Chasing Starlight

Chapter 14 - Stoke of Midnight

Samia felt relieved as she looked at the clock. It was ten until midnight, the dance ended after that. She just had to check in with the other chaperones and then she could finally go home. They were supposed to hold a brief meeting with all the chaperones at the end, and make sure all the final checks were accounted for, and make any notes of reports to be made.

  Quite a few students had left already, the staff all knowing there were several 'secret' after parties happening in estates and dorms around the campus. Winter break began after this so things were much more lax after the dance, even the staff were eager to start the break. A handful of couples swayed to the last few songs being played by the band, all slower tempo and sweet sounding. She watched them from a quiet corner, feeling exhaustion pushing at her eyes and body.

A small tap on her shoulder made her look up in surprise, she hadn't noticed anyone walking up in her daze. Elliot's good natured grin looked back at her, and her heart thudded in her chest and she suddenly felt more awake. He looked dashing in his suit, well fitted to his frame and his mask long abandoned around his neck.

"How in the world did I manage to go almost this whole time without noticing you when you look this beautiful, Mia?"

She blushed and covered her mouth to hide her smile.

"I haven't seen you at all this whole time, I wish I had sooner." She murmured in delight.

They both looked up a moment as the band announced the last song, a delicate waltz that invited them out. Elliot turned to her, offering his arm.

"Shall we?" With a dramatic flourish, he bowed to her.

Giggling, she gave an exaggerated curtsey and took his arm. He led them out to the dance floor, several other pairs of chaperones enjoying the final dance as well, and guided her with surprising ease through the waltz.

Samia couldn't help but feel nervous, she hadn't been this close to him since the night she'd gotten a fever, and woken up with him next to her. The memory almost made her dizzy as she looked up at his attractive face, inhaling his scent as she leaned into him. She felt comforted in his arms, and wanted to sink into that feeling. It felt so different than being in Rory's arms, which burned like ice and fire when he touched her. She shivered a bit, remembering. She looked back up at Elliot, trying to push thoughts of Rory away. He was looking down at her, an warm intensity in his eyes, and he gripped her tighter as their eyes met. All too soon, the dance ended and they stood still for a few moments longer, locked in each other arms and gaze. She felt breathless, and at a loss for words. She closed her eyes, and he leaned down.

A loud clattering from the stage  brought them both apart before they went further, a instrument case had been dropped, and they both awkwardly released their embrace. Samia suddenly felt shy and a bit foolish, glad for the interruption when they were still surrounded by staff and a few students.

  Elliot scratched his head, a bit red from the moment. His heart throbbed. He looked down at Samia as they walked to where the chaperone meeting was to be held, and felt impatient with his decision to leave things be while the year finished. Every day, his head was filled with thoughts of her. He caught himself staring at her throughout the day as she worked across from him, and having her so close just now, he almost kissed her. In the middle of the ball, where everyone could see. He felt filled with anxiety and desire, and little ability to keep holding back. He wanted to know desperately how she felt about him, hoping and telling himself there was definitely something there in her eyes when she looked at him.

The meeting went by quickly, the staff laughing and talking amongst themselves. It was more an exchange of funny events and what students were caught doing things, and it wasn't long before they all were wishing each other farewells and good holidays. It was a light airy atmosphere, but Elliot couldn't get Samia off his mind, she looked stunning in her dress, though she kept her shawl awkwardly clutched to herself. He figured she must be cold.