Two Hearts, One Love

Second First Date: Michelle

It was morning, the birds were chirping and the sun basked over me as I walked to The Next Step. Giselle, Thalia and Riley offered to help me fine tune the Nationals routine as it was just around the corner. Walking in I greeted them with a smile, and we started warming up. Riley was talking about her date with James, and how they are finally in sync again. That was wonderful, they were perfect for one another and knowing my best friend was happy again made coming back worth it.

"So Michelle", Thalia asked. "How does it feel to be back"?

I replied a little timid as I feared they haven't trusted me yet, "Good, I've missed you guys so much and I've tried everything from debating to cheerleading to improv but it's not the same." Giselle and her shared a fleeting look that couldn't be described while Riley beamed. Giselle suggested we start and that was that, but there was something flitting at my subconscious, why were they acting so weird?

At the end of the day, I performed what I had learned to them. Riley was so reassuring and confident about how I had done but the other two were still being weird. This was starting to bother me, what have I done to them. In that moment I confronted them, and asked them what was up.

Giselle had a look of panic before replying, " Look Michelle you're a phenomenal dancer but how do we know you'll be back 100%. We just don't want you to leave again." She almost looked guilty when Riley reprimanded them for thinking of such a thing.

"Look I know I left at a bad time and I'm sorry, but this is my home and I'll never leave." I stated a matter of factly. They looked reassured and we all hugged knowing that everything was good again. It was great to know all my friends were back and I truly belonged. The four of us then headed up to studio A where Miss Kate and Chris ordered pizza for us and the boys, we blasted music danced and ate. I was sitting down when Eldon came over to me.

"Hey." he said, smiling his dazzling smile.

"Hey." I replied, feeling my cheeks redden.

I look over and James and Riley are staring at us in bewilderment, strange I thought. I have a pointed look to Eldon who noticed and laughed, saying he would tell me about it later. "So I was wondering." He began, " If you would like to out with me, on Saturday"? Saturday was the day before nationals, so I wondered what was up.

"Like on a date?" I cautioned, he responded by nodding shyly. "Sure, that sounds great." I giggled, mentally slapping myself for sounding so giddy.

"Perfect." He squeaked, acting flustered. He looked adorable, like a
Little puppy getting a treat. Mockingly I patted his head, and his eyes glared at me before chuckling. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Thalia give us a weird look, which was weird. "So I'll see you later." Eldon concluded. I nodded and smiled, as I watched him leave. Oh Saturday couldn't have come faster.

It was the night before Nationals, and Eldon had picked me up to go who knows where. We were in the car driving for what seemed like hours as he adamantly refused to tell me where we were headed. He would just wink and utter something about patience and grasshoppers. Finally we arrived in front of forest, and as we got out he had flashlights and a picnic basket. Though this one forest didn't seem terrifying and have a aura of murder like in the movies but instead it was calming and I suppose magical. He took my hand and lead me through the soft bushes of trees illuminated by the setting sun. Not long after we reached a clearing, where meadow flowers bloomed and a small creek formed. The fireflies were beginning to come out and flew as if they were dancing fairies, which set out a serene scene. In the centre was this gazebo platform type centre with lights, and it looked fairly new which was odd as it was in the middle of now where. "Eldon", I questioned. "Where are we? What are you doing." He just grinned before setting down the blanket and motioned for me to sit. He pulled out an old radio, and it began playing a soft acoustic version of "Inside Out". I was shocked, my heart felt like it would burst, and my eyes watered. Why would he be playing our duet song? What was his plan?

"Michelle."  He declared. I looked up to him, surprised. "I know things have been rocky and I know I have to get you back. Each day it hurts knowing what I've done to you and knowing we weren't together." He took a deeper breath, "someone told me, I needed to be as mature with my personality as I am with dance. So this my message to you." He took one last deep breath before beginning. I watched as he leaped and flipped, he had such determination in his eyes and his body was flowing with passion and care. His blonde hair was glistening with sweat, and near the end he twirled an astounding 30 pirouettes. I was amazed, I realized why I fell for him in the first place, from his remarkable dancing to his doofus personality, he was exceptional and he was mine. Eldon collapsed in front of me after the pirouettes, he took shallow breaths and stared into my eyes. I reached towards him, wiping the sweat of his brow, lingering my hand for just a moment. "Michelle." He panted, "Will you please be my girlfriend, again? I promise you every minute will be worth it, I've never felt anything like what I've felt with you." I sat there taking in a moment before I pushed my lips against his, it was something soft and although it was a soft touch it was a kiss that promised renewal.

"Always". I muttered after we broke away,  " I'll always be with you". He pulled me in for such a tight hug, I didn't want to be let go. This was right, everything was perfect again. This time we would do it right and stick by each other instead of letting it fall apart. After our moment, we pulled out the contents of the picnic basket. We savoured an ice cold sandwich and a peach grape juice, while admiring the stars that just painted the sky and listened to natures music. "Hey Eldon, where exactly are we"? I questioned.

"We're on my grandparents farm, they have this huge forest and one day I was exploring I found this clearing. It's always been my special place to come and think." He answered indifferently. He then turned to me beaming and mused, " Now it's our special place." Eldon held out is pinky finger, "Promise."

"Promise." I beamed back locking our fingers. We sat on the gazebo looking at  the stars that made us feel we had eternity, we had each other.