His Enchanted Swan

Chapter Sixteen

As Bartholomew made his way to the podium, he was beaning from ear to ear. Flashbulbs were going off like crazy, and the entire lobby was in a media frenzy.

"Damn." Whispered Christine. "I don't know if we should be thrilled, or terrified."

"Probably both." Yvette whispered back to her. As Bartholomew began to speak, Yvette couldn't keep her eyes off of him. If she thought he was good looking before, this was the first time she had ever seen him in an Armani suit. 

Yet he wasn't wearing a necktie, and the first few buttons of his shirt were undone. He looked incredible, as he stood there in all of his glory. Her heart began to flutter, as she had never seen a more handsome man in her entire life. She loved Fred, more than anything in fact, but she could not help the way she feels. After all, she was only human. 

"It is an honor to speak with all of you tonight!" Bartholomew exclaimed. "It is interesting how life has so many unexpected twists, and turns. It wasn't until recently, that I was even aware of the Boston Ballet Company. I have performed in Washington, and New York, but I hadn't learned about this ballet company until recently, due to an online friendship that started a couple of months ago. And now I am not only performing as Rothbart, in the upcoming production of Swan Lake, but I will also be directing this season's performance. It is a dream come true for my vision to finally be realized!"

"Mr. Rothman!" A reporter cried. "Martha White, from Channel 2 News, what exactly can we expect with your vision, or interpretation of the ballet?"

"Well, Ms. White." He replied. "Some in the art world, are aware, that there are twelve different endings to Swan Lake itself. But I am announcing today, that the Boston Ballet Company will be debuting a unique thirteenth ending. It will be the first of it's kind, and I am hoping that other ballet companies will incorporate it into their future performances. It is an ending, that I myself, came up with years ago, and it's debut will be here in Boston."

"Mr. Rothman." Another reporter asked. "Jonathan Clark, NPR, can you tell us anything about the new ending?"

"I'm afraid that is going to be top secret, Mr. Clark!" Bartholomew replied. "It will not be revealed to the public until opening night."

"Mr. Rothman!" Asked another reporter. "Harold Wilson, Boston Globe, what would you say is most impressive about the Boston Ballet Company, since you want to debut this new ending here in Boston? Why not New York, London, or even Moscow?"

"That's a very good question Mr.Wilson. "Bartholomew told him. "It's because within the Boston Ballet Company, I have discovered a star, a new Prima Ballerina. In fact I believe that she will be the next Anna Pavlova. May I present to you, the Swan Queen herself, Miss Yvette Walsh."

As soon as he said it, he had gestured towards her. Yvette was in total disbelief as the entire room erupted in a thunderous applause. Bartholomew was smiling at her, as all of the television cameras started to focus on her, instead of him. However he seemed anything but jealous, instead he applauded along with everyone else. For the first time in her life, Yvette was the one in the spotlight. 

At that moment, Bartholomew started gesturing for her to join him at the podium. Yvette just stood there in complete shock, as she was still dumbfounded by what had just transpired around her.

"Go on!" Cried Christine. "This is the moment that you've been waiting for your entire life."

"I think our Prima Ballerina is working on her grand entrance!" Bartholomew quipped with a smile, as most of the reporters began to laugh. "Miss Walsh, will you please join me!"

Still in shock, Yvette made her way to the podium. She was completely taken aback, as she was anything but prepared for this moment in the spotlight. If she had known, she might have worn makeup. She didn't like to wear it during rehearsals. 

Dance rehearsals, as well as the warm ups, were always an intense workout. Between that, and the hot lights of the stage and the auditorium, one tended to sweat a lot. As much as she didn't like the way she looked without makeup, she looked worse when her perspiration made the makeup run. But now here she was, being announced to the world as the next big thing in ballet itself, and she hated the way she looked. 

As she got to the podium, Bartholomew led the applause. He was smiling, as his face practically lit up as she came near him. Then to her surprised, he wrapped his arms around her in a supportive embrace. Not knowing what else to do, she slowly returned his hug. Bartholomew then gave her a quick peck on the cheek, as she soon felt his lips next to her ear. 

"I am going to immortalize you." He told her. "Stick with me, and after opening night, you will forever become my Swan Queen." She could feel her desires for him, as he held her within his arms. She didn't want to feel this way, but after all, she was was a healthy young woman. 

"Miss Walsh!" Cried the Channel 2 News reporter. "How does it feel to be name the next big ballet star by the great Bartholomew Rothman?"

"I-I guess I'm speechless!" She declared. "This is quite an honor, as well as an amazing surprise. I just wish that I had put on makeup before arriving here this evening! I had no idea that I was going to be on tv."

