Transcendence

27: Explosion

Mid July

Evening

A hand pressed against her back and she sighed as they stood outside of the venue. Cameras flashed around them. She took a deep breath.

"Ready?" She looked up at him, her heart about to beat out of her chest.

"Yeah." They entered through the doors into the grand hall where people laughed, glasses clinked and there was enough glitz and glam to make her vomit. At their arrival, some of the women stopped and eyed them. She ran her tongue over her teeth and smiled at them.

"Mr. Iwase! What a pleasure it is to meet you again!" He kept his hand on her back and gently pulled her against his side.

"Ah, yes! Morgan from J.C and Rodgers." They shook hands firmly.

"Who is this charming young lady who has accompanied you tonight?" She smiled.

"Ms. Rae Marshall ma'am." The woman's lips formed a perfect 'o' shape and her eyebrows sky rocketed.

"Aren't you Antonio's pretty secretary? I would have expected you to accompany him again this year." She could do nothing but laugh awkwardly. Hiroto cleared his throat and smiled politely at her.

"If you would excuse us." As he led her away, she heard the woman utter under her breath,

"She sure does get around." She tightened her grip on her clutch.

"Hiroto," He stopped walking and looked down at her. Her breath caught for a moment. He truly did look breathtakingly handsome tonight. His hair was parted on the side and his hair was swept away from his forehead, creating gentle waves down the side of his temple and his tuxedo fit him like a glove.

"I'm thirsty."

"Ah. I'll get you something. Pick us a spot to sit?" She nodded with a smile as he slowly removed his hand from her back. She exhaled. When he had asked her to be his date, she hadn't known at first what to do or what to say.

******

The days were blending together way too fast for her. She couldn't believe that summer was almost over. She sighed as she dug her spoon into her ice cream. Glancing over, she saw Hiroto with his favorite kind, green tea. Memories of their teenage years came rushing back and she smiled. These were the days she missed so greatly. She was beginning to want to allow him to call her Rae again... exclusively. But she decided too soon. Still. Her process of forgiveness had been slow and fast at the same time.. she wanted to keep it steady.

"Ebere?" She paused, spoon in mouth.

"Hm?" He leaned over and gently spooned some of her strawberry.

"Hey!" He grinned as she pouted, holding her cup away against her chest.

"Can I ask you something?" He asked as he ate her ice cream.

"Sure..."

"I am not sure if Rossi told you already. There is a gala coming up in a few weeks."

"No, he ain't mention it."

"I want you to be my date." She choked on her ice cream. His date?

"Uh...I...I don't know what to say..." He looked seriously at her this time.

"You don't have to answer now." She looked down at her melting cup of sweet berry.