Chapter 2

"1..2..3..1! 2! 3!" The Fraulien barked across the undecorated banquet hall.

I lowered my eyes further, wishing I could sink completely into the wall behind me.

Peering through my thick, dark bangs, I saw the rest of my class, turning and stumbling all over the dance floor.

Moritz was having a particularly difficult time maneuvering his partner, Martha. Not only was she at least a head taller then he but neither of them had any sense of natural movement. It was quite the comical sight to observe, it almost brought a slight smile to the side of my mouth.

Only one partnership was successful; that of Melchior and Wendla. He was leading her gracefully across the floor, circling around all of the other students.

I felt my face flush as I imagined Melchior and I gliding beautifully together.

"Nice of you to join us, Rillow. None but twenty minutes late." Herr Sonnestitch spat sarcastically.

I lifted my eyes, watching as Hanschen rolled his piercing blue eyes in return to the teacher's accusation. He searched the hall , obviously seeking out me. When he finally found me, he sighed and then made his way towards me.

Desperately, I lowered my gaze, assuming my 'lost in thought' look which consists of: unfocused eyes, limp arms, and most importantly: hair fallen across most of my face.

"Thinking are we, Ernst?" Hanschen asked, a mysterious yet mainly uninterested tone to his voice.

I looked up, pretending to be caught off guard by his presence, which made him smirk.

"Oh! Hanschen. I was just dreaming of Mel-" I stuttered, a look of alarm replacing his smirk.

"Melon! I was dreaming of soft, juicy… melon!" I mumbled, lamely, watching his interest in me withdraw once again.

An uncomfortable moment settled between us as the local piano teacher pounded away at a simple waltz tune.

"Well.. shall we?" Hanschen suggested, laying out one hand for me to take, motioning towards the dance floor with the other.

Reluctantly, I placed my palm against his, the cold of his pale skin sending shivers down my spine.

His touch was anything but welcoming, almost like running a hand against a cold iron blade: perfectly smooth but just as easily lethal. This feeling caught me off guard, not only because it was starting but it was also unsettlingly comfortable.

I pulled my body as far away as I could; simply out of habit and partial instinct. This left our fingertips intertwined and a somewhat confused look on Hanschen's face.

A decision needed to be made: the constant yearning for warmth or the immediate handout of a satisfying chill.

As I pulled myself back towards him I muttered, "I always liked winter better.."

He chuckled, accepting my nonsense openly.

"You're the girl." He instructed.

"But what if I dance with a gir-" I objected, half-heartedly, as usual.

He smirked tauntingly.

"If. But you won't. You're too predictable, little Ernst." He teased, causing me to blush.

"And anyways, this isn't about you learning, it's about me practicing." He stated.

"Alright.." I muttered in agreement, my confidence getting the best of me, once again.

Hanschen placed his other hand against my waist, causing me to momentarily readjust by squirming. As we took our first step, I felt the eyes of at least half the classes staring at us, which caused me to stare down at the floor.

His chilling breath danced along my chin as we moved together.

"Head up." He ordered.

As I raised eyes to meet his, I was reminded of our spectators. He leaned closer as if to…

"Forget them, Ernst. Keep your eyes on mine. Always." He whispered into my ear, before pulling away and nodding reassuringly.

I lifted my gaze towards his: the crystal blue of his eyes cutting me. My mind went numb as we kept our eye contact, moving naturally to the music.

"GEORG ZIRSCHNITZ! WHY I NEVER!" A shriek filled the ballroom and the music came to a crashing halt, breaking the peaceful atmosphere of the space.

Turning my head, I saw Georg strewn across a crushed piano with the piano teacher unconscious in Herr Sonnesticth's arms (which caused an unpleasant smug look on his face.)

"Alright, students. We hope this session has educated you enough to impress your guardians and other citizens of the village. You are dismissed, except for you, Georg. Come with me!" He explained, loudly.

A skittish Georg ran to catch up with Herr Sonnestitch who was currently storming out of the hall.

A mess of gossip and chatter filled the ballroom as the students began to evacuate.

Hanschen turned and began to walk away as a rush of absence flooded through me.

"Wait… Hanschen!" I called after him, pathetically.

He turned and gave me a serious look.

"I suggest you practicing your footwork, it may be easier for your partner to lead rather then be trodden upon." He stated before turning back and walking away, leaving me alone in the middle of the dance floor.

Drowning in self-pity and disappointment, I felt my knees buckle below me as I sank towards the floor.

"Ernst!"

A voice called through the far door, assuming it was Herr Sonnestsitch; I jumped to my feet and began my escape towards the door.

"How was it, my friend?" The distinguished shadow asked of me, as I neared.

Seeing the tips of his dirty blond hair placed a warm smile upon my lips, the intriguing shadow before me was none other than dear Melchi Gabor.