#akselrodchenko

Tommy had inquired with his mother about their box seats at the ballet shortly after meeting the enigmatic dancer at the grocery store. She had been far too keenly interested in his interest and had insisted on accompanying him to watch the performance of Swan Lake. He hadn’t been out with his mother in ages, and -- while he hadn’t wanted her to come -- he could tolerate her presence. At least, now, she wouldn’t bother him for a while.

He’d watched the performance with rapt interest. He’d seen Swan Lake before, but he’d never had a vested interest in any of the dancers. This time, he keenly watched Aksel’s movements, deciding not to tell his mother that he had met one of the dancers before. Once the performance came to a close, Tommy told his mother that he would catch up with her -- he wanted to have a drink at the bar. Pamela Kane begrudgingly left her son alone, and Tommy headed for the theater’s bar where he knew, sometimes, the dancers would sign programs.

He waited patiently, holding out the pamphlet he had folded and rolled during the performance as an introduction to speaking, and offered Aksel a smile. “You really were wonderful. You and the female lead did an excellent job.”