Before The Past

Ch. 39

The days were calm. Calmer than expected that is. My parents were in and out of the house constantly, leaving me by myself most of the time. The only excitement I ever got was when Athena dropped a letter off almost every evening on my bed. Although we'd only been out for three weeks, it still felt like forever. Summers just weren't the same anymore now that I'm here. I could say that for most things. Everything has seemed to lose it's magic, the kind we only realize was there when it's gone. 

The letters were from Matteo. We'd constantly write to each other about what our days are like. I almost felt repetitive with mine since all I would talk about were the books I'm reading and that nothing has really changed. He on the other hand speaks of new plans and how all he can do is just watch as everything unfolds. Neither one of us were having much fun, but we didn't have much of a choice. 

There was one thing though that I was look forward to, and that was the ball. This year it was to be held at the Parkinson's. The theme was 'Enchanted Forest' which essentially just meant dark earthy tones. My mother had begun on my dress the moment she had heard about it. She made three different dresses and tailored them for days trying to decide on which one to settle with. Finally she chose a deep mahogany colored satin dress  with a puff skirt underneath. The top had only one small strap that was hidden by a piece of fabric that peaked towards the top of my shoulder. The back had a v line while the front slanted ever so slightly. The front was also folded over itself multiple times and connected at one point off to the side. Although red wasn't usually my color, it seemed fitting and complimented my hair well. 

Going to a ball though, required me to dance and if I was being honest, my dancing skills weren't exactly perfect. I'd probably embarrass myself by tripping over my partners feet or falling out of tune with the music. To fix this, I decided to be brave enough to ask my mother for advice. In turn, she said to ask my father. What would he know about dancing? Last I recall I've never actually seen him dance, he just stood and watched most of the time. Without any other options though, I did as my mother said. 

Although I wasn't sure if he was even going to have time for me, it was worth a shot. I walked over to his study and stood at the door for a few seconds. Hesitantly, I knocked on the door. 

"Come in." I heard my father's muffled voice through the door. 

I opened it and took a few steps inside. 

"Hello father." I said politely. 

"Did you need something?" He asked peering over a piece of paper he was reading. 

"Well, I figured I needed some help with my dancing and so I went to mother who then told me to come to you." I responded. 

He looked at me for a moment without saying a word. He then sighed as he put the paper down and stood up. He walked over to the corner where a record player was sitting and grazed through a collection of discs. Finally, he found the one he wanted and carefully placed it down and flipped a switch. He then put the needle onto the disc and the music began to start up. It was a song I had only danced to a few times, but could still faintly remember the steps. 

"Do you know this song?" My father asked. 

"Yes, although it may take me a few moments to remember." I admitted. 

"I'll go through the steps with you the first time out loud, and then we'll go from there." He nodded. 

With that a he flicked his wand towards the record player and the disc started over. We joined together and began as the first few notes started. It was awkward being so close to my father after I hadn't seen him in what felt like years. He had become so distant that I hardly knew anything about him. We were like strangers living in the same home, eating dinner together, and doing everything a family would, but differently.