Striving for Greatness: A Vladimir Chigvintsev Story

35

After dinner I asked Maks to let me drive my new car. I had to literally beg him and persuade him that I could handle it, it was afterall my left leg that was injured. I dont even need that leg to drive. He plain out told me no and that its going back to the garage until I can walk. He knew I wanted to take Valerie out to see the city before she has to return back to her new home the following afternoon but was still firm in the rules he laid out earlier today.

I felt dissapointed, Maks was being extra harsh on me. But he didn't care, I did let him down when I ruined my life by getting myself jumped.

Everyone returned to their respective homes, some with Artem and some to Maks', including me who the entire ride was sitting in the back seat of my new sports car while Maks drove, feeling as if I was being treated like a child rather than the adult that I am.

Valerie noticed my bad attitude as she got out of the car to help me maneuver myself up the driveway and into the house. Maks, Peta, Macy and Maddox had already gone inside, probably leaving us to catch up alone. Also, everyone knew I was angry and probably wanted nothing to do with me until I calmed down.

"Vlad." Valerie said, stopping near the garage to look me in the eyes, "what happened to the Vlad that was getting his life back together, who wants handling things, who saw his predicament as a blessing. What happened?"

I never told Valerie how my leg got broken, and how I ruined my chances at the only thing I wanted in life. She more than anyone knew that I was going to win Worlds, I was going to be the highest ranked teen ballroom dancer in the entire globe. If I told her that I got attacked because I needed her, and she was gone... she would think this to be all her fault.

"I haven't been the same. I am learning to cope, I'm healing now, but this has all been hard on me. I have my father I always wanted, but lost my freedom. I lost my ability to dance for the time being but I will dance again."

"See that's the spirit, you will dance again, Vlad." She smiled, and for the first time since she got here this afternoon I saw a side to her I hadn't noticed before, she looked beautiful and I really did miss her more than anything.

Without giving it much thought, I leaned in and kissed her, and she didn't pull away but when I did, she looked confused. I realized I made a mistake and never should have done something like that to jeopardize our friendship.

Right on cue, Maks came back outside.

"Almost forgot to lock up the new Camaro." He said "remember, don't even think about driving this bad boy until you can dance again." He winked getting in and moving it past us and into the garage.

His mocking tone was starting to agitate me and I looked at Valerie who laughed at my look of disgust. We went inside and got her a place to sleep in my room I share with Macy. I resorted to the couch, a place I ironically never wanted to sleep, and I stayed awake all night replaying the kiss I gave Valerie over and over in my head. I'm an idiot.