Shy

Kit

Even now I can't get the image of Clara walking down those steps out of my mind. She looked other-worldly, an angel descending from the heavens made just for me.

My blood is still boiling from what Caroline had said to her but every time I look over to Clara, I feel serene. I can't stay away from her this evening and even though every word, every moment is anxiety inducing, I'm delighted to find that being with her comes naturally to me.

I watch her glancing at the crowd wistfully and wish that I had had the guts to ask her to accompany me this evening, rather than be her only option. I'm sure she feels stuck with me, and I can only pray that she doesn't mind too much.

I catch her glance over at me and I decide to just do it.

"Excuse me, sorry. There's something I need to do." I say, standing up and walking around the table to her. My hands are shaking as I approach her and I try desperately to calm my nerves.

I tap her shoulder and hold out a hand, my mind flashing back to the evening of my birthday. Would she accept my hand now as she had then? I pray to every deity that she does.

"Did you want to dance?" I ask gently and she smiles, sliding her hand into mine. My heart stutters at the feel of her skin grazing mine. I can't get over how perfectly her hand fits into mine. She truly was made for me.

We walk to the dance floor together and I turn to her, my lungs suddenly empty of all oxygen. Here I am, about to dance with the love of my life.

How do I apologise to her, the most talented dancer I've ever seen, that I will probably step on her feet. Our hands fit together as she rests her hand on my shoulder. I swallow harshly as I tentatively place my hand on her waist.

"I'm sorry, I'm not quite the standard of partner you're used to." I mumble quietly, glancing at my feet as we sway to the music.

She laughs gently, her eyes searching for mine beneath my mask.

"I assure you that what you lack in skill, you make up for in charisma." She says. I'm not quite sure what she's referring to but I take it as a compliment.

I take her all in, not quite believing that I have her in my arms right now. Never would I have dreamt that this would be happening to me, and yet here we are. I can't wish for anything else right now, and if I were to drop dead in this moment, I'd die happy.

I manage to make it through the dance without a panic attack and pat myself on the back for not stepping on her once, however I deflate as she pulls away from me.

I offer to get her a drink and she accepts readily. I wander over to the refreshments table and pour two glasses of water, sipping it before hand just to double check that I'm giving her water.

I head back over to the table and spot Michael speaking with Clara. She looks confused and anxious. I frown, walking towards her faster.

She stands up suddenly and pushes her way towards the exit.

I run the rest of the way to Michael and slam down the glasses. Michaels expression is a mix of panic and hesitance.

"What did you say?" I demand.

Michael shakes his head, glancing back towards the door and I forget it, pushing my way through the crowd to get to her.

I spot her outside immediately, her bare back facing me and I exhale anxiously.

"Clara?" I ask tentatively and she stiffens, glancing over her shoulder at me.

"How could you not tell me?" She says quietly and I freeze, my body going into total meltdown. She knows, she knows everything.

Please...