Say You Love Me

Instincts [Bethany]

"So let me get this straight, we won't be partners next week?!?!?!" I asked. Mark and Derek were telling Sadie and I about the switch up week while we were finishing our food. Sadie and I were both shocked.

Mark nodded his head. "Yep. It's only for one week though! We'll be back with you the week after." I felt Derek grab my hand and give it a reassuring squeeze. Great, just as Derek and I were closer than ever, we're split apart.

"But we already have the best partners!" I said. Derek and Mark both look flattered and Derek says "It'll be ok, maybe you will get Mark and Sadie will get me!"

"That means I'll have a partner that is closer to my height!" Sadie jokes. We all laugh, even Mark, who pretends to be offended at first. I think about getting Mark as my partner. Sure, it would be fun and all, but it wouldn't be the same. I would miss Derek, even if its just for a week. We spend so much time together in one week, what happens if he becomes closer to a different girl, not me? I wish I could just tell him, that I could call him mine. Then, I would actually have a reason to be worried. Because he would be mine, and only mine. I see Derek looking at me with concern, and I try to snap out of it. I don't want to make tonight all down or anything like that, I want to remember tonight. He mouths to me "you ok?" I nodd and give him a real smile. He cares, and that makes me happy.

We all finish our dinner and walk to the ballroom. As I was fascinated and lost in the artwork surrounding the room, a waltz music comes on. I feel a tap on my shoulder, and turn around and see Derek with his hand extended towards me.

"May I have this dance, beautiful?" He asks. I melt when he calls me that. Beautiful. He called me beautiful. I bite my lip. "I don't know how to waltz, Derek."

He chuckles. "Oh Ms. Mota. Firstly, I'm impressed you know this is a waltz song. And don't worry," he says as he pulls me in to him. "Just let the music move you. With me. Just believe in yourself babe " .

I tense up, but nod. I turn around and try to follow Derek's lead, but I mess up. What if he wanted me to go left, not right? What if I spin weirldly? The thoughts keep pouring in my mind and I can't let myself go. I stop in frustration, but Derek holds me close and whisper in my ear, "Bethany. Just let the music take you away, let it move through your body. Believe in yourself, trust your instincts."

I close my eyes and take a deep breath in. I forget about the doubts and second thoughts and let the music fill my body. I concentrate just being with Derek, and only him. Before I know it, I'm a natural on the floor. We dance all around the massive ballroom, reaching all corners of it. I felt magic in the air, my feet on clouds. As the music stops, Derek spins me and lets me fall in to his arms. He holds me, looking in my eyes.

"I told you to believe in yourself. Go with your insticts Bethany, look at where it can take you." Derek says to me. He looks at me, smiling.  "You are beautiful."

I can't help but smile like an idiot. Derek is perfect. He knows how to make me smile for miles and miles. I just want to tell him how much I like him. but Bethany, what if he says he doesn't feel the same way? You'll ruin it all.... wait Bethany. You're doing exactly what Derek told you not to. Don't overthink it, just  go with your gut, trust your instincts.

"Derek, I, I .." I stutter. I can't get my words out. He stares at me with concern. I look into his eyes. I let myself get caught in the moment and forget doubts and second thoughts.

I hug him tightly. When we both release, he has a happy but slightly confused look on his face. "I loved that hug, but what was that for?" He asks sweetly.

I could feel my heart pound right out of my chest. I take a deep breath in, and say it.
"I like you."