Say You Love Me

Wrong [Derek]

My feet are bouncing quickly off the ground. I'm such a jerk. I don't have a lot of time before the show starts. I start to run faster, thinking of what happened at the rehearsals.

"And one, two, three" I try to count for Bethany, but she doesn't need it. It's only been a few weeks, and she's blowing me away. "Alright B, we just need to work on the dip." She looked a little nervous, but nods.
"Oh come on babe, you don't trust me?" I wink and she giggles. Oh my gosh, she's adorable. Wait. Stop it Derek. You've never felt this way about her, why start now? I try to just concentrate on teaching her how to gracefully fall in to my arms, but everytime I look at her, I can feel more and more emotions. The warmth in my heart starts growing. I know a rumba has emotion and passion, but I didn't know it could reveal so much. Ever since we started this dance, wait no. Ever since we talked about this dance, I could feel more comfortable with her. We both had to dig deep down in our hearts; Bethany with her story, me with the dance. Luckily, this new found connection between us will help us with the dance.
"Derek? Do you want me to start from the turn?" Bethany cuts my train of thoughts. A bit embarassed, I nod and cue the music. She turns, but trips and falls off the stage. Well, almost falls. I quickly catch her and pull her in before she had a chance to tumble off the stage. She's in my arms, and I can see the terror slowly disappearing from her eyes. We're both catching our breath. She stays in my arms, and I bring her up to a hug. I hold her tight, never wanting to let go. I can feel tears on my shoulder and immediately know she's crying.
"Beth. Beth. Bethany. Bethany, babe look at me." I don't know what came over me, but I couldn't stand seeing her like this. Her wet eyes look up to mine. "Bethany. It's ok, it'll be ok. I got you. What's wrong? Please tell me."
"I just, I just d-d-d-don't want to disap-p-p-point you". And my heart broke right there. I sigh. She doesn't care about making a fool of herself, she only cares about others.
"Bethany, listen. You're not going to disappoint anyone, especially me. I promise. I'm so proud of you." I hold my breath. Our faces are so close. I wipe a tear away from her face. Even with her face red and eyes swollen, she's the most beautiful girl I've ever seen.
"Derek. You are so amazing. I'm so thankful for you" her voice wavers but yet is so strong.
"I can't even imagine this journey with anyone else". We both get so close, then we hear footsteps. Reality hits me in the face. What am I doing? Bethany must've been thinking the same thing. We both take a step back from eachother and see Val walk towards us.
"Hey Bethany, could I just borrow Derek for a bit? Its for, you know, pro stuff " Val asks with a mischievous smile. I roll my eyes and watch as Beth nods her head . I give her a kiss on the forehead, and walk towards Val.
"What do you want Val? You're not supposed to even be in here"
"Woah there Derek, calm yourself down. I was going to ask you a question, but looks like you were a bit busy with Bethany" I feel panic. I have no idea what's going on between Bethany and I, but I definitely do not want Val in on it. "It's nothing. We're just partners. That's all."
"Are you sure, looks like its more?" He asks with a smirk. He's on my last nerve.
"Val. We are just partners. Nothing more! She means nothing to me! She is just another partner!" I gasp. I didn't mean that at all, but I was so mad at Val, who seems quite amused.
"Alright then. Calm down bro, I'll see you at the show." He leaves, and I walk back to the stage. Bethany looks up at me, and asks if she could just take a break. I said of course, and smile. She strains to smile and walks away. She's just so beautiful, and it hurts me to see her like this. And then I remember what I said to Val, how those words were just lies. Bethany comes back, and I can tell something's off, but I just shrug it off. The feeling will pass.

I know now that it wasn't just something. She heard what I said to Val. This feeling did not pass. Boy was I wrong.