When sparks fly... [a Roman Reigns story]

27 A single glance

Amali POV

I sat in the upper rank on the stairs and looked down. Tired, I watched as everything was prepared for the show. The workers had just finished setting up the ring and stowing everything else underneath.

I rested my arms on my knees before resting my chin on them. Sighing deeply, I tried to relax. Maybe the headache would go away on its own. But somehow I had my doubts.

For a while, I was alone with my thoughts. But at some point I felt a presence behind me. I turned my head to the side and saw who it was.

"Can I do something for you?" I asked quietly as I looked down again.

"You can tell me why you still haven't spoken to Roman..." Uncle Pauli said as he sat down on a seat next to me.

"It's complicated. You know that..." I replied without looking at him.

"Well... that's life. Nothing worth having is easy. You know that too well." he said.

"Yes... but that doesn't make my situation any better..." I said quietly.

"You have to tell him, Amali. He deserves to know. If you can see a future with him that is... Look how heartbroken you both are." he replied.

I turned my head to the side and looked at him.

"That's why I don't know if I can. I'm afraid that if he knows... that there can't be a future... I had... I had told Roman when I came back that I was in a dark hole and that I couldn't believe how weak I was. That I was embarrassed. And I'm still ashamed. Part of me had hoped that he would draw his conclusions and leave it at that. Do you know what suddenly got into him?" I explained.

"You'll have to ask him that... What's more important... Have you spoken to your psychotherapist about this?" Pauli then asked.

*****

Roman POV

Together with the twins, I entered the stage so we could prepare for the show. I kept feeling Jimmy's angry looks, but decided to ignore them. Too much was going through my head. After he snapped at me, I had a lot to think about. Every single conversation with Amali went through my mind.

And the more I thought about it, the clearer the picture became. It didn't take long for me to realize that Jimmy was right. She had made cryptic comments more than once. Especially on our first night back together. I had been too happy to see her again to realize what was really behind her words. And when I thought about it now... a shiver ran down my spine.

I let my gaze wander over the seats. They should actually still be empty at this time of day. But I quickly had the feeling that I was being watched. It was this tingling sensation. Then I knew that Amali had to be here somewhere. There was no other explanation. And it wasn't long before I found her.

At the very top on the stairs. And even at this distance, I could see the pain and sadness in her eyes. My heart immediately tightened painfully. It was at that moment that I realized that losing her was not an option.

*****

Amali POV

After Uncle Pauli had retreated again, I stayed there for a while to think. At least until my eyes and Roman's met. Time seemed to stand still for a moment.

The heart in my chest began to beat faster. But this time I didn't feel like I was on the verge of a panic attack. All it took was a single glance and I jumped up.

I ran off. Along the seemingly endless hallways. And I didn't really pay attention to where I was going. Well, until I ran into someone. That brief contact was enough to know who I had almost knocked to the ground. Everything in my body started to tingle as I looked into Roman's more than surprised eyes.

Without thinking, I threw my arms around him. And to my surprise, he did the same. The tears started to flow again as I clung to him like this.

"I'm so sorry, Ro... I'm so sorry..." I sobbed.

"No... I'm sorry. You were right, I shouldn't have pushed you like that. It wasn't right." he replied and hugged me tighter.

"It was all my fault. I just didn't know how to tell you how incredibly weak I was. I couldn't bear it if you thought badly of me," I said quietly.

"Amali, I love you. And nothing in this world can change that. I simply can't think badly of you. That's not possible. I would have supported you with everything I have." he whispered in my ear.

"God, I love you. And I'm sorry I was so stupid. But I promise I'll tell you everything you want to know," I replied.

Roman pulled back a little and took my face between his hands. He looked at me silently like he was looking for an answer. Instead of saying anything, he pressed his lips to mine. Tenderly... but quickly more demanding. We kissed until we were eventually gasping for air.

"You don't have to tell me anything that makes you uncomfortable. I really understand. I trust you. We'll work it out. I promise." he then said.

"Actually... I need to start talking about what scares me. And deserve to know and I can only hope and pray that it doesn't scare you off." I replied quickly.

"You should know by now that nothing can keep me away from you. I've waited for you before and I can wait for answers." he explained.

"You don't have to. It's just that I was trying to-" I began, but he quickly pressed a finger to my lips.

"Shh... We don't have to do this now. At least not here. Let's... Let's talk tonight." he said softly as he stroked my lip and then my cheek.

"Sounds good... I've missed you." I replied as I lifted my hand and put it to his face.