I Hope You Dance (Artemi Panarin)

Fear of Falling Theory

Artemi

"You look... ridiculous" Andrew says as I grab some things I left at his place. I had moved into my own apartment but I kept things here so I would have a excuse to hang out with Andrew and Yuila.

"Thanks friend" I tease.

"I didn't mean it in a bad way... it's just that this is Chicago, and not 1920's Chicago" he reminds me.

"I'm dressed like this for my date with Gabriella" I defend.

"Where are you guys going... back in time" he teases and I roll my eyes.

"No, her favorite movie is Mary Poppins so I dressed like the guy from that movie and we're going to have a little themed date" I explain.

"Well, what are you doing" he wonders.

"We're starting by flying kites" I start.

"Really" he asks.

"Yes really. She's never been on a date before and I don't want her to believe that it's siting around eating food and asking questions we either already know the answer to or don't want to talk about. I want her to think dating is like a adventure, something out of her comfort zone yet something she is familiar with. And all I know is that she likes this movie" I defend.

"Fair enough. What's next" he asks.

"I made is a little drive in movie" I say.

"How did you do that" he wonders.

"Don't worry about it. Then after that we're ending the night sitting rooftop looking at the stars" I smile

"I'm impressed. That's pretty extravagant" Andrew admits.

"I, for one, think it's cute you're trying so hard" Yuila smiles.

"Thank you. I'm pretty proud of myself" I admit.

"Have fun, let her ask the questions and enjoy yourself" she suggest.

"Thank you" I nod. At least one person was being helpful.

I drive over to her apartment and wait by her door. After suppressing the nervous throw up threatening to come up I knock and the door opens shortly after.

There stands Gabriella in a blue dress and a black cover up. She had on the hat I had given her for today and she was smiling bright.

"I hope this is okay" she says softly.

"It's perfect" I smile.

"I've always wanted to be Mary Poppins" she admits.

"Mary Poppins would want to be you" I claim and she blushes.

"I don't know about that, I'm not even sure I want to be me" she claims.

"I wouldn't want you to be any different" I admit and she looks from the floor into my eyes. My heart skips as her brilliant grey eyes stare back at me.

"Thank you" she replies softly. I stick my arm out and she latches her hand around it. I guide her to my car and open the door for her.

I drive off to the park and pull over to where two kites sat by a tree. I left them earlier so it would be ready by the time we her here and I hear her giggle from the passengers seat.

"You didn't" she laughs.

"I did" I assure her.

I open the door for her and grab her hand bringing her to the spot where our kites were. I hand her a orange kite and I pick up the green one.