Daylight

12 Dancing with Our Hands Tied

THE DRIVE TO MY GRANDPARENTS house is nice. The low EDM music playing in Elliot's car feels like a distraction.

I told him it's going to be a casual dinner so I felt blindsided when Elliot picked me up wearing a formal button-down and dress pants while I'm wearing a hoodie and leggings. But it warms my heart knowing that he really cares about meeting my family.

I chuckle at the sight of our reflection in the mirror of the lift to the apartment. Just like an ordinary couple, we are holding hands but we look like we're from two opposite worlds. "I look dreadful compared to you," I sigh.

His face twists into a smirk and pulls me into his arms. "Teacup, you look really cute. And very kissable," he says, giving my ass a little squeeze.

I ring the doorbell and their helper answers the door. We walk through the foyer and into the living room. My grandparents, parents and aunt are sitting on the sofa with their eyes on the TV. The surprise on their faces is evident because I didn't tell anyone Elliot was going to be joining us.

I shift uncomfortably, unsure what to say. But Elliot's hand on my back calms my nerves, "So this is Elliot, my boyfriend."

Elliot quickly walks over to shake everyone's hand, then gift everyone presents. My family's faces light up immediately. Who doesn't love chocolate? It doesn't take much to impress them, they can be easily bought with presents.

"It's so nice to meet you, thank you for having me. Your home is beautiful," Elliot tells my grandparents. I notice my parents and my aunt whispering on the side, I try to suppress the panic building inside me.

"You are welcome," my grandma says beaming.

Then there is just silence. Everyone is studying Elliot's face like he is some odd experiment which I can tell is making him feel uncomfortable.

"Are you Elliot Howard? That famous director?" My mom asks carefully, breaking the silence. I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding in, I cover my mouth when I realise what I just did. I was so caught up in the idea of my boyfriend meeting my family, I forgot that he was famous. I'm just starting to process how my family must feel right now. I just walked into their home with the legendary Elliot Howard and announced that he was my boyfriend. I'm glad no one has fainted yet.

"Yes I do direct movies for a living, my name is Elliot Howard," Elliot says humbly. My family responds by simply nodding, I'm pleased they have their emotions under control but I can see it bubbling in their body.

Everyone sits down at the round dining table, Elliot sits down next to me with my aunt on his other side.

"So, Bella, how long have you two been dating?" My grandma asks.

"A few weeks". I mumble with my mouth full.

"We know each other from primary school but we only reunited a few weeks ago," Elliot explains.

"When are you getting married?" My grandpa asks with a serious face.

My fork drops against the table. I stare at my mother silently asking her to stop this nonsense. I can feel my anger and frustration reach the maximum. Why does my grandpa always say something insane like that?

Before the bitter words fall out of my mouth I feel Elliot's hand over my leg, giving me a light squeeze.

With a respectful tone, he says, "We just started dating so we both agreed to take our time and see where it leads us. I'm very lucky to have reunited with Bella so I will treasure her and make sure she is well taken care of."

My mom breaks the tension in the room cheerfully, "I can't believe the both of you are finally together. After everything that happened back in the day, you guys finally ended up together. Honey your dream came true! Finally with Elliot!" She exclaims.

I roll my eyes, continue to eat with my head down.

My aunt gasps, "Elliot! Is he the guy who Bella painted about back in high school? You broke her heart!" She says jokingly.

For the first time tonight, Elliot freezes unsure how to respond. But almost immediately he recovers, "I believe that we were always right for each other, it was just the wrong timing. This time I'm not letting go unless Bella doesn't want me anymore."

I try not to wear the giddy expression I feel inside.

"Yes, Bella was always very talented in art." My grandpa declares. The tension in the room is back to where it started. I feel Elliot's hand in mine tighten, I think both of us remember the small outburst I had last night over this subject.

Elliot clears his throat before speaking, "Bella is talented in many ways but I believe that hard work is why she is so successful. One doesn't become one of the world's best art curators by talent."

Dinner continues well, Elliot still holds my hand as we both struggle to eat using one hand, but neither of us seems to mind.

Everyone finishes eating, I excuse both of us saying I'll take Elliot upstairs to the rooftop. My grandparents live on the top floor of the building so I walk with Elliot upstairs to a seating area. Next to the seating area are glass sliding doors that lead to a large balcony that overlooks the beautiful view of the London skyline.

We stand at the edge of the roof looking out at and brightly lit buildings around us.

I look up at Elliot, "Before you, I always thought I was hard to love and all I do is break, burn and end relationships. But you make it seem so easy."

He takes me by the hand, "Nobody compares to you. I took so much time to reset my life after we separated in high school. But in just one look I'm back. I realised that I've been wasting my love, my time, in the wrong places with all the wrong faces.

"I never forgot the promise I made you, I was just waiting for the right time. I always kept an eye on you, I was so happy for you when I heard about your achievements but it quickly turns back to sad when I couldn't congratulate you.

"I don't believe in coincidences. I knew you were going to be in that exhibition hall that day so I went. I wasn't sure what your reaction would be but all I knew was that I had to see you. When I finally saw you and heard your voice I just knew this is what I've been looking for all this time. I was ready to beg on my knees for you to take me back."

Perfectly timed, music starts playing from the street below us. "Would you believe me if I said I planned that?" He laughs into my ear. "May I have this dance?"

"Yes honey," I say and lean my head on his chest. I feel his hands on my hips, we sway back and forth holding each other.

We continue to dance on this dark balcony, there are bright lights around us. I wonder what will happen when the light finally reaches us. When the public finds out our sacred new beginnings on this rooftop.

In spite of the deep fear that the world will divide us we kept dancing. I'd kiss him as the lights go out. Sway as the room burn down. I'd hold him as the water rushes in.

I have a bad feeling and all we can do right now is dance with our hands tied. But we keep dancing.