Everyone within the auditorium, began to laugh at her corny joke. She didn't know if they actually found her funny, but in all likelihood they were probably just being courteous. A knock knock joke could have been told, and it likely would have gotten the same type of laugh. 

The entire moment was euphoric, as this was something she used to fantasize about as a little girl. As she was completely caught up in the moment, Bartholomew placed his arm around her waist. It was so unexpected, and her body soon began to quiver. 

"Miss Walsh?" Someone in the press pool shouted. "Karen Jacobs, Boston Entertainment Weekly, what is the relationship between you, and Mr. Rothman? Is there any romance involved, or is it strictly professional?"

"I'm sorry?" Yvette asked, as the question had annoyed her. It was almost as it the reporter was insinuating that she was sleeping with Bartholomew, in order to get his accolades.

"Actually, Ms. Jacobs." Yvette began to answer. "I am currently engage-"

"What MissWalsh is trying to say, is that our relationship is completely professional." Bartholomew interrupted. "The only thing between us is our mutual respect for one another, and our appreciation as fellow artists. I can assure you, I would not make such a bold statement about her abilities, if I didn't truly believe in her. I have been in this business for years, and I would not stake my reputation, over a romantic fling. Now then, we do have to rehearse. I do thank you all for coming. However, if we are going to put on an amazing ballet, then the company needs to practice. If you have anymore questions, please direct them towards Mr. Edwards. I bid you all, Adieu!"

"Thank you!" Yvette whispered, as she and Bartholomew left the podium. "I can't believe you said that about me."

"Well I meant every word of it." He said as he smiled at her. "And I am sorry, about what was insinuated about our relationship. I didn't mean to rudely cut you off like that, but I didn't like the question that the reporter had asked you. It insulted the both of us, but mostly it insulted you."

"I don't know if she meant to be insulting." Yvette replied. "I think people just like gossip."

"Well, either way, it was an insult." He told her. "Now then, we should all go practice. More than ever, this ballet company needs to put on an amazing performance. Not just for it's reputation, as well as ours, but also to show up one Ms. Jacobs. I have to go change, please gather the corps, and lead them into the auditorium. Delia and I, will be joining all of you shortly."

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The press conference, and all of the pomp and circumstance, had left Yvette still in shock over everything that had transpired. First, finding out that Bartholomew was taking over for Ariana. Then announcing that he was creating a new ending to Swan lake, that they themselves would be premiering. But then finally, announcing that she was the next Anna Pavlova. 

Yvette couldn't believe that he had actually compared her, to one of the most famous Prima Ballerinas of all time. It all seemed like a dream come true. A year ago, she was dancing in local community productions. But now, Bartholomew was planning on thrusting her into the international spotlight.

She was filled with anticipation, wondering what he had planned to do for an ending. After awhile, Bartholomew walked into the auditorium to join the rest of the corps. He was no longer in his Armani suit, and was now in his leotards. His niece Odelia followed right behind him. 

"Oh God." Christine whispered. "Do I want to climb that." Yvette wasn't going to argue with her, every inch of his muscular body was visible through his spandex leotard. Most people did not look that great in skin tight fabrics, but he was one of the few.

"Okay everyone!" Bartholomew announced, as he made his way onto the stage. "Listen up! I think I should warn you. If you think I was a bastard before, then you will probably think I'm an asshole from now on. Only perfection shall be tolerated! My name is now being credited as the director, and the producer. I refuse to look like a fool!"

Oh God! Thought Yvette. He's going to dance us to death!

"Now then, that being said." He continued. "I know that all of you are capable of giving me what I ask. And all that I will ask of you, is what I ask of myself. Stick with me, and this will be one of the most famous ballet companies in the world. And if you have any complaints...well, the exit is right behind you. Now, any questions?"

Yvette looked around at the rest of the corps, they all had a look of uneasiness upon their faces. Ariana could be bitchy, but he could just be down right scary. The entire corps remained silent , as it seemed that no one wanted to anger him. 

"Good." He said, as he smiled. "Now then, I will let all of you in on the new ending that I have come up with, as well as the dance sequence. Keep in mind, I expect it to be private. If the ending is leaked, I will shut down the production and return to Germany. Then you can all explain to the board of directors, why my funding was pulled, and why I am completely withdrawing from the show. I am dead serious about this. If the ending is leaked, I will completely pull the show. Do you all understand?"

While everyone looked as though they were stunned, by the threat he had just made. There was a collective, yet albeit timid, "Yes!", that reverberated between the entire corps. 

"I'm glad we understand one another." He replied. "Now then, it is this ballet company that has the honor, and the privilege, of debuting a thirteenth ending to Swan Lake. Our production, shall end with the wedding of Odette, and Von Rothbart.

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