Part 99
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. My name is Ben Porter. I welcome you on behalf of the "Stella von Lahnstein Foundation"
Welcome to the Scala of Milan. As you know, all proceeds from the evening benefit the soon to open Stella's Home in Milan.
One of the main principles of the Stella von Lahnstein Foundation is working together for a good cause. Together with family and friends
work for others. The program we offer you tonight is based on this principle. The program tonight is as follows;
We begin with a performance of the opera Carmen. Carmen is played by Sophia von Lahnstein, her partner, my son Daniel Porter, is part
of the orchestra. During the reception after the performance there will be an auction. On this auction some paintings will be auctioned
created by Carla von Lahnstein, wife of Stella von Lahnstein, the name giver of this foundation. There will also be auctioned some pictures
of Nico von Lahnstein. Several other members of the family you will meet at this reception, because they have made a contribution to the
catering operation or will even work as waiters. We wish you a pleasant evening and let your money roll for this noble cause"
"Ladies and gentlemen. In 3, 2, 1 and Action"
The men of the choir came singing on stage in their uniforms, there were came the women from the cigar factory.
"Ow, you squeeze Carla"
"Sorry, I uh, never mind"
"What, what is it?"
"Shh"
There came Sophia and yes, there she began the Habanera, her first solo part. It was flawless, it was pure, it was perfect.
"Wow"
"Shh"
Julius looked sideways and saw that Stella had tears running down her cheeks, but he also saw that this was not of grief.
He looked a little further and saw the same thing happen with Carla. He looked a little further and saw that Marcus, tears threatened
to flow too.
"What am I feeling? Oops, there they are flowing over my cheeks too. Sister dear, you are singing so beautiful!"
"Brigitte, uh I understand that you like it, but you squeeze a little hard"
"Sorry, Susanne, but she's so beautiful. And she sings beautifully. I know it's your daughter, but I'm so proud"
" .... "
"Oh, sorry. Are you okay?"
"Mmm, I am okay"
Sophia was glowing. She loved it. She felt good, was confident. What a kick this was. Even the death scene she did with pleasure.
And despite the fact that the adrenaline was pumping through her body she died beautiful. She died so real that three women in the
audience almost panicked. Fortunately she got together with other actors and the chorus to take the bows. It was not long before the
audience gave a standing ovation. They came back three more times to receive the applause and then the curtains were closed.
The performers in the wings were ecstatic. Everyone was euphoric with joy at the successful performance. Sophia received the
congratulations of her colleagues and radiated, but she was looking for Daniel. At last there he came with a big smile on his face.
When she saw him she ran to him. He took her in his arms.
"It was so beautiful, you were so beautiful. I am so proud of you"
"Daniel I loved to do it. What a kick I get out of it. I could go on for hours"
"I am afraid we must go on for hours. Come on we are going to change clothes and then to the reception. Dad!"
"Son, I'm so proud of you. Sophia, I do not know what to say"
"Oh Ben, your face says it all. We are going to just change clothes. See you at the reception. You're also the auctioneer, aren't you"
"Yeah, right. See you soon"
Daniel and Sophia were changing there clothes, when there was a knock on the door. Daniel opened the door.
"Carla! Are you alone?"
"Yes, Stella's needed to do something. It was great. I still have goosebumps" and she hugged Daniel.
"Daniel, can you help me with that zipper"
"Uh, Daniel, I would like to talk to Sophia alone. Let me do that zipper"
Daniel knew by now that there were occasional moments between mother and daughter, where he was unwelcome. He looked at
Carla's eyes and saw that this was such a moment. It was fine, by him.
"Mom! I thought Daniel .. "
"No, I'll give you a hand. Sophia, I am so proud of you. It was so beautiful!"
"Mom, I felt so great. I feel that I'm still floating. It is indescribable how I feel. Only the dress, I really want it out now, do you want to
open the zipper for me? Where is Daniel, anyway?"
"I asked him to excuse us for a moment, zipper is open, because I want to talk to you"
Sophia turned back with a slightly worried look, because she heard the serious tone in Carla's voice.
Carla's gaze was so penetrating again.
"Mom, what is it? You sound so serious"
"Uh Sophia. I uh, I'm not sure how I should say it"
"Mom, what's up?"
"Okay, Sophia, are you pregnant?"
"How do you know? Oh, now I have said it. Mom, don't cry. We wanted to tell you tonight after the official meetings. Mom, please
don't cry"
"I love it. Sorry, but the tears come quickly all night. I saw you standing in the wings and all of a sudden I saw that you were
pregnant"
"How?"
"Well a gesture, the look in your eyes, how you kind of shine. At first I thought it was because you had to perform, but then I saw it.
Oh Sophia, I'm so happy"
"Does Mum also know?"
"I do not know. We have not talked about it. I wanted to talk to you alone. Get dressed quickly, so we can go to the auction. Stella
is waiting. Sophia?"
"Yes, Mom"
"I love you. All of you. You, Daniel and your baby"
"I love you too, but would please not tell. Daniel and I want to tell everyone tonight"
"Okay, I keep my mouth shut, but it will be difficult, because Stella perceives that always. But yeah, it's gonna be good"
Carla went back to Stella and others. Stella was too busy to see that Carla was carrying a secret. Someone patted her shoulder.
She turned around,
"Susanne, hello"
"Carla it was great. I'm so proud of Sophia. Is something wrong?"
"No, no. Yes, I thought it was fantastic too. She stands on stage like she has never done anything else, I just had some trouble with
the death scene"
"Tell me about it. Phew, I almost died as well. Is there really nothing wrong?"
"Why?"
"Well, you're rather absent. Did you take your insulin?"
"Yes, sorry it's not my intention to seem absent. I'm just kind of tired I think. Ah, There are Sophia and Daniel"
There was another round of applause from the guests. Sophia and Daniel enjoyed this attention very much. Carla was now back with
Stella. She saw immediately that something was wrong, but thought that Carla was just overwhelmed by the pride and emotion. She
winked at her and laid her hand lovingly on her back. There came the Champagne. Besides the staff, Marcus and Julius also helped
with the champagne. Ben was on a small stage and gave a toast.
Everyone raised his glass and toasted to Sophia, and of course all the others who had made the show possible. Carla and Stella were
still standing together and toasted to them. All at once Carla felt that Stella gently squeezed her back. Stella came closer. Carla
thought she wanted to kiss her, but Stella whispered in her ear,
"Carla, I think Sophia is pregnant"
"...."
"What, you already know?"
"Shh, just a minute ago. I saw it right before the show and have just asked her. She asked me not to tell, but I already told her you
would probably notice it too. Stella I promise me not to tell"
"No, I won't tell. Oh Carla, we are going to be Grandma"
"Shh"
And they kissed each other.
...
_________________ Our live begins to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
Martin Luther King
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