After All These Years

Chapter 56

Tom began to match my pace as we got closer to The Great Hall, letting himself walk side by side with me.

I was able to easily tell we were getting closer to The Great Hall as I spotted more and more dressed up students with their dates.

God, I feel so nervous it's almost sickening.

I took a deep breath as I saw the entrance of The Great Hall, the ribbons and music spilling out from the doorway.

"Are you alright? Did you get sick again?"

I look over my shoulder to see Tom's annoyed yet anxious expressions pasted on his face as he grabs my wrist, holding me back from walking closer to The Great Hall.

"What? No. Just...Just a bit nervous is all."

-I respond, shaking my head as I look back at the door entrance, watching more people walk and out.

After a few short moments, I look back at him, staring back at his sort of pity expressions on his face.

I shook my head at him as I spoke again.

"Look, it doesn't matter. Let's just go inside."

He took a deep breath as he spoke.

"Ok."

-Slowly yet softly letting go of my wrist as he looked up ahead, away from my direction.

We begin to walk towards the entrance of The Great Hall, taking a couple of steps inside before I stop to turn around to him.

Slightly and hesitantly, I reach my hands out to Tom to dance, still unsure of what to do.

He stares down at me for a brief moment before he looks around The Great Hall, grabbing my wrist once again and leading me somewhere else.

"Tom-"

"I don't like that spot, far too many people. Just come."

-He softly orders, leading me through crowds of students to a partially empty spot near the walls.

I look around at all the other dressed up students, dancing to the last bit of the playing song with their partner.

They all danced to simultaneously, it's almost hypnotizing to watch.

"You remember how to do this, yes?"

I turned my head back to look at him, a confused expression rested on my face as I spoke.

"Why wouldn't I- Yes Tom, I still remember how to dance."

-I responded to him as he rolled his eyes at me, reaching his arms out and placing them around my waist as a new song began to play.

"Just making sure."

-He mumbles to himself as I as well one of my hands on his shoulder, quickly moving my feet in the proper positions as he did the same.

I kept my eyes on my feet, making sure I was doing the right moves at the right time as we began to dance.

"you're fine, just keep your chin up."

I slightly hesitated to look away before I listened to him, looking up at him to finally notice the custom made tie clip I had given him which was now resting neatly on his tie.

When did he place that there?

Had I really been too anxious to notice?

I smiled at it before my eyes met his.