Before Everything

Chapter 10

I groaned when I heard my alarm go off. I got up and went to my bathroom to brush my teeth. My legs were so sore from traveling and sitting all day and I knew the practice was going to be the death of me.
I put my hair up in a tight bun and got dressed and packed my training bag. I met with Madam Olga and we ate breakfast together in the hotel lounge.

"So how did you sleep?" Olga asked me while we sat down to eat.
"I slept really well. What's on my schedule today? I didn't have the chance to look at it yet."
"First, we have your practice and after lunch, you have stage rehearsals. The rest of the evening is free for you so you're free to go sightseeing. Just take someone with you," Olga answered me.

The day went on quickly and finally I was finished with the stage rehearsals. I got to know a nice guy named Dimitri, who also offered to take me sightseeing.

"Madeline, tell me something about yourself?" he asked me with that silly Russian accent.
"What do you want to know?" I raised my eyebrow.
"How do you like Moscow so far?" he asked while scratching his chin.
"I think it's very different, to say the least."
"I know. I've been to the States a couple of times and it surely is different," he answered and looked intensely into my eyes. I felt a little awkward under his stare. I wanted to continue the conversation.

"Dimitri, how old are you?" After saying that I immediately wanted to facepalm myself. That simple question and it sounded so awkward. Dimitri seemed amused and he smirked.

"Are you interested in me, Madeline?" he let out a deep chuckle. I blushed and I wanted the ground to swallow me.
"Since you're so interested and curious, I'll tell you. I just turned 19 a couple of weeks ago."
"Happy late birthday then," I smiled sheepishly.
"Thank you, tsvetok."
I didn't know how to react but I blushed again.

Sometime after the somewhat comfortable silence, he asked me, "Are you hungry? We could stop somewhere to have a bite."
"That would be nice. I am feeling quite hungry." I gave him once again a sheepish smile and he returned the smile by giving me a boyish grin.

At that moment, I looked at all his features. Dimitri had dark hair that was almost black and dark mysterious eyes that had a mischievous glint in them. He had a very defined face with sharp cheekbones and an even sharper jawline. His facial features were very masculine overall. But when he smiled there was a dimple on his left cheek that gave him a more boyish look. He was also well built since he was a dancer after all. He was a lot taller than me. Some would say that he is very handsome but suddenly a picture of Mike's face appeared in my mind. I tried to snap out of itbut too late as Dimitri's cough woke me up. I must have been staring him for a quite some time.

"Done checking me out, tsvetok?" Dimitri smirked at me.
"I would like to have something to eat," I bluntly answered him. I just ignored it and let it go.
"Sure, let's go. I know a good place around here." Amusement glinting in his eyes.
"Then lead the way, mister."

We went to some small and cozy looking restaurant and we had such a nice time getting to know each other.
After dinner, he walked with me back to my hotel. It was a little uncomfortable because of his intense gaze drinking my appearance.

When we got in front of my room I started to look for my keys. I finally found them and opened the door. As I was on my way inside Dimitri grabbed my arm.
"What?! I don't get a goodbye from you, tsvetok?"
"Oh, right forgot about that," I looked innocent with my puppy eyes and just smiled.
He put a hand on his chest and faked hurt. I just grinned.
"Thanks for showing me around Dimitri. I had a lot of fun," I said sincerely.
"Me too, tsvetok. I better get going. See you tomorrow."
"Good night Dimitri," I said softly to his retreating back.
He looked back and gave me a grin and continued walking. I went into my room and let out a loud sigh.