The Promise

25) Aurora

I feel my eyelids ache to drop from the boredom of today's meeting. I straighten my back trying to catch something important from what the mentors are saying; though mine is completely silent.

He's clad in a navy suit today; sitting in his spot at the beginning or the meetings room table.

My mind drifts to the tasks I have for the rest of the day; most importantly my application for a side job at a bookstore in the neighborhood I'm living in. This bookstore caught my eyes when I was out a month ago breaking down. I liked it so much; it's very cozy and full of a source of my happiness, books!

I need more money; I can't let Dionne pay for the food and groceries all the time at least this month before I earn my first salary.

A month passed, but as an intern we earn the first salary after a month of work and 100 points and I'm already 75 so, I think by the end of this month I'll have the salary.

I didn't apply for the job at the bookstore for the money reason only to be honest, I did it because this is a place I feel at peace and I need more of that these days.

Speaking of peace, an unexpected other place brought me peace as well; the dancing studio. Well, it's not a studio, it's an apartment that was prepared to be a studio by my mentor.

Also, I've wanted to take dancing classes my whole life, but two reasons stopped me. One, my parents. Two, my insecurities. The first already did go away and the second; he didn't make me feel them.

I felt the tension at first, but by time I let it go and let myself enjoy it as he took the lead; teaching me every move he knows. A lot of bad energy leaves my body in those classes and by time I'm mastering more and more moves.

"...and already some of the interns got more than 50 points, right Ro?" Dionne's voice comes back into focus and all heads turn my way as I look at her stunned.

At the corner of my eye, I find him holding his smile; I'm embarrassing myself here, "Yes" I tell her and she smiles.

Good I didn't fuck it up.

"Alright, our manager wants to announce something" Dionne says as she nods at Omer and he stands to step in her place.

How can someone be so big? She looks like a baby next to him.

"Good morning, I'd like to tell you that the opening even of the years is two weeks away; our interns will get introduced to the ones from other companies so, this is one of the most important events for the candidates; take it very seriously because one company should win and my company does not lose, at all" he says the last sentence as his eyes find mine from across the room.

"That's all I want to say, thank you" he says as all of us stand and he finds my eyes and nods before leaving.

"Ro, how have you been?" Elio comes into my view.

"I'm good, how about you?"

"Good, I wanted to ask you something"

"Actually Elio, can we delay it for another time, I'm really sorry"

"No, it's totally fine"

I smile at him, then follow Omer to his office.

I knock then enter after his "Come in"

"Mr. Mughrabi" I rush as I look at him, I don't know what's wrong with me today.

He's already at the window looking at me when he says "Yes, dove" with a soft tone I only get to hear.

"Should I be worried? About the ball I mean."

"No, you're my student; you shouldn't be worried, but it's okay to feel anxious; it's a first time for you" his eyes soften.

I nod and look at the floor cracking my fingers, "I'll go, see you in the session" I say, but he interrupts before I head out.

"Aurora" he calls softly. It's the first time he says it. Not the nickname and not among other words. It feels so different from him.

"Yes?"

He goes behind his desk, opens a drawer and gets a box out of it, then rounds the desk to stand before me.

"I hope you accept it from me" he says he places the box in my hands.

I look at the box then at him "What is that?"

"Open it and you'll know"

I look at him then open the box to find two rings, the first plain with four silver beads and the second with the most beautiful blue crystal that looks like half the sun.

I look up at his eyes, my mouth couldn't find words as his face eases into the familiar smile I know.

"This is too much, no one got me anything before" I murmur; tears prickle at the back of my eyes.

"Fools" he whispers.

I look back at them again when I find the beads and the crystal spin, I frown and look back up at him.

He smiles then takes the box from my hand taking the first out gesturing for me to show my hand.

"These are fidget rings" he says putting it on my left pointer finger before taking the other, "So, you won't crack those fingers again when you're feeling nervous or uneasy" he finishes as he puts the other one on my right thumb.

I feel tears gloss my eyes, I open my mouth to say something, but the rush of feelings makes me speechless.

"I ...how?" I stumble on my own words looking up at him, his look is like a caress on my whole body.

He reaches out a hand and wipes the tear that escaped my eye away and I close my eyes at the touch; warm and velvety, his fingers are callused, but he still managed to make his touch soft on my skin.

I feel so small, so young and fragile right now under his gaze and touch.

He's interacting with her right now; he's reaching for her and he doesn't know it. While he is reaching out, she is starting to reach out as well. My inner child.

A knock on the door startles us and someone opens the door, I jump apart from him and he looks at the intruder slowly.