"A Christmas Romance: Ballet of Promises" | Christmas Tales

We were running late for the ballet. Niccolò and I had been so engrossed in conversation at the restaurant that time slipped away from us entirely.
 
As we settled into the car, Niccolò slid a music CD into the stereo and skipped ahead to “This Christmas,” sung by the late British artist George Michael. The warm, familiar melody filled the air as he drove swiftly into the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts parking garage.
 
Pulling into a reserved space, we jumped out and hurried toward the escalator, which carried us up into the grand entrance known as the Hall of States.
 
At the Visitor Information Center, we asked for directions to the Opera House, where The Nutcracker was being performed. At the theatre entrance, an official-looking woman in a suit ushered us to our seats. Just as we settled in, the lights dimmed and the curtain rose to reveal Act I, Scene 1: The Stahlbaum Home on Christmas Eve.
 
Niccolò turned to me, his voice soft with concern.
“Are you okay?”
 
I nodded with a breathless smile and sealed my answer with a kiss. We had barely caught our breath after rushing to get here.
 
…..
 
The Nutcracker was an enchanting fairy tale brought to life. I had never attended a ballet before, though I had always dreamed of it. The costumes shimmered with elegance, the scenic designs cast a magical spell, and the dancers moved with breathtaking precision. The ballerinas were delicate yet powerful, their grace mesmerizing.
 
I thought of Misty Copeland, the renowned American ballet dancer, and wondered if she might be part of this performance. A quick check of the program confirmed otherwise, this production was by The Washington Ballet, while Misty performed with The American Ballet Theatre.
 
Still, Act I was spectacular, overflowing with wonder.
 
…..
 
I glanced at my prince, Niccolò, love blooming in my heart.
 
…..
 
When the first act ended and intermission began, we ordered drinks and laughed about our frantic rush to make it on time. Then, in a moment that sent my heart into a frenzy, Niccolò pulled me close, wrapped me in his arms, and gazed deeply into my eyes.
“Mia, will you be my woman?”
His words were strong yet tender, the very sentiment I had secretly longed to hear.
 
I drew in a sharp breath.

“It would be an honor, Niccolò.”
 
We sealed the moment with a kiss, our commitment spoken into existence. A single tear slipped down my cheek, and with a gentle touch, he wiped it away.
 
The bell rang, signaling the end of intermission.
 
Hand in hand, we hurried back to our seats, eager to lose ourselves once more in the breathtaking world of The Nutcracker.
 
…..
 
After the ballet, we returned to Niccolò’s home. At the front door, he turned to me with a knowing smile.
 
“Mia, you have an electronic copy of my house key. The necklace I gave you for Christmas, it’s more than just a gift. It’s special. Try it.”
 
Curious, I unlatched the necklace and waved it before the card reader.
 
With a soft beep, the door unlocked.
 
I looked up at him, heart fluttering, and kissed him softly before stepping inside.

.....
 
(Copyright © 2025 by Mia Z. Edwards. All rights reserved.)