The Princess Pages: A Girl Like Cinderella

Song Seventy

HOW MANY HEARTBREAKS UNTIL IT'S FINALLY MINCED?

You're in my arms, and all the world is calm, the music playing on for only two
So close, together. And when I'm with you. So close, to feeling alive.

Cara laid her left hand on Trent's right arm. His left hand found her right hand as his left gently cupped the small of her back, and together, they danced to the dreamy yet aching song.

A life goes by, romantic dreams must die. So I bid mine goodbye and never knew.
So close, was waiting, waiting here with you. And now, forever, I know
All that I wanted to hold you so close.

Their gazes never broke apart as they glided across the ballroom, in each others' arms.

Trent's hand firmly held hers as she twirled away from him, smoothly spinning back into his arms, his fingers tender around hers when her back met his chest, their movements heartfelt, the rhythm of the song embedded in the grace of their dance.

So close to reaching that famous happy end.
Almost believing, this one's not pretend.

Cara danced with him as though it were the last, and she knew it was, but she couldn't completely savor the blissful glow of her happiness because the song was nearing its end.

Trent lifted her by the waist and spun her around, making her red skirt flare beautifully.

And now you're beside me,
And look how far we've come.

Cara quietly wrapped her hands behind Trent in an ardent hug, her chin pressed on his shoulder as she briefly felt her lips quivering.

So far we are. So close...

She slightly pulled back and had only a second to see his confused and stricken face before the song's interlude rose at a higher volume and faster pace.

Trent twirled her on the perfect timings, and despite Cara's green eyes misting, she wore the most painfully captivating smile she'd ever worn as she danced with him around and across the glamorous ballroom.

As the interlude drew to a close, Trent embraced her legs as he lifted her, and she beamed at him as she slowly slid back to the floor, her eyes staring into his, and she wondered what he was thinking at that precise moment.

Cara took a step towards him and touched his shoulder. Their faces were so close--

"Mind if I cut in?" a girl asked, an edge to her voice.

Oh how could I face the faceless days

Cara's face fell when she saw Honey Houston; her long brown hair curly and her tall slim figure clad in a gray asymmetrical gown.

It took the masked blonde a minute to answer. "No, of course," she said, her voice steady.

If I should lose you now?

Josh also appeared, and he tactfully escorted Cara towards the second floor, where the balconies were endless and provided a full view of the first floor.

We're so close to reaching that famous happy end

As Josh guided her up the stairs, Cara threw a sad glance over her shoulder.

And almost believing, this one's not pretend.

Trent and Honey resumed the song, with the Italian supermodel replacing her as his partner.

Let's go on dreaming

Cara blinked rapidly, hugging her arms as she leaned them on the cast stone balustrade.

For we know we are...
So close, so close
And still so far...

The song slowly met its end, and as the last keys faded away, all the participants bowed in front of their partner.

Honey inched forward, kissing Trent on the lips, to which he dazedly responded, looking blank.

Josh rested his arms on the balustrade as well, witnessing the waltz be fulfilled, and his fellow schoolmates in formal clothes flock towards the buffet while a new and vigorous song started.

Cara recognized the tune as Maroon 5's 'One More Night.'

"Heartbreak's a bitch," Josh remarked, his brown eyes distant.

A lone tear slid down the blonde's cheek, which she hurriedly brushed away with her finger.

"I want to be alone," Cara said, her chin wobbling.

"Listen, I don't know if I should leave y--"

"Please, leave me alone," the blonde repeated, on the verge of crying.

Reluctantly, Josh threw her a curt frown before climbing down the staircase, away from her.

It had been a few minutes when Cara heard heavy footsteps come up from behind. She reeled around but someone pressed a cloth on her mouth as she turned.

Then everything went black.