They were all a little mesmerized for the rest of the dance as they watched the group of six year olds, especially “their” special six year old.

And forty-five minutes later, the star of the show, The Princess took her proud bow next to her Frog turned Prince, and their bows were followed by those of all the pink swans and then all the flowers and everybody else of the pond and auditorium burst into cheers and applause as everybody stood up on their feet with standing ovation for the kids.

All their little faces beamed back as they all hugged in a line across the stage and bowed repeatedly.

Bette still could hardly take her eyes off Angelica. She waved at Angelica who was earnestly looking into the crowd and Bette could hardly stop smiling as she clapped.

Sonya touched her and pointed out to Jessica’s parents and Bette waved to Jessica’s parents before she noticed some parents were heading out of their seats and making their way around the back of the stage.

“I’ll be right back you guys.” Bette said to everybody as she stepped out of the row and tried to make her way up to the front.

Before she got up to the stage Angelica was jumping and waving at her.

“Mom! Mom!”

Bette hurried around the back and as soon as she came into view she was excitedly met by her little lotus flower who ran straight into her with a big hug.

“Did you see me Mom? Did you see me?”

“Yes I saw you. You were wonderful Angel. You were so wonderful.”

“Yeah?”

“Yes you were.” Bette laughed. “And Sonya, Auntie Alice and Auntie Kit and Dana and Shane are all here. We all saw you dance.”

Angelica’s eyes lit up.  She sat right there on the floor and Bette looked down, totally amazed. She noticed the teacher walking around proudly smiling at the kids and knelt down to join Angelica as Angelica began to fiddle with her straps, trying to undo her shoes.

“Jessica was a swan Mom.”

“I saw her.” Bette lied for the greater good.

“I wanted to be a swan too but Miss. Anderson said next time I’ll be a swan.”