Magical - Mollie and AJ's Strictly Story

Part 35 - Broken

The first dance is over. I look at my pale face in the mirror and try to recall the evening so far. It's all a blur after trying to get through the samba...

I am so humiliated. I don't know how I have managed to stay standing up and smiling until he could guide me into this safe space. I have a limited amount of time to fall apart before I need to get changed, plaster on a smile and go out once again to face public embarrassment for the second time tonight. I crouch down; racking, silent sobs taking over my body. And he just holds me. He whispers in my ear.

I'm not sure how much I can take. His arms are encompassing me. His voice changes and I know he isn't talking to me – I hear him saying she'll be fine and she just needs a moment. Always protecting me. I turn my head back to him and he places a gentle kiss on my forehead. I lean closer in to him. His whispers are fast. How proud he is of me. How much he loves me no matter what. How he can't wait to dance the waltz with me. I bite my lip to stop my tears. I will do this for him. For us.

I need to get changed and I'm sure I've ruined my make-up. I may not rise from the ashes, but perhaps I'll go down in a blaze of glory.