Striving for Greatness: A Vladimir Chigvintsev Story

36

In the morning I wanted to do something crazy, I wanted to take the car for a spin and I wanted to show Valerie around the city today before she went home.

I snuck into the room where her and Macy were sleeping and I woke her up.

"What time is it?" She said unable to fully open her eyes.

"6:30" I said laughing, "come with me, quietly. I want to get an early start so we can hang out before you leave."

She did as I said and followed me all the way out of the house and into the garage until we were standing at the new car. I grabbed the keys when we were inside and I had a little voice in my head that told me to take it for a spin.

"Get in." I told her and she laughed.

"I'm guessing your serious," She said "and for the record I'm only doing this because I'm in no way going to get punished for it, only you are."

We both got in and I turned the key in the ignition.

The first time I pressed down on the gas, I felt a rush.

"Are you sure this is safe?" Valerie said as i backed out of the driveway and headed down the street, "Should I drive?"

"We will be fine, I'm a safe driver." I said to her as I admired her beauty. I needed to get myself together, she is gonna think I'm a crazy person. I honestly am though for what I just did.

"What is it?" She asked, noticing that I was thinking about something.

"You." I said "you look beautiful."

"Vlad" She laughed "stop it." She playfully punched me in the shoulder.

"Hey, don't hit me, do you want me to crash." I said, still admiring her beauty. I no longer have looked at her like a sister, I truly feel attracted to her. It took her coming back to make me realize it. It hurts knowing she's only here until this afternoon.

"No sir." She hit me again and then laughed

I decided to spend the rest of the day with Valerie before her flight home. I figured Maks might actually understand and that I would see him later to explain. We went and saw a movie and then had lunch and then to my dismay, before I knew it I was driving her to the airport. Why does time have to fly by when you feel like your on top of the world?

I wanted to go inside and say a proper goodbye but instead we sat outside the airport terminal in my car. It was a no parking zone, and I sure learned my lesson from the last time I was here picking up Penny and Jules that I better not risk it. This car was bought yesterday and Maks would kill me if I get it towed.

"Do you have to go?" I complained, wanting her to stay longer. It felt good having her here even if it was for only 24 hours.

The kiss we shared last night was probably a mistake and I knew just as well as she, that long distance would never work out, especially when I heal up and am dancing again. I shook off my feelings for her and prepared to say goodbye.

I saw her staring at me as I sat there staring out at the mass of people all going in and out of the terminal and when I made eye contact with her she looked away and then smiled.

"I wish I could at least get out and help you, but then I wouldn't be able to get back in." I laughed semi-nervously, wanting the pain of her leaving to go by quicker.

"No..Stay, Vlad." She said "I got it, its fine and it's only goodbye for now." She leaned in and kissed me.

I was in shock, I totally read the situation wrong. Maybe there was hope for us someday. I kissed her back, knowing full well that this would mess things up further but it felt so right.

"I'll be back someday, I promise." She hugged me tightly and then departed the car to go catch her plane, without another word.

Just yesterday I hadnt given thought to seeing Valerie again and now shes already come and gone. Then I remembered that I had planned to bring her with to Paris to see me dance. I was no longer in the competition but I am still going, and so will she. I plan to surprise her with her plane ticket closer to the competition. I will see her again, sooner than she realizes.