The air in the auditorium was dense. She could already feel herself looking for an exit. The people were seated and there was mindless chit chat filling her ears as they sat waiting on the show to begin. She started to fidget, it was always inevitable around so many people. Her fingers twirled in the lace strings of her long, elbow length black gloves. The dress she'd chosen was simple. It was a bright crimson color, the material, a bit heavy so it hugged every curve of her body. The back was tied up like a corset with black velvet strings. A black and ivory cameo necklace adorned her neck and could be seen easily with her dark hair tied up into a loose bun. Her father, sitting beside her, leaned close and squeezed one of her hands gently and whispered, "You look stunning, darling. Stop fidgeting. The show is starting now." The lights got dim and she was suddenly engulfed in comfortable darkness. A small sigh escaped her lips. "Finally", she thought. A silhouette appeared, moving slowly across the stage, until the lights found their target. Her eyes widened in the darkness and fell upon him. He took a bow before being seated in the solitary chair on the stage and lifting the small wooden framed instrument to his chin, began his serenade. Each note floated through the dense air and into her ears. Momentarily, her eyes closed and she felt a magical energy surge through every inch of her body. Uncertain why, tears welled in her crystal blue eyes and spilled over her cheeks. "Mournful sadness", her mind whispered. Her eyes again fixated on him. His body swayed as the violin bow moved in a rhythmic dance across the little instrument. It seemed as though he didn't know there were hundreds of people staring at him in awe. He was far away and each note pulled her closer to his world, like the moon influenced the waves of the ocean, there was no way to fight it. Song after song, her eyes bathed him in, her ears drank in each note. The last note rang through the venue and with that, he stood, bowed once more and exited the stage. Without noticing, everyone around her had started to gather their belongings and leave, as she sat still peering up to the stage. Her father's voice finally broke her from her daydreaming, "Honey, he is waiting on us, we need to go now." Suddenly her heart dropped and her mouth got dry. "Oh Jesus, I can't do this. I am going to be awkward as usual and make a horrible impression," her mind was reeling with thoughts as the unfamiliar gentleman led them through the back hallways of the huge building. "Mister Giovanetti", was written on the door in a old looking font and the gentleman knocked firmly. A deep, raspy voice rang out from somewhere behind the thick, wooden door, "Come", came the reply. The gentleman motioned with his hand inviting them in, and she looked up into her father's eyes a bit terrified, he stepped through the door before her as she held onto his arm. Stepping out from the back room, the man flashed a brilliant smile at her father and they shook hands. Unconsciously, she moved herself behind her father as the two men exchanged pleasantries. "Mister Giovanetti, please meet my daughter, Nina", and in a split second he was standing before her. He reached out and in one sweeping motion he grabbed her dainty hand and lifted it to his mouth planting a soft kiss, while looking up into her eyes. She lowered her head, as a soft blush formed on her cheeks. "Mister Giovanetti, it is my pleasure to meet you. I am honored. Please, let me also congratulate you on a memorable and amazing performance", she spoke softly to him. He towered over her as he straightened his frame. His eyes scanned her body and it made her so nervous, that she began to fidget again. "Thank you, little Nina, for the kind words about the performance. I am so glad you enjoyed yourself. Your father tells me that he would like me to teach you to play violin. After this meeting, I do think I will accept the proposal, even considering I haven't taught in many years. Your father has directions to my home. I will be expecting you tomorrow. Do not be late," with that, he smirked in her direction, shook her father's hand once more, and left them with the gentleman to show them out again.
