absolute freedom and joy. The future.